Coil/over version targeted at aggressive trail riders and the freeriding set. Vanilla Forx use a coil spring in both legs. The left side is adjustable with a preload knob on the crown, or by replacing it with a different rate. The right-side spring is considered a “helper” and is not adjustable // Precision Steering Control (PSC) // Fox Lubrication System (FLS) // Shimmed Damping Control
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
SUPER PLUSH!! At almost 5in of travel, my 125 RLC will go over almost anything and you hardly notice it! The Rebound, Compression, and adjustable resistance Lockout offer almost endless tweaking. Although not the lightest fork out on the market, It isn't so heavy as to make your bike feel like a tank. The fork legs are super stiff, and Ive never felt even a hint of funkyness when cornering real hard, or when taking a significant bump.
Weaknesses:
I have yet to find any...this fork is the pinnacle of front suspension of development...strong, durable, and virtually indestructable...
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000 XC, Fox Vanilla 125 RLC, XT Front and rear derail's, LX cranks and shifter/brake pods, XTR V-brakes, Sun-Ringle Rhyno Lite XL rims, Michelin Wildgripper XL tires, XT rear and LX front hubs, King headset, Ritchey Pro comp stem, Easton EA-70 bar, Bontrager Pro/Comp Seatpost and Seat.
Bottom Line:
This fork is a must have for any serious rider. Ive ridden Rock Shox and other brands and NOTHING compares to the ride given by the Vanilla 125 RLC. If 125mm is too much for your riding style, its super easy to turn it down to 80 or 100mm as well...so its super flexible. Dont be fooled by other brands...once youve ridden a Fox Forx, you will wonder how youve managed to survive w/out one...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Edinburh Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Innerleithen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Pro Bikesport
Strengths:
Stiff. Plush. Tracking.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Psylo, bombers.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro.
Bottom Line:
If you are thinking about buying Psylos over these, forget it. In fact, don't buy anything else. Fox are the best you can buy. I've been running Floats on my race bike for two years and they have been faultless. My enduro has now been transformed. You can blatter over loads of stuff with these!!
Moving from rockshocks to the WILL transform your bike. You'll be able to steer instead of getting deflection from rocks.etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
frame/fork deal
Strengths:
Plush, Stiff, Light
Weaknesses:
Travel adjustment is peculiar, not very durable
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi X-Fly 100, Marzocchi EXR Comp
Bike Setup:
Specialized P.1
Bottom Line:
Excellent trail fork. You might want to up the stiffness of the spring by one for dirt jumping. Stiff, so far, new uppers have been durable. I just hope it lasts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Shedlock
a Racer
from Saylorsburg, Pa USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
someone owed a deal to pay up
Strengths:
Great fork, the fork has wide upper and lower arm very super plus, the control in steering is great better then any fork I've rode, no flex
Weaknesses:
nothing really
Similar Products Used:
z1 freeride
Bike Setup:
vanilla r 125, rinolite rims hayes mec disc brack, xt comps. azonic shorty FSR pro
Bottom Line:
This fork rocks dude I got it for a hell of a deal because a friend of mine was owed money for a job he did so i asked for this fork since i busted mine. this fork handles great a little noise when you have the fox thight with the hard spring Its fairly light for how beefy the fork is very easy to work on and the fox sevice is great on this fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deeez Nutz
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on used bike recently purchased
Strengths:
Adjustability (compared to previous fork.... Duke). Super plush, has not bottomed out (210 lb me), stiff as shhhhht (again compared to slutty Duke)
Weaknesses:
The infamous bushing rattle.
Similar Products Used:
Duke SL 100, Rock Shox Indy XC, Mag 21 back in the day
Bike Setup:
GT Ruckus I-drive, be jealous
Bottom Line:
The bushing rattle... I don't understand it. It doesn't bother me until I hit a set of small, rapid bumps, washboard type of stuff. At that time there is noise that makes me want to dismount and ask Mr. Vanilla if everything is OK. Sometimes I cry. But I have not experienced the noise in any other conditions, and the rattle, or apparent space between bushing and stanchion, does not seem to be getting worse. It does not bottom out when I ride 'er rough, it doesn't flex when I have almost all my weight on the front tire with my hand on the front brake, it doesn't... do any other bad stuff. All around I would have to say that it has been a pleasure owning such a work of engineering. Maybe it is because I have only the Duke to compare it to recently. Either way, who cares. I dig it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dogbert
a Cross Country Rider
from Lebanon, NJ Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Chimney Rock
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Torsional stiffness at 100mm travel; Gets advertised travel
Weaknesses:
Terrible compression damping, especially over stutter bumps; 100mm travel feels like 50mm; noticeable flex at 125mm travel.
I'm not feelin' the love with this fork, even after giving it enough time to break in (last July 'til now). Maybe I was spoiled by the plushness of my Z1, but the compression damping on the Fox makes the fork feel "dead". I am using the correct springs & preload for my weight, and have experimented with the setup. However, although I'm getting full travel, it feels like I'm riding a fork with half the travel. The best way I can describe it is, underneath the Z1, washboard-type bumps just disappeared. With the Fox, I feel every hit, which diminishes my control.
For about a week last fall, I tried the fork at 125mm travel. After having ridden it at 100mm, the fork flex was noticeable, even moreso than the Z1 at 130mm.
On a positive note, I haven't had any of the bushing slop &/or excessive oil leaking on the sliders that others have complained about.
All in all, it's been a decent fork, but not nearly as good as I expected. If all I wanted was something that was torsionally stiff, I'd ride a HeadShok-equipped bike. I'm torn between swapping the guts for the '03 version, which I heard is improved, or ditching the fork altogether.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from amherst ma USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
this is actually a question...i'm looking to buy a vanilla rl from a guy for $200, and he says the bushings feel "really weird." Anyone know about this? if you have any info email me please (taylor_goodwin@eudoramail.com) thanks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wolfspyder
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond,Va Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Poor Farm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
Goodly's
Strengths:
Best fork I've used so far, but to be fair it is the 2nd suspension fork. Hitting bumps/rocks/roots is far better on my control then my previous fork. Fox customer service.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Jett
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Mesa Disc, stock except for Fox Vanilla RLC 125 and shimano 959 pedals.
Bottom Line:
I've had the fork near a year now and it was the best investment I've made for ride handling. I am getting a new full suspension bike now, both shocks are Fox. Coming from a Jett to the Fox is like night and day. I can go much faster, especially downhill, without losing control from my front in bouncing all over on me. I did have one problem with the fork. When I purchased it, it did not have the 3 balls in the lockout lever. I had to press down to engage the lockout. I found this out after a friend go a float on his new bike and saw how it worked. When I took apart the knobs to see the difference I noticed the missing balls, as well as promptly losing the detent ball underneath the compression knob. I emailed Fox, who within 20 minutes emailed me backing saying to call. I called, and the Rep is sending me 4 detent balls for my fork no charge. Great customer service and a great product=)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
will
a Weekend Warrior
from new zealand Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
7 mile loop track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
stiff, plush, choice of spring, warranty (again!)
Weaknesses:
seals and bushes - mine are being rebuilt under warranty for the second time due to oil leaking. first time the bushes had gone too after just six months. second rebuild followed the first by only six weeks!
Similar Products Used:
z4 100mm. lbs has lent me some zokes while warranty work is being done (they're hopeless!!)
Bike Setup:
kona munimula. fox fork, m4 disc, truvativ hussefelt crank, hope rear hub with d521 rim. dh tyres and tubes
Bottom Line:
good fork but i hope the 2003 version has better seals and bushes. i hope the warranty gives me the 2003 model! i wouldn't bother with these if you're riding frequently or on demanding terrain. i'm light (60kgs) and not crashing off things more than about 1.5 metres high and they've still crapped out twice. i expect more from my bike, and warranty issues like this leave me with substandard gear while repairs are made. if it had only been once i might be more tolerant. next time i'll get marzocchi. ratings would be 5 for both value and overall, but i haven't got the fork at present, so poor marks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a
from Long Island, N.Y. Date Reviewed: February 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
urban/dirt
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
employee purchase thru my shop
Strengths:
Stiff, strong, very adjustable, plush smooth...anything you could really ask for in a great fork
Weaknesses:
Sometimes when i lock it out it screws up the other adjustments, but thats no biggie
great fork. I would recommend it to anybody who wants a great fork that will take a beating and still work smoothly and plush
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hora
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sweet twisting single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Dirt n Dreams London
Strengths:
Absolutely the best forks ever used. Not one problem, let me repeat that - 6months of sweet riding. I'm 6foot 15.5stone so not to easy on the front end yet they are still as plush as the day first bought.
Weaknesses:
? Sod off there isn't any
Similar Products Used:
Shiver triple clamp, Judy SL's, Manitou Black Super Air, 2002 Psylo Race
Bike Setup:
Yeti AS-X, Deemax, CT2 carbon front and rear, Hope anchors, raceface crank. 28lb set up!
Bottom Line:
I owned a pair of Manitou's for 1 month. Why did they release this utterly naff fork onto the market? It has the same quality as a RST fork. The Psylos; also 1 month. Utterly pointless and not inspired by the feel/build quality.
Ok, the Fox weigh a bit more but they utterly reward and forgive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MOUNTAIN CREW
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
PIPELINE/JACKS/CHUTES/PALMER PARK
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
MTBR Classifieds
Strengths:
I got the Vanilla 125RLC and this thing tracks the trail like you wouldn't believe. It soaks up everything! Small bumps, big ones, you name it! And it makes jumping so much more fun! It turns like a dream, very tight, quick, and nimble in the turns! I have it on my hardtail for now until I get my F/S frame but that will come when I am overseas and I will build it up!
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Nothing 125 only 100's
Bike Setup:
M4 Specialized Stumpjumper Hardtail. I run Rhyno Lite XL's with XT disc hubs and Avid Mechs, All XT driveline except Cranks that are Race face. Thomson post, Easton Monkey Lite's w/ Race Face Diabolus stem. I run WTB MotoRaptor 2.24's
Bottom Line:
This thing freakin ROCKS!!!!! I would tell anyone to buy this fork and slap it on a hardtail, and when I get my F/S rig I will write another review and let you know how I feel about it then!! BUY IT!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Coconut Creek, FL Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
No Flex
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Bomber Z-1
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Isis, CT-2 bar, King Headset,Fox Vanilla 125RL, Raceface LP turbine cranks, Romic rear shock, Avid Mech disc brakes, Rhyno lite rims
Bottom Line:
This fork is the sh!t. It has one upped Marzocchi. I thought I'd never get a fork better than my Z-1. Corners tight, rides over everything smoothly. I'm big guy and I have complete confidence it this fork. I use all 5 inches of travel and never feel like I'm over stressing the fork. I can take tighter lines that I couldn't before. Everyone should get a fork this good. I only hear some valving noise when I'm riding through an easy section that doesn't require much concentration.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Stewart
a Weekend Warrior
from Dundee Scotland Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Glentress (by Peebles)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Revolution Cycles, Carnoustie (Scotland)
Strengths:
Solid, dependable, adjustable, durable, simple, and Foxy!!!
