so i know the 36 is outrageously priced, but for those who have it, how is it. i have heard mixed reviews on it and just want some input from people who have it.
36, Ye or Ne???
cdub
1 - 20 of 60 Posts
I like mine
Rick
About 60 miles on it, and have not yet put it to any really heavy usage. I have it on a hardtail and it distinctly changed the handling for the better - it replaced a Manitou Black elite. Stiffer, which I attribute to the thru-axle and the bigger tubes. I weigh about 160lbs so YMMV. It has all the adjustment that I need. I compare it to my vanilla on my FS and it handles better - which is so subjective but hey! - my fs has the same tube geometry as my hardtail. Inspires confidence. I am taking it to the slopes in the next couple of weeks for "further evaluation".cdub said:
Rick
Joined
·
4,356 Posts
I'm gonna have to go ahead and say "Nay". The true test of my 36 was 2 weeks ago, when I rode Porcupine Rim in Moab twice. The 36 beat that crap out of me. I have been riding a SC Heckler with an 04 Z-1, and I absolutely loved it. I decided that for Utah riding, 6 inches was going to be necessary. My choices were 05 Z-1 FR1, Fox 36RC2, and Sherman Firefly +. Long Story short, I decided to go with the higher priced Fox. My main beefs with this fork are the fact that after a few rides, the fork stopped getting full travel. The fork now gets no more than 5 5/8th's inches of travel. Also, the bottom out resistance, and small bump sensitivty on this fork leave something to be desired. It'd be nice if the high speed compression adjustment only affected the last 3 inches of travel, instead of creating a harsh ride all around. I know 3 other people on 36's, and all of them have the same complaints. Needless to say, I sold the fork yesterday, and my 05 Z-1 will be here sometime next week.
Joined
·
2,516 Posts
I'm one of those three other people and I'm starting to loose travel. WTF? It'll be interesting to hear what Fox has to say about this. What ever you do make sure you get the RC2 and not just the plain 'ole R. The high and low speed compression adjustments really help to tune the fork.El Chingon said:
Joined
·
12,164 Posts
That's weird, El C.
In May we ran into two guys in the Amasa Back trailhead parking lot with Fox 36s on Specialized Enduros. They both complained about the same thing on Porcupine Rim a day or two before. I kinda dismissed it as probably not knowing how to set up their forks or something, but this sounds strangely similar...even on the same trail.El Chingon said:
Joined
·
3,034 Posts
I just got my RC2 last weekend, and so far, so so-so. after dropping so much on a fork i was expecting to be BLOWN away; probably an unfair expectation for any fork...TNC said:
I used to have a 888R on my yeti, which is the plushest fork i've ever used or tried. It's true that it's a 200mm travel fork that will compress when it rolls over a dime. Awesome action, awesome damping. The Z1 has similar coil/damping action...sweet....but wait!
After considering like El C betw/ RC2 and 05Z1, the drool factor got the better of me, and I dropped the cash bomb on the RC2. I like the RC2, and I plan to keep it, but I do miss the super plush coil action of Marzocchis.
The +'s for RC2-super stiff, light, resists bobbing, easy travel changing, easy on-trail adjustments, very quiet(i'd rather hear the dirt crunching below than hear the coils rattling around inside some tubes).
The -'s for RC2-not the plushest out there, expensive, a bit tricky to run proper sag AND have good progressiveness
So far I haven't 'lost' travel....you all have me on the freakout....
It's somewhat closer to XC than trailbike/FR than the Z1. I'm 'getting used to' the action of the RC2, and don't miss the bobbing squishiness of Marzocchi's. But if you do like to know and HEAR the fork working on the tiniest of pebbles, Marzocchi's coil technology does rock it pretty good. But I like the RC2, more because it looks sshitty and has really fat tubes.
Overall I think generally people have been expecting the RC2 to be a world changing fork, and ironically all the hype has probably hurt; kinda like expecting a movie to rock your world, and to watch and leave pissed and frustratingly unsatisfied.
Before I admit seeing the word "SUCKER" written on my forehead, lemme say if I got the Z1, I'd be raving but still have lust for the 36. But the 36Vanilla..........whoa.....
Joined
·
12,164 Posts
Funny thing, at I-Bike...
At the Demo Days, I rode one on an ASX. Of course this was on a fairly heavy freeride bike on a shuttle run in some decently gnarly terrain. I was fairly impressed with the fork. I might add the fork was under the watchful care and tender mercies of a Fox tech guy also. The Fox guys were even changing fork springs on some of their other models if you thought you needed it after a static "pump" test. The guy that gave me the ASX got my weight from me and asked where I was going to ride, and then he tweaked the air pressure in the fork, twisted on the knobs, and even set the long stroke AVA air shock for me...pretty good care and service, I thought. The fork seemed darned good and obviously mucho stiff on Bootleg's terrain, so I felt it got a 2-thumbs-up there. It's a little disappointing to hear of some of these problems surfacing in the production run.misctwo said:
Me too
Fork looks and feels great otherwise, just needs to be set up (same points as above HS and LS compression fiddling) Push have also come up with some marvels for the fork too, so I'm lead to believe! Watch this space........
