Hope Head Doctor

moray42

moray42

Merman
Been thinking about upgrading my fork (Dart 3) recently, and was wondering if anyone has any experience with/opinions on the Hope Head Doctor?

Mostly looking at used Fox and Rockshox forks on ebay right now, so if i find one with a star nut already i'll just use that. I've also seen some fair deals ($175ish) on new Tora 302's still hanging around though, which is where i was thinking of using a head doctor. Didn't find anything here, but have seen some mixed reviews on mtbr. Seems like a decent idea, but a lot of the reviews talk about snapping the aluminum bolt. Then again, it also sounds like they're all trying to crank the h$%# out of it:hmmm:.

Also, to head it off, i do realize that investing in a fork is pretty substantial for a fairly low priced bike (2008 Trek 4500). I would like to get a 2nd bike that can handle a bit more, or replace this one, but don't have the funds right now (and probably won't for a while🙁) for that. With that given, for the time being i am this is my all around bike, and i am looking to upgrade bits and pieces on a budget when i can. Not in a rush either, but have started looking into it as some opportunities have come up.

Anyway, sorry for the extended post, and thanks in advance for any input. I'll work on the crib notes for anyone who doesn't feel like reading all the way through😀.
 
A star nut is like 3 bucks.... Look for a Fox fork and Just make sure the steerer tube on the fork is long enough and you'll be good to go.
 
The 302 isn't much if an upgrade, and not worth spending the money on. The Tora 318 has a better damper and is an upgrade and a solid performer, but it is a pretty heavy fork.

Hold out for a fox or Reba.
 
Thanks for the feedback. Looking back, star nut is definitely the far cheaper option. Guess i was only looking at it from a matter of convenience, since it seems a little easier to set up and is reusable.

Anyway, taking this a bit off the original topic, the initial attempts at a fox that would work within what i am willing to pay right now didn't work out. Think i'll take the advice, and steer clear from the Tora for now as well. I did look into Marzocchis briefly, and have turned up that i could pick up a new 2012 44RLO for $270ish. Honestly still a bit more than i'd like to shell out at the moment, but being realistic, i'm not going to find much of quality for cheaper. Any thoughts on the 44RLO? Reviews seem pretty decent.
 
I have a head doctor and have never had to take it out but it works fine, has never come loose I just lubed the parts that slide on itself with a little grease before putting it in the fork and its been set since, you wont really have to ever take a star nut out but I chose the head doctor for the hope top cap and it is a neat part
 
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