Fox 32 RL vs RLC?

Werx · May 28, 2009

I'm currently running a Fox Float RLC on a BLT. I'm thinking about getting a new bike...either a Trance X or Reign. All of the models except the top of the line Trance XO (which is more than I want to spend) only come with Fox RL model forks.
I really like the compression adjustment feature of the RLC. Is there going to be a noticable difference between the rlc and rl models?
Also, would it be worth keeping my current RLC fork and swapping it to the new frame even though its 2 seasons old?

Jayem · May 28, 2009

The RL has no compression damper, you don't want it!

Regardless of the adjustments, you need compression and rebound damping. You don't need adjusters if it's decently tuned. The RL has a lockout, and rebound damping, but no compression damping. It will react pretty wildly to bumps and be pretty harsh in certain speed-ranges/terrain. It is something of a quirk in the MTB business, but every once and a while you find a product in a nice chassi like that, and it lacks a very essential feature/function. Why? For cost. It is somewhat common to make these forks for OEM markets, so you think you're getting a high-end fork, but in reality it's just a nice exterior and you lack the proper internals. Older products like the Marozcchi MX/EX and RS Jett/Indy and other products are at a low-pricepoint and usually have pretty crude damping systems, if any at all. The fox RL falls into this catagory, although for the $$$ a RS Reba or even Tora will work better. No one in their right mind would sell a new car without working shocks, but for some reason it's ok to do this in the MTB range. Unfortunately it's sort of a "pay to play" thing where above a certain pricepoint you get a damping system that is going to work pretty well in most conditions. That price keeps going up though.

LDH · May 28, 2009

my 08 rl feels better than my 08rlc as the rlc is overdamped on the compression stack even with it open.

spookyload · May 28, 2009

If you are a heavy rider, you definately want the RLC. The RL is tuned from the factory for a md weight rider and will have bad fork dive at the correct pressure setting. This means you will end up putting too much air in the fork to prevent the brake dive etc.

GrantB · May 28, 2009

Werx said:
Also, would it be worth keeping my current RLC fork and swapping it to the new frame even though its 2 seasons old?

Geez, I hope so. I would think that any problem you might be having in a two year old fork could be fixed.

There's another recent thread about the mechanical differences between these two forks. An employee at PUSH described them in detail which might help you make a good decision.

Just search for the terms "Fox RL" and "damping" in an advanced search.

GrantB · May 28, 2009

Or, this just came to me....

You could check with Fox to see of the damper in your two year old RLC would slot into one of the newer RL forks. Often the dampers can easily be swapped around like that. If that's the case, you could have the best of both worlds; the compression damping and a new chassis.

GrantB · May 28, 2009

deleted

Werx · May 28, 2009

GrantB said:
Geez, I hope so. I would think that any problem you might be having in a two year old fork could be fixed.

There's another recent thread about the mechanical differences between these two forks. An employee at PUSH described them in detail which might help you make a good decision.

Just search for the terms "Fox RL" and "damping" in an advanced search.

Thanks..I'll search that and check it out. Im about 175-180lbs so I feel like I would be sacrificing a lot without the RLC. I finally got my fork setup so its perfect for me and it took a lot of playing with the compression knob.

Werx · May 28, 2009

GrantB said:
Or, this just came to me....

You could check with Fox to see of the damper in your two year old RLC would slot into one of the newer RL forks. Often the dampers can easily be swapped around like that. If that's the case, you could have the best of both worlds; the compression damping and a new chassis.

Would that work though since the new chassis wouldn't have a spot for the compression damping knob?

GrantB · May 28, 2009

Well, when I broke the damper in my wife's 2004 RL, seems like they offered to sell me an RLC damper for an up charge. Just call them and ask.

Fox 32 RL vs RLC?

Werx

Jayem

LDH

spookyload

GrantB

GrantB

GrantB

Werx

Werx

GrantB

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