Weaknesses:
The "tic" (annoying rather than concerning). The involuntary movement of the red rebound knob when the lockout lever is used (by the way the recent "tip" to stop this doesn't work - I've tried it. Tolerences are just too tight).No remote lockout on the bars. And finally, no external travel adjustment (one of your subscribers suggested the 3 springs are only for matching to riders weight - in fact if you read the manual you'll see the springs need changing if you change the travel).
Similar Products Used:
Psylo SL's (pissed out oil from the word go)
Bike Setup:
Scott Octane FX1 (circa 2000) XTR, AC, Stratos XC Pro shock, Hope Minis (what a brake!!!!), and all the usual suspects.
Bottom Line:
What can I say that hasn't been said a million times (slight exageration!!) before. These forks are the dogs bollocks. Every other fork manufacturer back to your drawing boards please. My only gripe centers around the movement of the rebound knob and the lack of external travel adjustment and a bar mounted remaote lockout (like I have with my Stratos shock -oh what a joy that is to operate - infinately adjustable compression dampening from super plush through to ridged at the touch of a lever). Can any one out there in bike land tell me if Fox intends to make and sell an after market travel and lockout kit??? I do hope so ( or has anyone beat them too it and improvised - email me with the details - Ta).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose Rodriguez
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Apex in Denver
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$349.00
Purchased At:
Jenson.USA
Strengths:
32mm stanchions are stiff. No stictition. Stone simple, reliable and they work. You get full travel (125mm is 125mm)
Weaknesses:
They only come in cooking stove black.
Similar Products Used:
A bunch of Rock Shox, another bunch of Manitous.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar with a lot of Race Face components. Gary Fisher Paragon with more Race Face stuff.
Bottom Line:
Best fork I have ever ridden. I put one in my Sugar and I liked it so much that I bought a second one for my hard tail, and what a difference it made. It works as advertised. Bolt to your bike and ride, ride. Forget about adjusting air pressure and carrying a pump. One fork has the travel lock but I taped it shut so it won't lock on me by accident. My trails are too rocky to worry about pedaling efficiency; hell, if you can ride them at all you are a stud muffin. If you are not a weight weenie and just like to ride stuff and survive, this is your fork. The self-lubricating legs are a nice thing; just wipe clean after a ride and you are good to go again. Five flaming turds for an excellent product
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian (in London)
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Quality of the travel is superb, they are incredibly plush and just do not have any stiction whatsoever. I find that it is easy to get full travel as well, which is rare on forks these days. Very stiff, which was the reason for buying in the first place, incredible tracking ability. Feels like a bolt through with a lightweight allow QR...
Weaknesses:
Noise
Similar Products Used:
Manitou (every year), Tonnes of Rock Shox, Marzzochi (many over many years), Pace RC 36 (not bad), Foes.
Bike Setup:
FSR XC, BETD linkage (super sick product that revolutionised the bike), Foxx Vanilla, XT blah blah, nice odds and ends
Bottom Line:
This is really as good as people say it is. The only downside is clearly the noise. This is basically despite what people say, the internals gently moving inside the stanchions. However, if that is the small price to pay for the plush travel and ready adjustability then that's fine by me. They are soooo stiff, that's the principal thing that you will notice, that and that the pack of stiction, even right out of the box, makes other forks feel like a bit of a joke to be honest. They move millimetres without stiction and I actually, for the first time in many years, get all 125mm travel on a fork that claims 125mm....normally I would say you often get more like 80% of the claimed travel. The other thing that I did like was that the stack height is quite low, so that when you get 125mm, you are genuinely almost hitting the crown with the sliders....a zip tie will only just fit in the gap and will be the stopper if it is large! So, fantastic on the trail, switching fast rocky lines is great with that level of steering accuracy and you don't jack up the front of the bike as much as with some due to the lower stack height. All in, I would say that this is, by far, the best fork I have ever owned and aside from the unlucky people who have had some quality control issues with this fork, they are in my opinion, unparallelled in terms of steering accuracy and quality of plush travel. By comparison to the quality you get out of a Rock shox Psylo or a Manitou Black, the Fox are night and day better. And for the quality, they are cheap. This however would be the best fork on the planet if only Fox had thought to make the internals rattle less, or add a tiny amount of rubber solution to the springs and travel adjusters that would lessen the noise they make when they rattle. I might yet do this myself if I can be bothered! I would never consider going back to RS or Manitou, and would say that only Marzzochi comes close, but are still not really in the same league.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Big Boulder in Downieville
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Plushness, dampening, compression, rebound. Best fork out for big mountain, west cost mt. biking.
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
Marzochi
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight w/ raceface and XTR
Bottom Line:
This is the best fork on the market. Fox has always made the best forks for moto cross and snowmobiles. They have taken that technology and used it for mt. bikes. I put between 80-100 miles a week on this fork for the past six months and it has been amazing. Great for big hits and big mountain ridding up in Tahoe or Downieville but also good on local xc trails. The fork sucks up everything that comes its way, including roots, rocks, drops, big drops... I did blow out an oil seal but fox gave me an RA number and rebuild the whole fork for free and got it back to me in 3 days! I never had service like that w/Marzochi. The fox guys returned my calls and emails w/in a day. Great customer service and a great fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John S
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrence,KS Date Reviewed: October 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Clinton
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
stiff,wieght to strength ratio,lots of adjustability
Weaknesses:
not too good at slow speeds or stutter bumps, noisy, no compression adjustment
Similar Products Used:
99 Z2
Bike Setup:
XCE/thomson/minis/king/shimano 8spd
Bottom Line:
Guess Im one of those people who likes to buy American as much as possible and I would *really* like to keep this fork but for my local trails its just not cuttin it. My favorite trail is east-coasty roots,rocks, and lots of stutter bumps. Not really what you would call technical just a rough cobby old trail with speeds ranging from 5 to 25+ mph with *average* speeds of 8-12 mph. Above 15 mph the fork is fairly impressive. But at more average speeds there seems to be a threshold the fork has to overcome before it starts moving. I must be old school because to me a fork/shock should eliminate all the small chatter and smallish medium hits. Not be stiff at the begining of its stroke. It kills me how some people rave about how plush this fork is. I would say it has a smooth stroke but plush its not. I'm sure Fox could come up with a revalve or different cartridge but that would cut into their corporate profits. The fork is also relentlessly noisy and I've heard all the excuses...loose bushings,spring hitting inside of stanchion, air pockets developing between the spacer/preload adjuster and making a popping sound. I tried lightly sanding the spacers to prevent the alleged air build-up but it didnt work. Does anyone really know why this fork is so noisy? If I could just get it quiet I would consider keeping it. The only reason I bought this product is because everyone said Fox had been developing this fork for 3 yrs and all the details were worked out. Yeah right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Vulture Crags
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$441.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Stiff, looks cool, nice color, very plush, great low speed damping, absorbs all the little bumps and great on larger bumps.
Weaknesses:
seals leak oil, travel play, bushings gave out after only two months of riding.
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla 125 RLC, FSR Enduro
Bottom Line:
Great for a first year production. Fox, however, needs to fix their oil seal leaking issues. I've had a couple friends who've had similar problems (blown oil seals)which are pretty annoying. When you contact Fox regarding the problem, they are ussually nice enough to send you a set of oil seals. It is however a pain in the ass to be overhauling your shock every couple months. Plus the bushings on my shock went out of alignment resulting in slower rebound. I have to say that I am only 125lbs and don't really ride rough so I'm a bit dissapointed in the reliability of this shock. Overall, this shock worked really well for a couple months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Thomsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, CA USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Romero to Cold Springs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Velo Pro Goleta
Strengths:
Super Stiff; Good quality parts. Improves confidence.
Weaknesses:
None whatsoever!!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Black comp 3-4in.(piece of junk)
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher sugar + with Bontrager, LX, and Cane Creek AD 5
Bottom Line:
The Fox Vanilla 125 RL is a sweet shock! All I need to do now is get a better frame to match it up with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fat Hand
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Super stiff, High quality craftsmanship, super on medium and large hits, adjustability, coolness factor.
Weaknesses:
A tad heavy, travel adjustment a little bit of a pain, not the plushest on small bumps. Biggest problem is a little play in the spring. This is not bushing slop, but an actual amount of play at the top of the travel. doesn't affect performance, but is noisey and feels loose. Fox syas this is within tolorances, but has offered to take a look at it if I send it back.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX-R, Mars Rock Shox Judy Z-3
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Hollowpoint
Bottom Line:
After six months of use, the fork is holding up pretty well. The play in the spring is kind of annoying but doesn't seem to really affect overall performance. I have the RLC, and actually like the lockout for long climbs up fire roads to get to my favorite singletrack. The low speed compression dampening doesn't seem to affect the fork much, but the rebound adjustment does slow things down. I have ran the fork in 100 and 125 mm modes and lowering the travel does lower the fork (contrary to what others have said). The travel adjustment could be easier. All in all, not a bad rookie effort. I took a chance by purchasing a first year fork and understand that makes me a bit of a guinea pig so I will take that into consideration when rating this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toxie
a Downhiller
from Lucerne, Switzerland Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Arnisee
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$385.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
incredibly stiff, very very smooth damping, weight
Cove Stiffee FR, Fox Vanilla RLC 125, Hope Mini Discs, XT shifters & derailleurs, Race Face, Mavic F519, ODI
Bottom Line:
IMO by far the best fork for a Freeride Hardtail. Very plush, very stiff, very light for its performance. I'm very impressed about.... I'm a huge Marzocchi fan, but this fork is the best solution for a hardtail. I've had the Shiver SC before, but it was just too flexy for jumping and technical trails. Congatulations Fox! Outstanding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Guelph, Onatrio, Canada Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hilton Falls
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Www.airbomb.com
Strengths:
This is for the Vanilla RL, i have it set in the 100 mm position.
Weaknesses:
Moving rebound knob...whenever i turn on the lockout or put my bike in the car (the knob hits the down tube)the rebound knob moves one position so i have to keep moving it back.
