Rock Shox J3

[darkpromenade]

I've recently bought my first mountainbike (Rockhopper Disk) after 10 years away from cycling (used to cycle for triathalons).

The bike came with a Rock Shox J3 front shock and I've read a few reviews suggesting this isn't a very good fork.

My questions are:
1) Is the J3 considered a poor fork? I know it's cheap, but does that mean it really has shortcomings?
2) What differentiates this fork from a better performing front fork?
3) What are peoples recommendations for a better fron fork for trail riding and possibly some low grade local XC races.

Cheers
dp

 

[Ny Cykel]

I've recently bought my first mountainbike (Rockhopper Disk) after 10 years away from cycling (used to cycle for triathalons).

The bike came with a Rock Shox J3 front shock and I've read a few reviews suggesting this isn't a very good fork.

My questions are:
1) Is the J3 considered a poor fork? I know it's cheap, but does that mean it really has shortcomings?
2) What differentiates this fork from a better performing front fork?
3) What are peoples recommendations for a better fron fork for trail riding and possibly some low grade local XC races.

Cheers
dp

I got mine earlier this year, it's on a full suspension bike, FSR thing.
This is a NICE fork, it rides real nice.
It offers a lock out, if you need it.
Most do not offer this kind of ride with out bottoming out easy.
I can bottom it out in a very hard drop with my 215LB butt on the seat, and it has to be hard but I can bottom it out.
More expensive forks have up to twice the travel, and a better ride.
If you want to spend alot you can get a better fork.
These work great in heavy cornering etc. They are great for a nice ride while chasing cotton tail rabbits through the sage brush. I work them to death.
I will have to waite and see if it lasts.

 

[stevemtbsteve]

This lot seem quite happy with it;

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2006_front_shocks/product_126421.shtml

the only guy who appears to really dislike it sounds like he is waiting on a warrenty issue. Cheaper forks tend to be a bit heavier, lack some of the adjustability of higher end forks. But since sram took over rock shox most people have noted a great improvement in the forks.

At the end of the day, if ur happy with the ride (try ur mates bikes and compare them), ride 'em till they die and replace! I'm a park ranger and I see as many folk on budget hardtails as on highend one's, and it's usually the rider and not the bike that defines how fast they go!

 

[fishNbike]

With forks, "better" usually means lighter and has more available adjustments. remote lock-out etc... Your J3 is "better" than my J1. Mine is "poorer" than yours, but I'm perfectly happy with the J1. It performs just fine for my needs. YMMV. If you are gonna race, you might need lighter. If you climb, you might want the remote lock-out.

 

[darkpromenade]

Thanks for all the feed-back.

I'm happy with the fork and as I ride more and improve I'm beginning to see that in now way is the fork holding me back....... more my lack of ability!

I've had the remote lock-out fitted and it makes it much easier to ride varying trails......

I will ride it till it breaks and then look for something lighter!

 

[davebee]

weight is not the only issue. the stiffness of the fork and the adjustments available (not just lock out) make a big difference. You will be able to tune a better fork so that it provides damping on bumps but doesnt compress when climbing.

 

[darkpromenade]

weight is not the only issue. the stiffness of the fork and the adjustments available (not just lock out) make a big difference. You will be able to tune a better fork so that it provides damping on bumps but doesnt compress when climbing.

hmmmm, i'm just starting to play with the rebound adjustment on the J3. I had it dialled up on the highest rate, and last weekend I slowed it all the way down. Not too sure exactly what I should have expected, but it did seem to be a little less controllable on some of the steeper single-tracks I rode......... something else to get a handle on.