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MountainBikeReview.com's Forum Archives - Lets Talk about Shocks
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difference btwn fox "R",& "RLC" float forx? (9 posts)
|  difference btwn fox "R",& "RLC" float forx? | fooch
Dec 22, 2001 7:10 AM | | what are the performance differences btwn having and not having control over the compression damping? is one better for big hits or high speed, or for technical riding? i am thinking very seriously of getting one just fretting over the $50 extra for compression damping. is the RLC an absoulte 'must have'? thanks for your help |
| I suppose it depends... | Nat
Dec 22, 2001 8:26 AM | | upon what terrain you ride and if you think you'd ever use compression damping or lockout. I decided against paying a $129 upcharge for the Vanilla RLC and went with the R model because I didn't think I'd use the extra features.
I don't have a lockout on my rear shock, so why have one on the front? I also prefer my fork to move as freely as possible on compression, so I didn't think I'd use the compression damping. The trails where i ride are mostly loose and very rocky. I think if I lived in an area with smoother trails, I'd use the lockout and compression damping. What does everone think, is compression damping more useful on smoother trails only? Does it decrease fork performance on severe terrain?
Another consideration is that to access the internals of the fork for service, it takes a few more steps with the RLC. Apparently there are more small parts (like a tiny ball bearing) that one could lose. Accessing the internals of the R model is pretty easy and simple.
Then again, for only $50 more, I think I'd buy the RLC. |
| reasons 4 diff | scant
Dec 22, 2001 4:54 PM | | ok, so i've got the rlc float, lockout , well thats up 2 u! i use it a lot on the road, an not at all off road!
the compression alters only the low speed, IE small stuff, feel. i wanted the fork 2 feel waaay plush, even on the small stuff 2 match up the rear end of my tracer. this is the purpose of the adjustable compression, if u're much heavier then this may not b as big a deal. i'm pretty lite, so previously gettin a more plush intial stroke was pretty difficult with adjustin further settings.
both the rebound an small/ low spd compression do make a large diff 2 the feel an ride of the fork!
the internals of the fox r nothin 2 b scared of!
hope that helps, 4 the bucks get the rlc, spend a couple a days settin it up, then enjoy! |
| compression full open? | fooch
Dec 22, 2001 9:52 PM | | would it be fair to assume then that with the compression damping at its fastest, that the fork would be most able to soak up the small stuff? |
| compression full open? | scant
Dec 22, 2001 11:35 PM | | i spose so! gonna make the fork mayb a tad 2 soft, mine is 2/3 open an easily fast enuff, despite all the complcated anti bobbin valve stacks i reckon softenin it any further might cause it 2 bob excessively. 4 my 140lb weight 2/3 is perfect
hope that helps |
| I have time on both | Charles Coker
Dec 23, 2001 9:56 AM | | I ran a FLoat 100R for about 2 months
now on an RLC
for me, I am 200lbs and ride really rocky technical stuff
I don't personally see the need for lockout
why did I switch you might ask?
well, I originally was going to get the RLC because of the compression damping but could only get my hands on an R
Fox came through with some RLCs and I got one to evaulate for the Hammerhead 100x for the same price as I paid for an R
one time deal though !
My take:
Even though the Compression damping is pretty subtle, _IF_ I were to want the lockout I would go ahead and spring the extra for the RLC over the R, reason being the adjustable blow by valve
pretty cool feature actually
you can make it about 1/2 locked out effectively if you wish, can be useful for taking REALLY steep dropins where you don't want the fork to overcompress..
but, I would say that if I had to pay for it, i.e., not able to get at wholesale pricing, I would be riding a FLoat R and be loving life.
Sincerely,
Charles
Hammerheadbikes
ride hard, ride often |
| How would you compare the Forx line, both Vanilla or Float | Orthie
Dec 23, 2001 2:17 PM | | against the Marzocchi line, particularly the Atom Race series in 100 mm? I want a new fork for my Titus Switchblade and am trying to make up my mind.
Be as specific as possible, after I commit myself to a new fork, I'll be stuck with it for a long time...
Thanks a lot,
Orthie |
| How would you compare the Forx line, both Vanilla or Float | Charles Coker
Dec 23, 2001 5:04 PM | | Well, they are the stiffest fork out there torsionally
long, long time Marzocchi guy here
I LOVE the new Fox stuff
Switchblade: Float 100R or RLC (see above)
Charles
hammerheadbikes |
| thanks, fellers | fooch
Dec 23, 2001 6:40 PM | | thanks for all your comments, everybody. as it turns out the dealer (who is an hours flight away from me) has a RL and a RLC float, not the R as originally reported. i'm gonna go for the RL, which is going on my all grey (very boring colourscheme, but i kinda like the stealth aspect) ibis silk ti. the marz atom 80 on there now is going back on my hardtail.
a mate will be flying it in for me on fri evening - can't wait!!
again, thanks everyone |
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