Similar Products Used:
01 Psylo SL, Judys, Sid SL
Bike Setup:
Steel HArdtail, decent components
Bottom Line:
First of all, I paid 475$ CAD which is the most wicked deal. I was immediately most impressed with the short axle to crown, these forks did not alter my geometry one bit even though i went from a 80 mm sid to 100 mm. When bottomed, the sliders are only about 5 mm away from the crown. I was amazed at how this fork handles on the trail. Super stiff, no flexy wagging like the sid etc. Don't notice the extra weight at all. The lockout works really well. And the travel is all there and its all good. Like someone poseted below, this fork just disappears beneath you, you sorta forget about it and thats a good thing. No noises, no flex and no nasty habits. I love that they include 3 springs AND the star fangled nut. I adjusted the travel down to 100 right away and was super impressed with the internals. Everything makes sense, its clean and well engineered. Also very easy to disassemble and make adjustments. I am so happy with this fork that i want to buy 3 more for when this one wears out!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spanky
a
from Utah Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
This review is to negate the one from the terd below that hasn't even used the product. Someone who hasn't ridden a product has no reason to submit a review, good or bad. Any brand new product can expect a few growing pains. I've dealt with the guys from fox, and they have been excellent with them. I will say that I ride the fork myself, and while it does make a few interesting noises now and then, I love it. Fox is also much easier to deal with then Marzocchi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Bristol Date Reviewed: September 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This is PLANK alert! In my previous review I said you can get Ti springs for Vanilla Forx, well my brain was a bit muddled at the time and it turns out the reviewer (read it in MBR) was talking about a rear Vanilla shock. You can get Ti springs for Vanilla coil overs, but as far as I can tell, not for Vanilla Forx. Perhaps if we get onto Fox, they may do so if there's enough demand. Anyway, sorry for the misleading information.
Bottom Line:
Still a fantastic fork - as this is an update I'd rather not give a rating, but they're an amazing fork so I'll give them what I gave before
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Math
a Downhiller
from Montreal Quebec Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
La porte à Bicyclette
Strengths:
These forks are very good. Anything you want to do from Urban assault, freeride and downhill.
Weaknesses:
I have a problem with the seals...well the oil blows, i gotta go to the shop for that.
Similar Products Used:
Psylo, Marzocchi Z1
Bike Setup:
Balfa 2step, Fox Fork, etc...
Bottom Line:
Very good shock, you'll be happy! (i think i'm one of the rare who have a problem with the seals..) Anyway it always happen to me hehe
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Math
a Downhiller
from Montreal Quebec Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
La porte à Bicyclette
Strengths:
These forks are very good. Anything you want to do from Urban assault, freeride and downhill.
Weaknesses:
I have a problem with the seals...well the oil blows, i gotta go to the shop for that.
Similar Products Used:
Psylo, Marzocchi Z1
Bike Setup:
Balfa 2step, Fox Fork, etc...
Bottom Line:
Very good shock, you'll be happy! (i think i'm one of the rare who have a problem with the seals..) Anyway it always happen to me hehe
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Crook
a
from Bristol Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Bike, Bristol
Strengths:
This for the RLC set at 80mm travel. Very plush, very stiff, 3 travel ajustments (or more if you want to fiddle around making your own spacers) and more things to fiddle with than you could ever want! If it's too heavy you can buy some Ti springs for $99 to lose 160g (presonally don't notice the weight)
Weaknesses:
After much scratching of head - none that I can think of. Oh yeah, low speed compression adjuster doesn't seem to make much difference, but that might be because I'm not running enough travel to notice.
These forks are very good - even with little experience I can tell these are worth their money. It's difficult to know where to start - they seem to disappear underneath me, I don't really notice they're there when I'm riding. They have a bit of a progressive feel which seems to deal with everything I throw at them. I've only felt them bottom out once when i hit something so hard I didn't expect to stay on the bike, but I get full travel every ride (there is 5mm more exposed stantion than there is travel, just for info). They're a joy to take apart and put back together again and I've never regretted buying them. The cool thing with the RLCs is you can set the lockout blowoff to any level of force you like - I have them set so they're only a little bit stiffer than unlocked. This way the compression damping is increased a bit (for climbing or for steep technical dh) but the fork still works fine. Anyway, some tips (which should answer some of the criticisms). Never had a problem with the l/out lever moving the compression adjuster (blue one underneath) but it did use to move the rebound (red one on top). Quick and easy fix - unscrew the top cap on the damping side (after taking off all the gubbins) and just beneath the threaded topcap is a 2mm grubscrew. This holds the spring and ball bearing that provides the detente clicks on the rebound adjuster. Screw in 1/2 to 1 turn (you can check the movement of the adjuster by temporarily refitting the red cap) and replace everything as it was before = no movement when the l/out is used. Also to change the damper oil, remove this screw, spring and ball-bearing and turn damper upside down to pour oil out - pumping the damper up and down doesn't remove all the oil, takes ages and gets you and your room covered in oil. Just remember not to lose the little bits and put a bit of loctite on the grub screw when you replace it. Oh yeah and the bushings are supposed to be the way they are - lets them expand with heat/ prolonged use (!?). Never notice when riding and it doesn't make the fork feel loose in any way. Finally (if you're still reading!) - I would recommend these forks to anybody. They work great, are infinitely tuneable (you get 3 different weight springs with them),easy to work on and should last a long long time. Buy some (the best ones you can afford). Any questions about the above tips, just email me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Breeze
a Racer
from Milwaukee Date Reviewed: August 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
John Meir
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
N/A
Strengths:
Bomb Proof, Stiff as hell, butter smooth travel (no stiction none) Tracks better than most 3" XC Forks, super ajustable, killer looks.
Weaknesses:
maybe weight, but not really due to all the benifits of quality everything.
NRS, Fox 125 RLC, XTR, Race Face, Hayes Hydro's, Race modifed Disc wheel's, Easton Carbon.
Bottom Line:
THE BEST THERE IS. BOTTOM LINE THERE IN NONE BETTER! REALLY!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ramon
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Beach, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Aliso Woods WIlderness Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
Super Plush Travel, Precision Dumping and Steering, Adjustments, Strength.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Atom Race 100
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro, XTR drivetrain, Avid Disc Brakes, Fox Forx Vanilla RLC, King headset and Hubs...
Bottom Line:
The best Freeride fork in the market. Well worth its price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from MA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
That one with the singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$319.00
Purchased At:
http://www.mtnhighcyclery.com
Strengths:
Rigid & smooth.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Z1 & RS
Bike Setup:
Locomoto, XTR, CK, etc..
Bottom Line:
This fork is incredible. I never realized that I had so much stiction and flex until I switched over to the Vanilla R. This fork has transformed my ride. I never knew a fork could be soooo good.
---And to that idiot who raves about Marzocchi and talks sh|t about Fox, you're an idiot. You didn't review the Fox, I bet you never tried one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Miller
a Downhiller
from PG, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Another Bike shop
Strengths:
Is nice and plush, it's only got 5" of travle but they make it feel like way more, Looks way kool, nce and big strantions, no little plasic nobs like psylo!
Weaknesses:
none yet!
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z-1, Rock Shox psylo XC, SL, Race, manitou black 100/120 elite.
Bike Setup:
SantaCruz Bullit, etc...
Bottom Line:
Is an awsome fok on trails, Drops, and jumps. So pretty much it does it all with ease. Almost feels like it matches my rear 7" o travle, and if a 5" fork can do that, it can really blow anyone away!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mason Storm
a Weekend Warrior
from Western Canada Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Bit hit performance, small hit sensitivity, stiffness, cool looks, performance that actually makes a difference in what and how well you ride, durability of product over time
Weaknesses:
compression damping does little, no quick travel adjustment
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Black, Marzocchi Z1
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR Enduro Pro Plus
Bottom Line:
Ride this if you get a chance. Try it and it will speak for itself.
To the gentleman below who speaks only of how great Marzocchi is and 'claims' to be a freerider...you are an idiot. If you've got to spend your time off your bike going to websites to badmouth other products than what you supposedly ride, then you're one of those "talk a lot but got nada to back it up" mouth pieces we sooo adore. If this can penetrate your skull, Fox Forx have a rave following by 90+% of folks riding them including me yet I can handle someone liking their Z1 or other Marzocchi products because they are good as well (although not as stiff or plush as Fox). Plus if you love freeriding and mtb then great on anyone who buys a product like a Fox Forx that makes them want to actually ride more and writes a review. It doesn't matter who's right or wrong. So, get offline and get on your bike. Show us all on this site that you're a real rider and quit yapping out side of your mouth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Technical Terain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Dealer Direct
Strengths:
Very stiff and very adjustable.
Weaknesses:
none yet, maybe price but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Z1 (alsway in for service), Duke Sl (nice fork but dampening didn't work and leaked a bit of air between rides), Shiver single crown (very flexy, this fork is a joke)
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz hardtail.
Bottom Line:
To the guy above. Marzocchi haven't made a descent quality fork since they changed the brace from a bolt on. My Z1 was always in for servicing.
The Shiver is even worse. Its a big fat ugly joke. Very flexy, ugly as sin and heavy. It's not a freeride fork. Free ride forks are supposed to be stiff and strong and adjustable.
Anyway, I have been very impressed with the Fox. I've had it six months and run it hard. I commute to work on trails and ride every weekend with it. It's flawless. The lockout works, the dampening works and I can adjust it from 125mm to 80mm of travel. It has aluminum adjuster knobs. The best thing is it doesn't require a 20mm axle to make it stiff and is stiffer than any single crown fork that runs a larger axle.
Look out Rock Shox and Marzocchi the Fox company has surpassed you by years and you have a lot of catching up to do.
To the guy who posted above. This is a freeride fork. It also works well for XC and Dual S. This is the best single crown fork I've used.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Guyer
a
from Greeley, CO Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$415.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Smooth and stiff. It definitely inspires confidence over gnarly obstacles. It looks cool and matches well the rear shock.
Weaknesses:
I've had some bearing play over small bumps/stutter bumps that sound like a loose headset. I've had it rebuilt by Fox once, but that didn't solve the problem. Now they want to rebuild it again. It sounds terrible over the small stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mars, SX
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Rocket 88, Stage 2
Bottom Line:
I want to love this fork, but for $400 it should be working better than this. And all the lost riding time is starting to get on my nerves!
Except for the bearing/bushing problem (no one really knows what the problem is), the fork is plush, stout and offers tons of adjustability. It has tons of "cool" factor, but as anyone knows, just one annoying noise on your bike can drive you crazy and for a fork of this price, its unacceptable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, South Australia Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any trail which is super rough (so that these forx get a good workout)
They're not $1 (but I'd still pay the full $990 RRP)
Similar Products Used:
Judy TTs (yuck), rode on Psylo XCs (not too bad).
Bike Setup:
Giant Iguana SE (now, I really need to do something with that frame), IRC Mythos tyres, forx set to 5" travel (I'll eventually back them down to 4").
