|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
AustinShredman
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Tx | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop-A | | Strengths: | Great rebound, and dampening. | | Weaknesses: | Do not think this shock is made for Super Bombing Downhill runs. You will wish you had brought a different ride. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR. Marzocchi Bomber MX Comp on the front. | | Bottom Line: | I have always enjoyed using Fox products. They rarely let me down. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bernard Mayor
a Downhiller
from Manila, Philippines
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Lahar trail, Clark | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | arely's bike shop | | Strengths: | pro pedal, good rebound control, durable, can take any abuse, very plush. | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | manitou swinger 4-way coil, DNM rear burner | | Bike Setup: | Norco 2004 fluid one, 5.5 inches travel, with fox talas rlc model 2007. rear shox spring is 750lbs. | | Bottom Line: | 'Been using it for almost 2 years now and it has not failed my expectations yet, it can absorb small bumps and won't bottom out when you hit big rocks. I do drop up to 5 feet high and it can absorb the fall. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
esmundo
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | don't ask | | Weaknesses: | I'll tell | | Bike Setup: | 04 fuse w/ 02 super T front vanilla rear | | Bottom Line: | Facts first.. I am DH beginner who still working on basic skill on intermedite trail at a moderate speed. I'm only 140 lbs. My wheels never leaves the ground nor do I have the skill to do that. And this piece of c**p blew twice on me on the same day, which was only the second time I was on my DH rig. Hundreds spent, ride for 2 days and boom... I am not happy with it. Stay away, far away. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bret Hinson
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | Very simple, no bull SH@t | | Weaknesses: | Little heavy | | Bike Setup: | 99' Cannondale SV400 | | Bottom Line: | I'm an ex-expert BMX racer, put some bikes through some hard sh@t, and know what works. The Vanilla for the price and make, is a decent shock, I rock the hell out of my SV400 and it ask's for more, Jumped it 4 to 6 foot high,(landed hard) and never winced, I don't care what anyone says, if your dropping off of 13 to 15 foot falls, and you expect a stock first generation Vanilla to recover flawlessly, maybe your not as bright as you think. If you are the "MAN" you think you are then drop off at the same height with a hard tail and a hard head!!! Just ride like you stole it! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Potts
a Cross Country Rider
from Livermore CA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Thsi shock Is plain and simple, no confunding nobs and adkustments, you can just ride! | | Weaknesses: | havent found one | | Similar Products Used: | havent tried any other shocks which can touch this | | Bike Setup: | 900/1.60 spring instead of the stock 700/1.57 | | Bottom Line: | This Shock rocks it never has trouble, never needs work, and wont be ruined if you bottom it out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Forrest
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wood Canyon and surrounding So. OC trails, Prefer Uphill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | The Path Bike Shop, Tustin, CA | | Strengths: | Pretty inexpensive, functional fro the price | | Weaknesses: | Alot of kick on slow big bumps, no lockout, and limited adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | Fox | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar Sport | | Bottom Line: | For the money it works just fine. Not the greatest for uphill because it doesn't have a lockout adjustment. The only adjustment you can make is to adjust the preload. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hajdu Cruz
a Racer
from Australia, BrisVegas
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Everywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Stree Dirt N vert | | Strengths: | Good for free riding has good compression and rebound adjustment | | Weaknesses: | Not really strong enough | | Similar Products Used: | Fifth Element, Sh*t no good for freeridin, its a racers shock | | Bike Setup: | Super 8, Marzocchi Shivers, Double wides bla bla | | Bottom Line: | Good Shock have done many big drops over 12ft, and have only blown it up once. Setup is the key | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
darren rohne
a Weekend Warrior
from xzvcdszf
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | dunno | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | blacks | | Strengths: | its a shock, well kinda | | Weaknesses: | POS! i blew it 2 times in like 6 months. NO rebound. slugish, bends, snaps, breaks, do not buy this if your doing more then like a 2 foot drop! | | Similar Products Used: | ridgid | | Bike Setup: | VPS | | Bottom Line: | POS POS POS POS POS POS POS POS POS. BREAK BREAK BREAK, snap snap snap snap snap snap snap snap snap snap! leak leak leak lek leak leak leak! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Martin
a
from Santa Rosa CA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Rincon Valley Cyclery | | Strengths: | Does everything it claims. Very simple and therefore I've never had problems with it. | | Weaknesses: | Not any for most riders, but if you do crazy downhill or freeriding you may want to go for something longer and stiffer | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Marin East Peak | | Bottom Line: | Good shock that won't burn a whole in your wallet. Reliable and simple | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
warren
a Weekend Warrior
from london, uk
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | bonthrone | | Strengths: | No brainer shock, just ride it | | Weaknesses: | not adjustable, strong kick on big slow hits | | Bike Setup: | DB XR1 - '02 MXC's on front | | Bottom Line: | The shock rides mostly well, and i never have to think about fracking around with adjusters but just occasionally i think that maybe it'd be worth upgrading when the rear end of the bike flys into the air coming through a big slow hit and i dont remember to get off the seat (which i shouldnt have to do) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Robb
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, Arizona
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | trail 100 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | the pig | | Strengths: | Cost per application, OEM Replacement to full tilt race applications. | | Weaknesses: | None if the product is used for its intended purpose, per application. | | Similar Products Used: | King | | Bike Setup: | F/S, FOX rcl on the X/C bike, can't wait to buy the FORX | | Bottom Line: | After reading the reviews just for the hell of it, I,m a little annoyed at the intelegence level of some of the reviewers. Obviously some don't know how to properly equip a bike for the purposes they intend to ride. Why would a "Downhiller" or for that matter a "Freerider" use the plain jane version Vanilla? It's not designed for 5,6, or even shallower drops with a heavier rider, the shock in stock form is a "OEM REPLACEMENT", if you get "Bobbing", or "Sagging", you have two options....lose weight, or get the correct rate spring! Just to qualify myself...I don't work for and am not sponsored by FOX, and have extensively used their products on dirt bikes to full blown desert trucks. They have a vast product listing for every application, so pick the right one!
