|   Third fork try for Tracer.....(It is a whole big story) | GregC
Aug 1, 2003 9:50 AM | | Any people out there have any insight on a fork for a Tracer....
I tried a bunch of forks while demoing for bikes a year ago.
My first fork was a rock shox psylo sl. I basically bought the fork because of the travel adjust. My rides are super steep uphill, and tech steep downhills. I liked being able to alter the travel to suit the terrain.
To make a long story short the fork is not that great, for me. I tried to make it work good, my LBS tried, but not good.
Recently, I bought the new Talas fork. I loved it at first, but now I don't love it anymore. I find it to be so high matinence, and it doesn't match the Fox Vanilla shock in the rear.
I am thinking about a Marathon S, 100mm travel. Dual coils and all the Marzochii sweets. I have two other hardtails and a SS with Bombers. I think when I first set up my Tracer, I should have threw on a Marz. fork.
Your thoughts? |
| Fox Vanilla-R fork, or Marzocchi Atom-100(?) | derby
Aug 1, 2003 11:39 AM | | I've been dialing in my large Tracer's suspension for a couple years now and I really like the Vanilla-R in back with as light a spring possible without bottoming out much, with 7 - 8 clicks (of 14) out from slowest rebound. I'm 200 lbs, a little more with riding gear. Almost 1 inch travel sag front and rear.
I'm using medium weight coils in my x-fly 100, with a little preload (using a hardware store light weight spring for a 1/4 inch when fully compressed shim on one side). I looked into getting the Atom 100 adjustable preload caps to convert my fork completely to the Atom spec, but it was way too expensive. My fork almost rides as smooth as the rear, the spring rate is working well, but there is a tiny bit of fork stiction. I don't know if there is a better 100mm travel Marzocchi coil than the Atom 100 was a couple years ago, maybe there is something with a shim stack damper now.
I'd probably get a Vanilla-R fork if I was to buy another fork for this bike. Sounds like the Talas has issues. But the more simple Vanilla is more reliable than the Talas and less flexy than a Marzocchi of the same weight. The seal stiction is less on all the Fox forks than a well broken in coil Marzocchi or any other fork. The only issue with the Fox Vanilla forks is the sealed damper cartridge. So I think the open bath dampers of Marzocchi are more home serviceable friendly. But maybe just get a second Fox fork damper for a backup and have the best ride possible nowadays in a 4 inch travel bike.
- ray |
| Fox Vanilla-R fork, or Marzocchi Atom-100(?) | squirely
Aug 1, 2003 5:55 PM | | Hey derby, what weight spring are you running on your vanilla R? I have a similar set up as you on my large tracer 00' x-fly100 up front Vanilla R in the rear.I'm tipping the scales at 225# + w/gear. I currently have a 1050 x 1.60 spring on the shock and It feels a little too stiff for my taste.
Also, what year x fly do you have? I wanted to throw some springs in to mine, but I was told that you only do that to the 2001 model and not the 2000 which is the one that I have. know anything about that? |
| Vanilla-R shock spring weight | derby
Aug 3, 2003 8:35 AM | | I'm using a 700 x 1.55 with 3 turns prelaod from loose spring for 3/8th shaft sag (1 inch Travel sag), under my 200 lbs + ride gear.
You should see that the bottom bumper keeps a clean dust free circle on the shock damper face to know it is bottoming into the bumper sometimes. You could probably run a 900# or so. (Fox recommended a #900 for me and I started with an 800# which was way to firm. I could possibly use a 650# if long enough to preload 5 or 6 turns, but that much preload is not recommended). But that would be too smooth compared to my coiled x-fly 100, which I think is now adjusted about as soft and buttery as possible. Foxracingshox.com sells springs direct for $25 plus about $4 ground shipping and tax.
The first year 2000 x-fly Z1 and Z2 and the '99 SuperFly cannot accept springs. You would really like the better match of small bump smoothness with a coil in front with a Vanilla in back. Maybe look for a used 4 inch Marzocchi coil (with an uncut steer tube for best adjustability). Your x-fly slider bushings and main seal (if you can remove it without damage) will fit the others I'm pretty sure if the used fork needs (expensive) bushings.
- ray |
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