Is a $1000 Fox 34 GRIP2 really worth it? High Low Ep 3
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- čas přidán 20. 03. 2022
- Is a $1100 Fox 34 GRIP2 fork really that much better?
Credit to Donut Media & Pinkbike for the inspiration behind this mega series.
Links to the parts seen in this video (affiliate links):
Polygon Siskiu D5 (red one) - bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/7m64dQ
Polygon Siskiu D7 (yellow bike, my main) - bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/b3Bv3k
2022 Fox 34 GRIP2 - amzn.to/3CUUKG4
Bomber Z2 - amzn.to/37MrJ3U
Budget Headset (Risk one was crap) - amzn.to/3JsaoLF
Tools:
Headset Cup Removal Tool - amzn.to/3ugK0On
Headset Cup Press - amzn.to/3qlQWbX
Park Tool Truing Stand - amzn.to/3CXI5lG
To buy me a cup of coffee & support the channel: www.buymeacoffee.com/evansmtb...
For business inquiries: evansmtbsaga@gmail.com
If you'd like to send me something for a future video idea:
Evan's MTB Saga
PO Box 6498
Goodyear, AZ 85338 - Sport
The forks pinkbike should have actually used! Thanks for the quality content!
@Anton Chigurh I know! They could have excecuted it so much better with their production budget! They should've just serviced the original fork!
Ikr pink bike puts the most random and terrible value stuff on thier high low
@Anton Chigurh Seemed like a missed opportunity to sell some of the mid-tier or lower end branded stuff, but I guess they're too afraid of people realizing they don't need the absolute top of the line gear.
Nope. The ali express fork was trashier
Agreed, pink bike make a fool of budget bikers. Thank you Evan for being legit!! 🙏🙏
"It has a compression knob that I'll never touch." This is the absolute truth for the vast majority of us average mountain bikers.
Great video. Loving this series!
Learn to work the knob
When a suspension part of a bicycle costs 2x as much as a motorcycle, car, truck.
Yeah people we're getting scammed.
I use the lockout a lot on my hardtail 🤷
Well that's the truth. I have remote lockout on my Reba and I use it a lot
It doesn't matter you won't touch it. What's matter is that the lower end fork has the unavailable settings configured for all riders of all weight and skills. If you got more options to set its always better even if you don't touch them ever again. The fork would be setup for your weight and not universal as the one with almost no settings. If you don't care then you would probably not find any difference buying even a cheaper fork than Z2. So why overpay for the Z2? :-) And by the way self set up of the complicated fork is not a big deal. The maufcaturer suggested options are great. A lower-end fork will ever get close to the ride quality of an adjusted fork.
I really gotta state how much I appreciate the effort and commitment into this series, I mean you
Bought two of the same
Bike which isn’t cheap alone especially for a growing CZcamsr. Big respect and even bigger production value. Keep it up 👍🏻👍🏻
Man I'm loving this series!! Spot on with the editing, your going the extra mile here and it shows!
I love that you really made a great comparison video with parts people would actually consider. Thanks for all the work!!
I subbed bout 6 months ago but ive been watching your vids since you had like 70 or so subs, your stuff has always been high quality and youve definitely earned your following today. Keep it up my man!
I absolutely love the gold look of the fox fork. When i think front suspension this is the image that comes to mind.
Thanks for making this. It was entertaining and useful at the same time. I like how you compared it to actual GOOD budget forks and not some eBay dumpster trash. Looking forward for more videos !
Hey Evan, just wanted to say that this is a great inspiring series and I enjoy this content. Keep the great work up and I can't wait for the video! The idea of comparing expensive to cheap is cool and I guess that it's pretty fun to do as well? I have always liked expensive parts, (not that I own many) but this gives me a new perspective!
Thanks I appreciate it!!
This is already better than Pinkbikes version.. kudos to you Evan! 🙌🏽 your videos NEVER disappoint 💯
Ok so this series is soooo much better than I thought possible. Good work matey.
I love your siskiu d5 videos. Keep it coming!
I've watched this series twice now, it doesn't get old💯
The content keeps getting better! Keep up the good work! I wish I had what you have to be in front of the camera making content.