I've got them on all my bikes, friends have got them, and NEVER had a problem that stupidity did'nt create. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gethin allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | avalanch cup VTT (Morzine,france) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Evans, london | | Strengths: | It can take quite a beating and is good on fast intermediate drops | | Weaknesses: | No rebound adjustment makes it hard to ride anything big slowly as the spring back will throw you off if your not flowing through the drop at a fair speed (speaking from experience), also it's quite eratic in the air when you come of the lip of a jump the kick from the lockout can move you off balance | | Similar Products Used: | none, used to ride hard tail and considering going back to one | | Bike Setup: | Specializied A1 fsr comp with 4"bombers on the front hydrolic disks and riser bars | | Bottom Line: | if you can pick one up cheap then go for it, but I wouldn't by another one if mine broke I'd go for something a bit more upmarket | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SGT. ROCK
a Racer
from Edmonton, AB
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | With bike | | Strengths: | Problem free | | Weaknesses: | No adjustments | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Vanilla R | | Bike Setup: | 1997 TREK Y-11 | | Bottom Line: | This shock has been performing at the same level for over five seasons of serious offroad riding. Other than replacing the pivot bushings, it has not had any other maintenance since I bought the bike. The reliability is so good, when looking for a downhill bike this spring, I wouldn't consider anything that didn't come equipped with a Vanilla coil.
The only criticism I can think of is it lacks any rebound adjustment - rebound is a little too slow as is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Came stock on GT XCR-1000 | | Strengths: | - It looks nice & simple | | Weaknesses: | - Riding on roads, lots of bobbing up and down, lots of squishing/sucking noises, it shouldn't behave like that right?
- feels too soft even with air at 165psi, (I'm only 180lb)
- not verified, but I suspect it leaks air | | Similar Products Used: | none, this is my first rear suspension experience | | Bike Setup: | Avid levers & vbrakes, Rockshox SID fork | | Bottom Line: | There have been lots of variation in comments about Fox rear shocks in this group. Some people really like them, some people really hate them. Could it be that the Fox products are not built with consistent quality? i.e. sometimes the shocks are substandard while othertimes they might be top notch? I will bring mine into a bike shop for inspection, and if there's nothing wrong, I may opt to upgrade to something better.
The Fox feels okay off-road, but I think I would prefer something a little stiffer that doesn't bottom out so easily. I might try one of the Cane Creek rear shocks because they have been getting rave reviews here. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Downhiller
from prospect
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | my local bike shop | | Strengths: | This shock is AWSOME! I consistantly went off of 6 foot drop-offs with a flat asphalt landing and the shock absorbed it perfectly.(That is how i completely exploded my previous shock) Not a lot of travel, but because it is nitrogen charged, it is extremely hard to bottom out. Very cheap to buy, but you definately get your money worth. | | Weaknesses: | Not a lot of travel, some springyness, no rebound adjustment, but what do you want for the lowest Fox Vanilla model | | Similar Products Used: | stock rear suspension that exploded after a 6 foot drop-off | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose XR500 dual suspension, Mozo front fork, fox vanilla rear shock, shimano clipless pedals, shimano disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | I got this shock for $20 because the guy at the bike shop just took it off of his own bike(to upgrade to a better shock)and was going to throw it away, it is in perfect condition. This is the best shock you can buy for your money. I would definately recommend this to anyone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money but still wants some kind of reliability and performance. This was my best investment ever! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vince radimant
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | - 80mm travel
- descent upgrade for those who enjoy cross country rides
- Increase life of shox with Lizard skins shock boot! | | Weaknesses: | Not enough travel for extreme rides. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Schwinn Rocket 88 stage 4: Full-suspension | | Bottom Line: | I always ride cross country in the weekends and the Fox vanilla shock seems to be holding up. It handles well in all terrain types and even handles drops of 1 to 2 feet pretty well.
- Do not pay attention to negative comments made by the ANTI-fox customers. They think this shock is made for *Motocross*. They should stop wining and upgrade to a vanilla R, RC series. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent Trimmer
a Downhiller
from Richmond Va
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | trails that you dont have to go up hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Contes | | Strengths: | It is made my Fox | | Weaknesses: | It is a peice of sh*t, you can adjust anything besides screwing the spring tighter or looser, it bottoms like a b*tch, cant handle drops of more then 3 feet. | | Similar Products Used: | None always been a hardtail rider | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I wouldnt recomend this shock, it is the low end model that Fox makes,it is cheaply built, and cant adjust rebound,or damping. I am going to put a vannila rc on it, but i think i will wait till i blow this one up before i spend any money on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | sucks up the big bumps and the small ones | | Weaknesses: | its the low end shock and doent have rebound and compression adjustment and i cant afford an RC | | Bike Setup: | stock Kona Stinky5 02 | | Bottom Line: | This shock is sweet. Handles everything, works great and does everything it should as the low end vanilla shock. Dont know what the dude below me is whinging about, if all you were doing was riding along doing jack then go back to where you got it and get it warrantied. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto canada
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | none at all | | Weaknesses: | peice of F#$%@#$ sh*t | | Bottom Line: | do not buy this shox no matter wut. if it comes with the bike get ready to buy a new one. i was riding to a place were i ride and the shox got full compressd and is locked and is twisted to sh*t. and i was just riding not doing anything. if wish u could give stuff a zero. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Wishart
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | CrabApple (Whistler B.C.) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | good panzy shock | | Weaknesses: | everything | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Trek VRX 200 Bomber Z1 dropoff's, front disk's | | Bottom Line: | piece of crap, do not buy one, if it comes stock upgrade, it damaged me swing arm cracked it right down center when riding down a paved street. The biggest drop I did was a 5 foot was ok on it but what a piece of *%&#. I bought a Rock Shock SID and you cant compare them. Fox is the worst compainy that I had to deal with took three months to fix and broke less than an hour after. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bomberdale11
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Stock on bike | | Strengths: | Did not break | | Weaknesses: | Harsh, dead feel | | Similar Products Used: | Switched to CaneCreek AD-12 | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale SuperV900 w/discs, Jr. T | | Bottom Line: | The low end Fox Vanilla came stock with my bike. Tried three diffrent springs & could not get it right. I guess it was better than a hardtail but after a couple of years I started wondering what a really good shock would do to my bike.
What was I thinking, waiting so long to take this door stop off my bike?
