Description:2005 Vanilla Forx now offer disc-only castings! Enjoy 130mm of travel (internally convertible to 100mm) on one of the stiffest , most precise forks around.
The top-of-the-Vanilla-line RLC offers maximum adjustability, with a 12 click rebound damper, lockout, low-speed compression damping, and adjustable blow-off threshold. They're a snap to tune to match your riding style. Patented scraper-lip seals that keep oil in and debris out, ensuring the longevity and performance of your fork. 2005 Vanilla's feature a new, slim damper cartridge that helps eliminate cavitation and allows a wider adjustment range. The new cartridge saves 30 grams over '04 forks.
Submitted by
Will
a Racer
from Houghton, MI Date Reviewed: November 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Copper Harbor
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Light, smooth, durable, adjustments work well, robust, smooth, stiff. Does not have Terralogic. I wish my downhill fork worked as well.
Similar Products Used:
Psylo, Dorado
Bike Setup:
XC racing
Bottom Line:
After over 2 years and several thousand miles of hard off road riding (it has out lived 2 frames), this fork still functions well. So far I've had to send it in because the bushings were a bit loose from the factory, they fixed it and I was riding it again in a couple weeks. I've replaced the seals once, and changed the oil maybe 6-7 times (they recommend 7.5 wt, 10wt works fine even in winter, don't use 5wt since the hydro-dynamic bushings don't seem to kick in). Recently, I've noticed that the bushings are initially a bit sticky, but still buttery smooth if you actually hit a bump (it still feels far better than terralogic forks, and is remarkably stable).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Janne
a Cross Country Rider
from Finland Date Reviewed: July 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
pp
Strengths:
Very plush but still not bottoming. Rather light compared to other oil forks with same lenght. Amazingly stiff.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Reba Race, Marathon, Revelation, Black Elite
Bike Setup:
Turner 5-Spot w. Fox RP3
Bottom Line:
Fork feels perfect for the 5-spot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a
from H-ville Date Reviewed: May 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
i don't even know any more
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$390.00
Purchased At:
i think price point
Strengths:
it's a great fork, smooth, adjustable, probably one of the stiffest forks thats a Quick release, has a clean look to it, 32mm stanchions are nice because anything smaller is obsolete and weak, never really had to have it serviced, well... for the internals. pretty damn light also
Weaknesses:
i broke the crown and luckly i've had it just under one year so i can have it replaced under warrantee
Similar Products Used:
... just think everything of anykind
Bike Setup:
Versus blitz 6" travel freeride frame with mostly freeride components except for the fox vanilla fork and my hubs.
Bottom Line:
well.. it was a great fork for about 10 months and i bought it thinking all mountain and light freeride was as extreme as i was gonna get, but i got bored of that and started freeriding. Bad decision with a fork like this, it's good for occasional drops here and there and will do good for dirt jumping, but freeriding,,,NO. i got this fork cause when i was looking for forks i was a weight weenie and that decision has come back and slapped me in the face, i could have got a 150mm or 170mm travel but i was worried about that extra pound or 2 and thought i would need that much but now my fork stanchion is loose inside the crown and creaks and wiggles around, very nerve racking and right now it's not to bad i can still ride with it but if i keep riding like this for 1 more month it will bust, so i'm gonna send it in, I would give it a 4 but i know i should have not expected so much from a light weight fork.. that was my bad soo yeah, DON"T FREERIDE WITH IT and when i go to whistler with it fixed i'm really gonna hope it doesn't break again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Anastasio
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Works flawlessly, it's a FOX fork, everything works
Weaknesses:
It is a coil shock, but it's super plush. A little difficult to get adjusted to the way you ride.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Talas, Marzocci Marathon SL
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 80 2005, Hayes Nine, XT, Fox Vanilla
Bottom Line:
This fork might be "bottom line" for FOX, it might be coil shock, and it might be a little heavy, but it still is a great fork. It is super plush, and just works. Whatever you throw at it, it seems to keep up with and never lacks with rebound.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida yes florida Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
pick one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$490.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
all machined aluminum (hate plastic knobs), 32mm stancions, 1st inch of travel soaks up the annoying stuff 130 mm allows you to still have some fun
Weaknesses:
none known of yet
Similar Products Used:
manitou nixon elite (too much bob), zoke OEM 80mm on 1999 hardtail (still a great fork)
Bike Setup:
Bullit, 5th, hayes9, trailpimp, 06 VANILLA RLC (w/firm coil), race face drive, King head
Bottom Line:
FYI - www.trails-edge.com has the 2006 Vanilla RLC w/free king headset for $490 + free shipping, LBS suggest $35 to install ($525)as of this posting
I asked LBS if they could match they came close ($560), and i prefer keep my money in the neighborhood, but figured there were others might find this info useful.
