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Advice Needed

Jun 14, 2009 at 9:42

by Aaron Holm

Alright, I'm needing some advice from learned riders out there.Picked up an 09 Wildcard/DHX5 air, simply swapped over my parts from the Scream to get it rolling. Unfortunately my current fork, a 2005 66RC, isn't up to the level I would like it to be. In hope of ending up with a bike I'll be able to be happy with for years(instead of switching rigs 4x a year like I just did) I've given up on any prejudices I may hold against certain companies in my search for a new fork.

But to be honest, I haven't really had much or any amount of time on the offerings for the 160mm market. Now unfortunately, price is a huge issue. I have loan payments, insurance, rent, all that fun stuff... and only being part time is hell.
I really have nothing against buying used, I think I've probably spent only $200 on new parts for any of my bikes. I know what to look for in terms of abuse and damage, and have incredible luck with scoring deals on parts.

1-Don't want another 66. Love marzo, just not for this build.
2-36 is the top contender atm. No need for travel adjust so Talas isn't needed. Never had an issue with coil so a Van is fine, although air might compliment the air shock better so a Float is also an option.
3-Recently I have also been looking into the Lyrik, I honestly have no clue how it would hold up to the abuse that the shore has to offer. As with the 36, no need for travel adjust, air or coil is fine.
4-I'm extremely curious about the Magura Wotan, and the X-Fusion Vengeance... unfortunately these seem to be more than I can afford at the moment(as you can't find them used to save your life). If anyone has experience with them I would love a bit of input. They might be worth the extra dough.
5-Admittedly I have never been a Manitou fan, and I really don't even know if they have a solid entry in the 160mm category. The website has nothing but I'm not sure what they have had in previous years that I could acquire used.

Now what I am looking for from anyone reading this is a brief description of the pros and cons of each product, any recommendations(air vs coil, etc), and anything in general that will help me get the best bang for my buck.

Keep in mind, I'm riding alongside guys with long travel DH rigs as well as subjecting the Wildcard to the meat grinder that is Whistler all through the season.

Thanks for any input.
Unhallowed~

Author Info:

Aaron Holm

Richmond, BC, Canada

Member since Oct 7, 2008

0 articles

I'm just out to have some fun, and destroy some shit in the process.

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56 Comments

c-bernier (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:00)

I would say a 55 but everyone I know has had it blow up,So possibly if marzo' has sorted out there problems this year.A Totem or domain would also be a good choice,you cant beat a totem for a single crown fork,I do think there 180mm though so you would have to lower it.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:02)

I HATE 55's. They feel like utter crap imo.
You mean totem or lyrik? Domain is the lyriks little brother and is more of an AM fork.

transam711 (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:07)

I thought the Domain was the Totem's ugly step brother?

They come with up to 180mm...

And yeah. 55's are junk. I'm disappointed in Marzocchi for making such garbage.

c-bernier (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:07)

Okay fair enough I've never ridden a 55 I've just heard there nice till they blow up.I mean a totem or a domain,Totem is more of a DH fork feels like a dual crown as much as you can with only single crown,I did say the domain though.My friend was hitting a drop of 20'+ I wouldn't be suprised if it was 25.Just so you understand and don.t say ya fckin right he over shot 3/4 of a 50-60 foot tranny.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:10)

"Lyrik’s little brother Domain is a solid, adjustable 152mm (6in) all-rounder at a decent price." -BikeRadar.com

transam711 (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:12)

Touche, Unhallowed.

55's are never nice. And very nice story, Kona-rider...

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:13)

Not trying to sound rude, but I don't much care what your "friend" has or has not done haha.
I'm more interest in first hand experience with how different forks perform in the situations I need them to.

c-bernier (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:15)

No Im just saying theres no way in hell you going to break it.I have ridden it done a couple trails as well and it feels amazing,very adjustable to.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:18)

I don't break parts. I'm fairly smooth and not overly abusive.

transam711 (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:19)

I thought you were just out here to have fun, and destroy some shit in the process? More balls than brains?

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:20)

Destroying other things, not parts.

transam711 (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:21)

Hahahaha

pbuser102331 (Nov 24, 2009 at 6:32)

only thing to watch for on the totem is the maxxle,if you don't tighten up the lever enough the lower's can splay apart,but only a few milimeter's.

c-bernier (Nov 24, 2009 at 17:30)

But thats a problem with all FR forks with a maxle is it not?

