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Fox Racing Shox F80RLT 2003 Front Shocks

4.43/5 (37 Reviews)

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MSRP : $650.00


Product Description

  • Weight: approx. 3.32 lbs.
  • 32mm Hard Anodized Easton EA70 stanchion tubes
  • Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum hollow crown
  • One-piece Magnesium lower leg
  • Webbed-Truss fork brace
  • New High-Flow open-bath damper
  • FOX FORX oil seals with patented scraper-lip technology
  • Compression Lock-Out with adjustable Blowoff Threshold
  • 12 click rebound adjustment
  • Factory tuned compression damping


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Reviews 1 - 15 (37 Reviews Total) | Next 15

User Reviews

Overall Rating:2
Value Rating:2
Submitted by D L a Cross Country Rider from San Diego

Date Reviewed: July 23, 2007

Strengths:    Super Plush, Stiff

Weaknesses:    Forks sent in by my LBS for new seals. It took 4 MONTHS, (YES MONTHS!) to get new seals installed at the Fox facility! WOW! Apparently 3 of the weeks were due to the forks being sent to the wrong return address by Fox. Sounds like nobody really cares about the customer at Fox.

Bottom Line:   
Works great when working, constant problems with seals leaking, I will never again send to Fox for anything if I can help it. I've heard from others that they've had issues with Fox customer service, turn around, etc. Apparently customer service isn't important to them. I own two Fox forks, the others I purchased new at a LBS and I've had nothing but issues with the original seals either leaking or completely blowing out within the first few months of ownership. I've never had these issues with any other fork period! For the record, I take exceptional care of my equipment.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Noble / Sweetwater

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Price Paid:    $250.00

Purchased At:   private party

Similar Products Used:   Rock Shox, Marzocchi, Manitou

Overall Rating:1
Value Rating:1
Submitted by Don Griffiths a Cross Country Rider from Ben Lomond, Ca, USA

Date Reviewed: July 3, 2007

Strengths:    The reviews sound good

Weaknesses:    Lack of product support, no custom orders

Bottom Line:   
Well, Fox headquarters is about 30 miles from where I live as the crow flies, but I could not even contact anyone to
request a custom 1" head tube installed in the crown for my "last a lifetime" $1900 titanium Merlin frame. So out of desperation I ended up purchasing a Marzzochi Corsa SL WC that was mfgd more than 7000+ miles away in Italy. I'll leave an honest review on the Corsa.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Top Secret

Duration Product Used:   Tested or demo'ed only

Price Paid:    $659.00

Purchased At:   Nowhere

Similar Products Used:   Rockshox Mag 21, Hey 12 years 10,000 miles later they still work, no rebuilds.

Bike Setup:   95' Merlin Hard Tail, XTR
Overall Rating:3
Value Rating:3
Submitted by Arthur from Philadelphia, CA, US

Date Reviewed: February 1, 2007

Strengths:    Test:

I read all the past years reviews about the malfunctions and sealing problems, but the 2007 model is superb, terralogic works without you notice any lag in time. it`s the best combination you can have with the epic brain. Try IT. you will not regreat!

Bottom Line:   
I read all the past years reviews about the malfunctions and sealing problems, but the 2007 model is superb, terralogic works without you notice any lag in time. it`s the best combination you can have with the epic brain. Try IT. you will not regreat!

-------This is a test posting

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   More than 3 years

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Greg Armstrong a Cross Country Rider from Tucson

Date Reviewed: December 28, 2006

Strengths:    tracks well, plush, reliable

Bottom Line:   
Two years of hammering rugged desert terrain with zero maint. and still going strong. I'm a 200# rider who likes long fast rocky descents. I get no knocking noises that other riders complain about. I now ride this fork fairly soft for extra plush on the rough trails here. Tracks perfectly on technical trails (along with the Chris King headset- a major improvement if you can afford it) especially on those slow speed/wrestle the front wheel around/do or die manuevers. It helps to set the compression damping on the high side. I use zip ties for gauges to make sure I'm using the full travel of the suspension.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Mt. Lemmon, etc.

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Purchased At:   Bikes West

Similar Products Used:   several Judys, RST, etc.

Bike Setup:   specialized epic comp, King headset
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:4
Submitted by Doug Gangi a Cross Country Rider from Phoenix, AZ

Date Reviewed: January 6, 2006

Strengths:    Reliable, plush travel, strong/stiff, looks great. Did I say reliable?

Weaknesses:    Spendy

Bottom Line:   
This is the best and most reliable fork I have ever owned...bar none. I've had this on my bike for 2 years now and it has never given me any problems whatsoever -- no leaks, nothing. I just took it into the shop to get it serviced because I figured it had been neglected long enough. The shop charged me to change the oil and clean up the innerds, but everything else was 100% fine. Absolutely amazing dependability!

What attracted me to Fox in the first place is the plushness of the travel. It's top notch...better than other forks I have tried (although the new Reba's are pretty damn plush too).

