I'd completely concur with the feeling that a 34 is a bit too flexy for heavier riders at 140mm. However, I cannot say enough good things about the 34 in its 120mm configuration.
I will say that I am becoming more of a fan of thinking about the total flex of the wheel/fork combo combined as a system instead of just thinking about fork stiffness in isolation. Like if I was thinking about running a super stiff wheel, I might want to add some compliance via fork flex. Or if i'm running a stiff fork, running a more compliant wheel.
I think where people get into trouble on both sides is when they do things like pair a stiff burly fork with a stiff wheel or flexy fork and flexy wheel. Too far down either direction and you get a front end that feels "pingy" or like mushy mashed potatoes.
I feel that there are just some loads generated on a bike that need to be addressed via component compliance instead of suspension because suspension cannot react quick enough. Prime example is my beloved transition spur, which has spaghetti noodles for a rear triangle, and a more compliant 34 up front, but stiff DT Swiss XRC 1200 wheels, leading to a pretty awesome ride feel on trail that is just "better" than the previous 120mm bikes I've ran.
June 25, 2024, 6:14 a.m. - David Staley
I'd completely concur with the feeling that a 34 is a bit too flexy for heavier riders at 140mm. However, I cannot say enough good things about the 34 in its 120mm configuration. I will say that I am becoming more of a fan of thinking about the total flex of the wheel/fork combo combined as a system instead of just thinking about fork stiffness in isolation. Like if I was thinking about running a super stiff wheel, I might want to add some compliance via fork flex. Or if i'm running a stiff fork, running a more compliant wheel. I think where people get into trouble on both sides is when they do things like pair a stiff burly fork with a stiff wheel or flexy fork and flexy wheel. Too far down either direction and you get a front end that feels "pingy" or like mushy mashed potatoes. I feel that there are just some loads generated on a bike that need to be addressed via component compliance instead of suspension because suspension cannot react quick enough. Prime example is my beloved transition spur, which has spaghetti noodles for a rear triangle, and a more compliant 34 up front, but stiff DT Swiss XRC 1200 wheels, leading to a pretty awesome ride feel on trail that is just "better" than the previous 120mm bikes I've ran.