Single Schrader air-vlave allows easy one-time tuning setup
On the fly adjustment of the eye-to-eye length from "Extended" to "-1/4" shorter and "-1/2" shorter. As eye-to-eye length changes, so does shaft travel
The TALAS system automatically adjusts air pressure for the perfect ride at each travel setting and also has a larger air-volume to flatten out the spring curve achieving a less progressive, more "Linear" feel.
On the fly lock-out lever with big bump compression blow-off circuit
Precision CNC machined parts throughout
By changing the shocks eye-to-eye length, the bicycle frame geometry can be altered to suit any trail or riding style.
Submitted by
Yellow Mollow
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal Date Reviewed: February 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bromont
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
La Porte a Bicyclette
Strengths:
abosrobs shocks accuratly only if tuned by YR, the elite tech.
Weaknesses:
talas travel adjusting feature does'nt work after just a few rides
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
trek fuel
Bottom Line:
If you ever have the choice, better to avoid the fox brand. If you are cought with it, my best advise is to send it to YR in quebec, Canada, www.velocycle.com. He is the only one able to tune the fox products exactly according to your needs. I don't know what he does, but it is like magic. You will never need any maintenace again after his labor. Not like those Fox 6 digit crooks, who deliberatly makes you spend on your suspensions regularly because of their unpassionate works... The rebuild protocols are called YR's efficiency, & it is the best fox service in the world. I had more than 10 different fox suspensions tuned by YR, & none of them needs servicing so far. Before I used to send them to Fox usa & I had to spend hundereds of dollars per year... Value rating is according to Fox usa service & overall rating is after YR's rebuild service!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from New Lowell, ON Canada Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
120
Strengths:
Very easy to adjust, installtion and setup took less than a half hour. Soaks up hard and fast hits with no problems like riding a cloud. I am over 200 lbs. and a 5-6 foot drop is no problem. I have not been able to bottom this unit out yet.
Weaknesses:
None yet!!
Similar Products Used:
Kind Shock(POS)
Bike Setup:
06 Schwinn Blackline stock except for Hayes 203s, Talas rear, Minute 2 on the front.
Bottom Line:
Really easy to set up and adjust for all types of riding. Never loses air pressure even stored or riding in cold temp. I have about 7 inches of rear travel with this shock, basically if your are willing to ride over it, it soak it up. Very plush and can be adjusted quickly for different conditions.
When I first got this shock the seals weeped a bit but according to the local bike store this is normal.
All that being said great shock, go buy one if you can find a store with NOS sitting on the self.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordy
a Weekend Warrior
from Everett, WA USA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Japanese Gulch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Nearly infinite adjustment Good rebound control and dampning Plush ride quality
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla R w/ProPedal Noleen
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Sinister Expert, XT rings, cranks, derailuers, Avid Mech. discs, Bontrager Race Lites w/Mich. Hot S (For loose and Mud) Mavic Cross Max w/Bontrager Revolt (for dry and hardpack), RS Psylo XC (Changing to Fox at the end of the week!)
Bottom Line:
This shock kicks butt!! It actually improves my ability! Took a while to get set up for my riding style but once it was...Holy Sh_t! NO pedal bob! Climbs great even when not locked. Does downhill and drops like you're riding a frickin' sofa! I had to purchase a Fox 100RLC because it brings out all the bad qualities of my Rock Shox Psylo. Just find one and put it on! You will be impressed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gianfranco De Micheli
a Racer
from Costa Mesa, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Nobel Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Performance
Weaknesses:
So far none.
Similar Products Used:
Fox L
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 30
Bottom Line:
The fork perform fantastic after taking the time to adjust it to fit your own riding prefercens. I like to ride a little bit of everything XC, climbing, downhill and with this fork you can change the geometry of the bike on the flight...and for sure it'll make you fly. I'm vary happy so far especially for the performance and flexibility of adjustments. Great product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neal
a Cross Country Rider
from Penticton BC Canada Date Reviewed: October 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Three Blind Mice
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bike Barn
Strengths:
Nice Ride. Dependable so far.