I am one of those clydes who uses his bullit for everything, Vanilla RLC seems like a fit, i researched and most i spoke to said Zoke ETA is exciting at 1st but after a while set and leave, i figured use RLC lockout for climbs and let the 130mm soak up the XC / FR /DH's. I also my other option was Zoke AM1 or SL,
Has anyone run a 130mm fork on a Bullit? I set the nixon at 130 and rake seems fine but would like to hear from anyone who has run this, or simil;ar setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Filipe Nunes
a Weekend Warrior
from Portugal Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
looks,reliability,stiffness,lock-out,hundreds of set ups
Weaknesses:
it could have 150mm travel
Similar Products Used:
a lot of rubish
Bike Setup:
Banshee Wraith
Bottom Line:
I´ve bought it used, but so far so good.Unbelieveble stifness, really stable on downhill, strong for some drops(not big though; rider limitaion).It gives great comfort and confidence to ride really really fast.Trust me, it´s really that good, great upgrade to your bike. If you find a cheap one like I did DON`T HESITATE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Juan Mateo
a Weekend Warrior
from Sneads Ferry, nc Date Reviewed: February 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Brig
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Richards BikeS
Strengths:
Can you say PLUSH!!! Super stiff, stiction free, easily adjustable, low maintenance...the list goes on
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
'00 Manitou Mars C (Should've used a rigid fork to save the weight b/c this thing sucked)
Bike Setup:
'05 Mongoose Teocali Super, stock except for Crank Bros pedals, WTB Rocket-V saddle, Raceface Evolve post, Stan's No Tubes, and Oury Lock-On grips. This bike rocks, by the way!
Bottom Line:
One word describes this fork - AWESOME! I bought my bike from Richard's Bicycles who swapped out the Talas R for the Vanilla RLC...this was by request b/c I wanted a plush ride over adjustability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bennett M.L. Sansbury
a Weekend Warrior
from South Carolina Date Reviewed: January 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fox Den Farm
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
PP
Strengths:
Butter smooth, endless travel, and a new feeling on the front end thanks to the 32mm stancions (sp). My front end previously was fine, I thought I had control on certain sections but now w/ the stiffness the Vanilla offers it is amazing.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
ROCK SHOX SID TEAM, 98' ROCK SHOX JUDY SL, 2003 JUDY
Bike Setup:
97' SCHWINN HOMEGROWN CLASSIC FRAME-fully repainted, rebuilt, w/ X0, WTB, Thompson, Phil Wood, and Mavic parts. Oh, can't forget the Vanilla RLC up front.
Bottom Line:
If you have the option to purchase the Vanilla, DO IT. You will not be sorry. I am utterly speechless on the performance that the RLC has provided me on the trails. My previous fork was 64mm of travel and the Vanilla is 130mm, so I've got a massive geometery change, but it is still ok. I do alot more freeriding, downhill, all mountain riding (yes, on a hardtail) that I do plan ole' XC riding. Therefore the Vanilla fits right in. You can swap out the spacers to drop her to 100mm which is perfect for that weekend race.
I really can not say enough good things about the Vanilla. I wanted a full on mountain fork that would survive anything no matter where I ride to. The coil spring gives me better feel and butter smooth compression and rebound. Plus, I feel much safer about going out for several days on my bike w/ the coil spring compared to an air fork. The price was nice to! I am very happy w/ my purchase. Wonderful quality and excellent engineering. Thanks FOX!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Hood, TX Date Reviewed: January 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Honeybee, Seoul, South Korea
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Bombproof, smooth as silk, easy setup, all kinds of tuning options
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshok Judy, Cannondale Lefty and Super Fatty
Bike Setup:
04 Santa Cruz Heckler w/ 5th Element, LX/XT drivetrain, Mavic F219 rims w/ XT hubs, Mallet C pedals, WTB Rocket V saddle
Bottom Line:
What a great riding fork! I've had 6 wrist surgeries to date (with hardware) and this fork has saved me from a life without riding. The coil spring is buttery smooth and if I had to taste it, it would be a creamy vanilla. I upgraded the spring (which comes with it) as I am over 200 lbs and haven't looked back since. I can't sing its praises enough. If you are heavy set, got a gimp wrist, or just want a bottomless feeling fork, give this one a try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Date Reviewed: January 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$490.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky Cycling
Strengths:
- Great quality engineering. - Comes with three springs (rates). - Rock solid and under 4 lbs. - Lock-out and compression work very very well. - Solid finish, hard to scratch.
