DH forks for beginer

[wal]

Looking at doing some DH this year. Just for participation.
Looking for some forks.
Will consider all options, but not into ultra expensive, unless I get the bug.

1st thoughts, bombers 66 or boxers.

Comments welcome, even from Brand whores.
Tell me the pros and cons.

[thebofh]

Are you thinking of swapping the forks on your regular AM bike? I'd suggest getting a cheap secondhand bike like a Stinky or old Glory instead.

[wal]

No Im thinking of just changing the forks for events.
Frame can handle it, current forks wont thou.
Got the wheels, tyres, helmet, might need a bit of body armour.

[Housey]

Totem's maybe ?


or anything that doesn't involve getting spares from _ _ _ _  _ _ _ _ _ for repair.

[mike]

I have heard older larger blokes enjoying 40's due to the fact they dont have to watch them bend in underneath them whilst on heavy braking....

But 40's feel like poo and the adjuster knobs aren't connected to anything.

Get some boxxers (2006-2009)

Races are super cheap, light, reliable, easy to service, adjustable...

Team's are slightly more expensive but I found my team's felt alot nicer than my races and could be adjusted to a feel I really liked.

WC's are more again, and slightly better, but meh, I wouldn't bother again with WC's.  

[mike]

And in all fairness, and everyone will agree, the old 66/888's really just weren't in the same league as the boxxers as a DH race fork.

[Bradley]

That being said Mike, A set of 05 boxxer races/teams will not last 5 years without being serviced and still run smoothly. Marzocchi isn't top of the line, but they work well and are the most reliable I have found.

[wal]

Im planning on using two headsets to make changing forks easier.

[Jagman]

Im planning on using two headsets to make changing forks easier.

Really? Fair enough if you don't want to abuse your normal one, but if they're sealed bearings that saves about 5 seconds. Two bottom races would be worth it though. You shouldn't need to buy a whole new headset for that though, someone should have the race from a headset that has died.

Some 180mm domains would do the trick. DH doesn't feel right on a 6 inch all mountain bike on a decent trail though, they just aren't set up right with geometry, ask Doug what it was like. Even going from a 7 inch bike to a proper DH setup was a huge improvement in fun levels for me. If you have fun at all, make sure you have a go of a proper DH bike, you could get an older one for less that the price of a new set of triples.

If you're going to get triples, and are maintaining your current build, Fox 40s are the go.

[slowmongooserider]

And in all fairness, and everyone will agree, the old 66/888's really just weren't in the same league as the boxxers as a DH race fork.

even i'll agree wtih that and im a big marzocchi fan, bombers were built for shore style riding and similar, to heavy for racing.
i have boxxer races on my new bike and can't wait to feel the difference between them and the drop off 3s on my freeride bike.

totems are good but if you like me and bar spin when you crash you'll be replacing brake lines and other parts often so my vote is boxxers

[wal]

Single crown vs double crown.?
Majority of riders Ive talked to have suggested single crown forks for my needs.

[mike]

Triples... there are the bset 

BTW I edited my post above, i accidently wrote 2005-2009 boxxers, where I really meant 2006-2009.  2005 didn't have the moco cart yet.

[Backdoor]

How's the frame you're considering putting them on gonna hold up? What are you currently running, travel wise?

[wal]

Its classified as a light freeride/ heavy duty all mountain.
I think Its designed for megavalance/enduro dh style of riding
Rear suspension is a tad under 7 inch travel. Going down the rear suspension is one of the best Ive had yet.
The front suspension doesnt match the rear going downhill, but for all mountain, its light and fun.
1.5 inch head tube is just begging for 7-8 inch forks.

The bike could be built with lighter stuff, but it can also be built up for bombing DH.

http://www.youtube.com/v/CtP44v30yKo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1

[Jagman]

I still say Rockshox Domains (single crown). I had the 7 inch travel version on a bike with just under 7 inches of travel, and they were bullet proof. Not as plush or adjustable as the best triple crowns, but they take a beating. I'm using a 6 inch set on my 6 inch bike now, and I'm loving them at Turner hill, I can abuse them all I like on the down hill while still pedalling up hills.