Views on Pace RC38 AirForce ST Type-R Lock-Out Fork (2004)

[wynne]

Got my eye on the above. A touch moderne for me, but I'm after a light, short travel fork to replace my old SIDs. I love my SIDs, but with the best will in the world they're not an incisive singletrack fork...

Has anyone had experience of these PACE chaps? Or can you suggest another suitable fork? I've been looking at the Manitou Mars C. I'm keen to buy something a bit more up to date that is light, reliable and has V BRAKE POSTS. Any recommendations?

Thanks

Rich

 

[al]

Hi Rich,

I had a pair of first generation Airforce.

They weren't particulaly stiff,suffered from stiction and needed to go back to be re-bonded! I would much prefer to ride a Sid.

I also had a pair of the Manitous Mars C,although they lasted three hours on Dartmoor. That wasn't a cheap ride! They let so much crud through the seals that they locked solid!!
It was interesting riding back off Dartmoor on a Heckler with a rigid fork. Oh didn't we laugh!

Al, Bringing doom and gloom to a forum near you! :roll:

 

[dbmtb]

I've not had my Airforce 2s long enough to give a qualified answer - but the point about stiction seems to hold true. Mine had to be realigned when I got them.

Other weak points - alloy bridge mounting bolt that is impossible to get off if it seizes.

Lockout switch is fragile.

Magnesium dropout needs watching....

Not much room for the QR.

No "lawyers lips" - not something I worry about in my part of the world, but long descents would bother me as I run a 180mm disc on the front.

Plus points
Plenty of options for adjustment (3 valves to pump)
Plush in the way only Pace can.
Best looking lockout fork ever made.

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

I have some of these and haven't suffered the problems above. Having said that, the only forks I can compare with are Tange Shockblades and a shonky old set of Judy sans oil.

You do seem to have to pump the Pace up before riding as pressure retention for more than a week is a problem with mine.

 

[wynne]

Hmmmm. Thanks for the views. As a result I've just booked my SIDs in to have the bushings, oil and seals replaced. I've learned to cope with what someone on here called their "wet noodle handling".

I fear change...

Rich

 

[northerndave]

I assume that you're looking at the Hollowform models given the 2004 date.

I personally prefer the coil sprung pace forks. When I was researching getting a pair, coil seemed to get more reliability points than air. My view was that seals can deteriorate thus creating air leaks and that physical springs would seem to be less prone the 'invisible' problems. My Hollowform RC36 are top drawer, super plush if you keep them clean and well greased.

I incidentally have a Mars Elite that I was thinking about selling, although they have had a rattle can respray!

 

[dbmtb]

TRIPLE POST

 

[dbmtb]

DOUBLE POST

 

[dbmtb]

I assume that you're looking at the Hollowform models given the 2004 date.

If it's Hollowform type, then go for it... I have RC41 XCAM Fighters on my RC303 and they have none of the problems I described with the older RC38s.