[nobrakes2007]

Looking to make the switch to from a 150mm to 180mm and was curious if anyone has got the chance to ride either of these models this year. Currently riding a 2009 Talas 150mm and looking to hit up a bit more aggressive riding areas this summer.

Thanks guys.

 

[sambs827]

where do you ride? what do you ride? bike, trails, big hits, long climbs.......necessary factors for consideration

 

[nobrakes2007]

where do you ride? what do you ride? bike, trails, big hits, long climbs.......necessary factors for consideration

Where: currently residing in Houston, TX so mostly XC with some free riding areas thrown in. Planning on making some trips to colorado, new mexico, and possibly cali this summer, hence the fork upgrade.

Ride: 2009 GT Carbon Force Expert

 

[jcook1989]

Talas. You'll appreciate the travel adjust when you're climbing.

 

[nobrakes2007]

Talas. You'll appreciate the travel adjust when you're climbing.

I was kind of thinking that same thing. I am still going to need the bike to perform on trails when I get back home.

 

[climbingbubba]

Seems like a really big jump in travel and height for that bike. Even putting a 160mm Float would raise it up quite a bit.

Also it would probably void any warranty if it has one still.

I would say get a 160 float or talas. They can handle more abuse than the rest of the bike can. It also wouldn't raise the BB height a crazy amount.

If you are dead set on going with more travel I would suggest either getting a 180 float and lowering it to 170ish or get a 170 lyrik. If none of these options sound good then maybe its time to look for a new frame...

 

[nobrakes2007]

Is there any way to determine exactly how much the BB height would be raised without actually having the specific fork on the bike? I am assuming not because all frames have different stances...

I had originally considered the lyrik but after reading that lyrik thread on here, it seemed like a lot of people were having problems with them after riding with them for awhile. Is that not the case?

Appreciate the feedback guys.

 

[nightnerd]

Is there any way to determine exactly how much the BB height would be raised without actually having the specific fork on the bike?

Try this : http://bikegeo.muha.cc/ I don't know how precise it is but It'll give you at least a good idea.

 

[NWS]

Talas. You'll appreciate the travel adjust when you're climbing.

How quickly can you adjust the travel?

My AM bike has a Pike with u-turn, and it's enough of a hassle that I never use it. Is Talas better that way?

 

[audiologies]

Math is your friend It will be right between 1/3 and 1/2 of the difference in Axle to Crown height. So if the new fork is 30mm taller, your BB will be about 10-15mm higher.

To figure it out exactly:
1. Measure rear axle to BB
2. Measure wheelbase
3. Divide number in line 1 by number in line 2
4. Subtract A-C height of current fork from new fork
5. Subtract sag of current fork from new fork
6. Subtract sag difference in line 5 from A-C difference in line 4
7. Measure headtube angle, take sine of the angle.
8. Multiply number in line 6 by number in line 7(sine of headtube angle)
9. Multiply number in line 8 by number in line 3

Number in line 9 is increase in BB height!

Even that is not perfect, but it is within a couple percent

 

[Quarashi]

How quickly can you adjust the travel?

My AM bike has a Pike with u-turn, and it's enough of a hassle that I never use it. Is Talas better that way?

Travel adjust is a lot quicker. 3 clicks change the travel in 20mm increments I think.

Don't you think it's a bit much putting a 7" fork on a 4" travel frame?

 

[The Haunted]

The Fox 36 180 has the same axle to crown height than a Fox 40 and Boxxer...

 

[Jason B]

Sweet reflectors!

 

[kenbentit]

The 2011 TALAS is a 2 position travel adjust; 180 or 140 mm. It's super easy to adjust, I can even do it on the fly if things are smooth enough (I've also gone right off trail trying to do this ). Bumping up to 180 from 150 is really going to alter your bike's geometry, steering will be noticeably slower for sure. If you went with the regular Float you could always install a travel limiting shim to lower it a bit. Not sure about doing that with the TALAS though...

 

[nobrakes2007]

Don't you think it's a bit much putting a 7" fork on a 4" travel frame?

Where are you getting a 4" travel for the frame? Gt has it listed as a 6" travel frame....