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What is your ideal front fork for a hardtail you swear by...

13K views 30 replies 15 participants last post by  Carlin  
#1 ·
...that is around $300-$350? possible?

I'll be honest, this is for my 3rd HT, GT Aggressor Pro, which I beat the crap out of and try things on. For me, practicing to be a more skilled rider helps me the most on this heavy, beginner HT. When I switch to my other bikes, I seem to be able to incorporate better habits...if that makes ANY sense. Btw, 6'4" 200 lbs; XL/27.5 (info for the fork)

ps - do any of you wear any rib / shoulder braces etc when riding? does it help? I never have but I am at the trail end of a torn rotator cuff (no surgery, decided to heal without..so far so good) as well as 2 fractured ribs. The vibrations alone kinda make me want to swallow a dozen Percocet.

peace.
 
#5 ·
(Joking about the front/ rear part. It's just a fork, no need to specify front.)
what I meant was middle fork, back handlebars, inside out DHRs/DHFs and my 4 pedals. 🤪🤣
Yes, the cannabis I'm growing in my basement is strong, apologies, I blame Northern Lights #4.

Anyway, bike specs::::
This is the one although I cannot find steerer tube / Axle measurements. Perhaps there is enough info to make a choice.(?) ** btw, the $764 price is Canadian ($593 US) I paid $610 CDN taxes inc. during the spring sale late May/early June.


Thanks vm for the help even if not able to make a certain recommendation.
Mikey
 
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#6 ·
Nothing in the 300 to 400 range. I currently really like my MRP Ribbon SL(120mm) and my Mezzer (140mm)

My fox thoughts are they are fine (34 grip2 and fit4 SC). I haven't ridden a new generation rockshox.

I have heard Suntours are decent at the middle range. But, haven't ridden them.

Used maybe the only way to go and any of the name brands will be decent.
 
#7 ·
nothing in the $300-400 range. that's depressing. I guess I have to look at the secondary markets for a product I know around 50% of. What about all those $200 budget amazon forks? all garbage? what are the 3 or 4 most important areas to look at beside price and that coil is just not good. The XCT I have on it now doesn't lock I believe and my confidence isn't the highest with it.
Thanks for the help!
 
#8 ·
I've been riding a 2016 Fox 34 for a few years. I bought it used for $250. I've changes the air spring / travel length and just pull it apart to replace seals and bath oil about twice a year. I'll probably keep riding the snot out of it for several more years because support and parts for it will be available for a while now.

So a used for is a good idea, so long as it's not need abused or damaged.
 
#12 ·
Thanks very much for the info guys. I am pretty sure I should buy a low-end Fox / RShox / Manitou / Marz instead of a "good" budget fork.
There are 2 used ones in my city: X-Fusion Sweep, Slide and Slant(never heard) & a Fox Rhythm Grip 34 (140 travel is too big I think)
 
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#14 ·
I was looking at the X-Fusion forks on their website. The Trace in 34mm and 140mm travel is right around what you’re looking for. <$500 range, iirc. They have really positive reviews online and aren’t as pricey as other brands like DVO, Fox and RS. I’m thinking of getting one for my HT.
 
#15 ·
Your bike is like many budget/entry bikes in that is has standards from the dinosaur era. You are going to have to find a fork that has a straight 1 1/8" steer tube. It will also need a Quick Release dropout not a 100x15 or 110x15 dropout. Most of the takeoffs that you will find will not match what you need. They will most likely have tapered steer tubes so they will not fit your frame. They will most likely have 110x15 or 100x15 dropouts so they will not fit your wheel.
 
#16 ·
I was feelin' great 'till Huckleberry Hound sucked out all joy left inside :mad::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: jk.

But I see literally EVERYONE and their mother has an Aggressor Pro on the net and 30% of them have new forks(?) I guess what you're saying, HH, is that is will cost a pretty penny to "customize" the fork into the bike in labor?
 
#19 ·
The Markhor comes with either a straight or tapered steerer tube, and has a QR option.
Do you guys like one of these? my Aggressor Pro in an XL with 27.5 wheels.



I don't know this brand::: 27.5 29er Air Suspension Fork 100*9mm 130mm Travel Straight / Tapered mtb Forks | eBay

Thank you!
 
#25 ·
#22 ·
Regarding the shoulder: I have had a torn rotator cuff for about a year, no surgery. With home PT exercises, it was good enough to ride trails about three months after the injury. It is somewhat better now. No, I don't use any sort of brace, but I did switch to a slightly more swept-back handlebar. Rough trails taken fast do beat me up (shoulder, back, etc) so I just don't take rough trails fast. And I do ride a full suspension bike--it's just easier on the body overall.
 
#26 ·
Manitou Machete is on sale for $370 right now. Adjustable in the range 80-120 mm. I hear nothing but good about this fork. Have some older manitous and they are great to work on.

 
#28 ·
I was told I need a straight steerer though. I wonder if this model comes in non-tapered. I shall check. Thx!
 
#31 ·
27.5"
Straight steer tube
9mm qr