Buying used old fork, need some advice

Looking at picking up a longer fork, I need something 160mm. What's limiting my selection is the fact that I'm rocking an old-school straight 1 1/8" HT. This basically means I'm looking at forks around 2009-2011 vintage.

Since I'm just getting back into biking after a bunch of years off, I'm not at all familiar with the forks of that gen (or this current gen for that matter) and I'm turning to y'all as the experts to help me make a choice.

Here's the main ones I'm eyeballing:

2009 Marzocchi 55 RC3 $250
or
2010(?) Lyrik solo air RC2 $375
or
Fox 36 float (year unknown)$350
or also (not really pumped about this one though)
Marzocchi 66 rcv 08 $175

So far I feel like the Lyrik Solo Air is my best option but I just don't know what's any good…

I'm open to suggestions for anything else you may have seen for sale, but these seem to be the best candidates I've found for my budget ([HTML_REMOVED]$450-$500). I'm just hoping to keep it close to Kelowna (or Van) so I can do a quick pick-up on this..

As for the kind of riding I do - I'm a semi-washed up former DH rider who likes to delude himself into thinking I'm still as fast as I used to be even though I'm on 150mm bike now. Semi-regular attempts at pedaling up to try and prove to myself I'm not as out of shape as I really am, but I really just ride up for the downhill.

Free pint when we can meet at the Raven in Deep Cove for the most helpful answer.

The solo hair Lyrik is still a good fork although I'm surprised at how expensive used Lyriks are. I'm sure the one I sold a a few years ago was only a couple of hundred bucks or so.

The 36 could be good. I don't claim to be a massive Fox expert, but the stanchions could be fecked if they haven't had reasonably regular lower services. Also, if it has twin bolts in the lowers holding the axle in place, look out for cracks. People tend to over torque those bolts and crack the lowers. I can't remember when the design was changed though.

The 09 55s tended to suffer from sloppy bushing interfaces IIRC.

Maybe I'm just a tight-ass but most of those forks seem pretty expensive. I'm looking out for the tapered version of what you want (or maybe 150mm travel) and I'm surprised at how much people want for old forks that could be internally wrecked.

There is/was a new XF Vengeance for sale on PB (kamloops) for $400. I can vouch for how good that fork is, as I had one.

I was in the same boat as you. Needed a larger fork for the riding I like but… I'm broke. I ended up with a Suntour Duralux RCA - this fork has been amazing. I did bring it to Suspensionwerx for the rebuild treatment and it came back better than I could have imagined. I was previously on a FOX 32/150 which scared me every time I rode. Decent damping but too flimsy.

Stay away from that 66RCV, it's rather horrible and had huge QC issues (I own one). The '09 Marzocchis had quality problems as well.
Had a '08 36 TALAS, no issues with the stanchions and I had it serviced about every 18 months or so (with a lot of riding).

If you have an old Marzocchi fork kicking around it might be worth looking to trade it in for a new one at the Marzocchi service center. If you do you should be able to get a new 55 for under $500. I think the 2015 55''s come in a 1 1/8 steer tube still. Also CRC has a 2015 55r for under $500 right now.

Lyrik,swap to coil,add Avy cartridge. Done.

I've got a 2010 55 RC3 Ti with a 1 1/8" steerer that I'd part with if you're interested. I'm going to want closer to $375 though

Lots of bikes are still 1-1/8" , not sure why you'd have to be looking at pre-2011 forks. Just make sure whatever you buy the steer tube isn't cut too short for your bike.

I've got a 2010 55 RC3 Ti with a 1 1/8" steerer that I'd part with if you're interested. I'm going to want closer to $375 though

That's a great fork and good deal, as they are getting increasingly hard to find. To the op, I'd be all over this if I were in your shoes.

Tons of solid advice happening here, I knew I could count on you guys.

I'd love it if I could find something newer but 1 1/8" straight, there's really not much out there. Pre-2012 stuff seems to be all there is.

That brand new 55 on CRC is pretty tempting but even though I stated my budget as 450-500 in hindsight I really should've said 300-350…

Definitely avoiding the 66 and the old 55, the 36 could be an option but since I don't know it's history maybe I'll avoid for now…

Seriously tempted by DaveM's 55 Ti but I've got an offer in on the Lyrik so I'll have to see how that pans out first..

Thanks gang! I'll send a couple pm's for instructions on redeeming your free pint..

That's a great fork and good deal, as they are getting increasingly hard to find. To the op, I'd be all over this if I were in your shoes.

It's been ridden by my wife since new. Never bottomed, never abused.

i'd like to comment in this thread.
im 'upgrading' to a newer used fork due to a swap to 29" wheels

there are a few older revelations, and a fox 34 non-fit.
im not in the market for a Pike or a fit cart. 34 due to a quickly dwindling budget.

the internet says the CTD non-fit 2013 fox 34 is a pile of poo. but it's got a stiffer chassis and the potential to upgrade it later. anyone ever ride one? will i regret this choice?

for your surface, yes? my advice: don't skimp on the fork. its the only suspension you've got, so its twice (or) more important than the fork on your dually. i just swapped my pike for its backup as i get ready to send it in for work - 1 ride in and i'm dreading the next few weeks…

and yeah the first gen 34's are AWFUL. and i don't think you can upgrade the o/b ones, so its an investment in such with no upside