Weaknesses:
- ZERO issues.
Similar Products Used:
Lots, Rock Shox Psylo XC, Marz, etc
Bike Setup:
Giant AC Air Lite, XTR, Thompson post, carbon stuff. 27.5 lb 6" travel ride.
Bottom Line:
Buy one. Handleing is amazing. Saved by butt a few times rolling drop-offs, where I would have endoed with my Psylo. Big stepup from RS.
All dials and adjustments work great. All aluminum knobs and controls. Nothing will break like Manitou Minute parts.
Also: Bought it from Blue Sky Cycling on-line. Good experience, as my first fork never arrived, they shipped a new one without question or hassle. Thanks to Eddie at Blue Sky for the great service!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arthur
a Cross Country Rider
from Dural NSW Australia Date Reviewed: December 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Rigid, plush, higly tunable, great build quality and it looks absolutely awesome!
I bought these to replace my crappy Rock Shox Judy SL and have not looked back. The thicker stanchions and butter smooth coil spring action has improved my ride considerably. I can now tackle much tougher terrain with much more ease and control.
I rode the forks at 130mm for a while but decided to change the spacers to 100mm to better suit the geometry of my bike. I did it myself by following the instruction manual and it wasn't too difficult albeit a little fiddly.
I love the adjustability of these forks, I set the blow off valve early on and have not had to touch it since. I have swapped the various springs around to see which I prefer and ended up using the standard spring. I use the low speed compression dial and the lockout lever almost every ride...fantastic forks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from hansville washington U.S.A Date Reviewed: November 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$390.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Everything, it's stiff as hell, it's plush and absorbant but hardly ever bottoms out. extremely light for a 130mm travel coil sprung fork. the adjustments make a huge difference i don't know i lived with out them. 32mm stanchions, did i mention it's hella stiff, lockout works great especially on those long uphill climbs. great fork i couldn't ask for anything more
Weaknesses:
IT tends to make you try things.... bad, not safe to do things
Similar Products Used:
2003 rock shox pilot c, 2006 marzocchi all mountain 3, 2004 fox vanilla 125 RLC, manitou sherman, manitou splice, stiffy forks, manitou skarab, cannondale lefty, manitou six, fox talas, many othr marzocchi's, rockshox's and manitou's
Bike Setup:
trek 4900 hardtail frame (crap) with really nice components that i just upgraded, i really need a new frame, my fox absorbs everything and the back just takes it like a punch to the face.
Bottom Line:
this fork is great, compared to my old rockshox, right when the fork was put on i felt something i never felt before, stiffness, i could balance better and turning became more resposive than with my old rock shox. it put my xc bike in a freeride position (my geometry's all messed up right now) which made it easier to jump but harder to climb on steeps because the nose will lift up. my wrist don't hurt any more after a long ride for it absorbs little bumps and when set wit the right amount of sag you don't have to put any effort into potholes, with this thing you never have to find the best lines, just take the lines that look the most fun and challenging. it's good for freeride, trail riding, kinda XC except it screwed up my geometry on my bike but i need a new frame anyways. It's nearly perfect i love it, it's more plus than a talas and Brian lopes uses this fork on his bike instead of a float or a talas, thats got to mean something.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pat t
a Cross Country Rider
from swoyersville PA USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$415.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
very plush, great for trail riding, light
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
marzzo. dirtjumper 3
Bike Setup:
marin rocky ridge fox vanilla RCL 130
Bottom Line:
this fork is the best 415 dollars i ever spent its great for the type of riding i do and most people do. very light compared to my old one that was about 7 pounds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike dv
a Weekend Warrior
from palmdale CA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
locals
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
real soft, 32 mm stanchions, looks, lockout, and simple to adjust
Weaknesses:
the coil is noisy when compressed quickly, but maybe that can be fixed
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi bomber, manitou
Bike Setup:
03' enduro, CK hubs and headset, WTB dual duty rims and saddle, kona flat pedals, and now a 5in. setup
Bottom Line:
great fork, it seems everyone has picked these up at PP for a free CK headset. I ride within the limits of my enduro and since this fork has been on I have yet to reach the limits of this fork. I jump, drop, and ride on everything I can around here no more than 5 ft. of jump or drop and the fork just eats it up. it has been perfect for my all mountain/freeride setup and was the best $500 bucks ever spent
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Misson Viejo Date Reviewed: May 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Aliso Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Company
Strengths:
Very PLUSH feel, and I mean plush. Pretty stiff for a QR fork. Plenty of travel for trailriding, Adjustments are subtle and simple. It does have a lockout if you think that improves your climbing. Light for what it is, a coil/oil fork.
