Those w/ 5" forks on EVO's...

[keen]

 How do you like the steeper head angle? I have a 5" Marzocchi Z1 fork which raised my front end 1.5" (01' Way Big Disco Monkey). My head angle went from 70.5 to 68 deg. Just putting around the block I noticed the floppy chopper characteristic. I have now logged about 15 long trail rides and still  question the handling. Straight steep lines are a blast but if I have any slower speed turning to do it requires a bit of body english to get the thing steering. Is there a learning curve or is the geometry better suited for downhill use? It seems most bikes intended for DH use run 67-68 deg, XC run 69-71 deg. I am considering going to 4" springs for my Z1. Any thoughts?

[slowride]

I haven't noticed a big difference. I have an 02 Disco Monkey with a Sherman on it. My rear shock is exactly the same size as the stock one, and my fork is 130mm travel (vs 125 for the spec Psylo), so I suspect my head angle is around 69 degrees at 130 mm, and I don't know what at 110.

I tend to feel that 2 degrees of difference is pretty minimal, especially since it's not constant (changes as the suspension compresses), but if you really feel it's bad, then change the travel of the Z1...

[jimbo]

I've got a Psylo and normally ride at 4 inches.  Use 5 inches when pointing down or very technical areas.  



I also noticed that with my short stem riser bar combo, I need to keep the front weighted down ala Cedric Gracia to turn better.



http://gallery.consumerreview.com/mtbr/gallery/files/802C6953.asp

[dmc]

I've got a 125mm Vanilla in the front and a 200mm RC in the rear and haven't had to much trouble, I fitted a 50mm stem and its still OK, Climbing hills will always suck, going downhill is the fun bit anyway, but it all comes down to what you want to ride. dmc

[keen]

  Well the first dozen rides were great, mostly straight or downhill. I went to a different trail w/ plenty of technical slow areas and found myself off gaurd really having to make concious decisions to make the bike turn. I run a 110 mm stem w/ 2.5" riser bars ( I am 6'4") Hill climbs are tough w/ the high front end/ stem & bar combo, front end is really loose unless I lean forward and keep the speed up.

[jedoaks]

If the bike was comfy before raising the front end, try some bars that have 1" rise. You're  that much more upright. Also as tall as you are , try a longer stem, more weight on the front wheel. If you were looking for a trail fork you probably would have been better off with a Fox. If you do a lot of different types of riding the Z1 is great, takes getting used to. It is not a technical fork.Never heard of anybody shortening the travel on a Z1. Post your question on the MTB shock forum. Rich