Shock Selection HELP!!

[gungywump]

Well over the last few weeks I have been acquiring parts for my new 2003 Kona Dawg frame. I have my King Hubs and King Headset. I have my RaceFace Cranks and RaceFace Bottom Bracket. I have my Thomson Stem and Thomson Seatpost. Basically I have all I need right now except one thing, A Front Shock. I thought I had this problem solved when someone offered a Z1 CR 115mm fork on this forum last week. After making arrangements to get it last weekend the owner backed out at the last second and decided he didn't want to sell.

Here's the problem. I want a 4" coil fork. Now this on the surface doesn't seem like muck of a problem until you look at Marzocchi's offerings for 2003. The only 4" coil fork in Marzocchi's line is the Marathon Coil (the MXR Pro is 50%Air&50%Coil). I know I have spouted off numerous times on this forum extolling the virtues of a Marzocchi but, this is a dilemna. I am half ready to just go ahead and get the Marathon but, I'm not sure I want a "race" fork. This has gotten me to thinking and doing a little research and now I think I may want a Fox Vanilla 125. The biggest advantage to me is that I can set travel to 3", 4", or 5". And, whereas I may never set it at 80mm the option to go up to 125 when needed is appealing. Plus, the Fox has 32mm stancions to the Marathon's 30mm.

Suggestions?? (please no Manitaus or Rock Shocks)
Does anyone have a FOX?
What kind of luck have you had?
Would you recommend one?

HELP!!!???!!!??? :-\

[EVIL BOTA]

Gungy,,

I have the Psylo(Rock Shox). Which has the same travel as the fox.(80mm-125mm ajust on the fly) I like it alot ,but I don't think that I ride as aggressive as you.(Drops, pace). So I am not sure if it would be as good for you quality wise. I don't have any problem climbing with it and it seems to take the hits well. I haven't dropped of anything higher that 3 ft with it yet, but takes it well with me on it weighing 205.Hope this helps.

[MMcG]

Here's the problem. I want a 4" coil fork. Now this on the surface doesn't seem like muck of a problem until you look at Marzocchi's offerings for 2003. The only 4" coil fork in Marzocchi's line is the Marathon Coil (the MXR Pro is 50%Air&50%Coil). I know I have spouted off numerous times on this forum extolling the virtues of a Marzocchi but, this is a dilemna. I am half ready to just go ahead and get the Marathon but, I'm not sure I want a "race" fork. This has gotten me to thinking and doing a little research and now I think I may want a Fox Vanilla 125. The biggest advantage to me is that I can set travel to 3", 4", or 5". And, whereas I may never set it at 80mm the option to go up to 125 when needed is appealing. Plus, the Fox has 32mm stancions to the Marathon's 30mm.

Suggestions?? (please no Manitaus or Rock Shocks)
Does anyone have a FOX?
What kind of luck have you had?
Would you recommend one?

HELP!!!???!!!??? :-\


Gungy,

Go for the Fox if Marzocchi isn't producing something that you like at this time. Doesn't the Dawg DeLuxe come with a Fox fork up front? Or is it a Float fork? If it does come with a Vanilla, why not take one for a spin to see how you like it.

Wow, what's going on here, you asking for help and me making a recommendation! :o

Sounds like your recovery is going well! That's excellent to hear.

Let us know what you decide.

Mark

[turch]

Kona Dawgies all spec with Floats, which probably mates best with the floats shocks also spec'd in the rear. G, you intend to go with the stock air unit for the rear too? Hmm. I'm running a '02 Marathon right now and it's ok (the '03 is an improvement) but the talas look shweeet (ok, probably a tad too many bells and whistles that likely won't see much use once dialed in but nice nonetheless.). I do like dropping into time trial mode (read: ETA feature) for bigger hills to help keep the front end tight. I know how you love the bam coils (I do too. Muy realiablo.) but the improvement in air technology shouldn't be dismissed for a long travel XC rig.

[MMcG]

Snirch,

When I visited Gungy this winter at North Haven Bike, I think he told me he was getting the Dawg Primo frameset and putting a coil over shock on it, hence his preference for a coil sprung fork.

I spend a lot of time visiting the MTBR.com forums and I don't recall hearing any negativity towards Fox Vanillas....in fact they seem to be holding the highest demand along with the Fox Talas of any trail riding fork out there right now.

Gungy, what shock are you going to run on your customized Dawg??

Cheers,

Mark

[NEMBA_bkr-dude]

I have a fox vanilla rlc 125 on my bike. Nicest fork I have ever tried. I waited a month for it just cause they hadn't released the 03's yet. It is so plush and so stiff. My friend liked mine so much he bought one off of Jeff Lenosky. It is such high quality and feels sooooooo nice. Plus they have the best customer service ever. Definitely go with the fox. It isn't that heavy either (about 4 pounds). Also, you can adjust the blow out valve so the lock out kind of works like a specialized epic. It stays stiff, but compresses on big bumps. You can also set it so it is completely locked out.