Maybe the higher end Vanillas are better but I'll stick with CaneCreek now because the AD-12 gave me a new bike. Two flamin' dogs for this thing only because it never broke under my 150lbs frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Downhiller
from bc,canada
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | I did a 13 foot drop on it , it works fine | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | Great shock | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sunny
a Downhiller
from Surrey,B.C
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | Fox make the best rear shoxs out there , and i am sure next year they will take over in front forks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kristof Ulburghs
a Weekend Warrior
from Heverlee, Belgium
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Hotwheelz Bike Shop | | Bike Setup: | Kona Stinky | | Bottom Line: | I've read some really bad reviews here and some really good, it's hard to tell how good or bad it really is. I guess that, because it's the entry level model, when you have a bad one, you really have a BAD one, but when it's good it's OK. Mine's OK. Done some drops, some climbs, some trails, ... shock worked fine. However, this is my first full susser and thus my first shock. But what can I say, it works for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JAMES RASMUSSEN
a Weekend Warrior
from EDMONTON AB CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | SATURDAY NIGHT LOOP | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | CAME STANDARD ON BIKE | | Strengths: | NONE | | Weaknesses: | EVERYTHING | | Similar Products Used: | STRATOS, CANECREEK, ROCKSHOX | | Bike Setup: | 99 XCR2000 Z.3QR20,RACEFACE CRANKS,ALL XTR,CARBON HANDLE BAR,EASTON SEATPOST. | | Bottom Line: | THE SHOCK IS SO POOR THAT THE 7TH RIDE THE THING LET GO.I RETURNED IT TO MY BIKE SHOP FOR WARRANTY MY BIKE SHOP GAVE ME A VANILLA R COIL TO USE WHILE THE PIECE WAS BEING REPAIRED.WHEN I GOT IT BACK I DIDN'T EVEN MAKE IT TO THE END OF MY PARKING LOT AND THE THING LET GO.TOOK IT BACK HAD IT REBUILT THE SECOND TIME.MEANWHILE I FOUND A VANILLA FLOAT RC WITH THE LOCK OUT AND PUT THAT ON AND LEFT THE OTHER PIECE IN MY BAG AS A EMERGENCY SPARE.WELL ONE DAY WE WERE DOING SOME 3 FOOT DROPS AND FIGURED I SHOULD PUT THE GOOD OL PIECE ON NOT TO BEAT UP ON MY NEW RC. THE THING DIDN'T EVEN HOLD TO GET TO THE FIRST DROP.I TELL YOU THIS SHOCK IS GARBAGE IF IT COMES STANDARD ON YOUR BIKE UPGRADE TO SOMETHING NOW!! OR DON'T BUY THE BIKE.ALSO FOX IS ONE THE WORST COMPANYS IVE EVER HAD TO DEAL WITH IT TAKES THEM AT LEAST 2 WEEKS TO EVEN LOOK AT YOUR SHOCK THEN ANOTHER 2 BEFORE IT COMES BACK.THANK GOD THE BIKE SHOP GAVE ME A LONER IN THE MEANTIME.BUT COME ON PEOPLE THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPENDED IN THE FIRST PLACE.FOX HAS BEEN AROUND LONG ENOUGH THAT THEY SHOULD KNOW A BETTER THAN TO PRODUCE A PIECE LIKE THIS.IF THEY DON'T GET THERE ACT TOGETHER SOON I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FOX PRODUCT AGAIN.IF I COULD I WOULD GIVE THIS THIS A NEGATIVE FLAMING TURD IN BOTH VALUES.
WHAT A PIECE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Hirschkorn
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Nothing | | Weaknesses: | CANT TAKE ANYTHING! | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale SV 400 | | Bottom Line: | Im adding on my last reviw that is 2 below. About 2 months after my first warranty i broke it again doing a 4 foot drop. These shocks are crap im gonna upgrade to a Vanilla R shock so i can adjust the preload better and not have to worry bout this crapper busting again. If you gonna buy a rear shock dont buy this one. If it comes on your bike UPGRADE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Miebach
a Weekend Warrior
from Gelsenkirchen
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Monte Brione; Lake Garda(Italy) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | was part of my bike | | Strengths: | Well, it works fine as long as you don´t ride hard and fast trails cause it is not able to follow fast hits. but it sucks every hole. | | Weaknesses: | fixed rebound. so it´s too slow. cannot handlw with fast hits. maybe a little bit heavy but who cares. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | trek vrx 200, rs judy 100 | | Bottom Line: | well maybe it works better with another bike which has ball bearings. if you like the more rough way of riding i can only recommend to replace it by a coil over with rebound adjustment like a rs deluxe adjust or a vanilla r. but it´s o.k. for touring and cruising. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Hirschkorn
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | some what nice feel | | Weaknesses: | it broke after 3 months of riding when the biggest thing i did was a 5 foot drop! nad it squeks like crazy! | | Similar Products Used: | vanilla r | | Bike Setup: | sv 400 | | Bottom Line: | its ok but it has little travel. and i broke it going off of a punny 3 set. thank god they warrantied it but oh well my nw one is holding up fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | -The best entry-level shock
-Didn't bottom out,even under my 190 lbs.
-PLUSH!!
-Good rebound--no pogo
-Coil-over design(tougher) | | Weaknesses: | -No adjustments(though the stock setting is fine..)
-Maybe weight..but who cares
-Nothing else really(it's a FOX,c'mon!) | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Vanilla Float(very sweet!!),Fastrax/Mongoose coil-over(below average--too much pogo,bottomed easily) | | Bike Setup: | I tested 2 bikes with this shock:a Jamis Dakar Sport(kinda sucky,too heavy)and a Specialized Rockhopper FSR(much better,but don't care for the Horst link).The shock on both performed without a single real flaw. | | Bottom Line: | Great shock for the money.Feels very plush considering it's only about 80 mm travel,but maybe that's because I'm a hardtail guy.It never bottomed--NOT EVEN ONCE!I'm impressed,because I did manage to bottom out a Float once and this is a much cheaper shock.The Vanilla stayed in the middle of its stroke on most hits,and really intervened only when necessary.Rebound was GOOD.
My only dislike is the lack of adjustments.Aside from that,you can't go wrong.This is the best entry-level shock out there.I'm giving it proper due!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
orpheus
a Cross Country Rider
from eastampton, nj
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | came on bike | | Strengths: | I'm sure all the metal it's made of is strong, you could use it as a bludgeoning weapon, and if you drop it off a building it wouldn't get too hurt | | Weaknesses: | it exists, it's heavy, it's a pogo stick, you need a big ass wrench to adjust spring tension, it's ugly, and oh yeah it's HEAVY. | | Similar Products Used: | Cane Creek AD-10 | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale SuperV 500, Valiant/XTR wheelset, XT cassette, Arch Rival 50 brakes, Avid speed levers, SRAM gripshift, LX/9.0 drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | Taking my shock off and putting on a Cane Creek AD-10 was like buying a new bike. Cannondale dropped the ball on this component. I know it's cheap, but it's cheap. You get what you pay for. Do yourself a favor and buy an AD-10. And if you can't find the right one, Cane Creek will custom build one, like they did for me. And use your Fox Vanilla to beat home invaders with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James W
a Weekend Warrior
from North shore B.C.,Canada
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ladies only & roach hit | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | The cove bike shop | | Strengths: | works well....really plush. really good value | | Weaknesses: | not so good on fast rocky stuff | | Similar Products Used: | Fox vanilla R | | Bike Setup: | kona manomano with judy xc's | | Bottom Line: | it works really well and im suprised it works so good as being a bottom of the line shock. if youre lookin for a good rear shock and on a tight budget....GO FOR THIS ONE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Schostek
a Downhiller
from Calgary,Alberta Cananda
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Drops, roots, steep descesnts | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Plush, not to much travel but it's strong. | | Weaknesses: | Little travel | | Similar Products Used: | Vannilla R | | Bike Setup: | Kona kuku, avid 10, mavic&sun rims, rock shox judy, fox vanilla | | Bottom Line: | Its great it handles a 7 foot drop perfectly, more travel would be nice however. very reliable, no problems so far, easy to maintain, it was a surprise to see a bottom line shock acting so good. definitely for entry level racers. Its a big hit among me and my freinds, so try it out! I recommend for people on a budget.Its a good deal for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | LoL ... none! | | Weaknesses: | everything pretty much | | Similar Products Used: | ad-10 and some other stuff | | Bike Setup: | trek y3 - sx-r - ad-10 - arch rival 50's | | Bottom Line: | this shock is ...well really crappy ... it makes my ass hurt and my bike feel like a hardtail with a titanium rear that loves to bob ... it's a firm shock ... but performs like crap. it's also heavy ... compared to my ad-10 ... it also made my sx-r front shock feel like sh*t ... now with my ad-10 my sx-r is more smooth ... remember kids ... you need a balanced bike for your weight and a tuned shock both front and rear for your suspesnsion to function properly...
which the ad-10 has acomplished.
so everyone go out and get rid of your fox vanilla ... try a better shock ... and my gosh ... you'll be very surprised
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Van den Heuvel
a Weekend Warrior
from Northridge, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | chesebro - agoura | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | - good basic rear shock for the money (came with bike)
- great on big, slower obstacles (2" rocks, ruts, etc) | | Weaknesses: | - lousy (like no shock at all) on small, fast bumps & quick drops | | Similar Products Used: | - cane creek AD-8 | | Bike Setup: | - DBR X2 w/Marz 105mm front fork, XT/LX, 27 spd | | Bottom Line: | This rear shock is an older technology from the 1997 time frame. It basically moves up and down on big slow stuff, but on small, fast washboards and sudden sharp drops it does not move at all, leading the bike owner to think that something is wrong with their bike. The poor movement of this shock at higher rates of speed causes a heck of a lot of rear-end clattering, too.
To see if you have this problem too, do "the Robert test." Take your FS bike (or rather, what you THINK is a FS bike) equipped with a Fox Vanilla and lift the rear wheel a foot off the ground. Then drop it. The rear should bounce back up a little bit, just enough to show that the shock is working. If you instead see the back end slam violently into the ground with a heavy sickening "thud" and not bounce at all, with all the linkages clattering and shuddering, then you likely have a Fox Vanilla with the problem that I experienced. Mine was "brand new" on a 1999 closeout bike. 3 different bike shops inspected it and said it was in perfect working order. Fox was supportive on the phone and I almost sent it in, but decided to try an air shock first as a swapout.
When I replaced it with a cane creek ad-8 that I got for $90 on the internet (here), it was like night and day - the whole bike became another animal altogether. THIS is what I got into this sport for. True FS performance.
Therefore, I hate to do this because Fox was so helpful on the phone, but after my 3 months of suffering and bewilderment, and now this discovery, I heartily give this shock a dismal rating, and encourage all owners of such a device to do what I did and use the Vanilla as a spare part in your parts cabinet, or a weight for deep sea fishing. It's also nearly one pound in weight, so replacing it has other advantages besides performance.
No manufacturer, or bike shop, will dare tell you the truth. They are all in cahoots for profit, and word gets around....
Form your own opinion!!
I gave the shock 3 chilis for value only because I paid $800 for an XT/LX bike with a Marz 105mm front fork and this shock on the rear. At that price, I probably only could have gotten a seatpost suspension...!
:-)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Limer
a Weekend Warrior
from High Wycombe
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
chilterns | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Looks nice | | Weaknesses: |
pants c**p pants
had 2 new shocks in 3 months
still not right lets down SV 500 | | Similar Products Used: |
vinilla air OK | | Bike Setup: |
Super v 500 | | Bottom Line: | Don't bother with this C**p shock
the only bad thing about canondale's SV500 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris a hardtail North Shorer
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey,BC>Canada=North Shore:)
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Boogy man | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Good strong shock, holds up to mud and grit and is very dependable | | Weaknesses: |
little heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox SID rear | | Bike Setup: |
TREK VRX-200 | | Bottom Line: | exelent shock that holds up to the wickedist riding in the world, yes thats right BC's North shore:):):):)where it rains so much your favorit trail turs into a river full of sand, and this shock will last. 3 people I know have fox vanilla coil over shocks and they all love them. I myself am rideing a cannondale caad 3, whick is a little risky riding on some of BC's trails and that is why I'm buying a TREK VRX-200 to satisfy my Full Suspension needs, also I don't what to wreak my XC bike. the setup of the Fox vanilla on the VRX is the best setup I've seen so far on any bike. I think that they way the suspension is setup also affects the shock preformance so I suggest that you look at the setup of the frame rather than blameing the shock fro bad travle or a bummpy ride because Fox Vanilla is plush and smooth. what can I say but>>>FOX ROCKS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin Winterborne
a Cross-Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Good uphill traction | | Weaknesses: |
No information on proper pressure settings | | Bike Setup: |
Marin East Peak £1595 | | Bottom Line: | Good uphill traction allowing you to power on up those hills. Been trying to find some technical info on the shock so that i dont over pressurise. Takes some good slams without the power saping of some other shocks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Werner Sijmons
a Cross-Country Rider
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: May 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Works well when it works | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized FSR XC pro | | Bottom Line: | In the reviews I read that many riders have problems with airloss. My Fox Vanilla Air R is getting harder after a ride. TO HARD!! It doesn't work at all anymore. My friend (with the same bike) has the same problem. Does anyone else experienced it?
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Marchlewski
a Weekend Warrior
from Fenton, MI
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Holdridge Lakes | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Provides a firm ride that feels very efficient on my FSR XC comp. | | Weaknesses: |
Dissapointed with bushing slop on the lower shock mount. | | Similar Products Used: |
First air shock. | | Bike Setup: |
FSR XC comp. | | Bottom Line: | I was told by a bike mechanic at a local bike shop that Specialized has a bushing kit to fix the slop inherent with some of the Fox shocks on the '99 FSR XC bikes. However, since the Specialized phone number seems to be a closely guarded secret, I have not been able to comfirm if such a kit even exists. Two local bike shops have promised to contact Specialized for me and let me know, but I still have not heard a word from them. I may go the route of one of the other bikers in this series of reviews and replace the Fox shock with the Stratos Helix Pro. I also dislike the fact that I had to buy a shock pump. Why can't Specialized include a pump with the bike? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pankie
a Downhiller
from Hinton, Alberta
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
nordic center downhill | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Did not bottom
good rebound adjustment | | Weaknesses: |
none found | | Bike Setup: |
1999 trek vrx300 | | Bottom Line: | i was pleased with the performance of the fox vanilla r on my 99 trek VRX 300, but that bike got stolen. I was going to upgrade to the VRX 400 but I found out that the ubgrade only had a fox coil over on it. Adjustable rebound makes a difference. the 4 point review goes to the VANNILA R. a great shock | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TJW
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mpls, MN
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
The proper PSI adjustment makes all the difference. When the unit is dialed in, the suspension seems in the zone of being active without feeling like it's eating up torque. Too much air will give a harsh feel to the ride - whats the use in a full suspension bike! Too little and you will pogo under torque. The shock is easy to adjust with a high PSI shock pump. | | Weaknesses: |
I have had to adjust the PSI almost every ride. | | Bottom Line: | The Float came stock with the Specialized FSR XC comp. I feel it's a good fit and has performed up to expectations. The bike did not come with the shock pump. This was a poor move on the park of Specialized. Supergo has a nice model for 19.95. I am pleased with the unit's performance in XC. I have not had the opportunity to downhill with it. I'll drop a note after a few more months of riding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Canton, mi
Date Reviewed: March 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Decent compression damping, Extremely good reliability | | Weaknesses: |
Lack of rebound damping and adjustment | | Similar Products Used: |
Air Vanilla is the best rear air shock, but the only + for air shocks is the light weight | | Bike Setup: |
97 Trek Y-11, XT/XTR, Race Face | | Bottom Line: | Good overall shock, kinda heavy, but very reliable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pueblo, CO
Date Reviewed: March 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
It's a decent shock. | | Weaknesses: |
No rebound adjustment | | Bike Setup: |
Santa Cruz Heckler X | | Bottom Line: | I'm swapping it for a Vanilla RC Twin Clicker when I get the cash...but it ain't bad. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MCA
a Weekend Warrior
from Clarkston, MI
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | My '97 Trek Y-11 came with the shock OEM. It's the older style so the only adjustment I can make is by tightening or loosening the spring. It's worked well for me in the past and I haven't had any problems till now. It seems to be having a lot of stictchion as soon as it compresses. It doesn't effect the way it works, but it just bothers me because I can feel it and I know it's there. I've taken it off and greased the bolts etc. and it didn't do anyting. Besides it's pretty heavy too. Probably time for an upgrade. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbeau
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Fox Vanilla R: A very good (not great) shock. Easy to adjust, light, effective. Each click actually makes a difference -- I can't tell much of a difference with 3 or 4 clicks on my Risse. If you slow the rebound down allllll the way, the shock will actually stop. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from Santa Barbara, CA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The Fox Vanilla Float that came on my '99 Specialized FSR XC Comp is a terrible mismatch for this bike. This shock is best suited for a full suspension beach cruiser, not a serious XC machine. Absolutely, no dampening or compression adjustments, only the air pressure is adjustable. It bucked and pogoed relentlessly. A poor performing rear shock, to say the least. I begrudgingly replaced this NEW shock with a Stratos Helix Pro. There is no contest, the bike is a totally different machine. Specialized cut corners to make the bike cheap enough ($1,800) for the average XC rider and they really cut corners with this rear shock. The bike is now 120% better. I couldn't GIVE the Fox shock to my local shop, much less get a credit for it toward the Stratos. Oh well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DanK
a
from monterey ca
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The Air Vanilla Float RC is great! The lockout actually works!! The 24 click rebounds does make a difference and the action of the fork is nice. Not a typical harsh air shock but no coilover plushness like my Afterburner R was. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DHer
a
from downhiller
Date Reviewed: February 14, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride a 2.3 inch stroke TC on my foes and a 1.5 inch stroke on my FSR. They both work extremly well. The extra weperformance of a coil spring is well worth the weight over an air shock. The damping is so widely adjustable that you can set the shock so wide open that it feels like its blown or you can set it so tight that the shock won't rebound. The only thing I would change would be to add a top out spring. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ridin Rog
a cross-country rider
from Wpg, MB, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the Fox Vanilla R on my bike. I love it. Being able to play with the damping is a big help. I exchanged the spring for one more suitable for me. Now I can have the proper preload and rebound set for a guy my size that does my kind of riding. The bike takes big hits, and soaks up the rumbles with aplomb. Very nice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a weekend warrior
from philippines
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The plush travel is great, and the damping too. I just bought a cannondale super v sl bike with a fox vanilla r on it. The shox works great on either downhill nor uphill. But I still have to find out more about this shox. I rate this shox 4 chillis for now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Weasle Man (julien)
a weekend warrior
from Asheville
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This shock came on my 98 superv 500 and i love it plush enough no PoGo ,,to tell you the truth i was riding a freinds voodoo witha z1 and a supa delux the rock shox killed the bike, now he got a vanila (like me) and he's happy :o) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
André
a weekend warrior
from quebec,canada
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This shock is a bomb!!! Although fox shox have some problems like most everything, they are one of the best rear shox on the market.
5 chillies.
5 chillies.
5 chillies.
5 chillies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
My '97 Trek Y22 came with a Vanilla stock. I was considering replaicing it with a SID, but then I rode on it. It's great. It takes the smallest bumps and the biggest hits you can dish out. The air pressure is an easy was to regulate the ride. Awesome shock, light weight. 5 out of 5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Byrns
a weekend warrior
from Arkansas
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Cannondale V-400 with the Fox Vanila. I am over 220 pounds and it seems too handle me very well. It has never bottomed out with me. I can get a good 4 foot of air with it without a bottom.
Until it gives me trouble I will have to give it a 5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dana Townsend
a downhiller
from Moscow,ID
Date Reviewed: December 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am currently using a vanilla TC and the valving could be a bit better but this could be due to an odd rate and travel configuration in the prototype frames I am building.The only problem that for sure can be traced to a Fox design error is the body of the shock is not pinned/loctited to the end housing that has the resisvoir. The reason this is a problem is that if any debris gets on the threads and an attempt is made to adjust the preload the spring collar stays stationary on the body and the body unthreads from the end housing.I am still waiting for the shock to be returned from Fox.I would give the shock 4 chilli's for performance(overall rating will be lower) but will have doubts in the future about dependability of their products.A problem such as this would have shown up in early testing stages had it been tested thourghly.I anticipate the marizocchi shock line due to oversize internals creating a more durable shock less prone to fading and with the movable resivoir more mounting options which is incredible asset. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gord
a cross-country rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 97 Trek Y22 with the vanilla on it. it worked great at the start but just blew right out near the end of the summer. this baby packed it in. no problems dealing with Fox though, sent me back the repaired shock in just over a week. didn't have to pay anything for it. now, it works better than ever, great rebound!!! the stars are for the new performance and the free service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a cross-country rider
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a fox Vanilla that came on my '96 super v. After enjoying 9 months of smooth compression my shock decided to lock-up. The guy at the shop tried to fix it, but ended up destroying the shock. The shop replaced the shock and the second shock worked fine for a little over a year and a half then it decided to blow oil everywhere. It lost its charge as they say. When I went to the bike shop to see if there was anything they could do for me, I didn't exactly get the answer I wanted. I was given two options. Send the shock to Fox for a rebuil that would cost between $50 and $125 (they wouldn't be able to tell me how much till they saw it) or I could buy a new Fox Vanilla Coil over for $325. I was disappointed because I thought a maintenance-free shock would last a little longer and when it didn't I didn't get any consideration from the bike shop or from fox. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Coop
a downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Fox Vanilla RX shock came standard on my '98 Marin B 17 and I get 5.5 of stunning travel.
This shock rox, reliable, cool rebound dampening even though I back it right off. The only better shock is the Fox Vanilla TC.
This shock rules, excellant, better than Rock Shox, Fox make the best MTB back shocks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
epic
a downhiller
from Old Lyme, CT
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I reviewed this product last fall, but for some reason it was never posted. My my rating then was 2-3 chiles, but over the last year my view of the Vanilla series of shocks has changed.My first experience with this shock cme last year. My friend bought a 1 3/4 stroke RX from FOES Fab for his Spooky Project-X. The shock replaced a Risse (Astro-5?) 2 stroke shock with compression/rebound adjusters and the aftermarket expanding air reservoir. The Risse had always been over-progressive and too stictiony, even with the reservoir. Also the range of adjustment on the damping was very small (sorry Risse). The Spooky lost some travel, but had a vast increase in performance.My second experience was with a 1 1/2 stroke Vanilla (just Vanilla although some people call this one Vanilla-X), no damping adjusters and no reservoir. This came on my Ventana El Matador as they had run out of RXs and were not scheduled to get more for a few months. My first ride on this shock was at the '97 AMBC race at Plattekill. It and the bike were great! On my first practice run I stopped because I thought I had a flat. Nope it was just that much better than my old bike. Two more practice runs, then race time. At first I noticed that I was hitting my pedals on everything. Then I realized something was wrong the suspension didn't seem to be working. I rode 2/3 of the race in hardtail mode and at the finish looked at the bike. The shock was stuck FULLY COMPRESSED. Several people pulling on the shock could not pull it back out. So the shock only lasted three runs. Ventana being the great companie that they are immediately replaced the shock with another Vanilla (they even changed the spring rate for me).Finally I got the RX it was a 1 3/4 stroke model and so increased the travel of the bike. I got in April and rode it until mid-July it worked great, but it was not a noticeable improvement over the regular Vanilla. I really didn't even notice the increased travel. Reboud adjustment was nice though, and I did use it on some courses.In July I replaced the Matador with the bike I had really wanted anyway, a Rotec. The Matador was an outstanding bike, and I don't think you can beat it for the money. In fact it is one of the most succesful bikes on the NE DH-scene. I always knew the Rotec was for me though, I needed a long wheelbase and the BB swingarm pivot makes so much sense. When I saw one at Mt Snow, saw the linkage activated shock, talked to the Engineers, talked to the riders and rode the bike, I knew it would be mine.The Rotec came with a 2 stroke Vanilla TC. The shock has rebound and compression damping adjusters and a reservoir. It has been trouble free since day one. I use the rebound adjuster a fair amount and played with the compression for a while when I first got it. I now leave the compression on full soft always as I don't want to lose any sensitivity to small roots and what not. In fact the team sometimes uses mere RXs on their bikes to eliminate the compression circuit entirely. That's what you need to do to find all those 1/10ths that add up and = a win. So anyway I feel that for a DH bike the extra adjustment of the TC is unnecessary. For next year I intend to procure a Vanilla RCR with 2 1/3 travel which will give me an extra 1 travel and remote lockout, now THAT could be useful.Overall result Fox is best, Marzocchi is close maybe equal but thier shocks don't fit the Rotec so I can't compare them fairly. I can't let one bad apple spoil the bunch. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stefan Wong
a weekend warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A Fox Vanilla RX was recently replaced the original Vanilla X on my Cannondale Super V 500 Comp along with the HeadShot MOTO FR. It's wonderful, I feel like floating in the air whenever I ride with it at 4 click stops from fully open. Of cause, preload setting of the fork and the rear shock are also the key of success. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a cross-country rider
from Saskatchewan
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got a Vanilla X on my 98 Klein Mantra, good slow speed dampening, but for my weight (215 lbs.), the shock is too softly valved. I also find that there is a little too much fade over the course of a ride. Think I'll be changing to a Vanilla R or an Air, which ever will work better for my weight. All I want is adjustability. Any ideas on what I should change to?? E-mail me at gopher_54@hotmail.com if you can help
Otherwise, good durability | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grem
a cross-country rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was very impressed with the air vanilla, it was great & then the insides shit them selves & it was all over. It took 2 months to get the shock serviced so my Y 11 sat in my room stairing at me very sadly for far to long. NOT A HAPPY CHAPPY thats for real. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy Paterson
