Strengths: 80mm to 125mm, lockout, great for downhills, great for climbs.
Weaknesses: Paint flakes off just by staring at it! Expensive
Expensive.
Overall: I really like these forks. I bought them for my Kona A build. I couldn't make my mind up what travel forks to get (I'd also got used to a lockout on my 1FG) so these were the perfect solution. Although expensive, I'm glad I splashed out on them.
Strengths: Lightweight,easy to clip in & out & so far,reliable, what more could anyoe want
Weaknesses: None.
Overall: Superb action,they have restored my faith in clipless pedals. I also have a pair of Mallets which whilst good are difficult to unclip. Before these I tried Time ATAC's, which felt great but again very difficult to unclip, although I understand that they've since changed the cleat design.
Strengths: Strong frame, great fun on the downhills, good on singletrack. No gears!
Weaknesses: A little on the heavy side.
Overall: This is a review of a bike built from an 03 frame, shock is standard Fox Float RL, fork is Fox TALAS 80-125, wheels are on-one Reetards with 2.1" Conti Vapours.
The handling of this bike is excellent, downhills with the fork set at 125mm are really good fun & whilst the climbs are a bit hard going the bike gets there & gets you fit at the same time.
Strengths: Lightweight, Optimo frame, headshock,Magura Louise disc brakes, singlespeed so easy to clean & maintain.
Weaknesses: Expensive at £1300, but I only paid £800.
Overall: This bike was a revelation to me, I now understand what a difference a good frame can make & how much easier it is to climb hills on a lightweight bike.
I've hardly ridden my full suss since buying this 6 months ago.
Weaknesses: Supposedly 1.95, but looks more like 1.5
Overall: This review is for the rear tyre. I find it grips well in all conditions, even in sticky mud. There is a tendency to slide sideways sometimes, but as long as you hold in there it doesn't let you down.
Overall: These came as standard on one of my bikes and I thought being contis that they would be good, but I'm not impressed. They don't clog too badly in mud, but there's certainly very little in the way of traction.
Strengths: Lightweight, no gears to destroy in winter mud, climbs well (for a singlespeed), can be bought for £300, great handling, looks good in black.
Weaknesses: As previously mentioned brake bosses not in the best of positions, but I cured this by using Avid Rim Wrangler brake pads which have a lower profile than the original brakes. Also, chain tugs as standard would be useful.
Overall: This is my first singlespeed bike which I bought primarily for Winter use. I originally wanted a Kona Unit, but there were none available for 4 months, so I bought this instead for £300, thereby saving myself £400. I have found the lack of gears no big deal, the lack of front suspension is a bigger issue when going downhill! The handling of this bike is extremely precise & makes riding it very enjoyable. If you're thinking about getting a singlespeed, I'd definitely recommend this bike.
