2012 Fork options? 26" 100mm-120mm

[Cardy George]

Just bought a second hand Specialized Hardrock, with decidedly second hand SR Suntour forks.

I've been out of the MTB scene for a long time and have lost touch with what's hot and what's not, so I'm after suggestions on the value picks of the current entry level forks, say around the $200 mark. That could be slightly higher, depending on the Finance Officer's mood

PREFERENCES (not requirements!)
100mm-120mm
Coil springs + hydro damping
Disc brake

Willing to listen to reasons for and against those options (except the disc brakes)

The last MTB I rode had Marzocchi Bombers on it. I know I'm not going to get that level but it's my only reference point....

[antipodean]

I have a Bomber 130mm that came on a 2008 Kona Dawg.
PM me if interested.

[mitzikatzi]

SR SUNTOUR XCR Mg Remote Lockout Fork

Post your ride thread Page 15. Drubie recommends this fork. I brought one yet to arrive.

also
Rock Shox Recon Silver Forks 2011

Rock Shox XC 32 TK Forks 2012

Rock Shox Recon Silver TK Forks - Coil 2011

[Jean]

It's an air fork, but new Suntour Epicon 26" forks can be had for not much over $200 on Ebay.

[drubie]

I did look pretty hard at the epicon recently (after having shifted an sr suntour xcr-rl to another persons bike) but I went back and got another xcr-rl

Wiggle have a good deal on the rock shox XC30 at the moment ($150 odd with free shipping, coil fork with rebound adjustment and fork lockout) which looks like a bargain, as the SR xcr-rl doesn't have any rebound adjustment on it (just pre-load). However, on the cheaper coil forks the rebound seems like it's large for decoration and I'd much rather have a remote lockout than a partially effective rebound.

...but I ended up ordering another XCR-RL because I found it to be excellent in terms of rigidity and when I was looking at the bikes down at the LBS and twisting the forks while holding the wheel between my knees I was a little unimpressed with the entry level rock shox. If they twist, the fork bridge will eventually crack plus they don't play nice in the rock gardens if you are going to be riding other than fire trails. The bendy forks tend to twist and load up laterally and release at very inopportune times. The XCR-RL doesn't do that. Dammit though I missed out and had to pay $130 shipped. Sucks to be me.

[Jean]

I've just bought an Epicon with a 15mm axle for my 29er. After scouring the intertubes for reviews for an eternity I kept coming back to it as a pretty good fork, especially for the money. Lots of people really like them and the worst anyone could seem to say was it wasn't as plush/progressive/serviceable as their geewhiz Fox fork - well for about 1/3 the price, duh!

Haven't tried it out yet though - much bit buying and building to go yet.

[drubie]

Might have to go the epicon after all, the order for the xcr was cancelled because the eBay shop said the batch of forks they got was faulty. I am bummed. Where did you source your epicon Jean?

Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk 2

[Jean]

I bought it from an Ebay seller called wdcyclestore. No particular reason though, apart from the fact they had the best price for what I wanted and a good customer satisfaction rating. It shipped from China with a tracking number and was here in under a week I think. Plenty of Epicon 26" sellers on Ebay though.

[drubie]

Plenty of Epicon 26" sellers on Ebay though.

Ohh look, so there is.

chain reaction also have free shipping and big discounts on Rock Shox at the moment (the 2011 Recon for $190 posted does look tasty, although it's a coil fork, I thought the recon was air?). Too many choices.

[mitzikatzi]

Might have to go the epicon after all, the order for the xcr was cancelled because the eBay shop said the batch of forks they got was faulty. I am bummed. Where did you source your epicon Jean?

Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk 2

Mine posted OK on the 4th of April. They still have the forks listed on flea bay.

[Bentnose]

Plenty of Epicon 26" sellers on Ebay though.

Ohh look, so there is.

chain reaction also have free shipping and big discounts on Rock Shox at the moment (the 2011 Recon for $190 posted does look tasty, although it's a coil fork, I thought the recon was air?). Too many choices.

Pretty sure the Recon comes in a coil or air version, air versions cost more but are about 300-400 grams lighter, I think, was looking at them the other day for a bloke in a similar situation.

[drubie]

Ah, I see now, you have to be a little careful on buying the Recon if you really, truly want an air fork (although the coil recon is probably excellent anyway).

Cyclingdeal.com.au have some Suntour XCT V2 forks for $29 and $39 (The $39 fork has a lockout). I have order the $39 out of curiosity and to keep that end of the MTB off the ground while I save up for something better. it seems the universe was conspiring against me on the fork front and I have acquiesced, spending my fork money on something else.

I don't expect it to be particularly good, robust or useful, but it's better than nothing for now. (note to self: the marketplace member to member thread is a very bad place, never look there)