I too only get 5 1/2" of travel out of the TALAS, drop the pressure and you get less-a known complication with the TAL:AS, so i@m led to believe! On the plus side a retro fit to a coil should be possible, but this is only a one way trip, coils will damage the inner monolite leg beyond the smooth needs of the TALAS. I'm undecided whether to sell or retrofit, but 135mm of travel aint to my liking!CrashTheDOG said:
Fork looks and feels great otherwise, just needs to be set up (same points as above HS and LS compression fiddling) Push have also come up with some marvels for the fork too, so I'm lead to believe! Watch this space........
Joined
·
7,619 Posts
Best singlecrown....Really? It's designed for a different application, but I can say that my 66 blows away my '04 Z1 and the Z150's I've ridden - no doubt about it. Beyond that, I've got a buddy with a Yeti ASX and a Sherman Breakout Plus and that thing is plush 'til the cows come home and has the wind down function and the evolve SPV. Pretty hard to beat if you've got a frame with a 1.5" headtube since the new SPV has much better small bump compliance than the previous versions.SCUBAPRO said:
Look, I've got zero time on the 36 and don't doubt it's quality (owning several Fox shocks and also a fork), but I would put the 66 up against any singlecrown fork. One big caveat is that I live in the PNW so my bike is muddy half the year and I REQUIRE a fork that is durable....plus I don't give a shite about giving up a pound or two for something that can easily be worked on like an oil fork. I change the oil every 6-9 months on my 'zocchi's and they're as good as new.
If I were to get a 36, I'd wait 'til the coil/oil version comes out, but that's my affinity against air forks/shocks.
EB
Joined
·
12,164 Posts
Bwaaah! Decal, eh?
BTW one of the other guys at the shop recently got an Enduro on an EP that has the 36 on it, but I haven't had a chance to ride it personally. This is his first experience with a bigger hit style bike, so doesn't have a good field of reference for the fork or bike. He really likes it so far.
LOL! That's hilarious. I can see the MBA headlines now..."Man injured by angry mob at annual Yeti owner's picnic--victim expected to live, but decal was pronounced dead by local police".misctwo said:
BTW one of the other guys at the shop recently got an Enduro on an EP that has the 36 on it, but I haven't had a chance to ride it personally. This is his first experience with a bigger hit style bike, so doesn't have a good field of reference for the fork or bike. He really likes it so far.
Joined
·
4,356 Posts
I sold my 36, so I am done bagging on it. My parting advice, is to wait until the 160mm coil version is released in the fall. War in....I mean....peace out!
Joined
·
603 Posts
I'm pretty dissapointed in what people have been reporting about the Fox 36. What a let down. Didn't Fox claim this fork to be a Freeride fork? WTF? I haven't seen anyone actually freeride one. Seems guys are buying them for AllMountain rigs because it's "new", has loads of adjustments, and looks bad ass.ebxtreme said:
I've been saying, even before it was released, that putting TALAS into a FR fork is a bad idea. Even you guys who are not jumping it (like it was intended) are having problems already.
I wish fox would come out with a coil travel adjust like U turn. I would trust that 3000% more than a TALAS system that still needs to be rebuild on a constant basis (I thought forks have grown out of the "DARK AGES" or crappy head shocks, and anti user maintainability!!).
Anyone looking for a adjustable fork for thier long travel trail bike should seriously consider the Pike.... for now. Unless you care about looks. LoL. As of NOW, it's still the most adjustable, stiffest, most reliable heavy duty trail/FR 32mm fork on the market. The Pike is seriously THE stiffest 32mm stanchion single crown that has ever been made. It could even gove the Fox 36 a good run for its money in stiffness.
Let's give the 36 another year and I'm sure they will have it figured out by then and hopefully with and externally adjustable travel titanium spring. Let's also hope we see a lot more adjustable long travel single crowns.
Joined
·
12,164 Posts
Stiffest 32mm SC ever?
That's a pretty bold and sweeping statement, isn't it? Don't misunderstand...we recently installed a Pike on a customer's Turner 5-Spot, and it is an impressive fork. However, what test results or other info are you referring to that establishes the Pike as THE stiffest 32mm SC? It appears to be very stiff...maybe as stiff as a Sherman or Marz 32mm single crown, which is good company to be compared to. Perhaps the stiffest 32mm SC fork is the Marz Z150 coil...I mean steel stanchions and steel steerer, all weighing 6-7 pounds, probably contribute to a substantial platform. The reliability issue may also be a little early to proclaim victory at this time, though I'm more confident than pessimistic with RS at this point. Not trying to flame you here, but your enthusiasm over the Pike may be starting the ticker tape parade a little early, don't you think?MicroHuck said:
Joined
·
4,356 Posts
Oh TNC....always picking on the 14 year olds. I've never seen a pic of this guy throwing down, so his zeal is, as usual, unprecedented. That is why noone ever replies to his misguided opinions.
