fork decision - care to weigh in?

[brunswick]

I have a Specialized Epic Marathon M4, probably an '03 or '04 model, that needs a new fork. The one that came with it is not original, and it's WAY too smooooshy, has no adjustments, and probably is a good bit older than the bike (looks like early '90s Rockshox Judy). I think the bike is spec'ed to have 80 mm of travel, but I think it would ride just fine with 100, or even up to about 120 mm.

My question: What would be a good fork choice for this bike, that will not break my bank? I only get to ride this bike a few times a year, but the riding where it is (Peru) makes it worth it to me to spend, say, medium bucks ($250 - 400?) for an upgrade. Also, is there any sense in trying to find a used fork for it?

Thanks for any thoughts you can offer.

[martin]

If you're willing to part with a little extra money this is a great fork...

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK406A05-Fox+Float+07.aspx

I own the Vanilla...

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK307A39-Fox+32+Vanilla+Rlc+Disc+08.aspx

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK307A38-Fox+32+Vanilla+R+Disc+08.aspx

[martin]

Oh - I wouldn;t buy a used fork if I were you...

[smdubovsky]

I've got an 06 Epic Rim M5. I'm running a F100X on it w/ no complaints. You can easily get a used one in your price range off evilbay

You can go to specs website and look up your model to find the year & orig fork/geometry (use the color to match the year: 03 marathon is dark gray "carbon", 04 marathon is silverish "dream", etc.)

I agree it could use a little more front fork w/o a detrimental effect. The handling is borderline too quick when I start to get tired. A 120 would make an easier all day ride and higher BB (but then I should have just bought the stumpy;)

If you only ride it a few times a year, any good used fork is prob the way to go. Far more bang for the buck used - esp this time of year.

SMD

[jabberwocky]

If the bike was designed around an 80mm fork, I probably wouldn't go longer than 100mm on the new one. Putting a too-long fork on the bike not only screws with the handling, but it can subject the headtube to stresses it was never designed to take.

At under 400 dollars, I would look into an 07 Rockshox Reba. You should be able to pick one up on sale now that the 08s are coming out, and they are very nice forks.

One question though, are you looking for a fork with rim brake posts, or is disc only ok? Rim brake compatible forks are getting harder to find...

[smdubovsky]

Oh - I wouldn;t buy a used fork if I were you...

Whats wrong w/ used? How is someone elses equipment that was ridden the same amount (or far less) as the one you or I rode this year any different? Granted there is big a difference between lightly used and abused but a fork tends to shows wear pretty quickly.

SMD

[jmblur]

Whats wrong w/ used? How is someone elses equipment that was ridden the same amount (or far less) as the one you or I rode this year any different? Granted there is big a difference between lightly used and abused but a fork tends to shows wear pretty quickly.

SMD

Forks can have internal/seal wear but look brand new. Usually a rebuild will fix this, but to what extent is questionable.

My Marzocchi Marathon SL 2003 looks brand new, but required a complete rebuild a few years ago for blown internals and bushings. All that work cost me a pretty penny. Worked like a charm after that though.

In related news, I'm going to be replacing it with a newer fork soon, so it'll be up for sale. It does need new oil and possibly some new seals, but the dreaded "oil from the negative air valve" problem was fixed by Marzocchi (had to send the Fork to Italy for that..). If you're interested just send me a PM. I can even supply the oil if you're <150lbs. No guarantees that new oil will make it like new though! (100mm travel dual air, disc + rim brakes)

[martin]

Whats wrong w/ used? How is someone elses equipment that was ridden the same amount (or far less) as the one you or I rode this year any different? Granted there is big a difference between lightly used and abused but a fork tends to shows wear pretty quickly.

SMD

You never know when buying a used item. I bought a used fork - granted not everyone's experience ends up like mine, but... long story short - fork was shite, and when I went to the source - it was "sorry dude, 'used = as is'." And, BTW - fork showed very little use.

Save yourself the hassle - you can get a brand new fork, within your budget, and, if anything goes wrong with it, you can take it back

[Buddylee]

I'm with Jab. Look for an 07 Reba. I switched to one this year and absolutely LOVE it.

[pbayne]

If you buy used the Marzocchi Marathon line is very rebuildable. As long as they have no massive damage you can rebuild the internals so that they work as good as brand new (or better if you use good aftermarket seals). I've bought used Marzocchis, rebuilt, and then resold them. I race on a rebuilt one from '02 and it rides perfect.

[mtnbkr]

I'm not sure how much putting a 100 or greater travel fork on a bike designed for 80 would alter handling. I do know that I took my F100X and converted it down to an 80mm travel using fox spacers. It reduces the "resting" axle to crown so actually does fully convert the fork. So I know it's possible to do this on a fox, but would assume the reba can also be converted. It sounds like you want more travel, and going with 100mm might work. But knowing you've got the option to drop it down to 80 might make your purchasing a bit easier.

[brunswick]

Thanks for the input, y'all. Still not sure exactly what I'm going to do, but I ran into a friend last night at Wakefield who happens to have a nice, lightly used fork that he wants to sell...

Points about used forks taken, but he's not the type to send me packing if it doesn't work out. Thanks again.

[crack monkey]

I'm quite happy with my '06 Reba Race. More adjustments than I'll ever use and the travel can be set at to 80, 100, or 115 (not on the fly, have to pull it apart and add spacers). It's relatively light and not too pricey.