Conference noted::bicycle

That's Worcester,Ma area.
                     <<< Note 2982.0 by CADSYS::GRUNDMAN >>>
                           -< What suspension fork? >-

I want to get a suspension fork for my MTB, and I'm looking for 
suggestions in the $200-280 range.  I've looked at Manitou
Magnum and Quadra 21R.  Also, I'm looking for a shop in thr
area that might carry Marzocchi forks.  Any suggestions or
experiences with these would be helpful.

    
    As far as lower priced forks go, I do not favor Manitou or 
    quadra. Both are great forks if you get their top of the line. 
    I have manitou 3 on one of my bikes and it's ok. However, in 
    under $300 price range, I love the Marzocchi XC R. $297.00
    Air/Oil. I tried a few bikes with different shocks on them 
    and for the money you can't beat the Marzocchi's. It has six 
    adjustable positions which you can switch in about a second. 
    and very noticable difference it is also speed sensative. 
    I 've had the XC Rs for almost a month now and I've tried them on 
    real fast rides on cross country trails, to real technical rides 
    to real fast downhills on the ski slopes and the work great. 
    I don't know where in your area, but if you plan on a ride to 
    the NH seacost, Gus's internation cycles in Hampton (Rt. 1) 
    will give you the Marzocchi's for $275.
    The good thing about going up there is there are bikes available 
    with all of the above shocks which you can try out and see for
    yourself.  The cheaper elastomer forks like the Quadra and Magnum
    are good for little bumps and minor trails but bottom out when you 
    hit a big bump at a faster speed. I also noticed the adjustments are
    not realy that effective. (just my opinion from personal experience.)
    
    Shaw  

    You may want to go into the mountain bike and velo news rags looking
    for Manitou 3, Rock Shock 21's being dumped out.  I believe Nashbar
    had a great price on the Specialized Future Shock 94 model which is
    designed after the Rock Shock.  I believe their price was under $200.
    
    steve

    I too have had the XCR for a short while (as in 2982.2) and have
    found it to be an excellent and easily adjustable fork.
    
    bruce 

    Bicycle magazine recently reviewed suspension forks. In their report
    Marzocchi was not rated very well. I think the RockShox Judy XR(?) was
    rated tops overall. Quadra 21R was rated best value.
    
    Steve.
    

    
    
    Steve, do you know which issue of Bicycle had that. I would be 
         interested to see which Marzocchi was tested and what
         the complaints were. 
    
    Shaw

    
    
    		A riding buddy has had problems with two separate bikes
    	with Marzocchi air/oil shocks.  Both blew seals after a relatively
    	few pounding rides.  He now has Judy XC on his primary bike.  I
    	tried them out, briefly.  Although they seem to be very sensitive 
    	to all kinds of bumps, they don't seem to have much travel.  Less 
    	than 2 inches. Not my cup of tea for $400+
    
    		I've been riding on MAG 21s for more than two years and
    	they are almost two years older than that.  Rarely see an "easy"
    	day.  Changed the oil once, add air about every other month. 
    	They flex somewhat, and my only other complaint is the clunk they
     	sometimes make if rebounding too quickly.  Nothing a tweak of the
     	knob won't fix. 
    			Other than that....nice.
    
    		I'd check out those Specialized "FUTURE" shocks. Looks like
     	a bargain.
    
    

    
    In one of the mtb mags few month back there was an article on all 
    the shocks that had recalls on them. Marzocchi XC 400s where among
    the ones,so was Manitue 3 and some others. The Marzocchi's are 
    the older models however. I have the mag 21s on one of my bikes and 
    the Marzocchi XC Rs on another, and prefer the XC R. When I go to the 
    mountains the day usually starts with some real expert terrain, not 
    for the fait of heart, high speeds and very steep, on these runs I 
    prefer the Marzocchi's in the afternoon I usually just do some 
    X country riding which also varies from intermediate to expert and 
    find the adjustability of the Marzocchi's pretty good. As for my 
    next bike, first choice would be the Judy SL, and second choice 
    the ugly Girvin fork. I have tried a few bikes with the Judy XC and 
    they are good for Xcrountry but don't have enough travel for 
    any high speed bumpy terrain. 
    
    Shaw

    Shaw,
    
    It is the latest issue or bicycle. The feature shows response curves
    for the various forks. The Marzocchi curves indicate that they are
    effective against "the big hits" and pretty much nothing else.
    
    Steve.
    

    
    Thanks Steve, I will get an issue.  Re-taking big hits and nothing 
    else. There are three different models. XC 600 being their top of 
    the line. The adjustment are very easy. Marzochhi recommends air 
    pressure of 50 psi and setting the adjustments to 1 or 2 for small
    bumps, I did this and it rides real plush.
    
    Shaw