[gungywump]

Snirch,

When I visited Gungy this winter at North Haven Bike, I think he told me he was getting the Dawg Primo frameset and putting a coil over shock on it, hence his preference for a coil sprung fork.

Gungy, what shock are you going to run on your customized Dawg??

Cheers,

Mark


Mark,

Thanks for answering snirch's question. You are indeed correct. The frameset came with a Fox Float RL AVA that I promptly sold on ebay. I have replaced it with a Fox Vanilla RC.

I think I am getting the Fox Vanilla 125R for the DAWG. MTBR has it at a 5 out of 5 and the complaints seem to go up with each added feature. I don't need lockout, and I don't think I am worried about "low speed compression adjustment". Plus, (knuckle should be proud) it's Black/Blue/silve color scheme will match my bike perfectly.

[massmtnbikn]

I have a Fox Vanilla 125RLC and am very happy with it.

If your into testing your luck, the Roast & Ride Gang is also raffling off a Fox Talas Forx for $5/ticket or 5 for $20 (shock is worth $600). It has all the good stuff as the vanilla plus the added benefit of adjustability between 80 - 125mm.

Two chances left to get in... During the Lynn Woods event and at the Roast & Ride itself (winner need not be present to win)

[C.P.]

Hey Gungy,
What about the 03 Marzocchi Dirt Jumper forks?
Aren't they basically a Z1 fork with different opts?
They can be changed to 110mm travel (from 130mm).

http://www.marzocchi.com/eng/spa/products/mtb/catalogs/2003/dirt.asp

C.P.

[gungywump]

Hey Gungy,
What about the 03 Marzocchi Dirt Jumper forks?
Aren't they basically a Z1 fork with different opts?
They can be changed to 110mm travel (from 130mm).

http://www.marzocchi.com/eng/spa/products/mtb/catalogs/2003/dirt.asp

C.P.


Thanks C.P.

Aside from being on the hefty side the DJ utilizes air to help with the preload and I want a 100% coil fork. Also if I go with a QR20 front end it would render my brand new Chris King ISO Front Hub useless. Mainly weight though. It's just too much fork for me. I am just not hard enough on my equipment to join the "overbuilt" crowd.

[C.P.]

I missed that detail. Dual Coil and Air Assist
I wonder what that really means...low pressure or high pressure air in the fork.
Yep DJ's are hefty allright- that weight thing too...I can't find fork weights on their website...
Note - The DJ2 and 3 have standard fork options as well as QR20.

The Fox looks like a winner for now.

[gungywump]

C.P.

I think all the DJ are well over 5lbs.

I'm getting the Fox, yeah, definately the Fox.

[NEMBA_bkr-dude]

good choice

It's low pressure (0- 20#) just for preload and progression at the final end of travel on the Marz. DJ's Also many of the Marz' can be converted from air to coil and visa-versa, so if you got say a Z-3 100 with air at a good price it could be converted to full coil if needed. Can also add air preload to a full coil shock too...Bob

[Mt.A TODD]

My Dirt jumper III has a standard QR, fork is mainly all coil, air just lets you firm it up instead of replacing springs but the springs are already stiff. Minimal or no air is added, 15psi is too much, 25 and its locked out. Rebound is preset and non adjustable but rate is okay. For under $300. It's a GREAT fork and is not super heavy.

I also have a Fox Talas RLC which is "oh my God" super nice! dare I say the best fork on the planet?

Gungy Khan -

This may be worthless to you since you're a bikeshop guy -and bike part procurement processes and costs often don't apply the same to you as they do to us struggling commonners.

However, I was in a similiar quandry a while back. I ended getting a great deal on a 2002 MXR. Coil Zoch SSPV.

Well, the bike got laced up just this past Friday and I've got 5 rides in on it. The fork is typical Marzocchi quality. The only thing I will say it seems to be taking longer to break in. My other BAM coil shocks had very little break in time.

With that said, if I had the money...I think I would ahve tried FOX. I see a lot of them up near me. All the shop guys ride them and have nothing but good things to say. The same bunch that got me hooked on Marzocchi are now "Fox heads".

I say go with Fox and let us know what you think. Don't fear change and don't worry about your allegiance to our friends in Italy...you rat bastard.

When is the maiden voyage for that Dawg?

[Jisch]

Fox is good. Had mine about 9 mos. A lot better than the Headshok I was riding!

John

[mtbnick]

i have a 2002 atom race 100 it's awesome. i know they dont make it for the 2003 line but if you could find one that is what i would get

[gungywump]

Todd,
Thanks,
That's the endorsement I was looking for.

Noo,
As usually you are a sage.


The DAWG should be built up by the end of next week. Then I'm going to need to start riding with all you guys!