Answered Forks - things to consider on replacement?

[Tonybro]

Hi all,

Looking for advice and confirmation of some assumptions I am making when looking at new forks...

Scenario: -
Merida eONE Sixty Limited - mullet setup and Rockshox 35 Gold RL fork (160mm travel)
203mm front rotor, Shimano MT-520 brake on front wheel

Website doesn't tell me offset on the fitted fork (comes with 44 and 51mm options I think), my wife's 700 comes with Marzocchi Z1 at 51mm (tapered).

I'm looking to change to something a bit more performant, the Gold is OK but not the most responsive nor progressive.

When looking I obviously need to look for 29" wheel size, 160mm travel is fine, rotor appears to be in the range to fit most forks I see (180-220mm).

Question 1: Offset
I assume I can use either but the 44mm will shorten the wheelbase as the front axle won't be as far forward as a 51mm. Correct?

Question 2: Taper
The Marzocchi Z1 on the 700 says tapered 1-1/8" to 1.5" (I assume top to bottom) - is this standard as I can't find anything specified for the Gold fork. If not tapered what impact does this have on the headset?

Question 3: Recommendations!
I like the Marzocchi Z1 on the 700, seems to be a good fork. I have old Manitou forks on my antique GT Team RTS MTB. What are we looking at for the rough and tumble of pretty rocky/steep Pennine descents but able to handle the boggy peat stuff and mud that comes alongside them? Budget of up to £1K...

Geometry on the 160 Limited (I have the Large)

Thanks.

 

[Mikerb]

1.Front axle..........15mm? boost/non boost
2. Wheel Size.....29/27.5
3. Offset ........assuming it is 51mm at the moment a shorter offset may result in clearance problems with the downtube??
4. Steerer ( standard taper?)
5. Whether the new fork will accept the diameter of the axle end caps/boost spacers ( any other RS Fork will.....others may not)
6. Travel.

 

[Zimmerframe]

Get matching knives and spoons.

 

[R120]

Personally I would be looking at a Lyric or Zeb ultimate - the Marzochi whilst decent enough is basically a Lowe end Fox 36, and at the price they go for you can get hold of one of Rockshox top end forks.

 

[Tonybro]

1.Front axle..........15mm? boost/non boost
2. Wheel Size.....29/27.5
3. Offset ........assuming it is 51mm at the moment a shorter offset may result in clearance problems with the downtube??
4. Steerer ( standard taper?)
5. Whether the new fork will accept the diameter of the axle end caps/boost spacers ( any other RS Fork will.....others may not)
6. Travel.

1. Thanks, I'll check... Assuming Boost as new bike, is that 110mm at front?
2. 29"
3. Good point, probably stick with 51mm
4. I'll probably have to get it checked, I just don't know. the 700 says tapered but now the Limited is no longer sold, Merida website doesn't clarify.
5. Merida use a bolted front axle, not QR, sticking with RS should be OK then.
6. Travel can stay at 160...

 

[Gary]

it is a tapered fork and will be boost
any 110x15 hub fits in any RS boost fork

 

[Mikerb]

5. I assume you mean a Maxle or equivalent?

Sounds like a Lyric will do the job.

 

[Forever Wild]

Hi all,

Looking for advice and confirmation of some assumptions I am making when looking at new forks...

Scenario: -
Merida eONE Sixty Limited - mullet setup and Rockshox 35 Gold RL fork (160mm travel)
203mm front rotor, Shimano MT-520 brake on front wheel

Website doesn't tell me offset on the fitted fork (comes with 44 and 51mm options I think), my wife's 700 comes with Marzocchi Z1 at 51mm (tapered).

I'm looking to change to something a bit more performant, the Gold is OK but not the most responsive nor progressive.

When looking I obviously need to look for 29" wheel size, 160mm travel is fine, rotor appears to be in the range to fit most forks I see (180-220mm).

Question 1: Offset
I assume I can use either but the 44mm will shorten the wheelbase as the front axle won't be as far forward as a 51mm. Correct?

Question 2: Taper
The Marzocchi Z1 on the 700 says tapered 1-1/8" to 1.5" (I assume top to bottom) - is this standard as I can't find anything specified for the Gold fork. If not tapered what impact does this have on the headset?

Question 3: Recommendations!
I like the Marzocchi Z1 on the 700, seems to be a good fork. I have old Manitou forks on my antique GT Team RTS MTB. What are we looking at for the rough and tumble of pretty rocky/steep Pennine descents but able to handle the boggy peat stuff and mud that comes alongside them? Budget of up to £1K...

Geometry on the 160 Limited (I have the Large)
View attachment 54075

Thanks.

I started with a RS Yari with motion control damper. Bought another Ebike with Yari with original Charger damper. I used both bikes with both Yaris for 6 months. Big improvement in small bump sensitivity on the Yari with original Charger...Overall not a bad fork. Replaced the fork on the Ebike with Yari motion control with a Zeb Ultimate. Small improvement in small bump sensitivity over the Yari with the original Charger. Big improvement in steering preciseness. Doesn’t easily get bumped off your intended line. Just point and shoot.

 

[flash]

Merida's come with a 51mm offset. You can easily fit a 44mm offset if you want. I have. Trail will change. It'll be *slightly* more stable at high speed and slightly less at low speed. I got used to it after 2 rides. You're current wheel has a *Maxel* so you're stuck with a Rockshox unless you change the hub. I couldn't find a normal non Maxel adaptor for the wheels on my old e-160 (Merida branded). Steerer is tapered. Wheels are boost (110mm).

Really the only non standard is the Maxel adaptors.

Gordon

 

[Shjay]

I have a Manitou Mezzer 29er fork, it’s a fantastic fork 37mm stanchions so stiff & very plush also any Lyrik or Zeb would do