Weaknesses:
No travel adjust, but as Stockdale would say, just adjust your riding style to compensate for equipment deficiencies. Because the bike doesn't lock down, you need more dexterity/skill when climbing.
Similar Products Used:
fox 125 RLC, Manitou Sheman firefly, Many different marzocchi's
Bike Setup:
2 blinged out Turner 5 Spots, one light and one heavy, long travel. The Fox 130 RLC is on the light bike
Bottom Line:
This would be the ultimate trail fork if it could include Marzocchi's ETA travel adjust system which is the best on the market. It is so light and feels somewhat as good as an 05 Marzocchi Z1 freeride 20mm. (I have that fork on the heavy, big hit Turner 5 Spot)So, travel adjust is a negative. Also, there isn't much variance in feel when adjusting the rebound and compression. Don't get me wrong, there is some adjustability, there just isn't a very wide range of feel when adjusting the fork.. This is kind of a strength though. You get the fork, open box, install, and ride, very simple and cool. The 32mm stanchions do provide added stiffness and make the fork work way better than any QR Manitou. I sold my stupid Firefly from Green weenie fish sports and don't miss that Neo Nazi Camo clunker fork at all. Thumbs up on the price, it's weird thinking of basically 500 bucks after tax to be cheap for a fork, but it is when you consider that the high end forks are all in the 600-1000 dollar range. The Fox Vanilla 130RLC is a great performing, high end, light fork, at a lower price!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Kasper
a Downhiller
from Henniker, NH, USA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
vietnam
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$495.00
Purchased At:
cyclesmith.
Strengths:
The adjustability, the strength, the smoothness, the weight.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1 Freeride, Marzocchi DJ1, Rock Shox Psylo.
Bike Setup:
2003 Kona Stuff with 2005 Fox Vanilla RLC 130, Mavic D321, Shimano XT.
Bottom Line:
Really awsome fork, out of all the forks I have this is the best fork I have ever used. I think I have found the perfect fork for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Santa Barbara ca usa Date Reviewed: April 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
the best coil fork you can get
Weaknesses:
not built for all difforent types of riding
Similar Products Used:
all fox forks
Bottom Line:
If you are able to deffinately buy this fork if you want a coil.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a
from Cheltenham, UK Date Reviewed: February 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$490.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Adjustability, easy to tune in, light but stiff
Weaknesses:
Dull black paint job and dodgy looking stickers
Similar Products Used:
MX Comp ETA's
Bike Setup:
SC Heckler with 5th element coil, hope mini's, EA50 bars, Mallet C's, CK headset
Bottom Line:
Bought this fork last time I was over in the US, at $490 with the current excahnge rate to Pounds it is a steal. Convinced Jenson to chuck in a free CK headset as that is what PP was offering. Killer value. At the end of the day it is a relaible fork that is light compared to other forks with springs, the fact that it is not air sprung means it is mega plush and mega relaible. Fit and forget for 10 years! Often over looked, but a killer fork.
Compared to my MX forks, these babies make the fast stutter bumps feel like they do not exist. Just buy them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kristian
a Weekend Warrior
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: January 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
R-Tech Suspensions
Strengths:
Light, Plush, Stiff, excellent adjustability.
Weaknesses:
The paint chips easily from the dropouts
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1 Freeride
Bike Setup:
http://steelduck.com/public/heckler2/index.htm
Bottom Line:
Amazing Fork. I went from the Z1 Freeride to Vanilla RLC on my SC Heckler. The Vanilla is as stiff, plusher, more adjustments and a lot lighter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Predmore
a Cross Country Rider
from Daphne, AL Date Reviewed: December 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The Gasline
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$490.00
Purchased At:
PP
Strengths:
Adjustability and plush travel. Blow-off adjustment is handy. 32 mm stanchions really firm up front end.
Weaknesses:
Not as light as a Reba or Float.
Similar Products Used:
MX Comp. OEM fork.
Bike Setup:
'03 Enduro with WTB LL/VSC wheels, Thompson ELite SP, Flyte Ti saddle, Easton MonkeyLite Carbon XC bar,Float R shock (off to Push),Float AVA R, CK headset.
