Marzocchi is entering the rear suspension market with this impressive coil shock.
The 2009 CoilAir transitioned from 6 to 7.4 inches of travel, thanks to a secondary “magic” link. For 2010, Kona has refined the system and spread the technology to more of the lineup. The revamped CoilAir has shed more than a pound, and travel now floats between 5 and 7.7 inches.
Despite its insanely light weight, the 55 ATA is darn near double-crown stiff, the stroke is smooth and predictable, the thru-axle system is easy to use, the fork seems almost impervious to mud, and I could easily adjust it to ride any damned way I wanted.
The TALAS 32 is light (4 pounds), stiff and full of useable adjustments, including the best travel-adjust system available, and the TALAS element worked flawlessly in all conditions.
Marzocchi has been in the mountain bike suspension market for years, but this is the first chance we've had to look at and ride their new Roco RC rear coil shock.
Using Ohlins’ latest technology, the Double Barrel features four separate damping adjustments. Tuning each element can drastically change the shock’s characteristics.
The 888 RC has held up to months of abuse. Aside from some preload adjustment, it has required no maintenance. It’s incredibly active on smaller bumps, and yet ramps up nicely for the big stuff.
The Pike Team features 95 to 140 millimeters of travel, thru-axle, disc brake-specific lowers, a whole gang of damping features, and a fighting weight of about five pounds.
The Fox TALAS RLC includes three to five inches of adjustable travel, a smooth stroke and sub-4 pound weight to make for one impressive mountain bike suspension fork.
The Magura Ronin tested here is the most cross-country oriented product in Magura’s stable. We got our hands on the 80mm travel model, but if you’re pining for something closer to four inches of travel, they also produce a 110mm travel Ronin, as several longer travel forks.