Hmmm,
The old forks were Marz DJ3s, which could have been spaced down further but still weighed a fair bit, they now live on my Hack bike where they really belong, it’s heavier, more compact and has a 50mm stem and 710mm bars, it’s really itended to be more of a Fun day DH/trail machine than this one so I won’t be re-fitting the old forks.
I get on with the slightly longer stem better too, I rode with the old 50mm for a long while and there is a definate improvement on the ups, I don’t think it’s affected the Downs as much as the Fork seems to (which seems much harsher and obviously quicker as the HA is steeper now) I’m more open to the idea of changing the forks for something Air sprung and ~4″…
as for reducing weight, I think I can still trim some fat from the Drivetrain (Bash guard and bottom roller are not very “XC”, lighter cassette might help), that was going to be the next “Phase” of changes, but I’d rather sort the ride of the bike first then cut the mass..
I really want the bike to be comfortable for all day rides, but still fun on the DH bits, doesn’t have to be Flat Back racey, needs to be fun and comfortable to ride, I don’t really want Fatigue from Slogging up climbs on a barge to knacker me for the fun bits either, it’s all about finding the compromise now, I think I’m closer than I was…
A simple open bath Air fork will do for me, I don’t have to have Lock out or travel adjust, but I’d prefer to keep the weight sensible…
I think I might have to scout about for some newer, slightly longer forks…
Thanks for the responses…