Is it possible to build a light, capable, mid-travel bike any more?

[Roxtar]

None. It doesn't have MC² damper or IRT air spring. So only rebound and LSC on the damper side.

So the two primary reasons this fork is so special aren't important?

[Roxtar]

Joking aside sweet bike. I really want an XS switchblade for my wife so I’ll cross my fingers you decide to move on.

Naa, the weight is a quibble, not a deal-breaker.
She LOVES her bike.

[Roxtar]

That makes the decision pretty easy. Thanks.

Wrong.
Without those two items you have a very ordinary fork.

[Robik]

So the two primary reasons this fork is so special aren't important?

Don't get me wrong, I've had Mezzer Pro on 2 builds and now got Mattoc Pro and I definitely prefer their damper and air spring to Expert, but some folks prefer simplicity of set up and pretty good price cut of the lower models. The triple air chamber takes very little to mess it up.

On a side note, I put my Propain Hugene XL with plastic WA1 Convert with DT 350 hubs and DHF/DHRII Exo+, Garbaruk cassette, Mezzer Pro and Mara Pro, carbon XX1 cranks, AXS shifting and it came at 32 lbs including PNW aluminum pedals.
With lighter wheels and tires, Mattoc Pro and probably some lighter saddle in place of Chromag Trailmaster it's quite possible to bring it down to 30 lbs

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[Roxtar]

Don't get me wrong, I've had Mezzer Pro on 2 builds and now got Mattoc Pro and I definitely prefer their damper and air spring to Expert, but some folks prefer simplicity of set up and pretty good price cut of the lower models. The triple air chamber takes very little to mess it up.

On a side note, I put my Propain Hugene XL with plastic WA1 Convert with DT 350 hubs and DHF/DHRII Exo+, Garbaruk cassette, Mezzer Pro and Mara Pro, carbon XX1 cranks, AXS shifting and it came at 32 lbs including PNW aluminum pedals.
With lighter wheels and tires, Mattoc Pro and probably some lighter saddle in place of Chromag Trailmaster it's quite possible to bring it down to 30 lbs

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I just mean that the bump in $ for the Pro is well worth it. Those two features are what make it what it is. Saying there's no advantage to the Pro is way off.
The IRT and MC2 are HUGE features that make the difference between a great fork and a very average one.

[smmokan]

The new Privateer 141 is 37 pounds... but weight doesn't matter. (neither do looks, apparently)

[chicken feathers]

^ Dayum. My alu Sight is probably close to that. Climbs well and descends great…but the weight is pretty noticeable once I’m around 15 miles or so in if I’m doing big climbs at elevation. It’s a lot of bike to schlep and at the end I either feel defeated, or like a total badass.

If I was more than a weekend warrior I wouldn’t be riding a ~ 35 lb bike all the time.

[Boissal]

Without those two items you have a very ordinary fork.

Not to hijack this thread but it sounds like you've ridden the Mattoc Pro? Comparison to Pike Ultimate? I'm a huge Manitou fanboy, running a Mezzer on my big bike and my previous ride, and I'm not getting along well with the Pike ult on my Stumpy (150 mm option). I just can't get mid stroke support without running pressures that are high enough that the fork feels like ass. I've gotten used to it by now but your post reminded me that I should look at the Mattoc, gotta get away from token-based forks.

[Robik]

Not to hijack this thread but it sounds like you've ridden the Mattoc Pro? Comparison to Pike Ultimate? I'm a huge Manitou fanboy, running a Mezzer on my big bike and my previous ride, and I'm not getting along well with the Pike ult on my Stumpy (150 mm option). I just can't get mid stroke support without running pressures that are high enough that the fork feels like ass. I've gotten used to it by now but your post reminded me that I should look at the Mattoc, gotta get away from token-based forks.

Haven't ridden Pike Ultimate myself, but based on 700+ posts on MTBR, it seems like Mattoc Pro is a better fork compared to both Pike Ultimate and Fox 34 Grip2. Tree Fort Bikes are having a sale right now, grab any travel that is left and bump it to your desired.

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[Boissal]

Haven't ridden Pike Ultimate myself, but based on 700+ posts on MTBR, it seems like Mattoc Pro is a better fork compared to both Pike Ultimate and Fox 34 Grip2. Tree Fort Bikes are having a sale right now, grab any travel that is left and bump it to your desired.

Ah shit, I was trying to talk myself out of buying one direct from Hayes as they're on sale for $820 but Tree Fort has them for $100 less... Oh well, new fork here we go, thanks!

[Robik]

Ah shit, I was trying to talk myself out of buying one direct from Hayes as they're on sale for $820 but Tree Fort has them for $100 less... Oh well, new fork here we go, thanks!

Lol, Mattoc from Hayes was on the way when I noticed Tree Fort sale. Funny that it ships from Hayes headquarters in WI just like the one bought directly.

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