Trace/Revelation/F34/Pike (cross-post)

[kragu]

*this was also posted in the 29er Components forum*

I'm building up a RIP 9 and am having some trouble with fork options. Here's my line of thought:

If the Pike was available now, I'd buy it and that'd be the end of it. I can't simply wait for it - I have literally nothing to ride until I get a fork.

I need something to ride at least until the Pike is available, at which time I can sell what I'm riding, or keep it, if I like it.

The Trace is affordable - is it really comparable in terms of performance and relative resale value when comparing to the Fox 34?

The Revelation has many fans, but I can get the more stout Trace for less.

The Fox is probably the best comparison to the Pike, but I'm not sure if I want to drop the coin on it. I had one on my last (stolen) RIP that I liked well enough, but there are lighter options. Do I need the big stanchions?

I'm 175 with gear, climb a lot, bomb uber rocky descents, and ride 3-4 times a week.

Fox 34: $740
Trace: $540
RS Rev: $590
Pike: $??? - likely to be close to the Fox pricing

Thoughts?

[TroyS600]

I have to admit i'm not super impressed with the performance of my fox 34 140. Seems to have some stiction, blows through its travel. Where did you see it for $740? I thought it was close to $1,000.

I definitely recommend the big stanchions. The stiffness really improves handling through rough stuff. That would eliminate the Rev from the equation. I was considering the Trace before the Pike was announced but I ended up getting a good deal on an OEM takeoff Fox 34.