Mach 5 and Monarch RC3+

[Quadro]

Trying to make my Mach 5 more enduro-oriented.

Do you think I would get a lot better performance compared to RP23?

The rear suspension got lot better when I installed the needle bearing kit and shimmed the volume of the air canister smaller.

Some might say that the Mach 5 isn't ideal bike for enduro, but what can you do when budget is limited.
Last season I rode it with 140 Fox at front and headset which had about -1.5 degrees.

Now I have 150 rev and wider bar + shorter stem waiting to be installed.

If I end up with RC3+ which tune would be ideal? I weigh about 160 lbs gears on.

Thanks...

[joshdurston]

Originally Posted by Quadro

Trying to make my Mach 5 more enduro-oriented.

Do you think I would get a lot better performance compared to RP23?

The rear suspension got lot better when I installed the needle bearing kit and shimmed the volume of the air canister smaller.

Some might say that the Mach 5 isn't ideal bike for enduro, but what can you do when budget is limited.
Last season I rode it with 140 Fox at front and headset which had about -1.5 degrees.

Now I have 150 rev and wider bar + shorter stem waiting to be installed.

If I end up with RC3+ which tune would be ideal? I weigh about 160 lbs gears on.

Thanks...

I have an RC3+ on my Mach 5 along with a Rev (set at 130mm). I found the medium tune to be a too heavy on the compression damping ( I weight 190ish). You definitely need a light tune, not sure if you can get a light tune aftermarket except thru PUSH.

Monarch is much better behaved than the BV RP23 that came off. It doesn't spike near as much went crossing ruts and square bumps. And handles G-outs better (don't get the high volume version though, it will blow thru travel too easy if you ride hard).

[Trashcanmike]

On the subject of shocks for the Mach 5, I'd appreciate advice on alternatives to the stock RP23 as mine just cacked itself and, as I live in Indonesia, it has to go to Singapore for service and will be out of action for some time. Not feeling inspired to buy another Fox after that.

Thanks

[joshdurston]

Originally Posted by Trashcanmike

On the subject of shocks for the Mach 5, I'd appreciate advice on alternatives to the stock RP23 as mine just cacked itself and, as I live in Indonesia, it has to go to Singapore for service and will be out of action for some time. Not feeling inspired to buy another Fox after that.

Thanks

Having a shock blow can be disappointing, but the big players Fox/Rockshox are on equal footing as far as reliability goes.

With Rockshox at least you can do a full rebuild yourself if you are technically savvy enough (the post in the service instructions online including damper servicing and bleeding). Fox doesn't want anyone inside their shocks.

My RP23 just went out which was weird, as I haven't really riding much with it. I've really only bounced on the bike in my basement occasionally since my daughter was born back in September. The damping has gone out completely on the RP23.

[Trashcanmike]

Yes, mine was fine last time I rode, got back from Xmas holiday and there was fluid all over the floor (luckily no damage to the floor). Maybe it was dreaming about single track!

The Q is what do I replace the RP23 with. Is the X-Fusion O2 worth considering? Which Rockshox? I don't need a big hit shock - I'm old and timid.