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 30
Bottom Line:
Once I got the shock set up for how I ride it is fine. I rode the end of last season in Moab on it and all of this year in British Columbia. I have had no problems with the shock. After the bike sat all winter during ski season I checked the pressure before the first ride this spring and it was what it was when I shut it down last fall. I have had a whole summer on it and it has not lost any pressure and still works well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Cross Country Rider
from colonial heights va Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pocahontas
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Cobblestone bikes
Strengths:
looks,versatility,durability, adjustabilty.too many otheres to name,easy on the fly change of suspension height
Weaknesses:
?
Similar Products Used:
Rckshox deluxe
Bike Setup:
Devinci Guzzler,ATAC pedals, Ergo bars
Bottom Line:
once set up properly(I set it a little above my riding weight so when it burped out a little when I remove the pump it drops to equal my riding weight, the shock feels like floating on water. the rebound took a bit of adjustment. the curb hop test is not as accurate as the trail ride test but you must be willing to stop and tweak while on the trail with this method but it is worth it.if you want a shock that will work equally well going to the store,on fire roads,cross country, or severeobstacles at fast speeds plunk down the $ for this one. there is very little pedal bob when climbing in or out of the saddle even in the exteded range
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, CA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-Great shock -adjustabilty -weight -looks
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Liquid 30 stock except for tires. I put on some michelin Hot S 2.5's on them.
Bottom Line:
This rear shock is great. It really eats up all the bumps and big rocks. Just get the pressure right. Great shock
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
VelvetHog
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Behind the Rocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great adjustability. This shock if capable of being VERY plush. It holds air for long periods of time. It can be set to handle casual riding or semi aggresive descents equally. It really eats up rocky sections. The ultimate air shock for Moab type riding.
Weaknesses:
From my point of view I know of none.
Similar Products Used:
Vanilla, 5th Element
Bike Setup:
bone stock Liquid 30 sans a few stickers
Bottom Line:
TAKE THE TIME TO DIAL IN THIS SHOCK. It makes a very large difference in the handling. If the pressure is too high for your weight/riding style the shock can be harsh and skittish. If you dial it in it is extremely plush. There is a fine line between getting it set too soft and bottoming it often and getting it set too firm and losing most of its performance. I am talking about a difference of 5 to 10 psi of air pressure. Once it is dialed it is truly impressive.
My seals weaped a bit at first. The main shaft would be damp with oil (no drips) at first, but only while riding. I emailed Fox about this. They assured me that it was normal. After some miles (about 300) the oil seeping stopped completely. I theorize that the seals took that long to seat in. Also my front TALAS seals were exactly the same and took even longer to stop weaping than the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Reliability -- quality of construction. Fox warranty dept.
Similar Products Used:
Practically every shock and fork known to man for the last 20 years.
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 10 with modified upgraded components & Talus fork.
Bottom Line:
This product works as advertised. Has a solid feel under pedaling pressure. Height adjust works and is fun to experiment with - but you soon find your favorite settings. No leaks no problems -- solid warranty dept -- what else can you ask? my suggestion to prolexer below is that he first get himself a bike from the 20th century - then upgrade .... if his choice makes sense.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OEM on Liquid 30
Strengths:
Plush Ride, adjustability
Weaknesses:
No Compression Adjustment, Oil running down shock shaft
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock liquid 30
Bottom Line:
Shock leaked oil very slightly when new, then stopped leaking until I rode it in sub-freezing weather. Then someone turned on the faucet. With only 500 miles or so on this unit I can only wonder if there is any oil left in the shock. Fox states that this is "normal" and I should not be alarmed. I was born at night, but not last night. Oh, my fox forks leak just as much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Albert
a Downhiller
from St. George, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: December 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bicycles Unlimited
Strengths:
Rapid adjustment of rear suspension travel settings. Very smooth ride on rough trails.
Weaknesses:
Wish it could have a remote lever for quicker travel changes on wavy terrain.
Similar Products Used:
Don't know of another similar product. Other adjustable rear suspensions require unbolting and moving shock mount.
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 20
Bottom Line:
Been riding hard, fast and often for one year on some tough trails with no problems from the Fox TALAS on my Trek Liquid 20. Love the ability to change the shock length (usually while in motion) to match the downhill or uphill ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DLH
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington/USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Works as advertised -- reliable -- holds air without leaking -- works silently and with no fuss.
