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Hi all,
Need a new fork soon - wondering if its worth going for boost or not... opinions gratefully received. More choice 2nd hand non boost I guess...
Paul
Depends what you want, how long you plan to keep and if you need multibike compatibility I think.
I have a boost fork on my old Mk1 Solaris simply because at the time it was a killer deal and also left the way open for much bigger tyres if I wanted. I’ve got another boost 29/+ Yari sitting in the cupboard for similar reasons for my next FS frame.
Standard 15mm wheels can easily be fitted without rebuilding if you have anything on a Hope or DT hub and probably others without getting into slightly iffy looking EBay adapters.
I think the bigger argument now is why would you deliberately buy into an older standard when it’s in the process of being replaced unless the sort of arguments made on reddit about sticking it to the industry make sense to you?
I wouldn't think of it as an upgrade, more along the lines of colour choice, any actual benefits are marginal.
If you're looking for a fork only then stay away from boost unless your existing wheel can be easily adapted.
If you want a fork and wheel buy the ones you want in whichever standard they're in.
If they're the same price and same product I'd go with boost because, maybe it's ever so slightly better but it's more current and there's no good reason not too.
Long term it's an old standard but the chances of hubs only being available in boost any time soon are, imho, very low indeed. It's not as if the market for decent hubs is largely OE so whilst rebranded novatech stuff might go that way, Hope, ck, dt etc will continue to produce what the aftermarket wants.
I have boost because it was almost impossible not to.
If there's a boost version of your existing hub you can often rebuild the wheel without needing new spokes .
The best thing I’ve noticed about new Boost forks is that they’ve got more tyre/mud clearance than older ones - so I’d go Boost for that side effect!
Upgrade of an old hardtail frame from 100 mm travel, QR fork to 130 mm boost, front tyre 2.4 inch, rear 2.2:
fantastic! The boost fork was in sale and upgraded the fron wheel to an wider rim as well. Love this bike.
Other bike, full suspension: 150 mm travel, boost and 2.6 inch rubber, 35 mm rims. This is downhill like on rails. Huge advantage.
Wasn't a fan of boost - until I tried it....