[awai04]

So I've noticed that manufacturers spell out that their "All Mountain" forks are not to be used for "Freeride" or "Dirt Jumping;" besides pure bulk, what's different about the shock internals that gives the forks separate uses? I guess I refer to Fox and Marzocchi forks: Vanilla RLC vs.the 36 Vanilla, and AM1 vs. Z1.

 

[SSINGA]

So I've noticed that manufacturers spell out that their "All Mountain" forks are not to be used for "Freeride" or "Dirt Jumping;" besides pure bulk, what's different about the shock internals that gives the forks separate uses? I guess I refer to Fox and Marzocchi forks: Vanilla RLC vs.the 36 Vanilla, and AM1 vs. Z1.

It's not the internals it's has to do with stanchion wall thickness and steer tube thickness and sometimes material.

Tha AM1 has tapered tubes for stanchions and the Z1 uses a straight wall tube.

 

[TNC]

Efficiency issues?

It's not the internals it's has to do with stanchion wall thickness and steer tube thickness and sometimes material.

Tha AM1 has tapered tubes for stanchions and the Z1 uses a straight wall tube.

At least with the '05 Z1FR1 and AM1 series, isn't there a sort of efficiency benefit built into the AM1? I haven't had an opportunity to test ride an AM1, and I've read the Marz ad material on it, but isn't TST and perhaps other issues with the AM1 designed to be more "pedal friendly". Obviously the FR1 has ETA, but other than that it's just a quality HSCV style fork. Doesn't that TST provide you with some additional efficiency for more climbing and all-around riding? I know you have ridden one for awhile to comment on this. I thought that was what the original poster was getting at, as to how the internals may affect performance and efficiency in both positive and negative ways. On the Fox 36 series it appears that the Talas system has garnered some negative responses in regards to compliance and travel quality as opposed to the 36 Vanilla which seems to have the traditional Fox plushness similar to previous 32mm Vanillas.

 

[SSINGA]

At least with the '05 Z1FR1 and AM1 series, isn't there a sort of efficiency benefit built into the AM1? I haven't had an opportunity to test ride an AM1, and I've read the Marz ad material on it, but isn't TST and perhaps other issues with the AM1 designed to be more "pedal friendly". Obviously the FR1 has ETA, but other than that it's just a quality HSCV style fork. Doesn't that TST provide you with some additional efficiency for more climbing and all-around riding? I know you have ridden one for awhile to comment on this. I thought that was what the original poster was getting at, as to how the internals may affect performance and efficiency in both positive and negative ways. On the Fox 36 series it appears that the Talas system has garnered some negative responses in regards to compliance and travel quality as opposed to the 36 Vanilla which seems to have the traditional Fox plushness similar to previous 32mm Vanillas.

The best thing about the AM1 is the TST (5 position compression adjustment) which can be set anywhere from Z1 plush to almost completely locked out. I have noticed no weakness in this system for hard riding. It isn't a "huck it off granny's roof" fork but I have raced a southeast DH race on it with the TST set in the DS (full plush) mode.

The AM mode of the TST is more pedal friendly because there is more compression damping but once overcome it is still very plush. Depending on the oil and air levels used it can be very progressive to almost linear travel.

Overall it is the best fork available right now for my use. Ideally I would like to see a 66 series fork with the same damping system, travel adjustable from 140-160mm and the added tire clearance of the wider stance of the 66 crown/sliders.

 

[awai04]

Thanks for the replies. The whole discussion was born out of the stubborn stickers on the back of my new AM1 ("XC/AM only, no FR, DJ, etc."). I am liking the AM 1 --it's smooth and sturdy --but burly at around 5 lbs. So why so heavy if you're not supposed to huck off a 3 - 4 foot drop. Or, can you???

 

[SSINGA]

Thanks for the replies. The whole discussion was born out of the stubborn stickers on the back of my new AM1 ("XC/AM only, no FR, DJ, etc."). I am liking the AM 1 --it's smooth and sturdy --but burly at around 5 lbs. So why so heavy if you're not supposed to huck off a 3 - 4 foot drop. Or, can you???

3 to 4 footer to transition should be fine; any bigger and you better be a smooth rider if you want to have a long term relationship with the fork.

 

[xray]

3 to 4 footer to transition should be fine; any bigger and you better be a smooth rider if you want to have a long term relationship with the fork.

...What if the rider is only 120lbs, what would it be okay for? 5-6 footer? Im a fairly smooth rider too, ive been doing 4 footers on a (stock) suntour duro-d fork - and im guessing the AM is much stronger than it.

If its good for a 3-4 foot drop @ a 180lb person then it should be good for whatever I can/will be doing. @ 120lbs basically fully grown. I may hit 125-130lbs, but i highly doubt more than that anytime soon.

 

[SSINGA]

...What if the rider is only 120lbs, what would it be okay for? 5-6 footer? Im a fairly smooth rider too, ive been doing 4 footers on a (stock) suntour duro-d fork - and im guessing the AM is much stronger than it.

If its good for a 3-4 foot drop @ a 180lb person then it should be good for whatever I can/will be doing. @ 120lbs basically fully grown. I may hit 125-130lbs, but i highly doubt more than that anytime soon.

I could only speculate, since I am not a structural engineer nor do I work for Zocchi. I have hit a few 5-6 footers on mine at 215lbs

 

[xray]

Well i think it would hold up fine given what you say. Im exactly 119lbs @ 5'6" and 18 yrs old, im prettywell done growing, im pretty small. Im almost half your weight, im guessing that would decrease stress on the bike dramatically.

Id consider myself a fairly smooth rider, i used to do 2-3 foot drops on a rigid alum. bike so im not one of the people who just let the suspension soak it up. I never plan on anything over 7ft.

Good, because now I have another fork option.