Weaknesses:
None --
Similar Products Used:
There aren't any that I haven't used - Except the new Manitou SPV
Bike Setup:
Trek liquid -- XTR, Thompson, Marzocchi etc..
Bottom Line:
This rear shock combined with the Trek four bar rear suspension works extraordinarily well. Seems to reach a good compromise between pedal efficiency and plushness with relative ease. Talas feature works as advertised. Unlike the Proflexer I have never heard a peep out of my shock -- I recommend that he turn the shock right side up - I don't know but it may make a difference to the rebound lockout feature. Anyway, this is without queston, in my mind, the best Fox Air schock I have ever used - and I have used and liked them all. 'Nuff said - if you are looking for easy rear travel adjustability with Fox reliability this is your shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Old Proflexer
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern California Date Reviewed: October 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Internet purchase
Strengths:
very adjustable
Weaknesses:
makes a lot of noise
Similar Products Used:
just about every rear shock that will fit my bike
Bike Setup:
k2/ proflex carbon 4500
Bottom Line:
pic of mounted shock: http://idriders.com/proflex/galleries/Old_Proflexer/Fox_Float_Talas_Rear_Mounted.JPG
not happy at all at this time.
i purchased the shock and mounted as pictured. was having fun with the adjustability but now i was hearing a sound that i had not heard before - a rattling, like a marble inside a cup. the sound was coming from the smaller, length adjustment housing.
i contacted via email the fox c.s. department and they indicated that the shock should not be making any noise as i was describing. they gave me an ra number and i sent the shock in, they serviced it (i think) and promptly sent it back. i remounted it, took it for a spin and it was making more noise that it had before.
the shock works as advertised but is noisy as all get out and i'm contacting the company to see if they will either clarify the problem, try to fix it again, upgrade the shock to maybe an rl if that will help or something.
the rattling is unacceptable and i'd advise caution before buying one of these.
here's a link to my K2 Bikes Tech Forum - I'm letting many of our posters know what's happening and if and how it'll get resolved
1 chili for value as the noise is obnoxious 1 chili overall for the same reason
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI, USA Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
stock shock on Liquid 10
Strengths:
Very adjustable, lockout comes in handy on steep smooth climbs, plush ride
Weaknesses:
No compression adjuster, no handle bar mounted thumb lockout lever, the '04 shocks with ProPedal should be a lot nicer for minor bob control
Similar Products Used:
Stock shock on '02 Sugar 3+
Bike Setup:
Stock Liquid 10
Bottom Line:
I have yet to bottom out this shock. Works great and as promised. No leaks of air or oil. Rarely use the variable heigth control option but the lockout I use on the fly ALOT. I usually just keep it on full extend travel and enjoy the great plush ride with minor bobing. Drop the extend feature, add compression damping adj with ProPedal and this shock would be killer!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Fahey
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Australia Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bicentenial Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
oe fitment on Trek Liquid 30
Strengths:
keeps back wheel off seatpost
Weaknesses:
stopped adjusting on first day just on the driveway
Bike Setup:
standard Trek Liquid 30
Bottom Line:
The same as my reveiw for the forks. That much money on a new bike and the components should do what they are supposed to do. I never even got to ride my bike off the concrete, and I've now been waiting 3 weeks to ride a bike I shelled out nearly A$7000. It's my first dealing with a Fox product and just could be my last.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan E.
a Cross Country Rider
from Lyons, CO Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
The Cycologist - Fort Collins, CO
Strengths:
Easily adjustable; VERY plush; various travel settings make a huge difference in ride character.
Weaknesses:
None that I can detect so far
Similar Products Used:
first full suspension I've owned; demo'd a 5th Element Heckler for 2 days; hardtail for 10 years prior
Bike Setup:
'03 Switchblade with Fox Talas up front, all the other bells and whistles
Bottom Line:
Works extremely well. I was worried that it would be a pain to use the adjust system but it's a piece of cake, and it actaully works like it's supposed to. Very plush ride, similar feel to the 5th Element. All in all, this shock works as advertised, is very easy to adjust, and simply feels amazing. Just as plush in the lower travel setting as it is in the higher settings.
Buy the Switchblade from Shawn at The Cycologist (www.thecycologist.com) and you will be amazed at the ride quality (and the customer service and professionalism you get from Shawn).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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