Afternoon All,
Making plans to ride in Pila next summer and I'm already thinking my forks need replacing, currently got a set of 160mm pikes on my trail bike. They've got a FAST damper in them but despite being a great trail fork they feel rather inadequate compared to the rear of my bike.
I'm sure they'd pair ace with a hardcore hardtails but I want something stiffer that sits higher when pointing down fast.
I was considering getting a fox 40 and lowering it to 180mm until I looked and they are now £1500!!!!
So what would people recommend to help my fast becoming (too much road miles) girly forearms and hands?
There were some reasonably priced 650b Lyriks on CRC last time I looked.
If you're still on 26in, just get a nice used Marz 55 or 66 rc3 ti - perfect for out there.
Yari? Drop the fancy damper kit in if you need it. Cheap solid and a good fork from my recent experience.
How do you mean inadequate? If it's just the ride height shove a Luftkappe in there before you do anything.
Whilst the Lyrik/36/Diamond/other would perhaps better suit your application, it's not a million percent better. A Fox 40 would ultimately be a completely crackers idea. Unless of course you're running a DH bike with a Pike on it, which you could be for all I know!
What's at the rear of your bike currently?
FWIW I'm going to Pila (among others) in a couple of weeks with a 125/150mm trail bike, with Pikes. Will I die?
It's on a yeti sb6c 2017.
They feel flexy, the back end of bike descends like some of the dh bikes I used to ride.
The pike feels like a toy fork on the front, flexy and doesn't track where I want it 100% when giving it full gas on rocky descents.
They feel really mismatched to me. Fine for knocking around the peak district where I need to pedal up too but I'm thinking for lift assisted riding I'd like something solid!
FWIW I'm going to Pila (among others) in a couple of weeks with a 125/150mm trail bike, with Pikes. Will I die?
Yes, though maybe not immediately. It will be rather bumpy though. Take some blister thingies or start developing callouses on your palms now.
It's on a yeti sb6c 2017.They feel flexy, the back end of bike descends like some of the dh bikes I used to ride.
The pike feels like a toy fork on the front, flexy and doesn't track where I want it 100% when giving it full gas on rocky descents.
I know exactly what you mean from my old Process 153. I'd say get a 170mm Lyrik for your bike.
2017 Marz 350 NCR Ti. 170mm travel, coil. Got mine as a warranty replacement but they are an ideal alps fork I'd say.
Does anyone do a 180mm coil fork these days?
ehrob - MemberFWIW I'm going to Pila (among others) in a couple of weeks with a 125/150mm trail bike, with Pikes. Will I die?
I had 160mm front/120mm rear when I went there and had a blast. Coil forks mind but it was grand. I'd love to take the fatbike there...
I remember reading that a 170mm Lyrik is about as stiff as a 150mm Pike, so it won't be a drastic improvement. I feel that my 160mm Pike feels stiffer and more controlled since adding a -2deg headset (I guess it takes the bumps more head on and flexes less under braking) and a Luftkappe.
Are there not quite a lot of secondhand DH forks out there or do you usually have to buy a whole DH bike to pick them up cheap? I'd certainly lean that way if I wanted something super solid.
How much is a BoXXXer new? Would it fit your fancy damper?
Ohlins Rxf 36 is available with a coil. Not sure they go up to 180 though.
I remember reading that a 170mm Lyrik is about as stiff as a 150mm Pike
Not in my experience.
The Lyrik will be stiff enough for Pila, unless the OP is a big old unit.
Of course coil fork would be preferable if combined with a good damper.
The Ohlins coil is only in 29er for now.
2017 Marzocchi 350NCR ti is 170mm, and coil should be the better option for Alps, but a Fox 36 should be stiffer with 20mm axle and 36mm stanchions. Coil upgrade also available from Push and 170 or 180mm options, plus a lower A2C than the MArzocchi or Lyrik so less impact on geometry.
Glad that Ohlins coil fork is boost only.
This could have worked out an expensive thread otherwise.