Bottom Line:
If I could sum up these forks (or is that forx) in one word - F*****G AWESOME. Alright that's two, but you get the point. These forx are oh so stiff, and their progressiveness throughout their travel range is unbelievable and virtually stiction free (maybe it's JUST measureable with a stictionometer).
There are a few issues I have with people who complain about these forx (unless its a catastrophic failure due to no fault on the part of the rider). First of all, don't buy them if you're an XC rider or some guy who wants the lightest bike on the street. These forx aren't intended for you, and Fox makes a point of that. They are trail/freeride forx, and in this category they're actually quite reasonable in weight.
What they lack in visual appeal they manage to more than make up for in suspension control and adjustment. The rebound adjustment is very good. You can go from no rebound to almost locking them out completely, and all with a twist of the wrist. The controls themselves feel excellent, and the billet aluminium knobs win brownie points.
As far as value goes, some might go as far as saying they're worth twice as much, but I'm quite happy paying what I did for them. JT Cycles gave me a further 15% off the 15% trade-in deal Fox gives when you give up your old name brand forks (I'll never see my Judy's again - and good ridance). Even at the full $A990 RRP it's a bargain. If I had a flame thrower I'd add to the five flamin' chillis for both value and overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wendell Neeley
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
apparently, pokey ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$309.00
Purchased At:
Jenson usa
Strengths:
This thing is like butter. It is great on small chatter, rocks, big hits, and is oh so stiff.
Weaknesses:
Nothing. Nada. Nunca. You should buy this today. It is better than anything ever made.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Float (good). Marzocchi X Fly 2002 (also good, but hard to set up). White Brothers AT3 (not so good)
Bike Setup:
Single speed with this fork. Silly, I know, but it rocks.
Bottom Line:
I have ridden a lot of forks, and this is the tip top of all of them. The ride of the Float is awesome, but the weight trade is definitely in favor of the Vanilla.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Horacek
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
After trying Manitou Black Super Airs (sold them after 1 month) and Psylo Races (same again) these were a complete revelation. The plushest, sweetest and the most solid forks I will ever own (unless Fox pull something out of their hat! I'm big and heavy and they have NEVER bottomed out on me unlike the others
Weaknesses:
None, not even a niggle.... its a pity Fox dont make bike frames
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL, Psylo Race, Black Super Air Triple Shivers (2001)
Bike Setup:
Titanium hardtail, Hope, Ct2 front n' back, raceface everywhere
Bottom Line:
Why does Rock shox charge so much for inferior products? Fox show them up! I paid £339 for these in the UK, to be honest with hindsight I would have paid £550 for them now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fsrxcpro-zak
a
from sacramento Date Reviewed: July 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
downieville
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
friend in the biz...
Strengths:
stiff, plush, looks good, stiff, not so heavy for as stiff as it is, plush, and lastly stiff. ofcourse my last fork was a sid(piece of crap)
Weaknesses:
bushings feel as if they might be loose...not sure....
Shop employee, had the fork awhile. I'm running the Vanilla R set to 105mm I've found that the travel was cool to play with. at first to see how it affected my bike, Found my geometries worked better at 4"ish, andhaven't had a want to switch since. There are other adjustments than preload and rebound that I'm missing out on, having only the R, but I've yet to find a situation where I want for more.
As for performance, this fork blows me away. I've been riding different suspension forks sice the start and I've yet to find another that works so effortlessly. It literally disappears beneath me. I use the bike for mostly urban/jumping, but I also take it on group XC rides, etc, and it takes whatever I throw at it in stride. I've yet to experience any bushing play as some other reviews have noted. This for is simply the best fork I've ever owned (and that's saying alot from me) I've yet to blow anything (I tend to get good at rebuilds and seal replacement at best on everythign else I've had.)
14 turds for this funky chicken. Ride one, you'll see. Exactly all I could ever ask for out of a fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Trabuco Canyon, CA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excellent damping characteristics, no compression spikes, precision steering
Weaknesses:
The seals SUCK!!!! Spewed oil after less than 2 months of riding.
Bottom Line:
I rode the original Bomber for four years and only had to replace the seals twice. Rode the original Psylo for one year w/o fail. The key reason I bought this thing is because of Fox's reputation for reliable rear shocks. Now I'm pulling my pud waiting for warranty service in the middle of the riding season.
It's still better than anything else out there (Marzocchi's design went to crap when they started emphasizing aesthetic braces and crap over function)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shaka Style
a
from RSM Ca. Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
Very Stiff, Plush, Lockout, Compression adjustment actually works, No plastic knobs. No Brakein required.
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side. Price.
Similar Products Used:
Marz. Z1 CR. RockShock Judy, SID, Psylo Race and SL. Manitou Black Elite 100-120.
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi SL
Bottom Line:
This is a great fork out of the box. It goes where its pointed and has excellent control. The lock out is great on smooth climbs and pavement when gettin to a trail head. I dont know how some reviews name other brands better then this, it just makes it look as if they are bagging on this or any particular product. I did read the review regarding the Marz. and I dont know have a clue to how you can recommend a Marz. over this fork...Maybe 3 years ago but Marz. as fallen behind the other fork makers. Manitou is a Much better fork the the Marz in terms of stiffness and plushness. But Fox has beat them both. This just handles everything you throw at it. If you are looking for a new fork, check Fox out and I think you will be very happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hugh
a Weekend Warrior
from B.C. Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good looking, stiff, adjustable
Weaknesses:
stanchions started creaking after 4 rides
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Dirt Jumper
Bike Setup:
Brodie Holeshot
Bottom Line:
Excellent fork, however the durability is a bit questionable. I have only ridden on mine 4 times and am already replacing the steerer/crown/stanchion assembly due to creaking... however Fox support has been good...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duncan Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Tamworth NSW Australia Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Tamworth Bicycle
Strengths:
Smooth action, full use of stroke, no great weight penalty
Weaknesses:
Slightly more seal leak than I expected.
Similar Products Used:
I am really only comparing with the stock Suntours and previous bikes with elastomer type forks.
Bike Setup:
Giant Warp ds3, Avid mech discs
Bottom Line:
I bought the Vanilla 125R because of reviews I read here. I would have liked to have compression damping as well but couldn't justify the added cost of the RLC and I didn't really want lockout.
I am really impressed with way it seems to use all of the stroke without bottoming out or harsh action at any point.
I had to change the setup of my bike because of the completely different steering behaviour (better). I found that in a more XC setup I noticed the slightly harsh action over small stuff that others have mentioned. Once I moved the bars up I never noticed this and the steering was much more precise in all situations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The last one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very stiff, tracks true, plush, takes rapid small and big hits well.
Weaknesses:
Best fork presently on market. Originally ordered the "Float" from my LBS and wound up with the Vanilla. No complaints though.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1 X-fly for over 2 years, Manitou Elite Super Air, Tested Psylo, Sids.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M5 FSR XC
Bottom Line:
Slightly stiffer than the Z1 but plusher and smoother. Very easy to adjust settings. The shock does not feel heavey or ride with a heavey feeling. Performs very well.
Obviously designed by geeks who alsoknow and understand mountain biking! No stiction out of the box. No noticeable seal or oil leaks. I could feel better interaction with my fox rear shock.
Went on a ride today to tweak the fork. While riding at a fast pace, I saw a mound ahead in the distance and decided to jump it. On the approach my take off was a bit off balance and I landed too far to the right. Next thing I knew I dropped (about 2.5 to three feet) into a muddy drainage ditch lined with baby head sized boulders with bushes and trees on the shoulder.
As I dropped (out of control) into the ditch I expected to lose control in the rocks and crash but I immediately sensed that I could control my front wheel and track my way to recovery!! Yea baby, I am sold on this fork!!
Buy this fork, you will not regret it!! (No I have nothing to do with the Fox Shox Company).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jmoh
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, IA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
www.
Strengths:
Plush, precise steering, quality mfg. shows in appearance and performance. Biggest bonus is that the fork comes with stiffer an softer springs so there is no extra cost if the stock medium set-up isn't right for you
Weaknesses:
I originally thought a weakness would be disassembly to change the travel. The 4" setting is perfect for me so I have found no weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
Black elite 80/100, '99 Z 3 Light
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Isis, King headset, Forx 100 RL, Romic rear shock,Thomson post and stem, XT/SRAM 8 speed (off my old bike) No $$$ left after new frame/fork etc...
Bottom Line:
I weigh about 215 and wanted a coil/oil fork that would offer no flex, quality performance (plush), and last a lifetime. This fork is the one!! Just came back from Moab/Fruita. Great place to break in the new bike. Fork handles the drops and boulder fields like nothing I have ever ridden. Used all 100 mm of travel but I never noticed the thing bottoming out. Bike is perfectly balanced with the Romic rear shock. I don't use the lock out much-- I don't feel the need to with the way I have the fork set up. Botton line-- I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gazzer
a Cross Country Rider
from hong kong Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
YY Cycles Hong kong
Strengths:
Stiffness Build quality and finish. Weight OK for a 5 inch coil fork Range of adjustments ,including blow off threshold.
Weaknesses:
Lockout. The lockout has failed to lock the fork a couple of times, although it started working again after riding for a few minutes. Possibly an oil circulation issue???
Damping and compression adjustments.So you pay the extra for the additional adjustments and then , when you operate the lockout all the other controls move as well .You may as well forget about retaining your settings if you want to use the lockout freqently. This is a stupid shoddy bit of design. Not as plush as my Z1 CR Some oil leakage evident on the stanchions.
Similar Products Used:
2 z1 bams ,x-fly ,z1cr and assorted crappy rock shox and manitous.
Bike Setup:
Titus Loco Moto
Bottom Line:
I did an all day mostly downhill trail ride yesterday on this shock and it rides brilliantly. It doesn't feel as plush as my previous Z1's, but I was getting the full 125mm of travel with no bottoming out.This may improve as the seals bed in. The fork tracks very well, a definite improvement over the Z1. Overall its an excellent fork for a trail bike and hopefully it will be as reliable as the zocchis, but as a tip , FOX, when you get a customer that's just bought your product and has a problem, answer his f@#$ing e-mail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave S
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$540.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Coming off a C/Dale Headshock 80mm on a Jeckyll the Vanilla 125 RL has turned the very rough Sydney trails into a "buttery" smooth ride. the plushness of these little babies just cannot be described.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none - yet!
Similar Products Used:
Phslo SL, Lefty....
Bike Setup:
C/Dale Jeckyll
Bottom Line:
These forks were actually third in line behind Blacks and Phsylo SL's, The Blacks lost out because don't take none Hay's specific disc brakes and the superior plushness and quality look won against the Phsylo's. They also look awesome in the Matt Black with no nonsense quality decal. Now if Fox can develop an aftermarket on the fly travel adjustment mech similar to U-turn there will be no stopping these forks as the new leader.
