ditch the xlink or change the shock?

[brad c]

so already I've noticed the limitations of the xlink.  mainly any thing pointing down.  actually i took a few drops up to 3 feet and I loved how it handled.  one was even into another hill much like a whoop section on an mx track and it worked great.  Actually, I'd say I like the fork best when I'm leaving the ground.  It's the technical down hills that get me...the roots and rocks beat me to a bloody pulp.  especially at speed.  would a new shock help eat up those small quick hits while leaving me the great feel and controll or would the money be better spent on a telescoping fork?  

[Simon]

Tricky one this as there can be those who love the X-link and others who don't plus some like me who's abit indifferent about them,
however as like me your from an MX backgound and from what your describing I think you'll be better served with Telescopic forks,you could splash out on a different shock but if that doesn't improve things your back to square one.
Just my opinion.
Simon.

[Old Proflexer]

i should imagine, for a good downhill experience, a good downhill geometry on an mtb is preferential to the steeper angled xc proflex/k2 setup - it may not always be about the fork

OP

[rapiddescent]

The Xlink is great for cross country because it has fantastic small bump sensitivity - largely due to the slightly J-Path design.  This can sometimes feel lightly intimidating on steep technical sections because the wheel base is shortened at the front making things a little scary.

If you are really into big air and stuff I would get a longer travel fork and lay the geometry back (as OP says above) - i.e. shorter stem, lower/laid back seat post, shorter cranks, wider handlebars.

I've sort of got an in-between solution - as most people have here for general riding: which is a shorter stem than stock, with XC seat arrangment and XC cranks - of course, telescopic marzocchi forks do wonders too.  remember that tyres play a big part in this and better tyres make you more confident.

callum
rds

[jazclrint]

If you you are only having problems on the technical stuff and not the big hits then I say change the shock!  Look for my posts.