29er fork ?

Discussion in 'Mountain Biking' started by gigantic, Feb 19, 2010.

  1. gigantic

    gigantic n00b

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    ok, I am going to order a bike in the next week or two & I have a question about forks. here are the two bikes I am looking at:
    http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45809&eid=4340&menuItemId=9253
    Avid Juicy 3 SL hydraulic brakes with 160mm G2 Clean Sweep rotors supply superior stopping power

    80mm-travel RockShox Tora SLite 29er alloy fork with lightweight air springs and motion control damping uses external adjustable lockout/rebound for fine-tuned bump performance

    Solid, dependable Shimano SLX Shadow rear derailleur

    vs

    http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45804&eid=4340&menuItemId=9253

    RockShox Dart 3 80mm-travel fork features preload adjustment and size-specific spring rates for versatile performance
    Fully butted M4 alloy frame with Trail 29-inch geometry for greater control, leverage and bump performance, plus slider dropouts for singlespeed compatibility
    SRAM X5 medium-cage rear derailleur and 9-speed trigger shifters for precise, sure-fire shifting
    Crankset uses Octalink-splined BB interface for reliable power transfer
    Dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors deliver smooth, controlled, powerful stops
    Alloy double-walled rims for lightweight durability

    it there that big of a difference between the RockShox Tora & the the Rockshox Dart? I've ben told the Tora is garbage- how does the Dart fare? Should I get the cheaper bike & put a better fork on it, or are the other components on the Rockhopper expert 29 that much better to justify the additional cost? just dipping my toes in the water & I don't wanna lay out serious cash like Helea or Razo...
     
  2. RSG

    RSG n00b

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    Dart forks aren't good, and the larger you are the worse they are. Tora's aren't bad if you're going to be riding paths and minor off-road stuff. Whoever told you they are garbage either had a unique experience with one or tried using it in conditions beyond its intended use. Hardcore A/T stuff would likely require a fork upgrade, but the Tora should be fine otherwise.
     
  3. gigantic

    gigantic n00b

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    So which model is the better buy? And what's the going rate for a decent fork?
     
  4. RSG

    RSG n00b

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    This one: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45809&eid=4340&menuItemId=9253

    Chances are you'll be happy with it out of the box. Decent brakes, drivetrain, & fork. Should you have to upgrade the fork, a decent closeout suspension fork can be had for $300-400, and figure on $30-40 for an LBS to cut & mount it.

    The other bike has no-name brakes, which are always a hassle if they are serviceable at all. It also has that weak Dart fork and low-grade shifters. As has been said before by Monte, Brian, myself & others: with very rare exception, it's better to spend the money up front than go cheap & upgrade later.
     
  5. gigantic

    gigantic n00b

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    Ah... I got the two mixed up- you, cuddles & someone else had said the darts were terrible... I can't keep things straight all the time... Yeah, I agree, it's better to pay upfront, but cash is an issue here, & I'm getting a VERY good deal. For msrp, I can get the bike and a good fork... So, I'll likely upgrade the fork when I blow out the stocker, which will likely happen sooner, rather than later.
     
  6. RSG

    RSG n00b

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    Keep the brakes in mind as well. No-name brakes just aren't worth the trouble.

    Whatever you decide, good luck! Post pics when you have your new steed home...
     
  7. gigantic

    gigantic n00b

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    Oh, I'll be getting the costlier of the two. Already taken into consderation. At my size, driveline, suspension & brakes are even more important... I just wanted to be sure that the differences truly justified the additional cost. Sigh, just what I need, another money pit.
     
  8. RSG

    RSG n00b

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    Honestly, I've found that they only become money pits for one of two reasons:

    1- You ride the *&(^ out of it and wear parts down quickly.

    2- You catch upgrade-itis and upgrade things that don't need upgraded.

    If you take the time to maintain the thing and don't put it through the wringer, it should be relatively trouble-free. Small adjustment here & there and it'll keep on rollin' like Fred Durst
     
  9. gigantic

    gigantic n00b

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    I have chronic upgrade-itis. I can't leave anything alone :( plus, the normal wear and tear is much higher when you weigh 250, vs 150...
     

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