Unhallowed (Nov 24, 2009 at 17:32)

I'm strongly considering a Wotan atm. It's something you dont see every day, I found one for a low price in very good shape, uber stiff, not too heavy, plenty of adjustment. Basically a fox 36 on steroids, for half the price.

c-bernier (Nov 24, 2009 at 17:34)

A wotan? Link?

Unhallowed (Nov 24, 2009 at 17:36)

www.magura.com/en/products/suspension-forks-2010/prod/wotan-16.html

c-bernier (Nov 24, 2009 at 17:38)

To bad it megura,I hate that double arch look.

Unhallowed (Nov 24, 2009 at 17:39)

Who cares about looks? It makes for an insanely stiff fork.

c-bernier (Nov 24, 2009 at 17:41)

Ya but I find it so ugly that to me it would ruin a perfect bike,I would run one of course but I would rather get a 36 or something.

Unhallowed (Nov 24, 2009 at 17:43)

Form follows function for me, I happen to find them rather attractive anyways so w/e.

transam711 (Nov 24, 2009 at 20:01)

Kona-rider, I'd quit while you're ahead. Saying you find something ugly only works when you aren't riding a 2002 Stinky. I think Wotan's look sick, and if you can find a good deal on one, I'd go for it.

Unhallowed (Nov 24, 2009 at 23:07)

I lined up an epic deal on one.

pbuser102331 (Nov 25, 2009 at 2:54)

only maxxle fork's do it though,show's there's a slight design flaw. granted the wotan ain't the best looker out there but they have some neat little touche's.

transam711 (Nov 25, 2009 at 13:05)

I haven't had a single problem with my Maxles, front or rear.

Neither have any of my buddies, but we must just be lucky.

c-bernier (Nov 25, 2009 at 13:52)

No it would be stupid if I said I like the way my stinky looked,but I hate the way it look chrome is so gross on a bike.But it gets the job done so I'm fine with it

Unhallowed (Nov 25, 2009 at 13:55)

If you guys are going to fight, gtfo.

c-bernier (Nov 25, 2009 at 13:56)

No fighting here I've made my point

fiberglassguy27 (Nov 23, 2009 at 20:37)

I own a Med Wildcard and I mostly hit big gaps to fairly smooth trannies.I mostly run the rear in the 5" setting because the bike handles better.I have a Marz 66ata up front and run that at 5"-6" max.Any more than that,the bike wants to loop out and I find myself putting all my weight up front to drop in to the tranny.At 160mm or lower up front the bike is more level in the air.2 of mmy friends have Wildcards "one Large,one Small"one w/66ata and one had 66ata and switched to Fox36rc2.All of us have blown our ata's and don't reccomend the 66!I would get a 2010 55 coil or the 201055air which are back to basics for Marzocchi,but stay away from any and all Marz ATA!I have ridden the Lyric's and they are great,air or coil.The Vengence is supposed to be decent as well.Try to buy a fork with real basic internals with as much adjustability as possible like rebound,compression,air assist etc.You might be able to have your fork lowered for cheap to get u by until you get a new set up.Good luck.Once you set your bike up right your going to love it.

veet-88 (Nov 23, 2009 at 22:09)

I know many guys out here that ride the lyrik over the totem. All I have heard is positive from everyone and a few of these guys are just stupid pinner, have yet to see see one break physically. most race so I think the will be prime for what ever you have to throw at em. If your intrested I have a 2009 1.5 lyric 2 step that has a fucked 2 step air system. The replacement solo air cartridge is dirt cheap coil is even less. I would be ready to drop this bad boy off with headset for pretty dirt cheap PM me if your intrested. It's doing me no good sitting here never to be used again.

pbuser102331 (Nov 22, 2009 at 14:39)

36 van,i just prefer coil fork's as there more reliable and easier to home service,granted air will save a some weight,but to be honest weight ain't as important as feel. the wildacard also suite's the 36.

Unhallowed (Nov 22, 2009 at 16:21)

how are the 36's for gnarly rock gardens though?

pbuser102331 (Nov 23, 2009 at 6:21)

i havn't tried them as of yet,but they should be good for it.

all the review's in the uk they put the 36 against the totem/lyrik and 66,and the only one to beat the 36 was the totem.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 11:24)

Hmm ok. I'd love a totem, and I can get them for super cheap. But they are just way too tall for what I want right now.

pbuser102331 (Nov 23, 2009 at 11:50)

will be lower than your 66 but not as low as a 36 granted,ah it's a toughy for sure. my final vote goe's for 36.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 11:53)

Totem will be lower than my 66? I thought the ATC was on par with a Boxxer? My 66 is only 170mm too... If that's the case I might just go for a Totem I found used... 400 bucks for a 2007 coil. That's almost half of what they usually go for.

pbuser102331 (Nov 23, 2009 at 11:54)

the 05 66 were about 40mm taller axle to crown than the 06 model on the same travel.

