What mtb forks?

Rilot · 14 Apr 2009 at 16:49

I currently roll with a set of Rock Shox Tora 318 U-Turn forks and have been happy with them. Unfortunately, something has happened to the internals that has put them beyond economical repair.
I strpped them down and discovered that the bottom oil seal of the top part of the left leg of the forks, gets pushed out when rebound damping is put at much over half way. A brief inspection shows that the fork leg is actually bent and will need replacing.

So, what to replace them with? What do you recommend for mostly XC?

I don't want to spend mega money but something that is at least as good as the Tora 318s.

Trusty · 14 Apr 2009 at 17:23

Rev's?

SDK^ · 14 Apr 2009 at 17:34

Rock Shox Recons or Rebas

Recon Air : http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rockshox/recon-race-soloair-100-ec001732

Recon Coil : http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rockshox/recon-351-coil-u-turn-85-130-ec001733

Reba Air : http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rockshox/reba-race-dual-air-100-oe--ec018507

Burned_Alive · 14 Apr 2009 at 17:38

Probably go with recons, you can pick up a set for under £200 from merlin.

Rilot · 14 Apr 2009 at 18:56

Those look OK.
The Recons from Merlin don't look to have a lockout though.

Been looking at these: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rockshox/revelation-426-air-u-turn-110-140mm-ec017537

Revelation 426 air with U-Turn.

Burned_Alive · 14 Apr 2009 at 19:05

For that price i'd probably be looking at Fox Float 32 R/RLCs

SDK^ · 14 Apr 2009 at 19:17

140mm travel for XC is pushing it; i'm guessing the Tora's were 100mm. What bike are they going on?

Trusty · 14 Apr 2009 at 19:56

Get the rev's, best forks around tbh!

SDK^ · 14 Apr 2009 at 20:42

Yup Rev is good but I wouldn't be fitting it to an XC hard tail bike. A Reba, SID or Fox F are better options.

Trusty · 14 Apr 2009 at 21:52

Why would it matter if its a hardtail or FS?

EDIT: How much heavier are the Rev's compared to the Sid's?

Rilot · 14 Apr 2009 at 22:57

SDK^ said:
140mm travel for XC is pushing it; i'm guessing the Tora's were 100mm. What bike are they going on?

Toras are 130mm and are fitted to a bike I built from parts around a Saracen Ariel 3 full sus frame with a Fox RP2 shock.

SDK^ · 15 Apr 2009 at 07:26

Thermaltake said:
EDIT: How much heavier are the Rev's compared to the Sid's?

Rev : 1.7 - 2.1kg (depending on model)
SID : 1.4kg

So at least 1 pound lighter

Rilot said:
Toras are 130mm and are fitted to a bike I built from parts around a Saracen Ariel 3 full sus frame with a Fox RP2 shock.

Sounds like it the Revs then

Trusty · 15 Apr 2009 at 09:24

SDK^ said:
Rev : 1.7 - 2.1kg (depending on model)
SID : 1.4kg

So at least 1 pound lighter

Substantial then if building a XC bike.

Northwind · 16 Apr 2009 at 19:42

I use Revs, last year's dual-air u-turn. But tbh if you bent a set of Toras, I'd probably be looking for something a little stronger, Toras are tough forks.

Trusty · 16 Apr 2009 at 22:34

Pikes?

janesssssy · 17 Apr 2009 at 00:22

revs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! uturn

Northwind · 18 Apr 2009 at 22:57

Thermaltake said:
Pikes?

Sounds like a plan to me... Not that Revs aren't great, they're light for the job they do, surprisingly strong despite that, reliable and they work very well... But they're not massively strong, certainly not as strong as a Tora. So unless the old fork breaking was a freak, I don't know I'd be happy with those personally. I've never damaged mine, but then I'm a big girl's blouse.

xander_uk2 · 6 Nov 2009 at 19:35

Sorry to Rez an old thread, but just wondering if a set of Tora 318 Solo Air's will be ok for use on a Red/Black trail?
Need an upgrade and have been offered an unused set for 100 bucks

weescott · 6 Nov 2009 at 19:46

Depends on the trail/bike/rider. Certainly doable.

xander_uk2 · 6 Nov 2009 at 19:50

Carbisdale Red/Blue and Balblair Blue/Black Once a month in winter, once a week in summer

I'm 5'7", 9 1/2st riding a Giant XTC 4.0 (awesome frame on these bikes)

They will be replacing some Dart 3's (really let the bike down)