Joined
·
12,164 Posts
Lol!
Yeah, even though I'm a geezer, I actually appreciate "most" of the enthusiasm of youth. I mean, after all...how will the young grasshopper mature without the sage wisdom of the elderly...LOL!...well, I can at least claim the elderly part with some authority.El Chingon said:
Joined
·
603 Posts
[QUOTE=El Chingon]Oh TNC....always picking on the 14 year olds. I've never seen a pic of this guy throwing down, so his zeal is, as usual, unprecedented. That is why noone ever replies to his misguided opinions.[/QUOTE]
And you must be the brightest turd in the bowl, huh? Heaven forbid I point out the problems of a Fox fork that ACTUALLY HAS PROBLEMS!!!! Ohh my! How many complaints of the Pike breaking or not working right have we seen? I'm sure there's plenty more Pikes in use right now than Fox 36s.
Blah! I've been more helpfull to people on this forum than just about anyone else. All I get is hate from the Rockshox haters. I mean come on how can any RS fork even compare to the gold asses of Zoke and Fox?
Let's see, read the freakin reviews man. Every person says the same thing regardless of what forks they have previously owned, "This is way stiffer than my Z150". I've ridden a Z150 and although it is stiff, the Pike is marginaly stiffer.
Why wouldn't the Pike be one of the stiffest 32mm single crown forks ever made?
It doesn't have a tripple thick steel steerer tube?
It doesn't have a really thick forged crown with extra stanchion overlap?
It doesn't have the stiffest alloy, EA70 stanchions?
It doesn't have a lot of stanchion in the lowers?
It doesn't have a 20mm axel?
Gee, ya man, all of those things really add up to a sloppy fork!!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Until any of you guys actually try the Pike, you don't know a damn thing about what you're talking about.
Brand loyalty is a fool's method. The crappy Rockshox made a great fork, get over it.
I've put mine through the tests of abuse. I guess you missed the two giant threads I posted where I ride it:
Second pic is of an unaltered stump (still photo of it down lower). I rode that the way it was and didn't make any changes to it. It's pretty hard on a fork jumping off a stump with little transition going into it.
[IMG]http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=57973&stc=1
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
Ya, you're right, I'm a fake, my fork has never seen anything more than curb hucking.
And you must be the brightest turd in the bowl, huh? Heaven forbid I point out the problems of a Fox fork that ACTUALLY HAS PROBLEMS!!!! Ohh my! How many complaints of the Pike breaking or not working right have we seen? I'm sure there's plenty more Pikes in use right now than Fox 36s.
Blah! I've been more helpfull to people on this forum than just about anyone else. All I get is hate from the Rockshox haters. I mean come on how can any RS fork even compare to the gold asses of Zoke and Fox?
Let's see, read the freakin reviews man. Every person says the same thing regardless of what forks they have previously owned, "This is way stiffer than my Z150". I've ridden a Z150 and although it is stiff, the Pike is marginaly stiffer.
Why wouldn't the Pike be one of the stiffest 32mm single crown forks ever made?
It doesn't have a tripple thick steel steerer tube?
It doesn't have a really thick forged crown with extra stanchion overlap?
It doesn't have the stiffest alloy, EA70 stanchions?
It doesn't have a lot of stanchion in the lowers?
It doesn't have a 20mm axel?
Gee, ya man, all of those things really add up to a sloppy fork!!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Until any of you guys actually try the Pike, you don't know a damn thing about what you're talking about.
Brand loyalty is a fool's method. The crappy Rockshox made a great fork, get over it.
I've put mine through the tests of abuse. I guess you missed the two giant threads I posted where I ride it:
Second pic is of an unaltered stump (still photo of it down lower). I rode that the way it was and didn't make any changes to it. It's pretty hard on a fork jumping off a stump with little transition going into it.
[IMG]http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=57973&stc=1
Ya, you're right, I'm a fake, my fork has never seen anything more than curb hucking.
Joined
·
4,921 Posts
Wow, MH you sure do ruffle easy
FWIW I beleive that the Z1 and Z150 are stiffer than the Pike. Yes, I have owned/ridden all three forks. But until there is some sort of testing done to compare this beleif will remain a non-fact.
Yes, it is dissapointing to see all these issues on a fork that was so highly anticipated. Just another example of Fox slapping a FR/AM label on a glorified XC fork. Most of the trail riders and sub 175lb riders will likely have no problems with this fork.
El Chingon, at least you got to wipe the poo off your bike
FWIW I beleive that the Z1 and Z150 are stiffer than the Pike. Yes, I have owned/ridden all three forks. But until there is some sort of testing done to compare this beleif will remain a non-fact.
Yes, it is dissapointing to see all these issues on a fork that was so highly anticipated. Just another example of Fox slapping a FR/AM label on a glorified XC fork. Most of the trail riders and sub 175lb riders will likely have no problems with this fork.
El Chingon, at least you got to wipe the poo off your bike
1 - 20 of 60 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
