[eatingchandeliers]

i was thinkin of getting some new forks with a twenty mill through axel i was thinking of some fox 36's or some pikes i was mainly wondering if the 36's are that good. also if they are any good for light people?

 

[Robot Chicken]

i was thinkin of getting some new forks with a twenty mill through axel i was thinking of some fox 36's or some pikes i was mainly wondering if the 36's are that good. also if they are any good for light people?

People are going to say a lot of things, but not many of them know what I know!

I'm one of the early guinnea pigs for the new Marzocchi 66sl fork.

5.6 lbs
any travel setting you wish from below 100mm to 170mm. Largest range of travel adjust for any fork ever made at 170mm.
Cool looking.
Outright incredibly plush and smooth on the small stuff and big stuff.
RC2 damping NEW! Low speed compression adjust for bob and brake dive reduction.
Just as stiff, if not stiffer than a Fox 36. Zokes use tighter bushings and seals.

$656 at aebike.com

You should seriously consider this as an option. On the other hand if you don't know anything about suspension and would like to not mess with air pressures, than you will be more happy with a Van 36, but be stuck at one travel setting.

Lots of options, can;t go wrong these days!

 

[burnout]

i was thinkin of getting some new forks with a twenty mill through axel i was thinking of some fox 36's or some pikes i was mainly wondering if the 36's are that good. also if they are any good for light people?

I recently acquired a 36VAN (coming from a Marz. Z1 '04) and I'm absolutely amazed. I don't know what is the best point of it: weight, travel, axle,.... but it performs at the top. I'm 78Kg and the stock spring is ok for me. And the fox come with 2 extra springs. Each of them is one step soft/hard from the stock spring.

If you can aford it, is a very good fork.

 

[TNC]

For awhile there, I wouldn't have considered an RS product. I haven't even ridden a Pike yet, but there's no denying the apparent success of the Pike platform. There's too much obvious positive result from owners posted on this site. I will comment on the Fox 36...Vanilla coil model...since I've been using one. I've never owned a Fox fork. I was interested in the Talas after riding one at I-Bike last year. One of the guys at the shop got one on a Specialized Enduro, and it experienced that sinking travel issue along with inconsistent oddities. I looked at the weight issue on the Vanilla and realized that it is a very light package for such a burly coil fork. It also gets a little over 6" of travel, and it actually gets that travel. If travel adjust is important...never has been to me...then a Van 36 isn't your choice. I'm a little miffed that the Pike doesn't offer a full 6" of travel since my bikes all have 6" or better at the rear. The Pike is an outstanding value while the Fox 36 models are darned expensive. The Pike is only a 32mm fork while the 36 is obviously 36mm...may or may not be an issue for the type of riding you do or the bike it will go on. As to the 20mm fork, I think you'll notice that difference regardless over standard QR forks.

I've been thoroughly impressed with my Van 36RC2. It's extremely tuneable, plush yet controlled, quite light, extremely rigid, and gets all of its travel. It's a simple, easy to live with fork that has a functional high tech damper. It also comes with a lighter and heavier spring for personal tuning. Sounds like you'd use the lighter spring. You didn't mention the bike or type of riding you intend to do. That might help.

 

[erol/frost]

Interesting to see both forks side by side. Quite a difference.

 

[BanzaiRider]

I don't know how the Van 36 is but as far as the air version, if you like real plush over small stuff then I'd look at the Marzo AM1 or Z1 light. Last year I went back to Marzo coil and understood that Marzo coil plushness is really what I'm looking for. To my opinion Fox forks are expensive and I see way too many people posting about problems.

i was thinkin of getting some new forks with a twenty mill through axel i was thinking of some fox 36's or some pikes i was mainly wondering if the 36's are that good. also if they are any good for light people?

 

[eatingchandeliers]

Do you think the SL would be OK for a 100lb rider?

 

[lifer]

Ditto...

I don't know how the Van 36 is but as far as the air version, if you like real plush over small stuff then I'd look at the Marzo AM1 or Z1 light. Last year I went back to Marzo coil and understood that Marzo coil plushness is really what I'm looking for. To my opinion Fox forks are expensive and I see way too many people posting about problems.

Fox is overpriced and unreliable compared to Zokies. Seems like every time I see a fox with any time on it the rider is having or has had issues w bushings, oil leaks or whatever I wouldn't waste my money on one.

 

[eatingchandeliers]

Heckler with 36's

My brother has a Heckler with Talas's. Did you find the 36's slacked out the head angle compared to the Z1'a

 

[FXRob]

I just got a 36 Vanilla for my 6 pack and have never felt a fork that plush that follows the terrain and keeps the front tire glued to the trail like that. I've tried a lot of forks, and the 36 Vanilla is just perfect right out of the box. I weigh 160lbs and the stock spring feels perfect, although as mentioned you do get 2 other springs if you are a heavier guy. The fork is also stiffer than the dual crown forks I've ridden in the past. Great fork, although that 66SL looks/sounds pretty sweet also. I just was never happy with my old '05 Z1 FR1, could never get full travel out of it and it ramped up too quickly even after putting 5wt oil in it and lowering oil levels. The 36 Vanilla feels incredible and it should considering the price tag.

 

[burnout]

My brother has a Heckler with Talas's. Did you find the 36's slacked out the head angle compared to the Z1'a

of course, more travel and more fork height. But it is not a problem but a benefit, for my taste....

Is the first thing I noticed when I rode it for the firs time.

Is the first Fox I own. Great fork, plush, sensible and "infinite"

 

[Kerry]

I happened to be in the LBS when the Manitou rep walked in with the new Travis 6" single crown that runs the 1 1/8" steerer. Not light but very strong looking. No SPV, just TPC damping cartridge in one leg and coil in the other. The real kicker was that it's very nearly half the price of the Fox 36's. Easy to fiddle with and super strong, making the Sherman look like an XC fork. Looks promising.

 

[mattsavage]

Those new Travis' are so sick....!

I happened to be in the LBS when the Manitou rep walked in with the new Travis 6" single crown that runs the 1 1/8" steerer. Not light but very strong looking. No SPV, just TPC damping cartridge in one leg and coil in the other. The real kicker was that it's very nearly half the price of the Fox 36's. Easy to fiddle with and super strong, making the Sherman look like an XC fork. Looks promising.

I'm getting the Travis 150 w/ TPC+ like you mentioned for my light duty freeride bike and the new Nixon Elite for my trail bike. I can't wait.

Although the 36 Van would be my first choice for the freeride bike, it's cost prohibitive. Although the new Marzocchi stuff sounds and looks awesome, I'm Manitou 4 life!