Fork - ERA or 36 w Smashpot?

Jan. 29, 2021, 6 p.m.

Posts: 255

Joined: May 1, 2018

I’m building up a new, shorter travel 29er. I have a grip 2 36 with Smashpot and I love it - it’s the best fork I’ve ever ridden.

I was going to use this, but am eyeing up the possibility of moving it to my singlespeed. The DVO Sapphire on there is really good for a lighter trail fork, but I think a 36 would suit it better.

So, I was going to get a new 36 and Smashpot it, but that starts adding up both grams and dollars. An ERA fork wild cost a similar amount, weigh less, and if it’s ability to be super supple and ride nice and high is for real, it would really suit a shorter travel trail bike by preserving headangle...

Am I crazy? Does anyone have real world experience on an ERA?

Jan. 29, 2021, 9:50 p.m.

heathen

Posts: 444

Joined: Feb. 24, 2017

ERA?

Jan. 29, 2021, 9:53 p.m.

syncro

Posts: 3155

Joined: Nov. 23, 2002

Posted by: heathen

ERA?

If you don’t know then you’re running in a league of not being worthy of knowing.

Jan. 29, 2021, 11:41 p.m.

thaaad

Posts: 1107

Joined: March 15, 2013

Aren't the ERAs like 2 grand?

Jan. 30, 2021, 5:21 a.m.

Vikb

Posts: 2307

Joined: Sept. 10, 2012

ERA! Is there even a choice really?

Jan. 30, 2021, 7:49 a.m.

Brother-Lu

Posts: 882

Joined: Jan. 7, 2007

Posted by: thaaad

Aren't the ERAs like 2 grand?

1480euro = 2295.64 Canadian pesos. Peanuts really.

Jan. 30, 2021, 4:01 p.m.

thaaad

Posts: 1107

Joined: March 15, 2013

Posted by: Brother-Lu

1480euro = 2295.64 Canadian pesos. Peanuts really.

Oh, that's all? lol

Jan. 30, 2021, 4:45 p.m.

Poz

Posts: 4905

Joined: July 9, 2004

Haven’t tried an ERA but a riding buddy got one last year and is enamoured. Mind you I would have a hard time finding fault if I spent that kind of coin.

EXT all the way

Jan. 30, 2021, 10:58 p.m.

mrbrett

Posts: 425

Joined: Jan. 21, 2013

Z1 coil + grip2 upgrade?

Lots less $$$ than ERA. Lots less sexy too.

Last edited by: mrbrett on Jan. 30, 2021, 10:59 p.m., edited 1 time in total.

Jan. 31, 2021, 1:02 a.m.

Heinous

Posts: 255

Joined: May 1, 2018

Posted by: Poz

Haven’t tried an ERA but a riding buddy got one last year and is enamoured. Mind you I would have a hard time finding fault if I spent that kind of coin.

EXT all the way

Cost is high - that's part of the struggle. But by the time you do a 36 with a smashpot it ends up the same or more.

A Z1 crossed my mind, but I do really like the Smashpot hydraulic bottom out. It's saved my more times that it should.

Jan. 31, 2021, 3:45 a.m.

Heinous

Posts: 255

Joined: May 1, 2018

Posted by: Poz

a riding buddy

Hey Poz, what’s your buddy running in the rear? The main thing that pushed me to Smashpot was the 11-6 I have in the back. I’m really just looking to have a fork that keeps up with it.

Jan. 31, 2021, 8:44 a.m.

Poz

Posts: 4905

Joined: July 9, 2004

He’s riding a Storia, naturally.

Feb. 3, 2021, 10:39 a.m.

Endur-Bro

Posts: 1455

Joined: March 18, 2017

Posted by: syncro

Posted by: heathen

ERA?

If you don’t know then you’re running in a league of not being worthy of knowing.

Haha. Such this.

ERA or Formula Selva

Last edited by: Endur-Bro on Feb. 3, 2021, 10:40 a.m., edited 1 time in total.

Feb. 3, 2021, 3:46 p.m.

heathen

Posts: 444

Joined: Feb. 24, 2017

Posted by: Endur-Bro

ERA or Formula Selva

The Formula Selva looks awesome. I like their idea of quick change shim stacks.

Feb. 3, 2021, 6:57 p.m.

Hepcat

Posts: 2125

Joined: Nov. 8, 2003

Posted by: Heinous

I’m building up a new, shorter travel 29er. I have a grip 2 36 with Smashpot and I love it - it’s the best fork I’ve ever ridden.

I was going to use this, but am eyeing up the possibility of moving it to my singlespeed. The DVO Sapphire on there is really good for a lighter trail fork, but I think a 36 would suit it better.

So, I was going to get a new 36 and Smashpot it, but that starts adding up both grams and dollars. An ERA fork wild cost a similar amount, weigh less, and if it’s ability to be super supple and ride nice and high is for real, it would really suit a shorter travel trail bike by preserving headangle...

Am I crazy? Does anyone have real world experience on an ERA?

I'm partial to Lyriks myself. I think they feel a bit better than 36's and scheduled maintenance is loads cheaper.

What will you be running the fork at, 150mm?