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Can I run 100MM on a Racer X?

885 Views 10 Replies 9 Participants Last post by SSconny, Aug 17, 2004

Otter

Discussion Starter · Aug 9, 2004

Recently purchased a '03 Racer X frame to build up for my Wife. Got to looking at the Titus web site after the fact and saw where they recommend running a 90MM or less fork. I really want to put a 100MM fork up front mainly for the fact that we get out west to ride once or twice each year and I would really like her to have the extra travel. Is it ok to put one on or will it screw up the geometry/handling? Thanks for the help!

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Lucky

· #2 · Aug 9, 2004

Otter said:
Recently purchased a '03 Racer X frame to build up for my Wife. Got to looking at the Titus web site after the fact and saw where they recommend running a 90MM or less fork. I really want to put a 100MM fork up front mainly for the fact that we get out west to ride once or twice each year and I would really like her to have the extra travel. Is it ok to put one on or will it screw up the geometry/handling? Thanks for the help!

It'd definitely change the handling. I tried it on mine, and I didn't like the way it handled, though some folks do. I thought the handling was too slow, and it had a slight tendency for wheel flop, though it was still manageable. One of the reasons I bought the RacerX was for the light, responsive handling. Therefore, I have a nearly new '02 Duke SL 100 sitting in a box in my garage waiting for another project. :^(

I just swapped out my old '00 Sid XC for an '04 Skareb Super 80, and it it really nice for this lightweight (125#) rider. I put in the soft spring and it's nice and supple without feeling mushy. No problems getting all 80mm of travel. If you decide to stick with 80mm, this would be a good fork to consider.

FWIW, I go out west once or twice a year to ride also, and have been okay with the 80mm fork, though her riding style and needs may be diferent from mine. I've ridden in Phoenix, Moab, Fruita, California and New Mexico with it. I consider myself sort of an average intermediate rider who doesn't do big air.

Kathy :^)

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The Don

· #3 · Aug 11, 2004

How big is your wife's bike?

On a small bike, the extra 20mm might make more of a difference. I have a large RX80 with a Fox 100RLC, and it handles nicely. It's much better handling than my buddy's Superlight with a 100mm fork.

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Otter

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 11, 2004

The bike's a size small. I talked to the folks at Titus and they suggested sticking with an 80MM. I'm kind of leaning that way, but really am a bit dissapointed. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks for the suggestions.

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scurra

· #5 · Aug 11, 2004

Stick with the 80mm. My wife just ordered a Titus with a Fox 80x. She rode a demo bike a few moths ago and 80mm was plenty for her. She rides a small Racer X, simular to your wife. The Racer X is designed specifically for 80 or 100 depending on the frame purchased. Changing this will definately affect the performance of the frame.

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VT Mike

· #6 · Aug 11, 2004

Otter said:
Recently purchased a '03 Racer X frame to build up for my Wife. Got to looking at the Titus web site after the fact and saw where they recommend running a 90MM or less fork. I really want to put a 100MM fork up front mainly for the fact that we get out west to ride once or twice each year and I would really like her to have the extra travel. Is it ok to put one on or will it screw up the geometry/handling? Thanks for the help!

Another option is a fork with adjustable travel. I have a Rock Shox Duke SL U-turn on my Rocky Mountain Element, which is also designed around an 80mm fork. The travel is adjustable on the fly, and ranges from 63mm to 108mm. I usually run it between 70mm and 90mm. The only drawbacks would be that it is a fairly heavy fork (4.25 lb) and I'm guessing your wife is light enough that you would have to change the original coil spring to a lighter one.

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cbrossman

· #7 · Aug 12, 2004

Otter said:
The bike's a size small. I talked to the folks at Titus and they suggested sticking with an 80MM. I'm kind of leaning that way, but really am a bit dissapointed. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks for the suggestions.

I have my wife's small RX80 set up with a 80mm Fox in the front ... we live and ride out west. My feeling was that the 20mm loss in travel was not significant for her riding style or size, she only weight 110lbs, I think she prefers the little weight savings she gets from the 80 fork.

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scurra

· #8 · Aug 16, 2004

Otter said:
Recently purchased a '03 Racer X frame to build up for my Wife. Got to looking at the Titus web site after the fact and saw where they recommend running a 90MM or less fork. I really want to put a 100MM fork up front mainly for the fact that we get out west to ride once or twice each year and I would really like her to have the extra travel. Is it ok to put one on or will it screw up the geometry/handling? Thanks for the help!

Dirt Rag Issue 109 (Just arrived today) has an article which covers fork size affecting bike handling, and its written by Keith Bontrager. Check it out...

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shanedawg

· #9 · Aug 16, 2004

Fox Talas fork would be great. I have one on my Hammerhead and it's great to be able to dial the travel exactly where I like it. The TALAS is 3.9lbs. Only issue is that the adjuster knobs will hit the downtube if the fork is turned 90 degrees. There are some threads on this issue you can look up. The TALAS is air so you don't have to worry about getting different springs. The Duke U-turn would also be good and does not have the downtube problem. It's a little heavier and not as easy to change spring rate though.

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Oni

· #10 · Aug 17, 2004

Talas Rcl

Okay, I've got to say that I like my Racer X with slightly more travel. I normally run it 95mm-110mm or so and on rare occasion I'll jack it up as far as it'll go. Most of my riding is in somewhat technical terrain (rocks, roots, ruts, wetness).
When I run it in the 80mm it feels too sketchy.
Nice thing about the TALAS (or another adjustible fork), you can try it out on the trail.

Oni who cranks it down to 80mm for technical climbing

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SSconny

· #11 · Aug 17, 2004

I was interested in the Racer X, but I wanted something stronger, and a bit beefier. I did my research = HammerHead 100x. I have an 05' Talas and love it to bits on this bike. For long Oregon descents, 5" just eats the trail up. Climbing, you have options. One thing I like to do is lock the fork out, and have the damping very soft. This way with the Fox lockout, you can still get like 2" of travel which is perfect for technical climbs and switchbacks. The other option is to dial in the fork to 3 or 4". Easy to do on the fly. The only problem I've encountered with this fork is the adjustment knobs on the right fork crown do hit the bottom of the downtube, but I've also found out this is common with other frame manufacturers as well. Once it hits, it won't matter any more. Inevitably it will scratch and that's it.
I wouldn't recommend putting this fork on a Racer X, it'll really throw off your handling and will feel strange tuned down to 3-4" range.
I'd put a Fox 80R on this bike.

Happy trails to all!

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