Fox forx -- which to choose?

[emarkwardt]

So I've decided it's finally time to replace the cheesy elastomer-based Manitou fork on my Specialized Ground Control FSR with something a bit more modern. Fox forks seem to be getting really good reviews in everything I read so that's the direction I'm leaning.

The problem comes in on which Fox fork to choose. I've sort of narrowed things down to the Float 80RLT, the Float 100RLC, the TALAS RCL and the F80X. Most of my riding is cross country singletrack ala Lebanon Hills so I don't need gobs of travel and I don't want to change my steering responses a lot.

My impressions/thoughts on each:

80RLT: 80mm of travel is plenty, a bit more spendy than some of the others, lightest of the bunch.

Float 100RLC: 80/100mm adjustability is a plus, weight is pretty good, costs less than the 80RLT and the F80X

TALAS RLC: least expensive, 85-125mm adjustability, advertised as a "freeride" fork, heaviest

F80X: new, cool TerraLogic stuff, most expensive

Right now I'd say I'm leaning toward the Float 100RLC since it's in the middle of the pack price-wise, I can adjust the travel, it's relatively light weight.

The TALAS RLC has more travel than I probably need and it's the heaviest. I don't do "freeriding" at all.

The F80X looks cool, but the TerraLogic parts are new and relatively unproven which scares me a little. It's also the spendiest.

The 80RLT is a tad lighter than the 100RLC but it costs more.

So... any personal experiences with any of these forks? Like 'em? Hate em? Would you buy the same one again?

[EmL34]

I have the Fox Float F80RLC, and I like it a lot. 100 might be great, too. Have someone who knows how this stuff works match it to your bike.

Length of the fork will influence head angle, which in turn effects handling. And handling is important, so don't listen to anyone on this thread.

Maybe buy a new bike that has the fork you want, maybe buy new shoes for the cleat that works with the new pedals, new gloves for the new grips, etc.

You might need a new rack to carry the bike, and maybe a new car...see Shad's website for a list of approved cars.

Forks are pretty expensive, eh?

[gopherhockey]

Talas RLC would be my top choice for 03' although there is a new cool one coming out next year that I have just been hearing hints of.

Length is adjustable, which is cool.

Regularly around $700 but you can get them for around $499

[denis-on-enduro]

If I where you I would go with at least 100 mm of travel

I had a 80 mm of travel before I got my enduro and love the100mm

It is your call.

Look at what type of riding you will be doing!:etard:

[gopherhockey]

If you can wait, soon Fox will be releasing their new anti-bob design for a front fork. (In 04' according to the mags, but I see them available online already.. hmmm)

I read about it mtb action (I believe) - the idea is that a weight seals the unit and when you push down on the bars, it will not release the weight (but rather keeps it closed) - but if the wheels hit a bump, the weight is released and they are able to react just as any other shock would.

These are rather new designs, but it is getting good reviews already. Combine this with a VPP or other anti-bob design on the rear and you'd have one sweet ride.

Details:

100 (or 80) mm Travel
TerraLogic inertia-valve system automatically locks-out on smooth terrain and opens for plush travel on bumpy terrain

TerraLogic's sensitivity and recovery time can be adjusted via blue knob on bottom of damper leg

12-click rebound damping adjustment
High-flow open-bath damper with SDC (Shimmed Damping Control)

Air-Spring system optimized for coil-like performance

FOX exclusive oil seals with patented SLT (Scraper Lip Technology)

FOX engineered chassis with PSC

Custom 32mm hard anodized EASTON EA70 stanchion tubes optimized for 100mm travel

Forged 7075-T6 aluminum "Double Barrel" hollow crown design

One-piece magnesium lower leg

Webbed-Truss fork brace

Anodized billet aluminum top caps

Single standard Schraeder air-filler

Approx Weight: 3.52 lbs.

Click here for more info (http://www.foxracingshox.com/website/ProductList.asp?Market=MBike&SubCategoryId=26)

[Kingbozo]

Mmmmmmmmmmmm....Talas RLC

[Kingbozo]

Originally posted by Tom S.
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: Love the pic there Kingbozo!! :cool:

[nigel]

the anti-bob fork is pretty cool, got to ride one a while back for a few miles. You can adjust the amount of force applied to "turn it on" Its a lil on the heavy side but works like a charm. I may have to snatch one up for my next Unicogger.

They are going to available to the consumer market prior to OEM too, so they are the first company to stick it the man in a manner of speaking.

Douglas

[syntaxjunkie]

I notice that the Fox Vanilla RLC seems conspicuous by its absence in this discussion. I mention this because it's currently in the lead among new forks that I'm thinking about.

The first suspension fork I ever owned was a Marzocchi Bomber--a heavy piece of work, certainly, but plusher than a 70s carpeting museum. Since then, I've had a Manitou Black (decent feel, but unreliable and finicky) and a Rock Shox Duke Race (light, but a little too stiff overall).

I liked the feel of the Marzocchi better than either of the last two. And, as I've commented previously, a guy my size probably doesn't need to lose too much sleep over a few ounces. The Fox Vanilla RLC (100mm) would seem like the perfect fork for me, in theory.

Does anyone have any riding experience with a Vanilla? Or even a secondhand story, rumor or bit of gossip? I haven't seen one spec'd as standard issue on any bike in town or been able to talk to anyone who's got one. The MTBR.com reviews check out OK, but I'm always interested in the local opinion.

[jjrsds]

I have a Fox forx 80 RL 02 version and I love it. I took the spacer out and it is now 100mm of travel in the front now. It slowed down the handling a little bit but I think that it is for the better. Not so twitchy now. My next bike will have a fox fork as well.

[jeffgude]

I too am interested in ditching my Manitou. I'm also interested in any feedback on the Vanilla. It is definitely the most spouse-friendly Fox product. The alternative for me would be a Marzocchi MX, which is significantly heavier, but probably worth it in terms of reliability and function. I don't want to go above 85 mm travel due to handling compromises, and this really limits the selection.

[jeffgude]

Stay tuned for an update on the Fox Vanilla RL, as I have one on order at one of our fine local shops. It seems to be positioned as their freeride or all-mountain fork, but I'll be setting the travel to 80 mm and putting it to work on my Klein hardtail. I decided on the Vanilla for its reliability, plushness, and price. The MARS currently on the bike will be going into the parts bin, having blown its seals one too many times for my liking.