Fork Help for a New Monkey

[BigClyde]

I'm looking to upgrade my front fork and I need some info and help.

I'm a big rider at 240 and I ride a Norco Launch. I do heavy trail riding and freeriding (nothing bigger than 5 feet at present). I want to upgrade to a dual crown fork with more travel.

These are my choices in order.

Junior T
Manitou Slider
Stratos 7o8
RockSHox Boxxer (I've heard it doesn't go well with Norco frames)

All opinions and suggestions welcome.

[Tweek]

Does it have to be a DC? If not, consider the Marz Z150 (maybe next year's :p ) or the Sherman, if you can go 1.5.

Junior/Super T, consider tire clearance
Stratos, consider Cust Svc (I have an S7 :dead: )
Also, think of where you'll be in a season or 2. If you're doing 5 ft. now...

Also, how much DH-ing will you be doing (if any)?

[llkoolkeg]

Why don't you try and pick up a used Super T off one of the boards? I have never paid more than $425 for a fork and have only bought one brand new in my life. Let someone else break in the seals and get the first tear-inducing scratches out of the way. Better to get a nice shape used Super than a new Junior. I plan on selling my '01 Super and extra XC frame soon to fund an '02 Monster, etc...if my Chappy ever arrives. :confused:

[biggins]

dude get the junior t. you will have to put heavier springs in it but for the money it will treat you the best. i way 160 and bottom it on drops that are 10 plus. ive had mine ofr about 8 months and it is super nice. i have also been running the integrated marz. stem that it comes with and notice a difference in the stiffness. i also was trying to decide between the boxxer and junior but i did not want to deal with the maintenance of the boxxers being as how i already dont maintain my bikes very well.

[RhinofromWA]

I am 300lbs geared up and tearing down the mountain.....

that said I have been running Boxxers for 3 years. I have a 2003 Race model and like my old 2000 better for plushness but the 2003 does ride higher when braking into corners. I don't see myself changing anytime soon

I think a SuperT would be a good choice.......even a JrT but look idealy look for a SuperT and if you happen across a good deal on a JrT.........

I was impressed by a buddies Manipoo single crown 5 inch fork (not sure the name) with the under hanging lowers.

I would probably say for used look for a Super T then a Boxxer (you can get them cheap used)

Good luck.

Rhino

PS-PM me if you have any other questions *edit* you will need stiffer springs no matter what fork you purchase........but Iguess you knew that already.

[MikeOK]

As already mentioned, what ever you get you will need the stiffest springs they make. I weigh in at 190 - 200 and I use heavy springs. I couldn't believe the difference the first time I went with stiff springs, makes a huge difference. That's one good thing about Fox, at least the Vanilla (if not other models) come with soft, medium and heavy springs. I am running a Z.1 on my Bullit right now with stock springs and plan to get heavy whenever I get around to it...

[bullitking]

Stay away from the Jr T. I absolutly hated mine. Unless they've changed the valving in the new Jrs, your fork will "spike" whenever you hit a rock garden. I rode a Jr for a year and although the service on Marz forks is easy and not frequently needed, you will regret it whenever you are on your bike. I don't want to put down a fork that somebody likes. I've heard good things about Jrs. But in my personal experience, they sucked.
Just my .02

[Enduro]

I would say the Sherman Slider, it's damping is much better than Marzocchi and even a tad better than the Rockshox.

[binary visions]

The TPC+ damper is awesome, and my Firefly is unbelievably stiff, I can only imagine what the Slider would be like.

I would highly recommend the Slider with the stiffest spring option.