The fork's 32mm stanchions are strong. This fork tracks straight and true, even when hammering the rock gardens. Sure this fork is 1/2 pound heavier than some other "XC" forks out there, but I will gladly give up 1/2 pound to have the stiffness up front.

Bottom line is that I am now a Fox believer. At first I was skeptical because everybody was blabbing about how great Fox Forx were and Fox was charging a ridiculous premium. But now that I've ridden a Fox I am a convert and will surely have Fox Forx on my future bikes...no matter what the cost.

4 chili's for value as these are spendy forks, but 5 chili's for the overall rating because this is such a great piece of equipment.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Anyone I am riding on

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Price Paid:    $300.00

Purchased At:   Classifieds

Similar Products Used:   Manitou SX-Ti, Noleen Mega Air, Rock Shox Indy SL, old elastomer shocks

Bike Setup:   Giant NRS Air
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:4
Submitted by Jason a Cross Country Rider from Tucson, AZ

Date Reviewed: September 18, 2004

Strengths:    Stiff Legs (Tracks Well on Trail), Adjustments, Plush Travel, Lock Out Adjustment, Good Seals

Weaknesses:    Slightly on the Heavy Side

Bottom Line:   
This review is for 2002 Fox F80 RLC. Just like RLT with addtional compression dial. I replaced my tired Manitou Elite with this fork. This fork tracks on the trail so much better then my Manitou. Instead of deflecting off rocks it pushs right through them, whether climbing or decending. Bottom line--improves steering control! Compression seems a little on the stiff side, I'm glad I have the compression adjustment to lossen it up a bit. Fork bobs quite a bit during inital travel (first 10mm), just lock it out and climb or hammer the flats. Bob not noticed in rough stuff or downhill. Lockout threshold is great asset. I set it up stiff for racing--when I expect to be out of the saddle. Set it up plusher for longer, in saddle climbs. Durablity seems to be good, last owner had it for two years and never changed oil or serviced it. Bushings still seem tight and performs good. I'm a cheap skate, would I pay new, full price for this fork? Maybe, but I got it for 1/3 the price of a new one and it's already broke in--good deal in my book.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $250.00

Purchased At:   e-bay

Similar Products Used:   Manitou SX, Manitou MARS Elite

Bike Setup:   2002 Stumpjumper Pro FSR, Fox RP3 rear shock,
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Font Ninea a Cross Country Rider from Menlo Park, CA

Date Reviewed: July 21, 2004

Strengths:    tracks 100% on target, fully adjustable, perfect craftsmanship

Weaknesses:    only comes in 80mm

Bottom Line:   
I may have already reviewed this fork (though, I didn't see it on the board). Here is an update after riding for over a month on it.

It seems to have broken in nicely. The adjustments work as designed and everything is super smooth. I have noticed some "knocking" sounds when it tops out as others have mentioned, but it seems like it's not metal on metal, so I'm not worried. And it's not an "ugly" sound.

I love the lock-out feature. I really didn't think i'd use it, but it's proven itself oh-so-worthy in SS conditions when out of the saddle and hammering. I cannot imagine doing it any other way.

Another reviewer mentioned the Fox recommended air pressure seems too low. I thought so, too, but, after experimenting with higher pressures I think the manual is right on for my weight. YMMV. I found the default settings perfect for me, but you should experiment.

The hardest part after switching to this fork was learning how to ride again. I had compensated for my SID for so long it made my bike feel like it was from another planet. It used to be like steering a wet noodle. Now it's like steering an aeleron of a 767.

I recently rode a friend's SS with a 125mm FOX (don't know which one) and it ruled. I only wish the F80RLT came in longer lengths.

I could not be happier.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   doctors park

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $400.00

Purchased At:   LBS (Go Ride in Redwood City)

Similar Products Used:   1999 SID, rigid

Bike Setup:   SS Chameleon, geared Chameleon
Overall Rating:4
Value Rating:4
Submitted by Sam Hickman a Cross Country Rider from lkwd Co

Date Reviewed: April 26, 2004

Strengths:    Easy setup-adjusts very easy-very plush

Weaknesses:    A bit heavy but worth it for the stiffness

Bottom Line:   
get ride very plush The lock out is easy to use while riding a bit on the heavy side but tracks very well

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   mathews winters

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $650.00

Purchased At:   hp bike works

Similar Products Used:   judy dh

Bike Setup:   Salsa Bandito full XTR with a XT crank so I could get a 48t ring and king wheels
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Craig from Thousand Oaks, CA

Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004

Strengths:    Plush suspension, STIFF, easy to set up, tracks very well, more travel than w/ other 80mm forks (@ least SID).

Weaknesses:    Bit on the heavy side (not heavy, just a bit heavier than the SID I was using).