If you want a smooth out the rough trails and still have a performance fork to race on occasionally these are for you.
Just buy them in you won't regret it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lebe
a
from Phx AZ Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Rage Bicycles, Scottsdale
Strengths:
stiff even without thru axle, very adjustable, great action, smooth & quiet
Weaknesses:
Mine is 125RLC: lockout hard to operate quickly, many times the low speed compression adjustment moves with the lockout control. Psylo lockout is more easily operated.
Similar Products Used:
RS Judy XL, 2001 & 2002 Psylo SL
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit built for rough terrain at speed
Bottom Line:
I replaced my wornout Psylo w/Tulio that had more than 2000 hard miles on it. What an upgrade. Thought I'd miss the thru axle, but no way. This thing is plenty solid. Was thinkin' about waiting for the Manitou Sherman but glad now that I didn't.
FYI: My front hub is a convertible Hope so I only had to convert it to QR not build another wheel. I knew there was a reason I selected that Hope hub, just couldn't remember.
This must be the best single crown five inch fork out there. It made me a faster rider right away. Maybe 'cause the Psylo has been shot for a while. Action reminds me very much of my dirt bike fork.
Mine is a 125 RLC with the stock spring. The weight of my bike with me is approx. 215 lbs. I'm thinkin' that I'll try the heavier spring soon.
I give this Fox fork five steaming pony loafs for value, four for Overall 'cause of the annoying problem with the lockout & low speed comp adjuster.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Racer
from LA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Schebarum Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
plush stiff good quality
Weaknesses:
nobs on rightleg may be stacked too high (on the RLC model), could touch down tube gusset.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1 QR20 and Marzocchi Z1 CR
Bike Setup:
Heckler with Fox Forx Vanilla RLC 100mm and Fox Vanilla R rear.
Bottom Line:
Overall it is a nice fork. When new, both stanchions had some oil build up, but after a few rides only the right side had oil residue. I called Fox and they told me that this condition is normal. Never really used the lock out and compression nobs much. I think that the Vanilla R would be a better choice for me (the right nob stack height is lower as well).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Racer
from TO, Canada Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
-pluuuuuush -Adjustable -big stiff arse stansions -quick release -black and nice lookin -all springs come included in box if purchased aftermarket(big plus if your heavy) RS spring costs $100...
Weaknesses:
-Can't adjust travel on fly -cost? -The Canadian distributors don't have any parts yet and won't for another 3 weeks (until June 02)
I've had this for about a month now, I'm 200 lbs and the stock spring(25lbs/in) is great for trail riding but bottoms out dropping anything above 3.5'. Use stiffer spring for downhill, drops. It came with a 8" hayes hydrolic brake rotor on bike although the manuel says only use 6?? it works fine.. Lots of tire clearance(2.6 no prob). I can get up anything and can pass guys up hills in xcountry races. Just lean forward a bit more. I use the lockout rarely, the fork doesn't bob if you know how to pedal. Rebound gets adjusted depending on trail and makes a big difference. They are soo stiff and plush, way better then psylo and Z1(sorry Marzocchi) . I read about those guys on ridemonkey that wrecked the stansions but they cased a double. This would probably happen to any forks.
Fox: all this needs is a 80 - 125mm fast travel adjuster for the trail riders and the option of a 20mm through axel for the freeride crowd.
This is the best shock right now if you do everything. Get it. Fox is great to deal with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Basage
a Weekend Warrior
from Woburn Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fells, Pond
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Loft
Strengths:
Stiffness...steers through anything, kinda like a dual crown, but not quite as laterally stiff. WAY stiffer than a psylo Adjustability: RLC, rebound, lockout and compression, plus preload, travl and lockout blowoff Travel: 3, 4, 5 inches Smoothness..straight from the box, no breakin required Highly active, but without excessive dive, like a Black. The active travel was a result of the well designed bushings and oil system, the fork has no stiction.
Weaknesses:
Weight...it waighs in at a few ouinces hevier than many other forks, but you honestly won't notice on the trail. I fouind no diferrnece in overall speed, stamina or wheely-ing ability. The weight is well worth it, due to the stiffness. They need to offer a RC model, with no lockout, to save some change. I never, ever use the lock out. Needs a no comprimise external travel adjuster. Manitou makes you dismount, RS makes you get off to raise travel, and takes a million turns...this is a perfect opening for Fox. Ride hieght doesn't change with travel...i.e. it could be set up as a 3": travel fork that steers like a 5er.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Psylo (SL, XC, R), Judys Manitou Black Elite air, Mars CL Marzocchi Z1 freeride, DJ1, DJ2, and Atom 80
Bike Setup:
Uzzi SL, XT/XTR, Mavic USTs laced to King hugs, Mutano Raptors, and a lot fo random stuff that doesn't help performancs at all
Bottom Line:
Sweet fork. If your a freerider, XC heavy wieght, or like me, just a trail rider, this is your fork.
DESTROYS the competition
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Armentrout
a Cross Country Rider
from Chula Vista, CA USA Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lake Morena
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Universal
Strengths:
Rigid, plush, made well. Travel can be adjusted.
Weaknesses:
Stock springs too soft for my weight.
Similar Products Used:
Marazocchi, Manitou
Bike Setup:
All the good stuff on an Ellsworth Truth
Bottom Line:
I have the Vanilla 100 RLC. I never thought I would ever use another fork except Marazocchi. I thought wrong. This fork is as rigid if not more so than any of the Zoke's I have ridden. And it is way more active in its travel. With the stock springs it felt a little too soft. I checked the sag as instructed in the manual and saw that I was too heavy for those springs. I installed the next firmer ones and things are wonderful.
Can equipment make you a better rider? Yep. I noticed a huge difference when I swapped my low-end Manitou for my first Zoke - a Z-2 Bam. I have had that same experience with this shock. I can descend better with more control and the lock out helps immensely on the climbs.
Bottom line - all the reviews are true and I am very, very happy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hudson
a
from Lafayette, CO Date Reviewed: May 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
McKenzie River Trail (Oregon)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Stiff, Plush, Sooooo adjustable, Lockout is easily accessable
Wow! What a difference. I was worried a bit about the extra weight, but forget about it. These forks are so plush, so stiff and sooooooo fun! They inspire confidence and speed. :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Derdock
a Cross Country Rider
from Annapolis, MD Date Reviewed: May 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
FSU campus
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
-Wow is it stiff with a quick release! -super smooth progressive travel -lots of tuning options- -bomb proof feel -easy to reach lockout -mean looks
Weaknesses:
-expensive. Marzocchi and Fox need to make cheaper 5" single crowns. Do you hear that Stratos/Avalanche?
If you're thinking about it, do it. It's really that good. All day you will think about getting of work and riding it. Confindence building component....
I imagine the fork, with the same sized stanctions and lowers would make a really nice xc fork in the "Float" air version, too. Stiffest xc fork made i would imagine.
Vanillas rule the roost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ZenWee
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern Nevada Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fire Roads in No. Nevada
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At:
123 Bikes
Strengths:
Unlimited Adjustability! Unmatchable Plushness. Fox Reputation for Quality!!
Weaknesses:
None, A little Pricey.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z2, Z1
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon, King Hubs Rynolite Wheels, Tioga Tires, Race Face Cranks, Xtr Drivetrain, Azonic Doublewall Bar. Rockshox Suspension Seatpost
Bottom Line:
RCL100, This Fork Changed my Hardtail to a plush ride! I can handle Washboard and Rough terain faster with the Sprint ability of a Hardtail and a Ride I expect from a full suspension bike. Dropping curbs or ledges is fun again. aWESOME !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOE
a Racer
from new jersey Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Weaknesses:
check out the bottom line statement found at ridemonkey.com, try and get in touch with fox and give them ur feelings, mtbr has the wrong write up as fox says it is a xc fork only, what?!?! yea read below
Bottom Line:
hey, i was on ridemonkey.com and saw a post from a young fellow in jersey and saw that u would not warantee his fork due to non-warantee issues(freeriding fox claims it to be a xc fork only), i think it is kinda lame and that will be telling as many people as i can get to ,what about ur ad the claims "downhill proven" yea i guess not,hopefully you don't let ur front suspenion stoop down to the quality of your rear maybe you would think to give the kid another chance
a dissapointed ex-fox customer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hoops
a Downhiller
from bristol, uk Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
them all and good english.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
bike, bristol
Strengths:
Stiff as, plush from new. Stealth looks. Not too fiddly, and the settings give noticeable change with one click.
Weaknesses:
Stock springs a little too light for me (i'm 186) but fox give you extra free the springs above and below the stock. But really none so far- the manual say's not to fit disc more than 180mm, but i haven't fitted my disc yet so i'm not sure if 5mm matters, but that's paranoia.
Similar Products Used:
Ran Manitou X-Vert's for a few years. Blacks, Bombers, Psylo's and Shiver sc.
Bike Setup:
DMR trailstar, 24" BiFfeRs, Hope Mini's when i finally get my new front wheel, Fox Vanilla R, DMR and Tioga to finish.
Bottom Line:
Great movement and response out the box and getting better with every day. They are so stiff, on a par with sc bolt throughs easily. They inspire confidence and are very easy to set up- just a few fiddle's with the knob (heh heh) and they're done. When I fitted them to my bike I went for a quick street ride- did a few large gaps that i never tried before and made them, some a bit heavy but the fork took it well and didn't throw me off line at all- my old forks liked to go at their own pace and direction, not their fault I didn't really look after them very well.
They are not the lightest fork in the world- so the supreme weight conscious may want to look elsewhere, but they are not overbuilt lardo's. all kinds of riders will benefit as the travel is relatively easy to change, but these forks are perfect for the ex... riders out there (you know what I mean but that word is just not on- like a cat's arse. See.)
Top fork. They feel nicer than Psylo's and Black's only Marzocchi's keep up.
I am going to change my travel to four inches rather than five though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Horacek
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Single track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
dirt n Dreams
Strengths:
Solid, looks built to last, plush travel (even before its broken in)
Weaknesses:
I bought the 125 travel, a bit too much travel for my frame so all I have to do is change the springs (spring included)
Similar Products Used:
triple clamp shiver, Psylo Race, Judy SL, Black Super Airs
Bike Setup:
2002 Rocky Mountain Instinct (with rear Fox float RL shox), Hope Minis, carbon Easton and raceface throughout
Bottom Line:
The best fork that I've tried yet. The most demure, subtle yet sublime strong performance. For crying out loud Fox make motorcross forks and theres not one bit of plastic on their cycle forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
billy walton
a Weekend Warrior
from mtn. view, ca. usa Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
b-trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
reed's bicycles
Strengths:
stifff as all heck. full five inches of travel. the dials actually work. it eats up what you give it.