Another killer video. You’ve nailed the time and angles on the installation bits; interesting and shows the process without killing the flow.
I wonder if a bit more tuning on the Marzocchi might change your mind. Maybe you should do 2 laps, first for assessment, second after adjustments.
I am loving this series!
25k! congrats evan! hi-low is such a great series
Thanks Miata! I was worried about the last several videos not doing too well. But I regrouped and refined the High Low and it s seems to be working. Best performing video ever (for me).
@@EvansMTBSaga ah! congrats evan!
great video! FYI, PVC pipe plus end cap makes for an awesome crown race setter. Fits perfect around the 1.5" head tube and sets the race perfectly. Great for Cane creek with the rubber seal on it too so you don't have to hammer the sides unevenly.
I am liking this series more than the Pink bike equivalent. Great job!
Top tier suspension is definately amazing but considering the cost different of $700 and how good a Z2 actually is as a trail fork...I could get a Z2 plus a great rear shock for what that Fox costs...and a better headset
Keep it commin'. Loved the series
Thanks for making great quality content keep riding!!
I love that you shoot your videos at FINS as that's the closest trail system to my home! Nice video!
I love the Evan v Chad run.
Thanks for the content man. It's theoretically simple to do the chad segments but like... hassle. So. I salute you for the added effort.
Oh yeah it definitely adds a whole level to change shirts and keep track of everything lol
@@EvansMTBSaga Still, top notch presentation. Even as someone with a big box bike budget rather than bike store bike budget? These kind of things just plain interest me.
@@singletona082 a used specialized or similar is better than a new Walmart bike. And then later on you might be able to save up for the wheel upgrade or something
@@nk-dw2hm The walmart bike is serving it's purpose. for like.. $250 I've been able to find out if I want to bike again, plus a few cheap upgrades to said bike so I can tear the thing up and fix it.
And now? I have a loaner bike while also being able to save up for something nicer.
@@singletona082 no problem going with what works for you. On the bright side, when you move away from that Walmart tank hill climbs are going to feel amazing 😉
Your channel is taking off ! Well deserved 🤗
Thanks CJ!
Haha, this was a sweet video. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Thanks for posting a video and letting me procrastinate a bit longer. Very swag
Awesome video as usual my man.
one of the best series on yt
Love this series keep it up👍🤙
Fun to watch and get information a lot.
As a roadie who's dipped into the mtn/gravel/bike packing world, there's so many more variables that it can be overwhelming. I'm glad my fork is as basic as me, just remembering to unlock the fork at the top of a hill is a lot for me
Haha why is it so hard to remember to unlock the compression at the top of the hill! I had to completely stop messing with compression because I'd ALWAYS forget 😭😭
You hit it on the head there are endless variables in mountain biking vs. Road biking. Honestly most road bike riders are on autopilot and this is why you see a lot of crashes or mishaps. When you ride a mountain bike on Trails you have to be focused 100% on the time or you wind up on your arse. With regard to suspension settings it could be a bit confusing the best thing to do is to study up on how suspension dampers work in relation to physics in relation to body weight body position riding style and where you ride. It's a very heady subject but once you figure out some basic things you can take advantage of the componentry. I recommend Vorsprung. Stay away from gmbn, while these guys are well-intentioned they are a bunch of Muppets. And usually contradict themselves don't really know what they're talking about very much. Also Mojo suspension. Those guys are like professors, and then there's the suspension Bible from racetech.
All good stuff to learn and improve upon. 👍
Hell yeah! Y'know it's gonna be a good day when Evan uploads!
A bike set up to go faster is going to feel worse every time. Maybe that Bomber is set up to go faster compared to your settings on the 34. Using the same pressure and rebound settings is utterly pointless if the dampers are different. Each setting affects the other settings in some way. This is why I think a high end damper with 4-5 different adjustments is a double edged sword, an average joe will have a hard time achieving a good setup. The Marzocchis are very limited but in both directions. You can't make them perfect but you can't fck them up completely either by randomly turning some knobs. I think paying the premium for high end dampers only makes sense if you already found the limit of a simpler damper and understand how to set it up for an improved ride.
