|   What would be a good 80mm fork for a Kona Unit ? | Mine'sAPint
Nov 13, 2003 10:38 AM | | I'm currently planning my purchase of a proper SS frame and suspension fork... I've settled on the frame, the new 04 Kona Unit/Explosif. I'm still having major problems deciding on a fork though. Someone PLEASE help me decide!!!
I want to spend not much more than $300 and get something with 80mm travel and a lockout for climbing. I ride XC and try to avoid doing big jumps whenever possible :-) With a loaded camelbak I'll be pushing 200lbs if that makes a difference.
I had been considering the 03 Marz Marathon S which I can pick up for ~$350 shipped. It's 105mm though and I don't want to go screwing up the Kona's geometry. I know there's a travel reduction kit available but that will probably push the price up to $400.
The other fork I liked the look of was an 03 Rockshox Duke Race. 80mm and a lockout. Lighter than the Marz. I think the blue colour might even match the Explosif. Anyone got any strong opinions on those or other worthy forks ?
Thanks!! |
| Mods, can you please delete this double post ? nm | Mine'sAPint
Nov 13, 2003 10:40 AM | | |
| Try Marz MX series forks or... | teambender
Nov 13, 2003 11:19 AM | | there are a few retailers selling skarebs cheap right now. The Marathon is a pretty sweet fork though, I think the longevity would be better than say a SID or a Manipoo though.
One guy mentioned that the 105mm would screw with the head angle - that jibes with me - the KONA is designed around a 410-420mm (approx) crown to axle height. 'Zokes have a tendancy to be on the long end of the crown to axle height scale. The beauty is that you can buy the fork and reduce the travel if you decide you absolutely hate it.
Duke seems to be getting praise as well. To me its the red-headded step child of the RS line. Meaning the race guys dig the SID and the freeriders like the Psylo. I think it would be a good choice as well, but keep in mind that it wont have coil spring durability or feel. Weather that is a deal-braker for you or not, I dunno.
I suggest the MX forks becuse they have the ECC lockdown for climbs, and the plushness of coils for the fast stuff. Durability seems good as well as feedback from those who have ridden them. I think pricepoint has a few left at a good deal.
good luck |
| Try Marz MX series forks or... | Mine'sAPint
Nov 13, 2003 11:25 AM | | Thanks for the help! I was thinking pretty much the same about the Marathon being a good solid reliable fork - durability is definitely important to me, ideally I'd like the thing to run forever so long as I keep scraping the mud off it.
Just how much difference would I feel with a 105mm vs 80mm fork ? I'm kinda clueless about the whole bike geometry thing. |
| Marzocchi or a FOX | _Tom_
Nov 13, 2003 12:40 PM | | I own a Fox Vanilla (Cheapest one they make), and several other Zoke coil/oil forks (Z1 5", Atom 80, Atom 100). The FOX steers better than the Zokes, but the Zokes are plusher.
Supergo has a few models of the 'made in Italy' marzocchi forks on sale for 3 and change. You can get the fox for around the same price.
I ran 100mm and 80mm travel on my old KONA unit and I really didn't notice much of a difference either way except that the 100mm sucked up more bumps. :-) (I left it in 100mm mode) |
| re: What would be a good 80mm fork for a Kona Unit ? | SconnySSer'
Nov 13, 2003 2:36 PM | | I bought my 02' Zoke a year ago, it's been great. Everything you want, 80mm, lockout, light weight at 3.1 lbs, and won't put your front end too high up like the 105 will. Someone was asking similar q's earlier today on the list, you can refer back to those answers as well. Sounds like we've similar riding styles, only I weigh a buck fitty. You can just as easily adjust air and oil pressures and volumes to accomodate you. If you can spend more, go 80 mm Fox, very plush ride. The Zoke is stiffer but super responsive. |
| Thanks all. How about the Marathon SL ?? | Mine'sAPint
Nov 13, 2003 3:40 PM | | I see that I can get a Marathon SL in 85mm travel for only a few bucks more than the Marathon S. Is the SL just as durable as the S, does anyone ride one ? I really need to order something soon before I go crazy from indecision, thank you all for your patience ;) |
| FINALLY ordered something! | Mine'sAPint
Nov 13, 2003 4:58 PM | | At last, I got over my indecision and just bought the damn thing. Marathon SL in 85mm travel. To celebrate I'm going to leave work a little early and head off for a night ride with Kyle, Chris and Adam - washed down with a few pints of fine microbrew. Oh yes. |
| good deal but..... | teambender
Nov 13, 2003 6:39 PM | | one thing to keep in mind. After riding the fork past the initial break-in period, I'd check/dump the oil. 'Zokes are known for having too much oil in them from the factory. I say dump the oil because I like to change the oil and put a good quality suspension lube in. That way I can vouch for the quality of the oil. The fork may not feel as plush as you'd like it to until you do this.
I've done it for years with my MTB's and Dirt bikes because I feel it prolongs the internals...IMO. |
| Why not a 100mm? | Rhett
Nov 14, 2003 10:50 AM | | Just picked up a Unit running ridged right now but will most likely put a springer on- Pros cons of licking the geo back to 70/72 |
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