Spec'ing a new (long-travel) hardail & can't decide on the fork ...
1) Marzocchi 44 RC3 Ti (150mm) : ~£650
2) Rockshox Lyrik RC2L U-Turn (115-160mm) : ~£800
3) Fox 34 TALAS (120-160mm) : ~£950
Yes, I am aware that 1 & 2 are COIL, whilst 3 is AIR (also, that Lyrik's are available as an Air version).
Over the years I've concluded I generally prefer coil forks, however I love the look of the Fox's so could be tempted back to Air if the kashima coating is all it's cracked up to be.
Annoyingly, Fox no longer make their coil VAN's with less than 180mm travel.
In terms of quality/performance, I assume the widely varying prices speak for themselves?
So, stick with a brand I know (Fox) & switch to Air-sprung ... or stick with 'technology' I know (Coil) & go elsewhere brand-wise?
What would you do?
(insurance replacement, so only looking at NEW forks for now, unless I decide on asking for the cash)
The lyrik has gone air only for 2013 too, you can get the dual position air in 160mm.
All the forks you've listed are good, but if you want coil you'll need to get the Marz ones, unless you can find some 2012 Uturn coil lyriks.
Ah, thanks for the up-to-date info LoCo ...
I've heard good things about the Marzocchi's, although they don't seem to be very common compared with RS/Fox - is there a reason for this? (reliability, parts, repairs?)
I think customers were put off by their dodgy patch a couple of years ago.
The new 'top end' Marz I've seen have been pretty good.
Saying that I'd probably go for some fixed travel 34 Float CTD's as they're very nice if more exspensive than the other two.
The Marz RC3 ti damping is as good as everyone says, so looking at the prices I'd go for that.
Wheelies are likely to offer 80% cash settlement, and you don't have to get a whole bike from them anyway.
Just back from a week at the Mega and Les Deux Alpes. Breaking bumps central!!!
I'm running the 'zocchi 44 RC3ti and it coped admirably.
I didn't seem to suffer from arm pump to anything like the extent that the others in our party did (Rev's & various Fox 36s)
Thanks all - good info
80% cash offer would mean 'losing' a pretty big chunk of money, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to go through with 'buying' a complete bike.
Tempted by the Marzocchi's ... which means I could direct more of the cash to other parts parts
Ive had Lyrik 2-step airs, which I then converted to coil U-turn, then 36 floats (only basic R versions, but upgraded to 'low friction' SKF seals) and now running a pair of the 2011 55 RC3 ti's.
The 55's are by far the plushest of those forks, and so far have had no issues although I've got the peace of mind having the 3 year warranty anyways. I set the damping and rebound and havent touched them since, they just handle eveything so well. The 15-30 hour service intervals on fox shocks annoys me, although I am running an RP23 rear shock.
I'm trying not to like the 55's, as I got the bomber purple editions and they completely clash with the rest of my bike, but even I'm not daft enough to downgrade performance just for the looks! would love to get my hands on some white lowers to fit to them instead though......
Bombers all the way baby 😀
80% cash offer would mean 'losing' a pretty big chunk of money
Have you had your valuation yet? If not you might be suprirsed.
I've put some serious aggro into some 55 RC3 ti's and despite a cruel regime of shredding, they have been utterly faithful, cossetting throughout with an eerie level of comfort and control; add in the money saving and it's got to be done...