[tkwmotob]

My bike was stolen, so now I am trying to replace my old 1999 Marzocchi Z1.

Anyone have an opinion on the Fox 32 Vanilla RL vs. the RLC with FIT cartridge? I always thought that sealed cartridges had lots of sticktion, and that is why the whole open bath thing started.

Anyone use a FIT vanilla 32? How does it compare to the older open bath RLCs? I tried my brothers 2006 Vanilla RLC and liked it...

Also, I'm a 160lb rider, and worry that the RL will have fixed damping that is too high for me.

 

[joshdurston]

At 160lbs you're right in the sweet spot for matching stock suspension designs. But given the option I would take the RLC FIT any day. The stiction issue is more than the just a sealed cartridge issue. Apparently the bushings are a tighter tolerance now, and there have been cases of sloppy QC letting forks out with incorrect amounts of oil. You can always check the oil levels and lubricate things yourself. Tight bushings should make for a nice long lasting fork if properly cared for after break in.

 

[tkwmotob]

Thanks for the reply!

Looking at the fox service info it looks pretty complex to fill or change the oil in the fit cartridge...

 

[BBW]

I had a FIT 2010 vanilla that came with loose bushings and too much stiction... bleed the whole thing and tried to like it but never did. Felt very harsh.... I moved away to a Revelation... WAY more plush

 

[tkwmotob]

thanks for the info - i have heard this from others as well...

 

[bad mechanic]

Not Vanilla, but I have both the FIT and open cartridge Fox air forks. I cannot feel more stiction from the FIT on the trail, though that fork took longer to break in and get buttery. To be honest, I can't really feel any performance difference between the FIT and open bath cartridge. If the added weight of the open bath isn't an issue (roughly 80g), then I'd go with the open bath cartridge since it's much easier to maintain.

Modern sealed cartridges are nothing like the old sealed cartridges.

 

[tkwmotob]

Thanks for the info - I saw the new FIT cartridge service page at fox, and it is pretty involved. I wonder how durable the "bladder" will be - it seems like a rubber housing for the oil. Is there a way to fill the oil and bleed it without major disassembly?