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- February 25, 2011 at 08:33 #96123
  
  Huber
  
  What is the differences between a hydraulic and coil/elastomer fork? What are the advantages/disavantages of each.
  
  I am ready to upgrade from my cheap mongoose and I’m stuck between two bikes:
  Cannondale Trail SL 3- with a coil/elastomer fork
  [url:2cs7ck4j]http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng/Products/Bikes/Mountain/Hardtail/Trail-SL/Details/2697-1FS3JBBQ-TRAIL-SL-3[/url:2cs7ck4j]
  &
  Specialized RockHopper Comp- with hydraulic fork
  [url:2cs7ck4j]http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52807&scid=1000&scname=Mountain[/url:2cs7ck4j]
  
  Any help would be appreciated.
- February 28, 2011 at 06:33 #96124
  
  tdbgwl
  
  I can’t offer you much help, but they both look like very nice bikes.
  
  I have a Specialized and I think it’s great.
  
  I hope somebody else can help you out with the specs. They both look very similar in that regard.
- February 28, 2011 at 08:46 #96125
  
  BikerPanda
  
  id pick the RST duece over the Suntour fork.
  
  I own a Haro with a Suntour fork and Im not crazy about it.
  
  Ive heard more good than bad about Duece forks.
  
  I dont know the difference between the two (I think I do but I dont want to liter the site with misinformation) but if I were to pick just by name brand, its RST Duece all day for me.
- March 9, 2011 at 12:11 #96126
  
  marzoochi, marzoochi, marzoochi. i just bought a complete rebuilt marathon sl85 smoothest darn fork i’ve ever ridden (air/oil) got it on ebay for two bills. gotta love that. don’t forget to let r rip!! 😼
- March 9, 2011 at 17:58 #96127
  
  Towrmonkey
  
  I am just getting into the mtb sceen from motocross. I did all my own work on my forks, and the hydraluic fork is oil dampening. You can set it for different terrian. The local shop can rebuild and change a few things inside to make it smoother or more progressive. The other type is based on all spring and I do not believe adjustable. I have not read if you can get different springs for your weight like in a mx bike. With the hydraulic system you will need to check the seals and replace them if they start leaking. Not a big deal once you learn to do it yourself. I hope this helps with you choice. I am also going to upgrade from a mongoose. I am looking at a Trek 820 or a Rockhopper. Nothing to fancy, I am buying used I do not mind working on things, I work on the road and take my bike with me. Rainy days in the hotel give me plenty of time.
- March 10, 2011 at 04:57 #96128
  
  Huber
  
  Thanks guys for the advice.
  As far as performance goes, which one would be the best for trail/xc riding.
- March 10, 2011 at 15:34 #96129
  
  Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter
  
  "bhuber" wrote
  
  Thanks guys for the advice.
  As far as performance goes, which one would be the best for trail/xc riding.
  
  air…
- March 11, 2011 at 06:50 #96130
  
  ollysj
  
  "maddslacker" wrote
  
  air…
  
  This…
  
  A RS Recon is always a good deal or a Fox 32 F-Series.
- March 11, 2011 at 07:02 #96131
  
  Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter
  
  I just installed a Fox F32 RL120 Remote on my bike last night. It is incredible and such a step up from my ancient Marzocchi MX Comp!
- March 11, 2011 at 09:52 #96132
  
  BUDDAH
  
  "maddslacker" wrote
  
  I just installed a Fox F32 RL120 Remote on my bike last night. It is incredible and such a step up from my ancient Marzocchi MX Comp!
  
  pictures pictures…
- March 12, 2011 at 12:29 #96133
  
  Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter
  
  New fork, new wheels AND new tires! 😎
- March 12, 2011 at 17:54 #96134
  
  Mark Larson
  
  I have to agree with maddslacker on “air” for performance and weight; however, it has its price. Air forks will cost more for initial purchase as well as service and maintenance. Seals seem to be the only real down fall for air forks. Air sprung forks allow for users to dial in for precision performance and are made out of light weight alloys.
  A higher end coil fork will offer some similar attributes to the air fork with handling and an alloy construction. The entry price point coil forks will most likely not allow for much in the way of tuning options as well as the lowers being constructed out of steel, adding unwanted weight to the front end of your bike.
  
  @bhuber,I looked at the two bikes you are considering the Specialized has the better fork, the Cannondale has a slightly better drive train. Hope this helps a little.
  
  @ Maddslacker, nice bike…and a sweet set up!
- March 12, 2011 at 21:12 #96135
  
  Huber
  
  thanks prophet. i ended up putting the cannondale on lay-away today. i’m not sure i want to get an air fork just yet if it requires that much maintainence. also the shop that carries the cannondale is a lot closer to me. i can always upgrade the fork at a later date.
- March 14, 2011 at 13:50 #96136
  
  dozzerboy
  
  Madd, how much weight did you save?
  
  My bike with the fox F100 fork. Air spring. Very smooth fork.
- March 14, 2011 at 16:04 #96137
  
  Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter
  
  Fork,
  Old 4.96lbs – New 3.63lbs (with remote!) Saved 1.33lbs
  
  Tires (pair),
  Old 3.5lbs – New 2.6lbs Saved .9lbs
  
  Wheels (pair),
  Old 5.1lbs – New 3.5lbs Saved 1.6lbs
  
  [edit] I forgot the tubes!
  Old 1.4lbs – New .6lbs Saved .8lbs
  
  Total saved, 4.63lbs, 3.3lbs of it rotating weight! (2,100 grams total, 1,497 grams rotating)
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