It's so funny that the Fox, with all the adjustments, just happened to be in a near perfect setting. I half-@ssed tuned it. Like set everything in the middle and just sent it. So ironic 😭
Still blowing pinkbike out the water with every episode of high/low keep it up 👍
Thanks Matthew!!
This series is awesome. But I would spend a bit more time trying to dial in the z2. having too few volume spacers and too much air pressure will make it harsh.
How many spacers would you recommend?
@@halnogaies1256 it depends on your weight and riding style. Try one extra then two
This is what pink bike should have done! This series is way better because you are actually making smart upgrades for the budget bike.
Love ur videos bro!
Lovi'n this series!
I recently snagged a Fox 34 rhythm for $275, i have been pretty happy with its performance on my axum build from my channel. I did read that you can upgrade the older fox forks with the new grip2 stuff which i thought was super rad.
Such a great content!!!
I love this series! Kinda wanna know more about those hubs 🤔
Cool video mate 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻
I really like this series of videos
Great series thx
Great series! It’s too bad the D5 doesn’t have Boost spacing. “Chad” is going to have issues with that 141mm rear axle.
I have adapters coming for a 148 hub to work on the 141 QR, supposedly! 🤞
@@EvansMTBSaga thats never gonna work loool
@@EvansMTBSaga My GT Pantera has Boost 141 rear spacing. I used a spacer kit for the axle and rotor, but it was such a pain in the ass that I ended up just buying a koozer boost 141 hub and rebuilding the wheel. No spacers needed and I have endcaps to fit my 12mm x 142 xc hardtail.
@@EvansMTBSaga I wish Trek and others would just say to the mega factory that contacts for them to stop using 141 boost. Its a friggin nightmare. Glad I finally have 148mm as a rear axle now..
The Donut Media inspired format is dope!
Wish I seen this video before I just purchased the Fox Factory 34 to upgrade from my Marzocchi bomberZ2 been told by so many people also my bike shop said the same thing & other videos that I wouldn’t regret the upgrade. But now that I seen this video makes me 2nd guess my decision 🤦🏻🤷🏻. Great video btw. Lol
i just switched from my fox 38 factory with e-bike tune and all the marketing you can imagine to a marzocchi z1 coil and can't wait to try it out.
I have a bomber on my bike and I like it a lot. Never gives me any problems and rides very nice.
Great to see some AZ MTB’s out there. Great video!
I just put a Marzocchi Bomber z2 on my new Norco Fluid fs2. The fork is awesome
I also have a norco sight vlt a1 with a fox 34. I love them both.
really cool video man. I've been begging Fox to make a quality damper for the 34 since they introduced the model. Nice to see this up against the Marzocchi. I think that it would have been worthwhile to talk about the respective air springs, whether they are similar or different. Maybe you do, in another video. I'm new here.
Way better approach than what pink bike did. Well done
I sure hope Les Franks is enjoying his new bike
Yup he received it and built it up!
Great video!
The hilow of the bikes, i like it!
For general riding trails Mazzocchi Bomber Z2 good fork Nice and plush I had one. No complaints at all
Love how you tease what part its gonna be about next episode! An XX1 axs derailleur!?!??
Haha yup!
@@EvansMTBSaga well thats certainly gonna be interesting! (And expensive)
I have the z2, and love it. It is on my Fuse 27.5. There is no denying though that factory is a much higher level. I think the Z1 is comparable to the Factory.
The z1 is more of an enduro fork. It’s got 36mm stantions, so it’s comparable to the fox 36, at $400 cheaper. The z2 is supposedly more stiff(less play in the fit between the stanctions and lowers) than the fox 34 due to different bushings or something, so that’s a positive about it.
Things are made for what they were designed. I bought a Bolany fork two years ago and since that time, I have been taking it beyond its limits, now is time to give it a honorable retirement. I will buy a Marzocchi fork to test it and I will do the same, a FOX fork could be great, but in the heat of the road, for sure I cannot feel the difference, and more if I take a ride on our fabolous & horrible streets of Mexico. I love urban MTB, here. Thanks for the video and precious info.
first video i see from this guy and I can tell he´s comin from motorbikes before!
