Author Topic: Girvin Pro CF or Smart Cross Link CF? (Read 6443 times)

Vitaliy · « **on:** March 09, 2003, 12:03:05 pm »

Hi everybody, which fork you think is better?

1.K2 Noleen Cross Link Carbon Fiber Smart Shock Fork

or

2. Girvin Pro Carbon Fiber with Noleen (i guess it's nr1 or nr2)

Which one you think is better for Cross Country and occasional Urban riding.

Also my other question would be do you know what is the eye to eye (i2i) lenght and stroke of the shocks on those forks, and what other shock i can use.

thank you a lot.

Vitaliy.

5500C · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2003, 02:57:44 pm »

I would say the Smart Cross link just because it is newer in age. They dropped the K2 name on the later model forks.

I guess you can never tell the overall stress that the carbon fork has taken, but I'd take new over old. Plus, although people will debate the usefulness of the Smartshock it revers back to being an NR2 if it ever fails anyways. Why not try for the techie stuff?

My .02

kiwi · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2003, 04:54:27 pm »

if it were a perfect world i would go with a noleen carbon crosslink (all the nolleen crosslinks are the ssame geometry wise) with a revised nr2...The 98 and later vary slightly from the 97 girvins.Tom A reckons the 98s have marginally less j path.The shocks are 210 i2i and a nolleen is the only way to go.I think risse do a replacement but i dont think they work that well...imo

Scott · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2003, 01:03:12 am »

Hi Vitaliy,

I'm sure you saw my ad here for 2 carbon smart Crosslinks I have for sale. If you buy the eBay smart let us know and I'll also post the details for properly weatherproofing the smartshock according to the designer.

Dennis · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2003, 01:35:19 am »

despite what is stated above, the risse genesis air shock works quite well on the xlink. plus, it is considerably lighter than the nr2 or smart shock.
I just happen to have a brand new genesis still sealed in its original packaging. let me know if you would like it.
[smiley=groucho.gif]

Scott · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2003, 01:45:45 am »

What would you like for it, Dennis? stp479@aol.com

Tom_A. · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2003, 02:21:09 am »

I'd vote for the K2 Smart Shock Crosslink. The Girvin is the '97 model and it has more "J-path" displacement rearward than the '98-'99 Crosslinks like the K2 shown.

Plus, despite weighing almost 1/2 pound more than the regular NR-2, the Smart Shock's performance is noticeable and IMHO makes the fork feel like it has more travel than it actually does. Because the compression damping is automatically increased on big hits, you can run lighter spring preloads and let the fork be relatively plush for small hits without worrying about bottoming the shock.

Actually, either is a great choices for a XC rig. The Girvin weighs 1/2 pound less (due to no smart shock) but it has the slightly less desirable axle path. The K2 Crosslink has the more desirable axle path and the improved compression damping of the smart shock, but it weighs 1/2 pound more.....choices, choices.

Carbon_Angus · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2003, 04:01:02 am »

i agree w/ Tom A.

i would buy the k2 Carbon Smart and if the "smart" goes [smiley=dead.gif], you can still go with an Nr-2 anyways, right

Scott · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2003, 05:23:23 am »

"Plus, despite weighing almost 1/2 pound more than the regular NR-2, the Smart Shock's performance is noticeable and IMHO makes the fork feel like it has more travel than it actually does. Because the compression damping is automatically increased on big hits, you can run lighter spring preloads and let the fork be relatively plush for small hits without worrying about bottoming the shock."

That's my take exactly Tom A.-in fact I run the very light 175 spring despite being a little heavier than the range of it and still experience nearly zero bob and great compliance. I recall an MBA test of the Carbon Smart saying it felt like a 4" fork on account of the electronics. I think many posts that mention a somewhat harsh ride are from a too heavy spring because the riders relied on a spring chart that's slightly off, at least for fast XC. Maybe a "cushion" was built into the spring chart to allow for larger drops even though it's an XC fork? And yes, Carbon_Angus, it'll do an auto revert to NR2 if it loses it mind..

Vitaliy · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2003, 01:33:52 pm »

Thank You, I'll try to get one of them, hopefyly it will be Cross Link w/ Smart Shock.

P.S. Also which crank is better

RaceFace - prodigy

or

TRUVATIV Firex?

thank you again.

kiwi · « **Reply #10 on:** March 10, 2003, 05:37:33 pm »

dennis did you try your genesis???I remember someone on this board had a risse on their crosslink and wernt too impressed(i think it was redshift)....I cant comment so perhaps i shouldnt have

GrimJack · « **Reply #11 on:** March 10, 2003, 07:14:43 pm »

I've heard both ends of the spectrum from the crosslink shock replacement.

Problem is, I find it really tough to justify putting a fair chunk of coin into fixing up a 2.75" travel fork, when telescopic forks can be had for the same money or less, parts are easier to get, and any bike shop can service them.

Witness the fact that I have a '98 Aluminum Crosslink is the garage with a blown smart in it. Anyone wants it, you pay for the shipping from here to you, and it's yours. It's been taking up space for years now.

Vitaliy · « **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2003, 12:57:31 am »

Yes I want it, where are you located, and is SMART SHOCK completely blown, or only brainless?

Thank You,

Vitaliy.

P.S. I live in Glenview Illinois zip 60025 how much would shiping cost?

zulu · « **Reply #13 on:** March 11, 2003, 01:57:28 am »

If Vita dosent want it I could use it too. Let me know if it dosent work out.
Thanks.

Scott · « **Reply #14 on:** March 11, 2003, 02:04:05 am »

And I've a new NR2 for whomever does end up with the blown smartshock-$50 plus shipping and includes a 200lb spring if it is correct for your weight but currently no spring clips though the local shop may have some. stp479@aol.com

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Author Topic: Girvin Pro CF or Smart Cross Link CF? (Read 6443 times)

Tom_A.