"Jonathan E. Curry" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:I just changed headsets, causing my steerer tube to be too short. So
rather
Quoted message said:than buy a new steerer, I think I may be finally replacing my 97' RS Judy XC, and I'm looking for
some direction. I've never felt really comforable with this fork, in rough cornering it really
doesn't feel stable. Everything I read here and in reviews would lead me to a Marzocchi, and
I'm
Quoted message said:leaning this direction. I'm kind of a weight weenee though, and the Marathons seems to be the only
relitivley light Marz's out there in my
price
Quoted message said:range ($200-350+/-). The new MX comp or pro ETA look great, but heavy. Also, I only weigh in at
around 160 lb. Many of the reviews I've read
rave
Quoted message said:that these forks are great for heavier riders - will they be too stiff for someone my size? I
ride an 18" steel hardtail, I rarely hit drop-offs or jumps greater than a couple feet, mainly
into fast XC riding, and consider myself fairly easy on my bikes (I wear things out before I
break them).
SO,
Quoted message said:with all that in mind, can anyone give me some advice on a Marzocchi (or other) to fit my size and
riding style? Thanks in advance,
JC
I ride similar stuff to what you describe, and am about the same weight as you. I started on a
97 JudyXC (80mm), then had a 99SID (80mm) for several years. I liked the SID much more than the
Judy, and had very good experience with it as far as maintenance, etc. (Still have it now, but
it needs the seals replaced, maybe new cartridge too.) I recently got a Marzocchi MarathonS
(100mm) and it is a very sweet fork. Mine is 2002 model, with 3 position lockout, which is very
handy, and worth using regularly if you do much climbing. Break-in period has been reported by
some to be lengthy, but mine rides very smoothly and seemed to take not more than two or three
decent rides for that to come about. I strongly recommend getting a 100psi pump because you need
a precise gauge for setting the low pressure these run, and even 3-4 pounds difference is
significant, in my experience. I run about 37psi plus about 95 on the negative pressure. I also
found that the 100mm set up my 98 Klein Mantra much better than 80mm did, and I have much more
control, stability, and resistance to endos than before. I wish I had put something with 100mm
on it long ago. Plus, with the lockout capability, there is no problem with the front end being
too light on steep climbs, (would have been a downside of moving to 100mm up front.)
--
Off to ride the mountains, Dale Heath To reply, poke out my eye.