Bottom Line:   
Only have 3 rides on it, but I'm impressed so far. I notice much better tracking and control due to the increased stiffness. Suspension movement is plush. Seem to be getting more travel than w/ the SID. I feel more confident on the decents. Great XC fork, especially for someone like me who weights 185.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Pt. Mugu, Chesboro

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $400.00

Purchased At:   used

Similar Products Used:   Manitous SXR, SID SL

Bike Setup:   Ibis Silk Ti, Mavic Crossmax, Race Face Next cranks, Crank Bros Triple Ti pedals, King headset, Paul's motolight brakes and Love levers, XTR shifters, derailleurs, American Classic bottom bracket, Fox Forx F80RLT
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Christoph a Cross Country Rider from Stuttgart, Germany

Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003

Strengths:    plush, stiff, easy to set up

Weaknesses:    maybe price

Bottom Line:   
At first, the price does not really invite to buy this fork, if bike doesn't come equipped with. But this is really is the best fork I've ever used!!! I tried the Marathon SL before, but this is the opposite of this fork in terms of plushness. And it is plush from the beginning. Good job, guys from Fox!!!
The fork is really easy to set up, and the quality of the components is outstanding. Not one single cheap part.
The fork is also very stiff what makes it a good choice for use of disc brakes. Plus this makes steering very precise.

BTW: I can not confirm the clicking sounds some people mention.

I don' regret any dollar spent for this fork. I would recommend it to anybody who gets along with the travel of 80mm.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Tremalzo Trails, Lake Garda, Italy

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $570.00

Similar Products Used:   Marzocchi Marathon SL 2003

Bike Setup:   Rocky Mountain Element Race with F80RLT, wild mix of different components :-)
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by TODD a Cross Country Rider from GARNER

Date Reviewed: October 2, 2003

Strengths:    Rigidity, dampening, lockout.

Weaknesses:    None



Bottom Line:   
I was concerned that maybe I was wasting my money on a new fork, but damn, this is the best fork I've ever been on. Yeah it's expensive, but it works flawlessly, and was easy to dial in. If you can swing the cost, get one.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   All trails are favorites

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Price Paid:    $520.00

Purchased At:   ebay

Similar Products Used:   Marzzochi atom race,m80, rock shox.

Bike Setup:   Kona Pahoehoe, xtr/xt, avid, thomson, selle italia, race face, titec, tioga, WTB.
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Paul from Acworth, Ga

Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003

Strengths:    Outstanding tracking, stiff, you can really tune this thing in.

Weaknesses:    Only thing I have bad to say so far is that it does leak oil on the right side.

Bottom Line:   
This review is for the F80RL. Best fork I have ever used. It was as dramatic a change from my Duke Race as I experienced going from a rigid fork to a suspension fork. I can not compare this to any other product used, its that much better.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   3 months

Purchased At:   came stock on bike

Similar Products Used:   Manatou, Rock Shock Duke Race

Bike Setup:   S-Works FSR Epic, XT Drive and shifters, Avid SD 7 and levers, Cane Creek WAM, 959's
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by andy mills a Racer from winter park, fl

Date Reviewed: September 16, 2003

Strengths:    Unbeliebably true when tracking and super plush. This is the sweetest fork I have ever ridden. Superior customer service.

Weaknesses:    Nadda

Bottom Line:   
This fork is the sweetest, plushest fork I have ever ridden. The lock-out makes it quite nice on climbs, but the rigidity of the stantion tubes allows you to take downhills MUCH faster and with more confidence than with forks I have ridden in the past. There is absolutely NO CHATTER like you get with a SID. I have actually been able to take sketchier lines with this fork because I'm 100% confident it will be spot on. When you finish an epic ride or race with a competitors brand fork, your arms are usually very tired and upper body fatigued. Not with this fork- its that nice (obviously make sure its set up properly).

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   1990 UCI course at Durango

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Similar Products Used:   Rock Shox Carbon SID, Rock Shox SID SL

Bike Setup:   Trek Fuel 100 (carbon), XTR cranks, Hayes Disc, King headset and disc hubs, SRAM XO drive train, Bontrager bars, stem, seatpost and cranks. FOX RL rear shock and 80RLT up front
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by 4ced2work from dublin

Date Reviewed: August 15, 2003

Strengths:    Light, Stiff, Ultra-plush, company support

Weaknesses:    none

Bottom Line:   
This is the nicest fork I've ever ridden. Stiffer than you could ever really need. If you look at all of the manufatures building forks for mountain bikes Fox has much more experience in building suspensions for just about anything with wheels. That experience shows, these are great forks.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $650.00

Overall Rating:3
Value Rating:3
Submitted by Avid Rider a Cross Country Rider from SF

Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003

Strengths:    plush

Weaknesses:    customer service

Bottom Line:   
If anything goes wrong with your fox shock you may have a problem gettting good service. That alone makes the shock only get 3 chilis.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Any Singletrack

Duration Product Used:   2 Years

Reviews 1 - 15 (37 Reviews Total) | Next 15

Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

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