Originally Posted by
veganbikes
It is like Coke vs. Pepsi or any similar type of debate. Both are great no real complaints on either. I have a Fox 36 Factory fork and a Rockshox SID XX and they are both fine forks. I will say I do love me some Kashima coating but I am not that keen that I can notice a mega difference between the two.
I say get whatever fork you like and does what you need it to do and has the right measurements for your bike. Fox, Rockshox, Marzocchi, Manitou, Cane Creek,, DVO, Ohlins...probably all make some excellent products and unless sponsored I don't know that it matters a whole heck of a heap. Normally I am slightly opinionated but here not a huge ton. So long as it is quality and well made and does as you need it probably going to be well set.
I Remember Ohlins from my time spent on the BMW foruns, It was highly and widely regarded as an excellent choice. Heard of good things from Marzochhi as well.
This is my first experience with suspension other than Suntour. I didn't like their entry level forks at all. Is the Rockshox Reba a good overall fork? Given that Suntour is my only experience, I find its performance to be excellent.
One day I may switch to a rigid fork, after really mastering the rockshox. Would a chromoly fork be silly on a carbon frame? is carbon on carbon the way to go?
I am looking for something with roughly 480mm ATC (stock 510mm atc, 100mm, 30% sag?) and a similar offset of around 51mm.. I would mainly do it for a longer steerer tube. current is cut to size.
Is it a good idea?
The bike performs absurdly well with the suspension, I have no intention to switch until i get more time in the cockpit, My initial impressions is that the bike requires zero effort to pick up a seriously challenging pace. It challenges you by moving so fast, but its not super involving to maintain good balance and tire grip with the cushiness of suspension and big , good rolling tires. Maybe a bike designed around 27.5" wheels and a rigid could be more exciting on flowing XC trails. But the felt strikes a fantastic overall balance between agile response and sheer stability. I just havent spent enough time with it yet.
Overall, the components are paired exceptionally well. I was able to push my limits on this bike after only two brief sessions doing fast paced but otherwise simple, light downhill singletrack. I just remember maintaining such a high pace with zero effort and feeling extremely in tune with its behaviour. I just want a stem that is slightly longer than 90mm and more than the stock 7 degree rise at the current stack height.
It is the most efficient bike I have ever experienced by far climbing hills. It is now a genuinely welcome challenge. It is equipped with a 26/36 double with a rear 11-42t cassette. I find this gearing to be highly useful for trail use.