Nice video man. Cool comparison, however they are so different because of the damper and the premium “guts”. If the rider has the cash, spend it on your budget build if you can. If you run a little higher stack or put a spacer or two on the top of your stem, you can always
re use the nicer fork on a different bike. Oh and I have been subscribed for over a year and my chain has not snapped!
Pink bike has some competition
4:26 You should apply grease on the headset, the compression ring, the top of the bearing. This assures it won't get stuck, and adds another layer of protection. So it helps to prevent rust.
Cool I will do that, sounds like common sense now that you mention it 😢
For truing wheels you might want to pick up a park tool dish checker as well. Dish is the offset that your hub is from left to right. By just truing the wheel you can screw up dish and effect the way the wheel rides. Along with that truing a wheel isn’t just straightening a wheel you have to make sure the wheel stays round as well and not like an oval. Great first step in getting a good stand just make sure you get a way to check dish and don’t forget to check roundness while your at it.
This could also have a bit of effect on the feel and could be what you’re feeling. On my full sus i have a factory 36 that feels amazing but on my hardtail i built i have a z2. So far the z2 is good but I haven’t gotten it out on trails yet.
And definitely don’t let this discourage you from a z2 the forks are really good its just when compared to a factory 34 it’s never gonna feel the same. I personally think the z2 is a really good budget option that will still feel amazing if you take the time to tune it.
But overall I’m loving the series its so much better then pink bikes with actual good budget options. Also to anyone thats read this far please never buy budget headsets. Theres mid tier headsets that will do fine. If it holds the bike together usually you don’t want to cheap out.
That Risk headset was horrible! I've had some really good luck with Jessica headsets. I took off the risk and replaced it with a Jessica already. I'll look into getting a dishing tool, but I can say that the wheel is perfectly centered and hops were fixed while truing
great video! i think with a proper service and tune the marzocchi would be enough, i like fox, the only problem i have with them is precisely the kashima coating, it performs well, but i needs higher maintenace and care, i seems a more fragile coating.
high end parts equal high end maintenance.
not to mention "It has a compression knob that I'll never touch."
you should a koozer hubs review, i see them all the time for sale, and the look very good for the price tag, but i can´'t find proper reviews about them.
Hey Evan, great video. Been watching the channel for a while now. I am wondering if you spent time tuning the fox 34 with LSC, HSC, HSR, and LSR plus volume tokens would it make a difference? Maybe you did that and I didn’t realize but from what you stated in the video it seemed like you set both forks to an equal damping setting and then road it. Just a thought. Enjoying the series so far!
I didn't spend any time tuning the Fox fork, but it just happened to feel so amazing. I was shocked. Maybe it was luck?
Marzocchi used to build some of the greatest forks ever (they mainly build Moto-Cross forks). The coating on my Junior-T (1998) is still just as new. Now there's only the brands name left [like many great brands. Grundig, Blaupunkt, etc.]
Great vid
man the chris king headset is just wow i cannot wait on whats next
I saw a pro ride put marrazoci lowers and fox uppers and it looked insane
When it comes to the brakes, I’m stoked to see which high end brakes you’ll choose. I have a pair of Sram G2 4-piston brakes that I’m wanting to swap out for some TRP or Hope’s
hopes have nothing on TRP. the DH-R evo's are killer!!! I recently changed to them and the lever feel is amazing and the confidence you get knowing the brakes are awesome is scary, my only advice is go straight to Metal or MTX pads straight away, The braking power just destroys resin pads in the steeps.
Its literally the pinnacle of "over braked" other than trickstuff
I went from XT to hope to Code RSC to TRP and my 97kg needs big rotors and big power, code rsc and TRP are the only thing worth your time and money.
@@MrSupermugen that's encouraging. I want TRP's on my next bike, so thanks for the info!
I mean....one could consider a Cane Creek 10 Series or FSA No.57 a "budget" headset...