Weaknesses:
nope
Similar Products Used:
'98 judy xc, '01 judy sl
Bike Setup:
chameleon w/king, xtr, avid, mustang rims
Bottom Line:
the frok gives you confidence to go faster and take bigger drops. it's trustworthy and works real hard for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Bowman
a Cross Country Rider
from Logan Utah Date Reviewed: April 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Smooth as all get out. The fork handles everything well little or big fast or slow. Love it. Any one looking for the next big thing in Forks this is it. The knobs all work well and dialing it in took some time. But that is not a weakness. Choicess are good.
Weaknesses:
The travel changing instructions. If you want to get the bottom nut off the left side. Put the spring back in and compress the fork. Then the nut will spin loose. Following the instructions wont allow you to remove the nut as the negative travel assembly will just spin inside the fork. Easy solution would be to put a slot in the bolt sticking out.
Similar Products Used:
Rock shock Psylo, Marzzoci Ecc.
Bike Setup:
2002 Ellsworth Truth, XT, and all the good stuff you'd put on an Ellsworth
Bottom Line:
A great Fork! They should do a bit better with instruction and product drawings. And is that little "tic" noise supposed to be there. Sure is a lot quieter and a Thousand times smoother than any other fork I've ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Efren Serrano
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan, Manila, Philippines Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Streets of Makati
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$325.00
Strengths:
Easy to adjust, great design and rather light for a freeride fork.
Weaknesses:
I just got the fork last weekend and I'm gonna switch my Z1 first to compare, but as I see it, heck, I wouldn't even consider it as a weakness... the paint job? oh well, maybe I'm too finicky! hee hee!
Right now the fork is on my freeride hardtail. PDW Handlebars Hussefelt DH Cranks with version 2 chainguide. SRAM, XTR Shifters. Deore Hydarulic Disc Brakes with XT Disc Hubs. Mavic 121 rims.
Bottom Line:
Sweeeeeeeeeet!!! Compared to my Z1. (Which I still love!) Initially, when I first tried the fork, I noticed how responsive it is and how it handled small bumps. But I have yet to try it on the big stuff as the bike I used wasn't mine. Can't wait to try it on the drops in and around Makati. I'll post another review as soon as I've doon some serious time with the fork in fairness to the review, but as for now... all I can say is that fork polygamy is alive in the Philippines! Why just settle for one brand! I loooooove this fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan
a
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
Perhaps some QC issues, none I have experienced. Many riders will want a heavier spring rate.
Similar Products Used:
2001 Rock Shox Judy SL: no comparison.
Bike Setup:
2002 Norco Torrent, freeride hardtail setup. She's a Bad Mamma Jamma.
Bottom Line:
Vanilla 125RLC This fork will eliminate any other single-crown competition at any price, hands down, Marzocchi, RockShox, Manitou, whatever, stiffness, plushness, adjustability. Buyers over 160 lbs. and aggressive riders will want to consider heavier springs. If you don't need 125mm travel, get the 125mm fork anyway, adjust the travel down to 100mm and you'll have more leg engagement which makes for an even stiffer fork. Ha! Dig this!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from The ATL Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$459.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Very stiff & precise steering, great quality & cust Service, Very adjustable, Light (if you care)!
Weaknesses:
None found yet
Similar Products Used:
99 Z1, 01 Jr T, 02 Z1, 00 Xvert
Bike Setup:
01 Azonic Evolution HT, XT, Hayes Hyd 6", FOX Forx Vanilla RLC 125, Vuelta DH rims on XT disc hubs, Tioga factory DH Tires
Bottom Line:
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO PREVIOUS POST: I LOVE THIS FORK!!! It is sooo stiff and precise that I find my self over-steering in the corners. There is ZERO fore-aft movement between the stanchions and the sliders. After a few rides I have decided to change to the heavy springs. With my 210lbs on it I'm getting a little too much sag with the stock spring. I did some fast 2'-4' drops on my last ride and afterwards noticed I used all 125MM of travel. The fork had a great feel over the drops and I never felt it bottom out. The lockout is great on the climbs and fast "big ring" sections. I have the blow-off set in the middle and that seems to be perfect. It will still suck up any big hits but stays stiff while sprinting. Side by side it feels alot lighter than my 02 Z1 Freeride (mounted on my 01 SC Bullit). It also has a different feel than the Marzocchi. It does not feel as plush while pushing on it in the driveway but on the trail it will suck up everything you throw at it. I still like the Z1 because the ECC makes the Bullit a much better climber, I just wish it had the stiffness and steering precision of the FOX w/o using a QR20.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kornphlake
a Weekend Warrior
from provo, ut Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
gooseberry mesa
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
free from mountain bike magazine
Strengths:
same as below, stiff, strong, the fat stanchions make you feel like you are riding a dirt bike, the stiffness makes you ride like you are riding a dirt bike
Weaknesses:
it doesn't come in lime green???
Similar Products Used:
Manitou sx-r, judy c, z-5, rigid forks
Bike Setup:
generickkk aluminum hardtail, weak wheels, narrow tires, deore and xt mix of components, heck the fork is the only thing really worth mentioning.
Bottom Line:
I won a 100rl fork free in a contest from mountain bike magazine. I was debating wether to sell it and get a better frame or keep it and get a frame later. I was convinced to keep the fork and keep saving for a new frame. I am not at all dissapointed. Sure I have a sweet freeride fork on a less deserving xc frame but it has made a world of difference. I never noticed how flexible my old fork was, I always attributed the flex to my wheelset but the fox forx is so stiff even my cheapo deore/sun cr18 wheelset feels rideable. I have more braking power with vee brakes and the 100mm of travel sucks up anything. I have yet to bottom very hard, the fork seems to be progressive enough that it won't bottom easily yet it is active enough that it gives at least 3 inches of honest to goodness useable travel. I would reccomend it to anybody with the cash to spare. I really don't notice the weight even for xc riding, if you are really conservative consider the float fork. The vanilla seems to serve a general purpose audience. I wouldn't mind doing freeriding, urban, xc or ds on this fork, it seems to be a jack of all trades. Marzocchi look out fox is in town!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Sydney Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
strong, stiff, adjustability.
Weaknesses:
maybe price for some people
Similar Products Used:
every rock shox under the sun
Bike Setup:
Boy Bike Co. frame, profile 3-piece, azonic garnish
Bottom Line:
crap on everything. had no problems. adjusting these things is simple and effective. Got the 125RL and they take everything i give them in a dual race and bash around the hood.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Black
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa, CA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At:
123bikes
Strengths:
Stiff; Plush
Weaknesses:
Damn thing was defective!
Similar Products Used:
'Zok Z1 FR
Bike Setup:
Bullit, Hope Mini's, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
I followed the directions to a "T" to change the travel (somewhat experienced mechanic). Unfortunately, the right side compression rod nut (on the bottom of the lower) and shaft were fused. I checked the left side, and when I undid the nut on the damper side, the top few threads came off with the nut! I would guess someone at the factory cross-threaded the nuts, and just tightened them down anyways. Compression rod side is simply not coming apart, so I can't change the travel.
Nice package, but obviously they need to think a bit more about quality control. This one's going back; I decided to put on the 'Zok and just go riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC Canada Date Reviewed: March 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
A.K.A the Bike Shop (PoCo)
Strengths:
Stiff, High Quality travel, Very adjustable, Asthetically Pleasing...
'00 Kona Roast w/ F/R Hayes Disks, Mavic 521 rims, Profile Cranks, S&M pedals, Profile Tenacious-D Bar...
Bottom Line:
I really like this fork... I was running a 6" Jr.T and I picked this fork up in a swap... It is the best fork I've ridden... but I'm having some issues deciding what size tire it can fit... It is currently taking a 2.3" Gazz with room... I've heard it will handle 2.5" but not bigger...
if you've got something bigger please e-mail me with brand of tire, claimed size... and if you have it, the actual height & width of your tire and the brand of rim...
Thanks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry Fein
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything in amherst mass
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Fork is super stiff with great adjustability. Love the travel.
Weaknesses:
None really, one could say that it is too adjustable. I really just need an on and off switch.
Similar Products Used:
atom bomb
Bike Setup:
trek oclv hardtail. full xtr with king wheels. fork is set to 100
Bottom Line:
The fork is awesome. I had an atom bomb with only 63mm of travel so now having 100 is the greatest thing. I am still trying to get it dialed in. The aluminum knobs are awesome. you get what you pay for. I noticed alot of people saying theres did not come with extra springs. They are in the top of the box under the steerer tube. I already had one friend toss the box without looking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron Braden
a Racer
from Vail, CO Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
South Boundary trail in Angel Fire, NM
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Mountain Pedaler in Minturn, CO
Strengths:
Everything that Fox claims it is....Stiff, supple, adjustable, and very high quality.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Z1 MCR
Bike Setup:
2000 Ellsworth Dare, Azonic low rise bar, Race Face stem and post, SRAM 9.0, Sun Rhino Lite rims, XT front and cranks, ATAC pedals.
Bottom Line:
I have the 125RLC. It's simply a great shock. The break in period was fast and it can take anything you throw at it. I have hucked it off big drops and made it climb up some real nasty technical stuff. It just performs with no complaints. I replaced out my Z1 MCR with this shock because I did not care for the lockout (on the Z1) and I wanted something stiffer for the technical stuff. The MCR is still a good fork, but the Fox was a big step up. These longer travel shocks can make you a more confident rider. If I ride an unfamiliar technical section with this shock first, I can drop in with confidence on my 80mm Comp Coil. Oh yeah, very adjustable. You can really fine tune it for your style and preference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Wildwood,MO,USA Date Reviewed: March 11, 2002
I recently purchased a Jamis Komodo (which came with a Manitou Black) I had heard good things about the Fox Forx so I made a trade with the shop for a Vanilla 125RL. I am very happy with the performance. This fork with disc brakes is an excellent combination. This fork is particularly good for a large and/or aggresive rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
plons da man
a Downhiller
from south central koerange Date Reviewed: March 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Plons vijverke
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
See my other review : this is just a reply. Fox is astounding !!!
Yesterday already received two new springs for my fork, they were shipped from America to Belgium UPS for FREE !!!
I'm riding now for 15 years, 6 years as a pro, and I've never had a better service then this.
