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Hi folks, I'm after a bit of advice regarding new forks for my Alpine 160. It's a 2010 model so 1 1/8" head tube. Thinking of going from the Fox Float 36 to a set of Marz 55 rc3 ti - about the only 'upgrade' forks that I can still get with that steerer tube!
My existing forks have a 200mm steerer tube, and I run 10mm of spacers under the stem. If I go for a set of forks with a 190mm steerer tube, I'd have to lose the spacers, but the overall height of the bars won't change as the forks themselves are 10mm longer anyway. My question is - as the front of the bike would rise regardless, would it be preferable to keep the angles between saddle, crank & bars the same, or would effectively dropping the bars 10mm make a big difference in handling?
Any advice is much appreciated - cheers! 
The bars might be the same hight from the ground but they'll be 10mm lower relative to the saddle. But the front end will be raised a bit so the bars will angle back to you a fraction. You might notice a difference for the first ride or two, but I'm sure you'd get used to it pretty quickly. I know I would.
As its not that much of a difference you should get used to it after a couple of miles.
Thanks folks, that's encouraging 🙂
The 55RC3 have a short A2c. Mine are 170mm and they replaced some 160mm Fox 36s and my front end is slightly lower. Lovely forks though.
I didn't notice after about 10 mins of riding. But it you're worried the head angle will be a bit steeper then spend £20 on some offset shock mounts from www.offsetbushings.com and that slackens an Alpine 160 by about 1 degree.
Tom KP
If you're happy with 10mm of spacers leave them there. You won't even notice the extra 10mm of travel, slacker head angle, etc, compared to the forks' other characteristics.
Thanks again all - really useful info there!