RM396 (Nov 23, 2009 at 18:59)

I'd go with lowered Totems

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:01)

Why? I'm more interested in the reasoning behinds people opinions as opposed to products just being named off. Helps me with my final decision more.

RM396 (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:08)

Totems are just a great FR fork, they are very adjustable and are really overbuilt yet light. I read somewhere 2010 Totems are lighter than Pike's? Also, they can take a beating at Whistler, a guy I know raced Totems on his HT all season and they outlasted his frame. You could also run 180mm travel for Whistler and then 160 for everyday shore riding. I think the major pro's are that you can run a bit more travel for Whistler depending on if your bike can take it and since you can get them for cheap...
*EDIT: Talking about the air sprung ones here.*

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:14)

Yea I'm looking at the Coil version of the Totem as its the one I found cheap. SO any travel adjustment is a somewhat permanent one.

ThirstyBeaver (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:59)

I've got a Totem Coil for sale if the right price comes along...Just got new oil and hasn't been ridden since, new seals at the start of this season.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 20:02)

Well the one I found was $400. If you can do that then I'll start scrounging up money.

ThirstyBeaver (Nov 23, 2009 at 20:04)

778-995-1007

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 20:06)

I'll call eventually. I'm actually just heading out to door to drop some junk off at this chicks house. And I mean that in a completely non sexual way.

ThirstyBeaver (Nov 23, 2009 at 20:09)

No hurry! If I don't sell them to you they probably wont be getting sold as I might have to keep these babys.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 20:14)

AH ok, awesome. I still gotta pay off my frame, pay for my new electrical system in the truck, and continue paying ICBC to fuck me in the ass repeatedly.

pbuser102331 (Nov 23, 2009 at 11:56)

or was it 20mm,or bugger i hate my memory pretty sure it was 40 though.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 12:02)

Hmm ok. I'll do a bit of digging on the ATC of my 66 to find out for sure what will raise or lower my front end... And tbh I don't mind if the front is HIGH, I just don't want a stupid amount of rake on a 5" rig...

pbuser102331 (Nov 23, 2009 at 12:03)

for sure lower just for the life of me can't remeber how much,old age suck's

transam711 (Nov 23, 2009 at 18:36)

Yeah, the old 66's have a crazy long axle-to-crown height. If I was you, I'd try to find a good deal on a Lyrik. I have a Pike, and I absolutely love it. If I had a Wildcard, I'd put a Pike on it, but if you want more travel, a Lyrik is the way to go.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 18:44)

Yea Pike is way too short for me. I test rode my frame on a pike and it was so weird.

Well cost is really a huge issue for this. Lyriks are about the same as a Talas used, in the 500 bucks range. 36 Van/float are around 5-600. Then I can get a totem coil for 400.

And I have yet to get a solid reply as to how Lyriks hold up for all day abuse at whistler or gnarly rock gardens.

transam711 (Nov 23, 2009 at 18:53)

I can understand how it'd be too short for a Wildcard, I've just been really impressed with mine.

Totem.

Just lower that shizzel, they aren't even ridiculously heavy. And that'd definitely be burly enough for anything you'd want to do.

I'd like a response on that, also.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 18:57)

Yea I was considering lowering it to 160 like I've seen some peoples. Not sure what it entails though, if it's just spacers or if cutting of springs is involved. Not too worried about weight, I have an acceptably light build. The 66 is the only overly heavy component atm(I have a couple parts en route that lighten the rig up too).

I spoke with a guy who said a friend of his used a lyrik for techy rock gardens. Unfortunately that's all the info I got out of him. Would be nice to have a bit more detail. I'll try and remember to give you a shout if I hear anything.

transam711 (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:02)

180 to 160 SHOULD not need a new spring...

I helped my buddy lower his 66 from 170 to 140 and it didn't need anything, so unless Rock Shox are way oversprung, it should be fine... I'd deff look into it some more, though.

Cool, thanks.

Unhallowed (Nov 23, 2009 at 19:03)

66's use a slightly different system than the totems though. You can lower them simply by placing a spacer at the bottom of the spring. The totem has the mission control floodgate etc etc stuff you have to worry about too.