Need advice?

[EVIL BOTA]

O.k. I blew out my front shock and need to buy a new one.
I am a aggressvie cross country rider.(I do drops ,but not more than 3ft and like to climb). B.G. said he liked the Marzocchi z-1 wedge.(If anyone else has this shock please give me ur opinion for I am leaning in this direction)
It seems only suited for free riding(according to there web site). Not to say it would not be good for me. I am just looking for a shock that will fit my type of riding. I would like 100mm to 130mm of travel.
Any and all advice would be appreciated.
I only want to spend about 300-350 bucks

Evil

[MTBSteve]

Look at the manitou balck u can get that for around 350$ or the Rock Shox Duke those r two good forks i think for ur needs.

[Shubnigurath]

for heavy duty trail riding, the Rock Shox Psylo sl is unmatched in value/performance/versatility. It locks out (with a blowout valve so you wont kill it on a big hit), is adjustable from 3"-5" on the fly, and the firmness is adjustable as well. It covers you from low/steep angle Xc racing environs to freeride hucking (not like a Boxxer or anything, but youll handle 6' drops no sweat). Ive even done downhill on this wonder of a fork. If you opt for an '02, ive seen them for as low as $250. Ive put well over 800 hard, torturous miles on mine and it still performs like the day I got it.

[digger]

Dr. Evil

Manitou Black 100-120 may definitely meet your requirements. I have one that came on my 2002 Spec Enduro that while I don't have warm gushy wet feelings about has lasted a year! Never had a RS last half that. Just had it overhauled and it still had that precious gold coating on the pipes. It steers well and doesn't weigh a pantload. Broke a bunch of the crappy plastic damping parts inside once under warranty - NP after that. Elite Air may be even better.

Always a good look is http://www.comparisonpricing.com/
Then go to the LBS and buy there because you will break it and need the support.

digger

[gungywump]

Get the Bomber with a coil. Nearly maintenance free, works well, steers well and can be serviced by your LBS or yourself with a littleknowledge. Rock Shock has changed hands more times recently than J. Lo, I think SRAM owns them now. There warranty service has always been pitifully slow. Getting service from Manitou is also usually a difficult process.

From a durability stand point and a mechanical stand point I would reccomend going with the Bomber line. The Manitou Black is a nice second and the reverse arch increases rigidity.
The Bombers are virtually maintenance free. And very easy to service with the right tools. I have seen bombers take the beatings and continue to perform with out flaw. Also, It's a perfect time to replace your headset unless you already have a Chris King. 10 yr warranty and exceptional craftsmanship. It makes a fine addition to a new fork.

[AA]

OK here is my .02

Marzocchi is the way to go. I have a x-fly 100 that has 2 years of beating on it. It never leaks air. I had it maintained once and the LBS that I bought it from did it for free. I recently bought a RS Psylo race for my single speed. Less than 10 rides on it and it leaks air. I have since replaced it with an x-fly.

I had a Psylo xc on another bike (that I sold last year). Running a Psylo w/ the 5" on travel you get quite a bit of flex, not the most re-assuring feeling.

I have never had a Marzocchi coil fork but if they can make a durable air fork they are on to something.

[hogboy]

no hassles fine for racing
is a spring loaded Judy. no need for fancy schamncy air


just a spring.

[CouchingTiger]

I've never had any luck with air forks, either Rockshox (SID) or Marzocchi (XFly). I have had good luck with Marzocchi's bigger travel forks (6" Jr T double crown). Don't have to do anything to it. I've had excellent luck with the 2002 RockShox Psylo forks.

The 2001 Psylos had weak, spindly bushings that lasted for like 3 rides before developing huge amounts of slop. For 2002 they fixed it and I've been beating an XC all season. Only change is to dump the stock oil (5 wt I think) and go heavier. That makes a huge diff and the fork if just plain sweet after that. I also run mine at the full 5" on a hardtail and it takes pretty big hits w/out issue. Before the oil swap, it bottomed on bigger stuff.

I've also got a 2002 Marzocchi DJ2 w/ 5" travel. It's a coil/oil rig and seems to work fine but is set up as a bigger hit rig and isn't super supple. I've got it on the SS and haven't really messed with it.

I've also got a "new to me" 2002 Boxxer that feels really nice but I have nearly no time on it yet.

-Couch

[EVIL BOTA]

Sorry fellas .I didn't read this before my new post "shock?"
I am buying the Rock Shox psylo xc... Thanks for all the input.