Like I said last time FOx is the new king of Forks, and it is a GOOD king !! No robin hood needed !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mac
a Cross Country Rider
from Cupertino Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ones that say "no bikes"
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff. Well built / no cheap parts. No Stiction. Excellent adjustability.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1BAM, Z1 XFly, Z2 BAM, Z2 Atom Bomb
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler SL, FOX Vanilla TC, Hope brakes
Bottom Line:
I used to believe that Marzocchi forks couldn't be beat. Now I don't. The FOX is stiffer, easier to adjust, and creates a more comfortable ride. That translates into better all around performance in virtually every situation (except for slow flat uphills, where I suppose it doesn't matter). The stiffer FOX handles better at speed, better in corners and better under breaking than the Marzocchi Z1s. Plus, the FOX is more easily adjustable, which invites you to dial it in. The rebound behavior is excellent. On top of all that, it feels plusher all around; but particularly in the top of its stroke where it seems to like to live a litter further into its travel than the Z1s did. That bit of negative travel keeps the bike stuck to the ground better. (I weigh about 170, and am using the Vanilla 125RL.) Finally, the whole fork has the obvious marks of thoughtful, quality construction. The controls are well designed, easy to reach and operate, and actually impact performance in a meaningful way. Its not like me to take the time to write product reviews, but I figure anyone shopping for a fork should be aware that you may be selling yourself short if you don't try the FOX. I could not recommend it more highly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Benn
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cotswolds
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
Stiff, Proggresive and full use of Travel. Good build quality.
Weaknesses:
Having problems with clanking/chattering over small bumpy terrain. Not to good if you are light, better for 13 stone plus riders.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Psylo's, Z1,s
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro, Hope M4 disk brakes (awsome, beats any Hayes product hands down and looks good to !)Easton and XT bits.
Bottom Line:
Great Fork, just hope my dealer can sort out the chattering.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Davo
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, Mi Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Poto
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
This fork rocks...whoever says that this fork is ugly, obviously has no taste whatsoever...this fork rocks...the beefiness of it just screams for 5-10 foot drops, the looks are off the hook --> FOX craftsmanship is apparent in this fork, no plastic, all machined aluminum parts...right arn
This fork rocks, plain and simple...if you are interested in purchasing this fork or any bike product for that matter...do yourself a favor and call Chris at Speedgoat.com...far and away the best customer service in the history of the world...bar none...rock on
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Kerby
a Downhiller
from Castro Valley, CA Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
China Camp
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
CastroValleyCyclery
Strengths:
Stiff, Plush travel, way adjustable, Stiff, great steering, Eats up bumps small and large...
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1 X-Fly, Manitou Xvert Super, Manitou Black Super Air 120
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Id, Fox Vanill RC rear, RaceFace crankset w/LRP. Truvativ DH BB, Azonic Shorty Stem, Easton Scandium Riser bar, Hayes discs, XTR deralieurs SRAM pc99 chain, eggbeaters, various tires, HotSeat, etc......
Bottom Line:
The king is in the arena. These are the absolute best forx I've ever ridden. I'm a heavy guy and these things just take whatever I throw at them with nary a complaint. Whatmore could one say ? The best....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Plons Da man
a Racer
from South central kuringen Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
PLonsboardercross
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
I think the fox vanilla has got every look other manufacturers are looking for for years
Weaknesses:
Problems with my hope disc brakes, i had to remove 2 mm from the disc mount
Similar Products Used:
Everything, trust me everything
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer, Full XTR, Chris king wheels and headset, hope pro disc brakes, Easton monkeylite, extralite seatpost, intense tires
Bottom Line:
THis is the ultimate fork for serious trail riding. I used to be a sponsored rider for years and I'm still able to get my forks for free but this FOx fork I needed to pay. And to be honest, i do not regret this, this is truly the best fork ever. The only thing I'm worried about is that I didn't receive any spare springs and it is a little bit soft for my taste and weight (185. For regular trailriding it is ok, but when i go big, I blow through the travel to easy. But I'm going to contact Fox right now, and see if they are as good as everybody is writing in this review, I'll keep u updated.
But face it, there is a new king in town !!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno,CA,USA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any rough & curvy single track downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$499.99
Purchased At:
l.b.s.
Strengths:
Super smooth and consistent. This fork sucks up the medium to big hits like no other. It also has plenty of adjustments to keep everyone happy. There's no stiction or play from these forks.
Weaknesses:
Fork could be smoother on high speed stutter bumps. The short lockout lever is hard to turn without accidently turning the compression adjuster.
Similar Products Used:
'01 Psylo, '01 Judy SL, Manitou X-Vert, SID 100.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro with Fox Vanilla shock, Hayes discs, Spinergy Xyclones, and XT drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
This fork has the smoothest and most consistent ride quality for medium or big sized hits. It doesn't bottom, spike, or feel harsh under these conditions. It doesn't have stiction, inconsistent action, or any play like some other forks out there. It's smooth, smoooth, and smooooth!!! It doesn't handle high speed choppy terrain very well, though. I tried every possible adjustment to smooth it out in these conditions, but it didn't work. It's not rough, but it could be smoother. Other than that, if you want the ultimate terrain flattener, go with Fox. You can't go wrong. Oh by the way, Fox guarantees a 4-day turnaround on servicing this fork for any manufacturer defects. Do any of the other companies offer this? Noooope. FOX RULES!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Santiago Truck Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$429.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Let's see...where to begin..The fork is ultra stiff and very plush with no stiction. Fit and finish are excellent..second to none. Real honest to God 5" of travel...not the hyped 5" of a RockShox Psylo. Did I say it was stiff?
Weaknesses:
This fork is not for weight-weenies so just keep riding those noodles you call forks with your skinny bald tires.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z-1, Manitou X-vert Carbon (piece of crap), RockShox Psylo
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit w/Romic rear shock (sweet).
Bottom Line:
This fork puts everything else to shame. Much stiffer than anything else out there using a standard quick release. Super supple at the top of the stroke (floats right through stutter bumps). Fork comes with three sets of springs so you don't have to buy another set (like with Marzocchi where anyone over 140lbs has to buy stiffer springs to make the fork work right). The riding experience is simple...just point and shoot...pick your line and go...If you don't like your line then feel free to change it...the fork doesn't flex. Front tire stays glued to the ground. I found myself just feathering the brakes in places where I used to brake hard. In other words...I can now crash at a much higher rate of speed. It's a shame that you can only give a rating of 5 chili's because this fork deserves at least 7. Now....Fox needs to think about something for the downhill crowd...maybe something with 7" of travel, triple clamp with 20mm axle and 35mm stanchions??
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a
from somewhere Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
great stiffness, greatest quality you can find
Weaknesses:
the only fork uglier than this one is cdale's moto freeride fork
Similar Products Used:
almost every other fork outhere
Bottom Line:
it's kinda heavy, the ajustments actually work, fox reputation predicts many years of fine service, i like the fact that there are no cheap plastic crap on it i really like the smooth action of this fork, but it made my ugly bike even uglier
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Cross Country Rider
from Newbury Park, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Backbone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$428.00
Purchased At:
Cambriabike.com
Strengths:
Plush,Stiff, easy to lock out if need.Comes with a stiffer or softer spring to tune with along with the stock one.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Whitebrothers SC90,Rockshox Psylo
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer,XTR,Mavic Crossmax wheels
Bottom Line:
This fork made the bike complete. It's balanced and it's fast. I'm 185 lbs. and I ride hard,I've ridden Mammoth mtn. and my home area and it takes it all in stride. If you own a Tracer you can't go wrong with this fork Vanilla RL 100.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Ga Date Reviewed: February 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$459.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Just got it in the mail and haven't ridden it yet. Just wanted to comment on the EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE at FOX. I'll add riding comments after it gets some trail time.
Weaknesses:
How could you go wrong with a Fox Racing Product!
Similar Products Used:
1999 Z1; 2001 Jr.T, 2000 X-Vert
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit, XT, Hayes. STEALTH kit - Black w/ black components
Bottom Line:
Just pulled the fork out of the box and it is beefy. I normally use heavy or x-heavy springs in the Marzocchi products and e-mailed Fox to find out if replacement springs were available. They offered to send me both the 35lb and the 45lb spring free!!! Try to get Marzocchi to do that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly Carey
a Downhiller
from Pocono Mtns., PA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
East Mountain downhill trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Sickler's Bike Shop, West Pittston, PA
Strengths:
Killer looks, beefy legs, quality travel, laterally stiff, reliable company, extra springs with different rates included with purchase
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Judy DH, Zoci Z-1, Manitou Xvert Super
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer with Fox Vanilla R rear and Fox Vanilla 125mm front, all XTR, XT disc brakes, Sun Rhynolite XL's with XT disc hubs and 36 straight gauge spokes.
Bottom Line:
So far the best fork I've used. I've ridden it xc aggressively, did some freeriding hucks and drops, ridden it down downhill specific trails, and a little urban assault as well. It has made my Tracer a beast of a bike ready to ride through and over anything in it's way. As stiff and plush as any fork I have ever tried (including a Z-1). Don't know about durability, we'll see this summer!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alec Ghasemi
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA - USA Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cleveland National Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$429.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
VANILLA RLC - I weigh 210-pounds and this shock is great! The RockShox Air SID 100 was just too flexy. You can fine tune your ride w/the controls that the RLC offers. Also, it's easy to change the length from 80mm to 125mm and vice-versa. I got a 125mm and lowered it myself to 100mm and it was simple... Furthermore, it looks great on my bike, especially with the black Float RL rear.
Weaknesses:
N-O-N-E !!!
Bike Setup:
2000 GT XCR-2000 w/all XT COMPONENTS, XT Hydralic Disk Brakes & Fox Float RL Rear Shock!!!
Bottom Line:
BUY ONE!!! IT KICKS ASS !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Modesto, CA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Just an update...I rode it 3 times and a substantial amount of oil leaked from the seal on the right leg. I called Fox & they told me to send it in. I got it back in 4 days (shipping included)! They completely rebuilt it for free. Fox stands behind their stuff. Finally, a warranty that does what it's supposed to do!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paulo lobao
a Weekend Warrior
from perafita, portugal Date Reviewed: January 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
stiff, plush, piece of art
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
white brothers AT4, Manitou Supernova, Manitou Air, Manitou Black Elite 100/120 and Marzocchi FR 2002
Bike Setup:
MountainCycle Tremor, Fox Vanilla 125 RLC, DT Hugi FR hubs, Hope Mini, XTR drivetrain, Easton EA70 Handlebar, stem and post, Time ATAC Ti, Chris King headset,..