Bottom Line:
Best fork I've ridden so far. Fox builds quality stuff. Didn't hurt that PP was sending CK headset with each fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Downhiller
from CT Date Reviewed: December 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
secret part of case and Chaug
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Pro Deal through Employment at Pig Iron Bike SHop
Strengths:
The fork comes with 3 different springs which is nice for different weighted people. The lockout and outer compression and rebound adjustments really allowed me to set the fork to exactly how I wanted it to feel. What's nice about the feel of the fork, like many spring forks, is that it was extremely smooth, unlike other forks like the marzocchi Z1 FreeRides. The fork is super sensitive to small bumps but I never have bottomed it out. the fork is really light and there are three different travel settings on the fork. smoother than an air shock. light for 125ml travel. smoother than marzocchi DJ series
Weaknesses:
I have a squeeking noise though the internals of the fork, but am pretty sure that it's just the oil in the fork traveling though the internals of the bath. other than that "NOTHING"
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1 FreeRide, bomber exr, '03 '04 DJ I II and III, Fox float 80RLC,
Bike Setup:
with this bike new '02 Bear Deeluxe frame, 5th Element 5 way coil shock rear, maxxis High roller, truvative team HB and stem, Shimano deore hyd brakes, mavic rims, XT hub, Thomson Elite seat post, basically I use it for mountaincross and jump, have raced XC 24 hour race with it but because of the small frame my back was killing me. My team still one
Bottom Line:
Awesome fork,,,,,,,,,,,,,I would highly recoment it if you want a light longer travel XC/Mountaincross fork with smooth travel and tons of adjustability
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LP
a Weekend Warrior
from Joinville,SC,Brazil Date Reviewed: November 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Rio do Julio
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa
Strengths:
This is the 5th fork brand I test, and finally found the best compromise between functionality, strength and lightweight. Thousands of fork setups are really cool, 'cause you can go uphill, light freeride, aggressive xcountry, and still have a strong fork.
Weaknesses:
The painting should be stronger. I'll let you know what's up after 6 months of intense use.
Super V900FR, Vanilla RC rearshock, Hayes discbrakes, XT derailleurs, Maxxis Mofo XC tyres, Mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
The Vanilla RLC 130 is the perfect fork for who has a "do anything lower than 1,5 meter high" ride style. You can climb almost like the rigid equipped thin guys, and after learning to operate the 4 dials you can easily move as faster as you can in all xcountry and light freeride trails. If you want to try 1,5 meter flat dropoffs you'd better get a double crown fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trent
a Weekend Warrior
from Redlands Date Reviewed: October 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Broken Arrow,Sedona; Porcupine Rim, Moab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$490.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
super plush, near bottomless travel, very stiff, tracks well. Finally a disc only verson. Not too heavy for epic rides & occasional X country races/24 hour races.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet
Similar Products Used:
Psylo, Manitou Black, Fox Float Talas
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Id w/romic D w/ti spring, Hayes 6", XT drivetrain, Chris King/Mavic 819, Intense CC 2.25
Bottom Line:
I finally found the fork that can keep up w/ the Romic/Ellsworth rear suspension. I feel total balance front to rear now that I never had w/the Psylo. The performance & weight of this fork is the perfect match for my bike. It allows me to take the occasional 3-5' drops, shuttle runs and chairlift days w/confidence and still participate in 24 hour races/X country races. It's the perfect combination for me and my style of one bike does everything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin McHenry
a Racer
from Houghton, MI, US Date Reviewed: September 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Copper Harbor
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$440.00
Purchased At:
Central Park Bicycles, Okemos, MI
Strengths:
Very adjustable, light for a 130mm travel coil fork, the lockout makes it the perfect fork for anyone who wants to race cross country but still be able freeride on the side with the same bike. I'm thinking about downhilling with it too.
Weaknesses:
Nada
Similar Products Used:
old RockShox Judy SL
Bike Setup:
2003 KHS XC504 frame, new XT derailleurs, big bike
Bottom Line:
Best single crown fork on the market (for aggresive riding).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JP
a
from MI Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Smooth. Lockout rock. Each click on the R and C you can tell there has been a change so this fork is highly tweakable. Stiff spring options for big riders like me! Weight isn't to bad, after the cut mine weighted in at 1890g
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
MZ Race, Duke XC
Bike Setup:
2004 GT Avalanche 0.5, Fox Vanilla RLC set at 100mm
Bottom Line:
Great fork for big riders, lots of room to get the fork setup for exactly how you ride, it's not to heavy for a spring fork and for around $500 you will not find a better fork
$ 490.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating: