Fox 32 F29 100 FIT RLC 9mmQR Disc: Bigger just got better. We've enhanced performance and durability in the 2011 32 F29 by improving air spring curves to give it more usable travel with lower compression ratios. The 32 F29 is completed...
Strengths: Has some sweet anodized twisty gizmos. 15ml thru axle. Stickers
Weaknesses: Seals, actual travel, reliability
Bottom Line:
I have raced for many years now and have had both Fox forks and Rockshox on my bikes. This season, my Fox Fork began leaving a thick, pasty, difficult to remove, layer of gunk on both stantions after my rides. It also seemed to not go the full length of the travel. I finished the Downieville Classic this year and lost the sag by the end of the ride. I also noticed the black lockout compression dial had locked up and no longer turned. A week or so later, I raced the Tahoe Trail 100 and the front end felt like it was drifting all over the place. I somehow lost the dampening as well. My next race was at a Northstar Twilight race the following week and I came across the finish with bike blood flowing from both seals. Upon inquiry, Fox stated I needed to replace oil and seals after 50 hrs of riding. Never had issues before nor had I heard of such a maintenance schedule. I have roughly 30 hours on the bike and fork. Fork needed to be removed and sent back to Fox in the height of the race season. My recommendations would be to purchase another brand due to this required maintenance schedule after what seems to me as minimal wear and time on the product. I only ride bike at races and do most of my riding on the road.
Submitted by
SLC_Specialized
a Weekend Warrior
from Park City
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2011
Strengths: Solid construction, really like the tapered crown and QR15
Weaknesses: Sticky...sticky...sticky.... had it rebuild after 6 months.. got a little better... leaves dark residue on stanchions ... bike shop says it needs rebuilding after two months of use...
Bottom Line:
Sending it back to FOX for a second rebuild... hope they figure it out... otherwise may try to get it PUSHed.. the weak link in my bike right now.
Strengths: Finally got a black OEM color, great lockout, tapered steer tube, very little flex.
Weaknesses: Still does not get full travel - paid for 120mm and I get about 105mm unless doing a 6' drop which this fork was not intended to do. Only comes in white unless you blow somebody at Fox
Bottom Line:
Got a deal on a black OEM 2010 Fox RL 120MM tapered steerer that was made for the Niner RIP9 and to my surprise came in the open bath model and not the new Fit style damper. Works good but Fox needs to do something to get full travel or adverise it as less travel model. And white color - please!!!
Similar Products Used: Rockshox Reba, Fox F29 100MM
Bike Setup: 2010 Niner RIP9 set up as a trailbike
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
bog
a Cross Country Rider
from Surrey, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2011
Strengths: Strong, reasonably stiff chassis, QR15 is great
Weaknesses: Fork won't get anywhere near full travel with recommended amount of sag
Tons of stiction in Fit cartridge, air seal and/or oil seals.
Bottom Line:
In general this is a terrible fork. It is well known that Fox has a major issue with the forks not getting full travel and being very sticky. I was increibly disappointed wuth this fork and could not get it dialled in even with the help of the Fox World Cup mechanic at the Sea Otter booth. I even left the fork with him for a half day and he basically told me that I was out of luck because I had a bad fork. Nice customer service!!!
I replaced both of my Fox F29s with Reba XX 29s and couldn't be happier. The Reba's are stiffer, get all of their travel, and are super smooth.
Submitted by
mtbmitch2
a Cross Country Rider
from idaho
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2010
Strengths: holds wheel on, good resale
Weaknesses: fork does not get full travel with correct air pressure for my weight according to fox and others. needs more slow speed
dampening and less high speed dampening
way over priced for a fork that is very sub par
Bottom Line:
you might look at the other brands
try other forks before you buy a fox product
Submitted by
edgerat
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2010
Strengths: Stiffness, damping
Weaknesses: Weight, if anything
Bottom Line:
I have the QR15 version of this fork and it is stiff as a board laterally. The reason I like this fork is the way it handles the big hits and the bumps. It doesn't wallow in the travel like the Rock Shox and it just inspires a bunch of confidence in the front of your ride.
Absolutely fantastic fork. Very stiff, even set up as a standard QR. The lockout and low speed compression feature allow you to set it and forget it (at least for me), just like your Showtime Rotisserie. Being clyde-esque (6'5" 230lbs), I expected a bit more flex/bottoming out, but this has not been the case. Great fork, well worth the $$. 5 chitterlings across the board.
Bike Setup: Niner EMD, Hope PII-Stans FLOW, Truvativ 3.3 Crankset, Cane Creek DP levers with BB7s, Geax SAguaro F/R, SRAM X9 all around, FOX F29 FIT RLC, CB Opium SL headset
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
schingleschpeed
a Cross Country Rider
from Roseville, CA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009
Strengths: Smooth Ride, tuneable, 15QR = stiff
Weaknesses: Expensive, only one color choice, White.
Bottom Line:
I just upgraded to this fork because I wanted a little more travel and I wanted the 15QR. I have to say that this fork is the best fork I've ever ridden. The FIT damper is not hype, it really does smooth out the ride with a minimal amount of fork dive. The 15QR provides a noticeable improvement in stiffness, steering response and over all confidence when pounding through the rough stuff. The fork was easy to set up and rides fantastically using factory default settings. As far as I'm concerned, Fox is the best money can buy. I've been riding faster than I ever have before. The only thing that has changed is the fork. It begs to be ridden fast.
I have two critiques. First, Fox again limits the average buyer to one choice of color in 2010, White. This fork is being offered in black on OEM bikes from Niner to Specialized, but if you want to purchase this fork direct, White is it. It happens to look good on my Raw Air9. It is my opinion that since this is the only fork offered by Fox for a 29er, there should be a couple of color choices. Secondly, this fork is pricey. I think the top dollar with the remote lockout is a little ridiculous. I give it 4 chilis for value because of how hard Fox hits the buyer if they want the 15QR (a great feature) or the remote. But really, even at the price, I believe the fork iteself (without the remote) is worth the money.
Just upgraded from a Reba on my Niner SIR9 SS...
Any tuning/setup tips would be appreciated...
I weigh between 185 and 190 lbs, do alot of distance/endurance riding, and enco Read More »
Anyone using either of these 2 forks and have feedback/impressions?
I am guessing the Reba XX will be pretty much exactly like the Specialized SBC Reba S29 carbon that is on my S- Read More »
Hi,
Have been trying to get my Fox F29 Fit RLC 100mm travel dialed in but am having a tough time. I'm on a Santa Cruz Tallboy full sus with Fox RP23 rear shock. I am a 150 lbs ( Read More »
