Editors Note: Yeah, yeah…..another year end review! Tis the season! So, here are my favorite things that have passed through the Twenty Nine Inches review process during the past year. I want to point out a few parameters that I used for what I chose here.
1. The product had to be in the review process during the time period of December 2007 through to the end of November 2008. Reviews that are currently in process I did not include and will be eligible for my 2009 Top Ten list.
2. They had to be products or bicycles that I personally used during this period. Nothing any of the other Twenty Nine Inches staff reviewed on their own could be considered for my list. This list doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinions of anyone but me, Guitar Ted.
That said, let’s get on with this……
Number Seven: The Origin 8 “Black Ops” carbon fiber fork: Origin 8 has been selling this fork for awhile now, but this year I did a fork geometry test, and I needed another fork to throw in the mix. So late in the summer I bought this Origin 8 fork and have ridden it since then. It is staying in the stable, so that should tell you something!
Why It Made The List: Well, besides what I mentioned above, this fork just plain behaves well. It gives enough to absorb the finer trail chatter, but it doesn’t exhibit any untoward behaviours that some carbon forks do. It comes in a white colorway or all black, and in two different axle to crown lengths. The offset is right in the middle ground of what is currently available in 29″er forks, so it should work with most frames. Finally, it is a great value. Good bang for the buck here.
My Two Cents: I just really like the Origin 8 fork from a riding perspective. It simply disappears as a component, which is high praise, I suppose. It is reasonably light, has options, and rides decently. I mean, where else can you get a carbon fork with removeable cantilever mounts? So far it seems to be a pretty durable product too. Of all my picks this year, this is probably the best value for your dollar. Get this fork and you won’t be wowed, but you certainly won’t be disappointed either. It just plain works.
Next stop…Number Six and the halfway point of the countdown.
Nice choice. Value for the dollar is a good criteria!
Seasons greetings from nm .Couldn’t help noticing but looks like a raleigh xxix in the photo ? Did you try the switchblade fork if so so how did they compare to each other ? I have the same bike and was wanting to try a different carbon fork looks like you already been down this trail. is there any weight limits on the black ops fork. thx and happy new year Dan
dan: Seasons greetings to you from icy Iowa!
You are correct, that is a Raleigh in the photo. I have not put a switchblade on this bike, but it should work pretty well. The Switchblade is a fine fork, rides well, and has no weight limit. The Black Ops is similar in that it has no weight limit and it rides just a bit quicker than the Switchblade due to its having 6mm more offset. Otherwise I can heartily recommend either fork.
this bike blowssssss….shaun bikes is better