As far as the forks, the Marz is basically a Fox Rhythm (from what I've been told) which is actually a pretty decent fork setup correctly. True it's no Fox Factory 34 or RS Pike....but still a pretty dang good fork. Personally, I own a DVO Diamond which has that LSC/HSC and OTT and all the other ABCs, but I still prefer one with a basic on/off switch....open/lockout to run a remote lockout.
this channel is so underrated
Let me say there both great forks and I would be happy with either fork
ayy this vid hit 100k!!! along with the video where you put the nx drivetrain on the d7
Oh wow good catch! Can't believe it's doing so well
The bomber forks nowadays are basically more affordable float forks. They have the fox internals so really the only thing you're missing is whether or not you have Kashima. I like the new bomber forks. Price isn't bad if you can't afford a Fox fork, whilst still getting a float without it being a fox. That's about as simple as it gets.
the marzochi fork looks awsome
booth of these forks are expensive here in the Philippines i would go for suntour dorulux a bit pricey too but atleast i can afford.. hehe. great content as always..
I got a polygon d5 for my birthday, my dad bought a d7 for himself and we try to go mountain biking every time we can but we are usually busy. I was thinking about upgrading my polygon sense he has a rock shox on his. I found a fox 36 for a couple hundred. Obviously I didn’t want to research if it fit so I just watched your video
Smart of you that you bought forks that said 27.5+/29. Do the forks work well with 27.5x 2.2 tires?
I got a marzocchi bomber 888 dh for for £80 in great condition to add to my budget downhill bike and no problems what so ever so always check around before spending loads of money on parts I’ve spent about £400 and have a fully working dh bike
On the risk headset, I didn't see you put in the spacer at the top. Did you put it at the bottom of the stem, or it just didn't have it, or maybe forgot it, and maybe why it got lose on the ride?
Definitely Getting A Fox34😎
If you take the time to learn what each dampening adjuster does, and then you’re able to dial in the correct setting, the Grip 2 definitely rewards you
Hi I'm one of your subscribers and I love your videos. I want to ask you about the risk headset that you used. Is there a specific size and model for that?
Don't use the Risk one. It was bad! Jessica headset is the best. The size is specific for your frame, but this one was 44-56
@@EvansMTBSaga thanks for the fast reply! I will take a note on that. I'm planning to get a D5 and upgrade it with my old parts. Thanks for your educational videos!
The Marzocchi look good
The video is great! I love the comparison between the two forks.
I personally think that scine the z2 also really good, you should have considered something like a lower end rockshox fork. Either than that, it was an amazing video.
My Markhour Manitou Machete 29” QR (new dork for old bikes) has never let my hard tail down. I have a fox Factory 34 on my FS bike it’s great but the manitou forks are great for the same terrain and the majority of riders
Definitely Donut Media inspired. But hey, they do make great videos and the hi low idea works on bikes very well too
Damn u sure are a pro at bikes
عالیه. ممنون بابت محتوای خوبت.
My previous bike had a Fox Performance 34 and a new bike has the Grip 2 34 Factory. After much tweaking and tuning the latter is much better than the Performance could’ve ever hoped to be. Ironically, it’s not as good as the FIT 4 34 I used to own.
I love my fox 36 grip 2’s.
i found your account from an old youtube reply about Gopro and Akaso Pro. what camera do you use now? the quality looks greater. I wanna start recording with greater quality for my reselling videos.
Haha that's funny. I stopped using the Akaso long ago. I use a Sony ZV-E10 with a 35mm lens f1.8 (for the blurry background) and sometimes a GoPro while riding
@@EvansMTBSaga thank you. you replied lol i was really hoping you would. Would that sony zv-e10 work well if i attach it to Chest mount for traveling? nothing fast movement just walking in and out of the store looking for deals.
If we ever collaborate again, I guess we would have to be the low low low bike guys😆. We have had similar experiences with our timed runs. It is always fun to see what all that extra money really gets you on the clock.
Not sure why, but we didn't see this in our subscriptions although it was in our feed.
Going on the Cat's Meow with you guys is on my bucket list. I have the airline miles too could easily fly there almost free. Looks like CZcams is pullin my chain, only 1000 views from the subscription feed on this one, and 500 from notification bell
Nice Video
i mean the bomber isnt super budget but i think a true budget fork would be nice on evans d5 like a epixon or markhor or judy/recon or even some x fusion offerings
With recent price drops, the High bikes Factory 34 is now only $625, so I splurged on a kashiiiiima coated fork this time. I have the big brother from Marzocchi - Z1 on my enduro and while it's decent, it doesn't feel as good as the 36 Performance it replaced.