Weaknesses: Not anywhere near as strong as a D321, they split at the join as they are just cheaply pinned together instead of welded (like Mavics), water easily gets behind the, pointless, plastic strip and can start to corrode the rim from the inside. Seem incredibly easy to flat spot
Overall: I've owned 3 of these rims, and they each lasted about 6 months (max) each, due to financial constraints (being skint) I still have one on the front, this rim is comin apart as I speak with a 2/3mm gap at the the join, and a 4 inch long flat spot on it, this one is now about a year old, my back D321 is also a year old and is in near perfect condition. Stick with the Mavics
Strengths: great all round protection, pads cant shift, now with added chest plates
Weaknesses: well these things are always gonna be hot.
Overall: The best you can buy, forget about MX roost protectors these are way better(u can wear it under your shirt for a start), really good movement, gladiator version (not as well vented) is a bit cheaper at £175, but you can get these for £199 anyway
Strengths: Rides very well, very plush, looks good, high quality welding, adjustible BB height, easily replaced bearings
Weaknesses: Weak flexy back end, crap shock, stupid mount on the top tube for one of those long MX style saddles
Overall: another of those frames from that factory in Taiwan, the front end is of a higher quality that most but unfortunately the rear is the same one that u see on loads of other bikes. I have already snapped the rear end once and it is very badly twisted again. Performance was greatly increased by fitting of a Fox shock.
The rear end is now stronger on current models but the one i unfortunately have is rubbish. We'll see how long i can make it last then it's gettin binned
Strengths: er keeps the mud out your eyes (a minor point missed above), easy to fit fairly strong, plastic is unbreakable
Weaknesses: might not like hammering a star nut into the bottom of your forks, can flap off the tyre, if you're really unlucky your fork brace will bottom out of the bracker
Strengths: Brilliant performance always seemed a bit better than normal Z1s, PROPER 20mm bolt through (none of your QR20 caper), much stiffer steering than normal Z1s, exclusive, different, colour (Magic Yellow), price plumeted after a certain shop got hold of the end of the production run
Weaknesses: colour(?), initial price, you'll have to order some parts from Italy
Overall: very very nice evolution of the brilliant Z1, well worth finding a pair if you'd like a stiffer Z1 or a 20mm axle jump fork. Might be quite difficult to find though as most were seen on team bikes due to the cost. I want mine back
Strengths: really really plush, very well controlled, a mechanics dream to work on, still fairly light, stiff, very rare and exclusive, handbuilt lovely-ness, massive twin four bolt clamps for the axle
Weaknesses: hhhhmmm this would be the price tag, £2000 pounds is a LOT of money, but then they were never really meant to be a big hit with the public as they were intended for World Cup Pro Issue only, wot price exclusivity? 9 bolts on the drop-outs can be a bit footery when getting the front wheel in (another bolt on end of axle).
Overall: The ones I use are ex-DBS Norway forks and even after their use these forks are still absolutely brilliant, better than Boxxers, White Bros etc. Parts are still available but some will need to be ordered from Italy. I always feel it's nice to have something a bit different too but the value mark could never be higher than 2. As most people keep sayin to me "you could buy a car for that, a bloody good one!" Roll on Morzine!
Strengths: rides like a dream, huge range of adjustability, excellent shock, handling is as near perfect as u get, lengths heights everything seams perfect, strong as an ox
Weaknesses: seems very at first but u forget this as soon as your on it, i can't afford one
Overall: I rode a few of these years ago but had forgotten just how good they were until my friend got his last week. they truly are fantastic and almost certainly the best downhill frames that money can buy. This should have 5 stars beside it, but it's hard to say that a £2400 frame is truly excellent value
Strengths: Very very strong, very light, great finish (prevents stress risers), great rise and shape, should last forever
Weaknesses: only the price can be faulted but then again the MX version costs £150+
Overall: the use of Easton taper wall tubing is the secret behind the strength and weight of these bars, and also the price. Incredible piece of MX cross-over parts
