MTB suspension fork

[p nut]

After years of riding rigid, I think all the pounding has taken a toll on my wrists. Not good.

So reluctantly, I’m looking for a suspension fork. But I’ve been out of that realm for a while, so I’m looking for suggestions.

Frame is a Vassago Optimus Ti frame (Boost).

Fork travel = 120mm

Pretty much all XC riding around here except when I go to Moab or So Utah, where it gets chunky.

I mostly run 29x2.4” tires but may move up to 2.6” when in Moab (I also have 29x3” but I doubt it would fit any of the suspension forks).

I’m leaning towards a Fox 34.

Appreciate any input.

[.RJ]

cant go wrong with a fox 34, or a rockshox pike, and I've read good things about the MRP ribbon. Whatever you buy though, dont get a 32mm tube fork, they're noodles.

[Jaybee]

Fox 34 is always a good choice. Factory with the Kashima is nice, but I'm not sure I can tell the difference between that and the Performance series. Also look at the Marzocchi Z2 - same internals as the Fox. A well adjusted Pike is probably my favorite fork - supportive off the top but bottomless feeling once you initiate travel. I've never ridden one at less than 140mm, bit don't see why a 120mm version would be remarkably different. I don't have any experience with the new SID, but it gets really good reviews. The Manitou Mattoc also gets good reviews, though it's heavy if I remember correctly.

Modern forks generally have a ton of clearance. You might be surprised what can clear a 29x3. I'm pretty sure I'd have no issue clearing that in the Fox34 on my hardtail, though I've never gone bigger than 2.6 on it.

[EB]

+1 for the 34. For 120mm travel and XC-style riding I would go with the Stepcast model with the Fit4 damper. The GRIP2 damper on the regular 34 is amazing but overkill for XC.

[lorenbike]

.

[p nut]

Thank you. Sounds like Fox 34 wins out.

I’m currently running 44mm offset on my rigid fork.

Does that translate right over to suspension fork? I see Fox offers 44 and 51 offsets.

[nublar]

Fox Factory 34

[calebrichardson]

+1 for Fox 34

There are a lot of variations, stepcast vs normal lower tubes, grip vs fit4 damper. There is no grip2 damper available in 120mm.

I have ridden the fit4 and grip damper on my stepcast and both are great, fit4 is a lot lighter but not as supple off the top.

Can't go wrong wrong with any of them.

[JAGI410]

Go Manitou or DVO.

Cheaper, easier to service, and performs just as well.

[.RJ]

Originally Posted by p nut

I’m currently running 44mm offset on my rigid fork.

Does that translate right over to suspension fork? I see Fox offers 44 and 51 offsets.

I'd keep the same