a cross-country rider
from Edinburgh Scotland (UK)
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a Cannondale SV 1000, it came with an Alps 4 on the back end, it has more stiction than a stuck thing. I recently replaced it with a Vanilla and boy what a difference. It's like night and day, I come back from 3 hrs out and I don't have a sore ass. It only has preload adjustment but with some careful playing it has tuned really well and has changed my bike completely. If anyone else has an Alps 4 try making the change you'll not regret it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a weekend warrior
from Athens GA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I replaced the Vanilla X with a Vanilla RC ( adjustable comp. and Reb.)on my heckler X. Man what a difference! That Vanilla X not only is off in rebound, and shorter in travel, but feels harsher in compression, and bottoms much more.. All in all, The vanilla RC is a MUCH better shock. The velocity sensitive damping is a must have. All in all, a revelation compared to the X. 5 falmers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Liam Power
a weekend warrior
from Malvern, PA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have recently bought a Cannondale super v 2000 fr. It has 120mm rear wheel travel. Baby, this is the best and most durable shock out there. No probs and I have been abuseing this bike beyond words. E-mail me with any questions or complaints. This is the ultimate shock man......... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MAcbEtH
a downhiller
from aUSTRALIAMATE
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
gOT A VANILLA R on my Kona Stab DH bike. 7 mths of abuse, no maintainence,
no problems, plush travel, NOW THAT'S MY KINDA SHOCK!! How good is a Vanilla
RX?? anyone eva had both please let me know. Damn, not enough words..Ok ahh, well, it is great.. but I guess it could do with some more damping adjustability (Rx??). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ramon
a cross-country rider
from costa mesa, ca USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a FV-R on my GT XR-1000 and it works fine. But I find myself tuning it every week because it loses air so fast. Does anyone know if this is normal? Otherwise, I have no complaints. I only have 200 miles on my bike so far (it's a month old), so we'll see if my review changes in the future. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DEAN DALTON
a cross-country rider
from CHARLESTON, SC
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 1997 SUPER V-500 with a fox vanilla oil shock. Recently I have noticed a bubbly squirting sound in the shock when I first start a ride but then it goes away, with only 900 miles on the unit I was wondering if this is normal. Other than that I am very pleased with this shock, I have never bottomed out and it handles the small bumps as good as the big ones. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Swiencicki
a cross-country rider
from STORRS, CT
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Fox Air Vanilla? If anyone out there has a Fox Air Vanilla could you please email me describing its durability and performance (i.e., air leak problems?, small/large bump performance?, is the air valve in a good place for Y frame bike like Joshua X?) I can't find much info on it so I'd appreciate your input. Mark. MAS93012@UCONNVM.UCONN.EDU Thanks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ML
a cross-country rider
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have had my Heckler for 6 months and the Fox Vanilla has been OK, if your a heavier rider 190+ I would recommend a shock upgrade or get a higher tension spring. I have noticed that on some rides the shock is compressed out and can really feel the dumps. Good for lighter riders by if you start to hit the hard stuff you will be looking you options soon. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Levi Godwin
a weekend warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 98 Y5 and it has the fox vanilla r On it. It is working great. The only thing that has happened the sticker came off when it got wet. We went to Winterpark,CO and it worked awsome. I can't see how anyone can't like this shock. If I upgrade I will go to a Fox Air Vanilla | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a downhiller
from Kanata,Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, you got to give it a hand for the Fox. I am a very heavy guy and it just works great. I've had it for two years and it has not broken down even once. None of my friends haven't had any complaints about theirs. So i give it a two thumbs up! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zaron
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
To all you guys complaining that your shock leaks oil: make sure the rod has no scratches on it, if it doesn't and even if it does, you should check to see if the o-rings are broken, o-rings are designed to keep oil inside the shock, no o-ring, no oil inside the shock. after every ride, you should clean and lube the rod. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve G.
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this thing.The Vanilla Fox R came with my 98 Y 5, I'm 103Kgs (200lb)
and it's got an 800mm coil. Easy to pre-load, rebound & fiddle with. But bikes are for riding and not stuffing with, so it's simple to get it right at the start of the ride, set and forget. Get out and ride your heart out.
It soaks up the big hits well but is really great on the fast washboard corners
where everyone else is braking hard I just lean back and ride the rough.
Handful of hot stuff for me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chip B.
a cross-country rider
from Memphis Tn.
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well i am posting a review once again on the FOX VANILLA air shock. This shock is awsome. It rebounds great, and it smooth's out the bumps well also. I have taken my bike over some serious bumps and jumps lately and this shock is great. I am amazed at how well this thing works, since i am a big rider, 6'2 254. I can come down off jumps and it feels like a your ridding a soft hard tail. The shock actualy rebounds pretty quickly. So i give it 5 flaming prickles! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob King
a downhiller
from Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride every type of terrain, and the Fox shock is great... WHEN it WORKS! I've had my Santa Cruz Heckler for 6 months, and the shock has burst its seals (or something) twice! I'm not that heavy (150lbs!), but it's crazy the amount it breaks down. I went out today to clean my bike and found loadsa oil around the spring. When it works it really is amazing. Santa Cruz were UNHELPFUL and Fox.. Well, I couldn't even get hold of them - awful service. In the end I went to MoJo, a UK suspension specialist, who charged me £40 (reduced from £50) for an oil overhaul, and new needle valve, and seals. Something that Fox should be doing under warranty!? One interesting thing I did find was that Fox had been speccing their shocks with needle valves tightened to 25-30pti and it should have been over 70! Does this explain any of these problems on this page? I'm now considering a new shock, but can I trust Fox the best on the market? I'm having doubts... Also, I'm thinking of an unofficial Fox Sucks homepage.. Anyone with experiance interested?! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a cross-country rider
from berserkeley, ca
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
a fox vanilla x came stock on my heckler. there's almost no compression damping, which is good, but there's almost no rebound damping, either, which makes it kind of a glorified spring holder. fox says they'll revalve for my weight of 190# for $40 but i wonder if the $ are better spent on a cane creek ad-10. bet they are....it's an ok low end shock to thrash on for a few months. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A hint here guys--- its not the shock that is at fault if there is too much sag when you sit on it. The shock only controls rebound--play with tthe spring, it controls all dampening and sag.
