Charles Beristain wrote:
> On Tue, 08 Jul 2003 03:59:18 GMT, Werehatrack <
[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>Maybe they're wonderful, but even if I had the money to spend on one, I think I'd wait for that
>>technology to get a little more mature before I'd want to try it.)
>
>
> The lefty technology is pretty mature right now. Three of my MTB's have leftys .one of the
> original leftys, a carbon lefty on the race bike, and the new max tpc+ 5" travel lefty. They all
> perform flawlessly. They are ultra stiff and silky smooth.
>
> charlie
I ride a lefty. LOVE it. It's stiffer, more resistence to flex (twist or otherwise), silky smooth,
and reliable as all getout. I slam, pound, and dunk mine on a regular basis.
I've also ridden a headshok. Not quite as nice as a lefty, but a very good fork.
To answer the original question, I'd say the difference is that the headshok puts the motion part
above the fork, whereas a normal suspension fork shares the suspension between the 2 legs. Also, the
Cannondale headshok only fits Cannondales.
It's silky smooth because it uses 4 sets of linear bearings in a square (22 needle bearings per set)
instead of letting the fork seals or metal-on-metal sliding be the bearings.
And, IMNSHO it's not easier to change a tire on the lefty -- not that it's hard -- I just find
that it's easier to put back together with the rim on the ground -- the tube doesn't try to come
out as much out while you're trying to get the tire back on -- and yes, I put air in the tube to
help keep it in.
David