k_allison510

Hey guys. I am wanting to do my first upgrade to my Jamis Exile 29er. It currently has a RST Blaze. I mostly do XC and canyon trail riding. I am needing something stiffer. I am pretty heavy at 210 lbs. and the rst is just to spongy for my liking and bottoms out to easily. Something with a remote lock out would be awesome. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

jimc101

Budget? Fox 32 Float 29 100 FIT CTD w/Trail Adjust, Rock Shox Reba RLT, are both nice forks, dropping down the price range, the 30 Gold.

k_allison510

Thanks Jim. I knew I forgot something. I was planning on spending a few hundred bucks. I looked at the Reba RLT but just don't know enough about them to decide on one. Is $250 enough for one that I wont have to upgrade again for a few years? Thanks again.

k_allison510

Ok. So I went and looked up your suggestions and I am guessing that I need to up my budget.

cobba

Here's another fork that you should have a look at and here's a remote lockout kit for it.

Jimi77

Rock Shox XC28 is a good shock for the money. I don't think you can get a remote lock out, but it's easy enough to reach down and flip the lock out lever.

jbchybridrider 

X-Fusion Slide's seem unknown on forums, I cant understand why. I bought a pair for $280 and I'm absolutely loving them. The quality and ride is impressive so I can recommend them.

cobba

The following review makes it sound like the XC28 isn't much better then the Blaze.

https://www.bike-advisor.com/reviews/...laze-2012.html

jimc101

The 30 Gold series is coming out to become an entry level aftermarket fork, the XC## series of forks are really OEM level, competing against the RST/Suntour XCR forks, which come on entry level bikes.

Your still looking at $330, so only jut cheaper than the Manitou you linked to above.

k_allison510

Thanks for all the help. I guess I am going to wait and double my budget and go from there.

cobba

30 Gold = 30mm stanchions & turnkey damper
Tower Expert = 32mm stanchions & ABS+ damper

I think the Tower Expert would be a better buy then the 30 Gold and it can be found for not much more then the quoted $330 price of the 30 Gold.

jbchybridrider 

X-Fusion !

k_allison510

I looked at the x-fusion, but where do you buy them at??

jbchybridrider 

Just type x fusion slide fork in the ebay search box. There available in 80, 100, 120, tapered, non tapered, with or without remote lock, black or white.

C Law

If you are still looking for a fork I have a couple older Reba 's 1 80 1 100 both 1 1/8 QR axle.




PM if interested.

ColinL

I put a Tower Expert on my FIL's bike. With the correct sag spring, it is a VERY good fork. I don't think there's a better inexpensive fork. It is way, way better than any Rockshox, RST or Suntour I've ridden in this price range. I assume that manufacturers get way better prices for OEM deals and that's why you don't see Manitou as original equipment. You are not going to get adjustable compression dampening in any other fork at this price.

On my bike, a Fox 32 RLC is worlds different but you expect that when the MSRP is twice that of the Manitou. I have a Fox CTD Trail Adjust shock and I love it. I'm not sure if I'd buy a CTD Trail Adjust fork as well, or try something else. The 3 ranges on the trail adjust setting are very impactful. I usually run trail 2, but trail 1 is very plush and trail 3 would be suitable for XC racing.