So far this shock has been good to me on my Mantra, and I weight 205 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vader
a
from McMinnville,Oregon
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It's been two weeks now and they still haven't got around to my shock yet. This is bullshit. My bike is now five weeks old counting the two weeks of downtime and we're having great weather. Piss on them. I discount them down to two chilies because when their shock is working, it works. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vader
a
from McMinnville, Oregon
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
On only the second ride I blew up the Vanilla R on my Rocky Mountain DH Race. I noticed it when I got home and saw oil on the seat tube and cranks. I wiggled the shock and when it flopped around, I knew it was toast. Then I call my wife over and tell her to watch the shock when I bounce up and down and she said it was folding. I think it was a production phuck up because the guy at the bike shop said, It's not broke. Those dont break. over the phone, to Wow, I've never seen that before! when I brought it in. Anyway, it's been a week now and I'm pissed because instead of spending my Sunday riding, I'm all sore from yardwork. Still,a great shock when working. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shock Girl
a downhiller
from USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Although fox shox have some problems like most everything, they are one of the best rear shox on the market. I called Fox about my Vanilla lock-out shock
because I thought it was leaking mucho oil and found out it was just assembly grease that will leak for several weeks. You can tell the difference between the oil and lube because the lube has a green/brown tint to it. Don't panic, it'll be ok! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chip The Whip Bruce
a cross-country rider
from Memphis Tn.
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well i have had the fox vanillia air shock my bike for about 4 months now, and love it. It came on my 98 y-11, and it has given me no trouble what so ever. I am not a light rider either, being 6'2 260, i have given this shock a work out. I smoths those bumps out great. It also does good when i do jumps. It is a good shock i say. so i give it five flaming terds | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a cross-country rider
from Sacramento, Ca
Date Reviewed: April 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a fox vanilla Rx piggyback on my specialized fsr and it rocks. It soaks up every thing. i love the endless adjustments. I've been fooling around with the spring tension a lot lately tring to find out where i like it. i found that i like the dampening set one click towards the closed. so basiclly almost all the way open. its fun to play aroud with. try closing (tightening) the valve and copressing the shock. Its cool because you can see how the dampening works. Fox's webpage sucks, no hardware info. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paulo Miguel
a downhiller
from Amadora - Portugal
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just buy a New Bike, the Kona Stab DH for racing in the 98 season, and it cames with the Vanila Rx, it works very well, so soft and progressive, and on the big impacts, it's amasing the way of absorving.
I race the last 2 years for GT and use the Rock Shock, and now after 2 years i finaly have a rear shock, that works in all conditions. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a downhiller
from USA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the new Fox TC on my dh bike. it is the best shock i have riden on . when you get it be sure to tighten the bolts that hold it to the frame and the piggy back revior or it might start to leak and you will have to send it back to fox. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a cross-country rider
from Wooster
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This shock came on my 1998 Y-5, and I found that I liked it much more than my boss's Y-22. I guess I am just a coil-over type of person, but I definitely like it for small stutter bumps, and the only time it has ever bottomed out is when I land a serious jump | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a cross-country rider
from massachusetts
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a 98 trek Y-22 equipped w/a Fox Vanilla. I have had nothing but problems. All the oil leaked out, it lost its ability to lock out the dampening. It also has about 1/8in. of freeplay when locked out. This is the second one I have had. Both did the same thing. It has been 2 weeks and Fox has still not sent a new shock to my dealer. This shock sucks. When it worked it was great. Has anyone else had these problems? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John J. Aliengena
a cross-country rider
from Ware,Mass
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'v had my vanilla fox shock for one year and 3,000 miles and it is shot it needs the bushing that the piston goes in and out of. and all seals and type of oil to use upon rebuilding and any usefull hint to doing the job i'm a millwright so pressing brgs. is not a problem. Thank you for your help
it's a good product I need a rebuild kit | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Good
a
from downhiller
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the coolest rear shock in the world. Not only does it bust out 4.5
of travel, it is the best for any type of terrain. Cross country or downhill.
The only bad thing is that my friends that have one (who weigh a little more) tell me that the shock soaks up too much travel just by sitting on the bike. It is best for people 100 lbs to 160 lbs | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hans
a cross-country rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great rear shock, especially for its price. Initially I thought the dampening adjuster was set to full, but it turned out the adjuster knob was just sticking. After turning it past the sticky spot, the dampening has been really smooth and predictable. I weigh about 155 and the travel is perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Air Ace
a racer
from USA - A-OK...
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is just plain one of the best shocks on the market. No leaking, a breeze to set up, and it works! (Now we're at 21 words, 22 words, 23 words, 24 words, 25 words, 26 words, 27 words, 28 words, am I there yet?) (44 words, 45 words, 46 words...I give up). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a weekend warrior
from Miami,FL
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Vanilla came stock on my Super V. I weigh 225 lbs. so the stock (850) spring was way too soft. I changed to a 1050 spring and have been pleasantly surprised with the performance ever since. It does not need much maintenance and works well enough for an entry level shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Tea
a cross-country rider
from Preston, UK
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just got a 98 Mount Vision with this shock on the rear. Initial impressions are that it is quite a smooth shock and is straight forward to set up. The rebound damping control is a bonus. I'll post more after I've played with it a bit more. But for initial set up and feel it gets 5 chillies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spanky
a racer
from east coast
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i got a vanilla on the back of my 98 klein mantra, i do get good travel after the initial sag, especially on big hits, but small bump sensitivity is good too. flaws? none, i think this is great for lighter riders only. if you are 160 or more, get an air shock with more adjustablity. i weigh 125 and ride cross-country and this shock is perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHNNY H
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I HAVE THE VANILLA R ON MY HECKLER AND I FIND IT VERY PLUSH. ITS VERY EASY TO SET UP AND THE REBOUND DAMPING IS VERY USEFULL. I HAVE TRIED VARIOUS OTHER SHOCKS [ON OTHER BIKES,MOSTLY WITHOUT DAMPING] AND FOUND THAT THEY EITHER JUST BOUNCED AROUND UNCONTROLLED OR WERE OVERDAMPED.. GET THE RIGHT SPRING FITTED FOR YOUR WEIGHT AND GO RIDE. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noah Bodman
a racer
from NY
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got a vanilla R on an Intense Uzzi Sl. The shock works very nicely, and takes out everything I have come across. A couple problems though: 1) The stock spring was too long and way to soft, Fox should stock their shocks with heavier springs. 2) the preload ring is very difficult to turn, I need pliers to turn it once I have a fair amount of preload. But the damping works very well, and it takes out the bumps, so its not to bad overall | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Rear shock came with my Klein Mantra Comp full suspension. Its gets good travel, but i am only
155 pounds and the shock seems to use up a lot of its travel just by me sitting down on the bike. I
tried adjusting it but it does no good. Oh well, i am thinking of upgrading to the Fox Alp 5R for
more travel and just a different type of shock.
| | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$