Bottom Line:
A great fork with quality travel. Tracks extremelly well. Now I have the 25 lbs/inch spring which is the right one for my weight (not the original 35 lbs/inch). Fox sent it free to me (and I live in Portugal). Great product, I hope they stay working this good for long time. By the way I don't understand why lot of american freeriders want Marzocchi to make a single crown fork capable of take freeride abuse when they have already an excellent company/fork at home ! Sorry but you need to support USA made products...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cahn
a Weekend Warrior
from brisbane Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bris. Nat. Park
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
stiff, plush, adjustable
Weaknesses:
um.....i spose i could break it if i hucked off a 50 foot cliff
Similar Products Used:
Z1 dropoffs, Manitou (various 00 and '01 models), psylo XC
Bottom Line:
ever had that feeling that you wanted to fly down a really rocky, bumpy hill without braking? chuck a pair of these on and you can finally try it with relative safety. they are THE BEST.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Modesto, CA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
BEEFY!...Looks like it's made for freeriders over 200 lbs, but doesn't weigh more than it's competitors No plastic parts Comes stock with 3 different springs
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit
Bottom Line:
First ride was GREAT! Very smooth the whole day...small & big hits. No problem up steep, technical climbs. It does a great job of balancing out my Bullit (with a Fox Vanilla RC rear shock). Felt like riding a pillow all day without being mushy. Just a TINY BIT of oil around the seal on the right leg...a friend told me that was normal on the first few rides. So far, seems to be the perfect fork for a 215 lb. aggressive trailrider/novice downhiller. My friends are extremely jealous!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
d m
a
from boston Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
ultra stiff, cool looking big legs, stiffer than a QR20. sooo smooth, miles of bottomless travel. very nice controls, no plastic.
Weaknesses:
not tufff, it took me a week to blow the right seal. the lockout can't support my 200 pounds when i stand up to sprint. the uppers loosened from the legs in two weeks.
Similar Products Used:
Z1 MCR (2001)
Bike Setup:
jekyl with headset reducers. 321's and big tires. three chainrings.
Bottom Line:
bottom line. although i loved the fork, i couldn't very well keep a fork that was doing to me what this fork did (fall apart) so rapidly. i sent it back.
FOX is a good company, and took care of me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
Excellent compression, Butter soft ride, full travel at slow and high speeds. Rides like my Lexus RX300.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z2, Z2 Bam
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz, Superlight XTR
Bottom Line:
I have never felt compeled to write any reviews on any products.Over the past years I felt that my Superlight wasnt properly balanced, and wasnt happy with my Z2 performance. I adjusted oil levels, coil springs and everyone told me nothing is plusher than a coil bomber and I realy didn't know what were talking about. I decided to try 100mm fox fork and i could'nt be more satisfied. My Santa Cruz now rides like my Lexus RX300.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Davide
a Cross Country Rider
from East Bay, Berkeley Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
This is a really good fork. Rigid, quite easily adjustable (I was able to tune it quite effectively in a few minutes). Construction appears to be really good and there are no nononse details with the exception of the blow-off adjustment at the bottom of the right leg which, due to its position, is always a possible font of trouble.
Weaknesses:
The fork is really good at speed (say above 15 miles/hour) on whashboard type terrain or stairs (at lower speed). Sharper obstacles seem not to be dealt with as well, I could always feel an initial but quite disting hit which detracted from the composure of the bike.
At lower speeds things are not as good, the fork is fairly "tight", it feels like a threshold above whihc the fork operates allright but below which not too much happens. This might be intended by the manufacturer and/or it might be corrected using further tunig. The slow speed compression dial did little to correct this situation. The lock out is questionable on a fork of this length, it does work perfectly but it will be of relatively little use on a uphill due to the "chopper" effect associated with a 125mm fork. It might be actually more efficient to climb without the lock out. (There are much better systems out there, for example Marzocchi ECC, which is just great uphill, or Rock Shock)
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shock Judy, SID, Psylo. Marzocchi Atom Bomb, X-fly, Z1
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Truth.
Bottom Line:
It is a good fork especially for a first attempt. I think that is no better than its direct competitors (Marzocchi Z1 or Atome Race), and actually looses some points in smoothness at low speeds and because of the absence of an effective travel reduction system.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from DC Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
trail 409 Cb, CO
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
factroy direct employee purchase
Strengths:
pure awesomeness, the smoothest, buttery single crown fork ever
great fork, super smooth, adjustability is great, smooth great small bump absobtion. great all around fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cesar Diaz
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO USA Date Reviewed: December 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Palmer Park's Templeton Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
The fit and finish has set a new bench mark in suspended forks. Quality is second to none. Price is right. A huge amount of fork for little money compared to the other guys.
Weaknesses:
Some might say it's weight but I don't think so. I 'll trade a pound of weight for a ton of performance any day.
Similar Products Used:
I use to ride only Marzocchi's. They were the Kings until I got this fork. I have a Z1 MCR, Z2 Atom and a Z2 BAM
Bike Setup:
Psycle Werks Wild Hare, with full XT, Hayes and King Hubs.
Bottom Line:
Fox has a winning product!!!!!! This fork impresses you from the moment you open the package. The fit and finish are second to none and the beffy looking 32 mm stanchions look cool. The attention to samll details is very evident. For example, the wipers have slots in them for a screwdriver to pry them out when needed. How many times have you had to pry out your wipers and you end up scratching the crap out of the sliders??? Not on this fork. The dials have crisp detent positions that are easing to adjust. After you take the fork you realize there is a bag of hardware that comes with the fork. You then find two extra springs (light and heavy) just in case you need to adjust your spring rates according to our weight or preference. That's cool. Nobody else does that. Most fork makers make you buy new springs if you need to change the rate. The extra hardware kit also contains rubber caps to cover the brake bosses if you are going to run discs. Enough said. I took the fork out on it's first test ride and it passed with flying colors. The fork has almost zero stiction. The rebound control works great. The fork seemed to work great in both small high speed bumps and the high speed killer bumps. I couldn't find any faults whatsoever. You really need to go out and buy one of these forks so you can see for yourself.
FOX Shocks RULE!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Steele
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, Utah Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Green Valley or Gooseberry in St. George
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
THE BIKE SHOPPE
Strengths:
No flex goes where you want it to go, not like a nasty SID.(ya know the noddle Rock Shox calls good) No sticky feel on the stanction tubes, up and down like butter. No cheesy plastic caps that break. 100% pure quality! Comes with three different springs; soft, medium, and hard. You can increase the travel to 125mm on the 100mm models with the switch of a piece that comes along with the three springs.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found one yet
Similar Products Used:
Psylo XC, Mars1, Judy's, Manitou Black's, Xfly, and many others
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Full XT, Chris King headset, Fox Vanilla 100R forx, and Fox Float R on rear, Continental Explorer Protections 2.3
Bottom Line:
This fork is the best I've ridden, it's got all my friends attention, and better have the attention of all the other fork manufactuers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$520.00
Strengths:
Very smooth, incredible suspension action. Very stiff / minimal flex and excellent steering precision. Rebound, compression, preload knobs are aluminum (no plastic!) with clear feel and sound (audible click) detents. Rebound and compression feels great and changing the settings actually does something.
Weaknesses:
Lockout lever is a bit small.
Similar Products Used:
Numerous Manitou's; X-vert air, X-vert, Mars, Mars Super, etc. back to one of the original ones.
Bike Setup:
Spot steel Single speed, CK SS hubs on Mavic 517's, RF parts, Paul brakes and levers.
Bottom Line:
This fork is awesome. There is just something about the smoothness that sets it way above any Manitou I've ridden. It's a great looking fork with the matt-black finish. The simple looks are all about performance with no gimicks.
My only complaint is that the area of the lockout needs to be bigger. It may be OK for out west riding when you only use it twice during a ride but, here in tight, up-down midwest it's a little hard to grab on the fly.
Thanks Fox for Aluminum adjusters with clear clicks. Sorry Manitou, you just lost a ten-year customer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nat
a
from Tucson Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
National (maybe). No, Mt. Elden. Aiiyeee, too many to pick favorite.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles. Installed professionally and perfectly at ARIZONA BIKE EXPERTS
Strengths:
Exceptionally smooth travel, great steering precision, super-supple yet difficult to bottom out even with stock springs, high quality adjustment clickers.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Z1
Bike Setup:
Titus Quasi-Moto, Vanilla 125R fork, 2" Vanilla R shock, XTR drive, Hugi240's, TrailBlaster 2.1's.
Bottom Line:
I was in love with my Z1 but wanted to try something different. I was astounded that the Vanilla 125R felt that much better than the Marzocchi. It was an instantaneous and definitely noticeable improvement in ride quality. It's amazing, absolutely amazing.
Of course, time will tell whether the fork holds up, but there's nothing that appears cheap or flimsy on it. No gimmicks, just a great fork.
Fox will send the owner the correct spring free of charge if the stock one is insufficient.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oman Bin Ridin
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseville, Ca USA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Trail to Secret Cave Hide Out
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Universal
Strengths:
Stiff as a wedding day hard_n. Tracks great subdued paint good for night stealth missions. Full travel out of the box!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
RS, Man. Marz. Headshock
Bike Setup:
Classified, but it came from the land of the maple leaf.
Bottom Line:
This fork rocks inspires confidence. Sure its no light weight, but a small price to pay for such great action. Who needs a Scalpel when you have a Cleaver. It didn't break the bank either! Five burning turds!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Forrest Arakawa
a Downhiller
from Pleasant Hill CA USA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bass Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super Stiff, no lateral movement under heavy load. Tracks awesome. Don't have to deal with bolts. It takes a regular QR and is just as stiff as bolt through axles. The tubes and legs are oversized to acheive maximum stiffness. This for is very lightweight. It is very smooth through the travel.. I mean the oil does not pack up as you compress the fork. It's getting full travel even on the smaller hits! Has yet to bottom out with the stock springs. Super Stealth black!! Great trail fork. Very adjustable. Easy to maintain...
Weaknesses:
none!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, Marzocchi, Rockshox, Risse
Bike Setup:
Uzzi SLX, King hubs and headset, WTB tires, rims, saddle and grips, Shimano, Koski bar and Stem.
Bottom Line:
There is nothing this fork can't do... I really dig it.. I've been riding it 3-4 days a week for the past 3 months with no problems or complaints.. The thing simply performs in all conditions. It gives my bike perfect head angle for DH or freeride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Racer
from Camarillo,CA Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cold Springs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Scene
Strengths:
EVERYTHING!! So far this fork has no weakness
Weaknesses:
NONE!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou XVert, Marzocchi Z.1...
Bike Setup:
Turner XCE
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best trail fork on the market right now. Super rigid for superior handling in the rough stuff and the feel of the fork is like it's a DH fork in a cross country package. For the money you can't go wrong. Sorry Marzocchi and Manitou there's a new leader. Enough said!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E-Z
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountain Reservation
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Factory Direct
Strengths:
Its stiff and plush. Its very adjustable and it just plows through the rough stuff.
Really a nice fork. It provides a level of confidence that is comparable to my buddy's Jr. T, without weighing 5.5 lbs. A+ for adjustability (preload, slow speed rebound, rebound). Fox should give Zoki a run for their money with this one. I just hope it lasts.
$
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