Suspension forks

[nobby]

Until this year the only suspension forks I knew anything about were Norton Roadholders but a move from the road to the bridleways and towpaths made me buy a pair of Suntour coil spring forks. I've been very pleased with them from the point of view of comfort in my wrists but they are heavy.

After a bitterly wounding remark ( :D ) by Stuart about the weight of my bike I realised he was right and I bought an Inbred frame and swapped the bits over. I am wondering if there are lighter suspension forks available. I don't need anything top end (bottom end but lighter than coil springs would be ideal) and if there was a worthy type from a couple of years ago that may be found second hand I'd be in with a chance of the wife buying them for me.

Any advice gratefully received
Cheers

[gairym]

I always recommend RS Rebas as they're lightish, simple to maintain (not that they need much TLC) and cheap and easy to find (either new or 2nd hand).

I've had nothing but Rebas (in varying guises - long travel, short travel, 26", 29" etc...) since 2006 and can't fault 'em.

eBay and STW always have a few pairs going for around £100 used.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I'm a fan of Marzocchi, the early stuff's really good. Something from the 'Z' series would be ideal ... Z2, Z3, Z4 or Z5's. Should be a few sets about still at sensible money.

[gairym]

I always think of Marzocchis as being weighty little buggers (if nice and plush) - is that not true of the ones you're suggesting?

[nobby]

If I am measuring correctly my steerer seems to have been cut to 210mm. There are 40mm of spacers besides the stem.
Does that mean I can get away with a steerer length of 170mm if I am buying second hand?

[Bearbonesnorm]

I always think of Marzocchis as being weighty little buggers (if nice and plush) - is that not true of the ones you're suggesting?

No, some of the Z series are nice and light*. Travel varies between 80 and 100mm depending on model, as does the type of spring. I've got a pair of Z4's on an old 853 Rock Lobster and they're still lovely and plush.

*Z1's are fairly heavy mind.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Yes, you could get away with a 170mm steerer ... but remember that it'll have an effect on bar height. The longer the steerer the more options it'll open up when you're sorting out the 'fit'.

[Blackhound]

I bought some 29er Reba's second hand a couple of years ago and put about 6,000 miles on then before getting them serviced. QUite happy with that. Never used Marzocchi's so would not want to comment either way on them.

[nobby]

There seem, after a quick look, more pre loved RS Reba about than Marzocchi.

I'm a bit worried about the plushness issue. I already have a Rido saddle and a Thudbuster seat post. Anymore plushness on the bike and I would be wondering if there was any point in getting off the sofa :)

[Ian]

I'm a bit worried about the plushness issue. I already have a Rido saddle and a Thudbuster seat post.

If you're worried about weight, cost and too much plushness, then you need some of these

[nobby]

I'm a bit worried about the plushness issue. I already have a Rido saddle and a Thudbuster seat post.

If you're worried about weight, cost and too much plushness, then you need some of these

:D

[DanLear]

I'm a bit worried about the plushness issue. I already have a Rido saddle and a Thudbuster seat post.

If you're worried about weight, cost and too much plushness, then you need some of these

Are those On-One forks truly dreadful? I'm after some rigid forks to replace an ancient pair of SR Suntour XCP 75's on an old Giant XTC to make an easy offroad/commuter/hack bike.

Was trying to get some Kona P2's but they're proving "elusive"...I need IS mounts too.

[gairym]

Are those On-One forks truly dreadful? I'm after some rigid forks to replace an ancient pair of SR Suntour XCP 75's on an old Giant XTC to make an easy offroad/commuter/hack bike.

I have a pair that I used on a 69er build without noticing any severe harshness but some people (especially on here) seem to hate 'em???

They're not dissimilar to a pair of Project II's in ride in my opinion and they cheaper and easier to find.

I'd sell you mine but I'm hanging on the them for when I get my old Inbred welded.

[restlessshawn]

The on one steel are quite a bit harsher than the carbon ones but the steels are ok with a big enough front tyre (2.4 ardent). They are on the harsher end of a rigid fork but they track well and you are never gonna kill them! I sold my carbon ones and kept the steel ones as they are better for strapping things too

Personally I don't like the feel of air forks and prefer my coil rockshox despite the extra weight

[nobby]

My Inbred frame came with a set of SJS carbon forks but i have got to like the comfort of the suspension forks.

Can I ask what is meant by 'the feel of air forks'? How are they different to air?

Cheers

[Ian]

Generally the coil fork is more supple, i.e. has a better small bump response.

Air forks are more tuneable as you can vary the pressure, but tend to have a little bit of stiction that reduces their effectiveness at the small bump stuff. That said, I like air forks for the tuneability bit, and I have to say that my 2012 Reba's are by far the most supple air forks I've used. Some air forks have a negative air chamber that helps to reduce the initial stiction.

Horses for courses to an extent though. I'm sure you'd be fine with either.

[nobby]

Thanks for that Ian
That being so I think I will stick with coils for now; excepting the weight I am happy with them.ill have to think of something else for Christmas :D

Generally the coil fork is more supple, i.e. has a better small bump response.

Air forks are more tuneable as you can vary the pressure, but tend to have a little bit of stiction that reduces their effectiveness at the small bump stuff. That said, I like air forks for the tuneability bit, and I have to say that my 2012 Reba's are by far the most supple air forks I've used. Some air forks have a negative air chamber that helps to reduce the initial stiction.

Horses for courses to an extent though. I'm sure you'd be fine with either.