Anyone who has experience with, and can comment on, the Eko Total Air kits (aka Englund)?

The time has come to do something about my old Judy XC ’97 set up. And I was thinking about fitting a TA kit, new bushings, wiper seals, etc.

Is an upgrade worth the dough, or should I shell out for a new fork instead? My current frame is only corrected for 63 mm of suspension travel.

I weigh about 195 lbs and mostly ride, somewhat technical, XC trails with a couple of small (sub 2 1/2 ft) drops here and there.

What do you think; would the TA kit be a good option vs. a new fork?

Cheers,

/ Fredric

How much will that lot cost you? Because that might be the deciding factor.

I should think you could run an 80mm fork without seriously hampering your handling. Marzocchi MX Comps start at about £140 if you shop around.
If you want 63mm you are looking at RS Duke SL's (£280) at their lowest setting or RS SID Races (£320) which come in 63mm form.

IMHO I'd say upgrade, things have moved on a bit since '97 not just the interals, but also structual stiffness.

I'd try MX Comps as a budget option as the Dr. says.

'IMHO I'd say upgrade'

sorry meant to say get a new fork!!!

The TA kit, Enduro wipers, bushings, shipping, plus labour (I don’t think I could fit the bushings myself w/o the proper tool) would set me back about £115.

My old Judy has Easton tapered alu uppers, one peace lowers, alu cartridge (all std components), and weigh-in roughly at 3,3 lbs. Though I’m not a hard-core weight weenie I think I’d mind adding a lot of weight to the front end. Today’s middle performance forks are quite heavy, aren’t they?

Any ideas as to how much new lowers cost? According to the RockShox FAQ, new SID and Pilot lowers (i.e. short legs/long brake arch) should fit my Judy. Do you think they come fitted with bushings and wiper seals?

Perhaps, as you say Dr D, it wouldn’t make such a difference with an 80 mm travel fork. I guess a shorter stem could liven things up a bit, and compensate to some extent.

And Tim, I sure like the sound of a stiffer fork so you’re probably right. I should perhaps be looking for a new fork instead.

At that level of cost I really can't see a benefit to upgrading. I'm sure that a current short travel fork would work better than a well used 7 year old example, even with new (but old designed) damper/spring units.

I used Englund air cartridges about 4 years ago-used 4 pairs as the b*stards would lose air. They actually gave you a special piece of PVC pipe to put into the fork to make it rigid when the thing blew out. Plus you had to take them apart to adjust them.
Get a new fork-please-

One peace -- one love, yeah I crack me up. Har-di-har-har "One-piece lowers" obviously.

Anyway, thanks guys. I appreciate your input. I’ve decided to treat myself to a new fork, and as a direct response I’ve noticed a smiling guy walking past the mirrors at the exact same time as I.

No, it just doesn’t seem worth all the hassle of getting upgrade-bits from different on-line shops; waiting for backorders on kits (three weeks here, two weeks there); delivery; time at the local workshop; etc. Add to that what you guys mentioned, and there you have it -- a new fork it is.

I spotted the Duke range with U-turn that will actually go all the way down to 63 mm. Sounds like sweet-potato-pie for my frame, and that’s just "Mm, mm, good." I’ll have to stop by my LBS to have a closer look.

Again, thanks!

With the plus point that you aren't limited to 63mm. Start at that, then dial out travel until the handling feels weird. I still reckon you'll be good for at least 80mm, at least for going downhill.