I've looked at the options for a coil conversion in my Yari and decided to go the whole hog and get new forks.
I was around 'back in the Marzocchi days' so have a penchant for the Z1 Coil.
The Helm II Coil also gets good reviews but at a higher price point.
Has anyone tried both and is therefore able to give an objective opinion? I'm looking at 170mm travel for daily Peak District riding and future Enduro events.
Helm coil only goes to 160mm, got a MkII on my new build coming but haven't got it yet so can comment any further.
Can’t offer a comparison but I have the Z1 Coil and really rate it, seems quieter in operation than some Fox36’s, just seems to work with very little adjustment, I’m not a great rider but could tell no difference between the Grip and Grip2 dampers...
Z1 coil is essentially the Fox 36 Rhythm chassis isn’t it - with the more basic grip damper but then a coil instead of airspring?
If so the damper is better than the moco in your Yari but not as good as a Charger in a Lyrik.
You’ll have low speed compression and rebound damping.
The Helm will have a better damper with low speed rebound and high / low speed compression adjustment.
So it depends what you’re after really - the Helm is the tuners delight with more stuff to play with but might be harder to setup.
The Z1 is probably fit and forget broadly. Really quite a heavy fork though.
Depending on how the cost stacks up, sticking a smashpot and Charger 2.1 damper in your Yari would probably get you a better fork than both the other options (given the Helm can’t go up to 170mm travel I don’t believe).
smashpot and yari up damper
That's been my quandary. Would upgrading the Yari be better than buying a new coil fork. There's not a huge amount of money in it so it's interesting to hear that the Yari would likely end up better...
This is all so difficult, thanks for the ongoing help!
What version of the Yari do you have?
The post-boost Yaris have arguably the best enduro chassis in the business, short of the new 38/Zebs. I went from a 36 Rhythm (virtually the same as the Z1) to a Lyrik spec Yari and can confirm this
I was in the same quandary with my Pike...... In the ended buying some Lyrik ultimates as they were a bargain.... I was going to convert the Pikes to coil either with the Smash pot or Push......only reason I didn't is I wanted something a bit sturdier up front..... But I will do a coil conversion on them in the future.
@zezaskar Mine are non-boost unfortunately.
Is there much/any difference in the chassis compared to the boost version, apart from the obvious? I'm not worried about running a bigger front tyre than I already am, so clearance isn't really a consideration. And I can't say that I notice any lack of stiffness in the wheel compared to the boost Revelations on my hardtail.
@ifindoubtflatout What sort of price difference did you find between the conversion and the deal on the Lyrics?
If the chassis on my Yari is worth hanging on to then I think I'll be leaning towards the upgrade route.
I sold my old forks for 250 and got the new Lyrik's for 610. It was 395 for the smashpot at TF with a service and I think the Push was 450. My Pike was non boost aswell,that was one of the reasons I opted for the Lyriks in the end. It all depends on if you want to move onto boost really. I had a chat with Ruth at TF and she gave me quite a few options tbh... And some bargains ... I would give them a call as they can build you a fork up to what you want. I did have a look at the Ohlins coil fork aswell from Jtech which is a decent price but after riding my pals Lyrik... I was sold on the Lyriks.
I've been speaking to Vik at TF already who's been very helpful.
For damper, service and Smashpot I'm looking at 625. So not that far off a Z1 Coil but then there's the weight issue to consider.
I'm not sure on the specific differences between the non-boost/boost Yari chassis, I mentioned the boost ones because they are in fact the exact same chassis still in use today on the Lyrik Ultimates. I guess this says something about their quality.
My personal experience was that I was using this 160mm 36 Rhythm on my AM9 but I wanted to stretch to 170mm. After seeing the 36's airshaft prices I turned my attention to a 2018 Yari I had lying around. I upgraded it with a Debonair airshaft, SKS seals and Charger2 damper, turning it into a Lyrik for an absolute bargain, and it turns out it eats the 36 for breakfast
Looks like there's no difference in the chassis aside from the spacing. Food for thought, if it's that good then I'll see if I can get a little deal at TF if I upgrade the lot.
Yes the Yari's run lyrik lowers... Its just the internals that differ. Another thing to consider is if you do get new forks are you going to have to sort new wheels out....Im having a redish and spacer fitted for £15 so it's a cheap fix.
Yep, there's that issue to consider too. I also forgot to factor in the obvious, as you mentioned - that I can sell the Yari if I replace them. Which negates the cost difference altogether.
I don't plan to change things any time soon, so I'll just go down whichever route provides me the best performing fork. Which seems to be the upgrade if I'm not bothered about boost. I've emailed Vik to ask him outright, will let you know how he responds 👍
👍
Hi,
I placed an order for some Ohlins Coil forks yesterday so have put my Marzocchi Z1's in the classifieds, not sure if the right wheel size for you but mine are 27.5"
Cheers,
Andrew
So you've chosen them over the Z1s? Which is exactly what I was told by j-tech.
Can you let me know why you changed? I'm 27.5 too.
I have a 170mm Yari with Smashpot conversion & Yari up from fast suspension in 27.5 format am looking to put in classifieds currently advertised on Pinkbike, reason for selling decided to mullet my bike so running 160mm Mezzer up front. Makes the Yari better than Lyrik Ultimate
Linky? 🙂
I have gone Ohlins M.2
The older one in that link have so little tyre clearance.
Have to say I was tempted trying a Yari with the Smashpot. Yari and Lyrik chassis are the same but you need a Yari for the one up conversion as far as I’m aware due to the damper swap ?
I have a Mk1 Helm Coil (set at 150mm travel on my Jeffsy Mk1) and it's a very, very good fork indeed.
Forgot to say I'm just changing as brought a 29er.
I also brought some brand new 2021 36's in 27.5 then the local shop offered me a great deal on a new bike, which is just as well to offset the loss on those forks !!!!
I have an upgradeitus illness I'm sure, I should spend the money on some coaching and days out in Wales instead which would be a much better upgrade than parts and bikes....
End result is that I've gone for an RXF 36 Evo Coil.
I have gone Ohlins M.2
The older one in that link have so little tyre clearance
I've checked twice with J-Tech and they assure me that there's no difference in clearance between the RXF 36 Evo (27.5") and the M.2.They checked directly with Ohlins (but doubtless didn't actually need to)
Just in case anyone else comes back to the thread.
Had a few rides on the Helm.MkII Coil and well I'm very, very impressed. Fantastic levels of grip, support and the thing tracks and holds its line like I've never experienced, no matter how poor your riding. I'm on the lighter end of the stock spring at 170lbs ( stock
55lb spring - 160-200lbs rider) running HSC wide open and have hit full travel on a few of my worst moments but it's still an "aggressive"(sorry hate that term)fork that just begs to ridden like a ficking idiot( I can only guess how heavily over damped the previous version was). Think Cane Creek have nailed this.
Anyone ridden the Z1 Coil to compare it to a Lyrik in terms of stiffness?
Kind-of interested, but I'd hope it'd have a bit more clout (as well as the coil benefit) for the extra weight.