Answered Which fork is best?

[Beekeeper]

I have a choice of 2 hardtail emtb
One has a Suntour XCM34 coil

The other is a Rockshox Judy Silver Air

I know air is better but the Rockshox stanchions are only 30mm. Is that a bit flaky for an EMTB?

Which is best?

 

[Rusty]

Initially I would have gone for the Suntours. The Rockshox might have slightly better internals but I would think way too light compared to the Suntours.

Saying that, the Suntours are like $160NZD compared to $490 for the Rockshox so even though they are lighter the Rockshox may have a much more solid crown which to me is probably more important.

 

[33red]

Ya i have some RS trouble free also Suntour but that Suntour is entry level and i would pass on it. You have to trust the manufacturer, i had some 30 mm trouble free

 

[Beekeeper]

All useful information here. Thanks!

I know very little about front air shocks and only found out that you need to add air to them using a shock pump. I’m only planning to ride fire track type stuff. Do I need to keep checking the pressures? The Suntour XCM 34 coil seems very maintenance free compared to the RockShox Judy Silver Air. Or maybe the air shock is not that complicated in reality and I don’t need to worry too much about the settings?

 

[khorn]

All useful information here. Thanks!

I know very little about front air shocks and only found out that you need to add air to them using a shock pump. I’m only planning to ride fire track type stuff. Do I need to keep checking the pressures? The Suntour XCM 34 coil seems very maintenance free compared to the RockShox Judy Silver Air. Or maybe the air shock is not that complicated in reality and I don’t need to worry too much about the settings?

I bought an emtb with that fork(2019 Levo HT) for my wife and honesty it is about the worst fork I have ever ridden. It’s is extremely harsh and unless you are 100+ kg it is not even possible to set some decent sag. I took it off after 1 ride and sent it off to scrap iron as I would not even give it for free to someone. Everything would be better in my opinion, an air fork is usually set and forget and highly recommend over that piece of Plummer piping suntour call a shock.

Karsten

 

[Beekeeper]

I bought an emtb with that fork(2019 Levo HT) for my wife and honesty it is about the worst fork I have ever ridden. It’s is extremely harsh and unless you are 100+ kg it is not even possible to set some decent sag. I took it off after 1 ride and sent it off to scrap iron as I would not even give it for free to someone. Everything would be better in my opinion, an air fork is usually set and forget and highly recommend over that piece of Plummer piping suntour call a shock.

Karsten

Thanks. I think my mind is made up now. Pay a bit more for quality and comfort.

 

[33red]

When i go to my shop i just mention it is too stiff they adjust air for free. There are recommandations for maintenance but that is flexible as long as you enjoy your ride just pedal.

 

[khorn]

Thanks. I think my mind is made up now. Pay a bit more for quality and comfort.

If you have an air shock and or an air fork, it is a very good idea to purchase a shock pump. They cost next to nothing and you will find that it is a very simple task to adjust pressure. Setting the sag that is the best for your personal riding style is very important in order to get the most out of any shock or fork. You can find numerous guides either here or on YouTube how to setup your suspension.

Karsten