|   Fox RL/LC forks compression blow-off threshold knob | J.S.
May 18, 2003 3:17 PM | | Has anyone here tried playing with this blue knob next to the right side drop-out? This is apparently the most expensive sub-component of Fox forks, yet 90%+ of individual Fox fork owners don't use it.
The manual describes this small blue knob as the setting control for compression blow-off threshold when using lockout. However, it apparently controls normal compression threshold settings as well. To set it up, I was told to turn it clockwise full (12 clicks max), then back off 2 clicks as a starting point, gradually opening it it up to to decrease the compression threshold (not sure how this works).
Can anyone confirm/deny/clarify any of the above? |
| re: Fox RL/LC forks compression blow-off threshold knob | Ventanarama
May 18, 2003 7:59 PM | | It doesn't affect normal compression at all when the lockout isn't engaged. The largest blue knob on top is for adjusting that. The blow-off adjustment only affects the feel of the lockout, ie: the amount of force it takes to over-ride it. You can set it up firm, or as more of a soft lockout (anti-bob) where it's firmer than normal but still has a little give for technical climbing.
Larry Mettler
http://www.mtnhighcyclery.com |
| re: Fox RL/LC forks compression blow-off threshold knob | J.S.
May 18, 2003 8:05 PM | | This is what I thought as well, but the additional information about the blow-off threshold knob came from a Fox sales rep. It looks like I'll have to make a few more phone calls to confirm if the knob has any true additional functions outside of lockout control. |
| It's for lock-out threshold only... | J.S.
May 19, 2003 11:44 AM | | Called Fox directly... the blue knob is for the lockout threshold only. Looks like our initial thoughts were true. It serves no additional function. |
| UPDATE: Yes, the blow-off threshold knob does more... | J.S.
May 20, 2003 10:30 PM | | Related Thread:
RUT ROW "New TALAS RLC fork rides bottomed out..." 5/20/03 11:29pm
It looks like having the blow-off knob wide open counter-clockwise will cause the fork to sit much deeper in its sag. I'm not sure yet how this affects normal compression dampening, but I'll be playing around with it a bit more.
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| I don't think so.... | Ventanarama
May 21, 2003 5:14 AM | | That shouldn't affect sag at all. Sounds like his fork started working normally after they fiddled around with it, but I'm guessing that it's just coincedence. Since all of the air pressure is in the opposite leg there's no way it would have that dramatic of an affect on sag.
Larry Mettler
http://www.mtnhighcyclery.com |
| True | J.S.
May 21, 2003 5:43 AM | | True. Preload is controlled by the air spring, not the blowoff threshold. That knob shouldn't have any effect on preload since it's in the opposite fork leg. That's why I found it rather weird when he fixed the sag issue by closing the valve. Probably coincidence... |
| I'm watching this thread closely... | Lucky
May 21, 2003 5:37 AM | | as I recently got an Iron Horse Hollowpoint Team which came with the Talas. I'm a lighter rider, and so far have not gotten full travel, but I haven't been riding real agressively yet, either (recovering from a broken wrist and getting my mtb legs and skills back). I have just one question. When you say "counter-clockwise", is that from the rider's perspective on top of the bike, or looking at the fork leg from the bottom? This is the knob on the bottom of one fork leg, right? My bike didn't come with a manual, and last time I checked, the Fox site wasn't updated. Thanks!
Kathy |
| It really shouldn't affect sag like that... | J.S.
May 21, 2003 6:33 AM | | Larry's right -- That blow-off threshold knob really shouldn't be able to affect sag since it's not in the preload spring leg of the fork. Here's one way to confirm this: Sit on the bike and hold onto a pole, fence, or other stationary object and lock the brakes. Have another person open up the lower knob counterclockwise, they cycle the travel. Sag shouldn't change at all (at least theoretically).
When referring to clockwise vs. counterclockwise, I'm looking at the knob with its surface mount below the knob, or looking at the fork leg from the bottom (hope that made sense).
There are a few things you can do to get more travel:
1) lower air pressure
2) if you have an RLC, speed up compression by turning the upper blue ring (below lockout) full counterclockwise.
3) use lighter weight oil in the right fork leg. |
| lighter weight oil in Talas.... | RDC
May 21, 2003 7:51 AM | | I have been considering putting 5wt oil in my Talas RLC...since I'm unhappy with the compression dampening. Anyone besides Sunny tried this yet? I haven't seen Sunny post on here in awhile...so I'll try and send him an e-mail to see what he thinks about it. Also, do I need a specific kind of oil, or just 5wt shock oil from a motorcycle shop? I have a broken wrist now...so with all this time off I figured I'll try and make my ride a little better. Thanks |
| I am alive...sort of | Sunny
May 21, 2003 10:21 AM | | Took a week off to ride in Moab/Grand Junction. Had a chance to test/abuse the TALAS some more...ended up abusing myself more I think (BIG road rash on forearm). What I found was that, if I want the fork to feel smooth over the fast stutters, I need to use less pressure in the fork. I haven't checked with a pump to see how much I took out though.
The drawback is that the fork bottomed out easier.
I used BelRay 5wt fork oil from a motocycle shop in the fork.
Hope your wrist recovers quickly. |
| ahhhhh, you lucky devil.... | RDC
May 21, 2003 11:19 AM | | a trip to Moab....must have been nice. Hey I'll trade you that road rash for my broken wrist! Just went and picked up some 5wt so I'll change it out later. Won't be able to really test it out for another month. I'm running about 55 psi in my Talas....you think you went lower than that? I don't think I could go lower because there would be excessive sag and brake dive. Hoping this oil does the trick for me and I'll get a tad more travel by not filling the fork up as much as it is now. I'll let you know in a month. Thanks |
| Is changing the oil a do-it-yourself job... | Lucky
May 22, 2003 6:43 AM | | or do I need to send the fork to Fox? I'm a reasonably competent mechanic, have disassembled a Sid and a White Bros, but don't have the Fox fork manual. I'm going to call the shop where I got the bike to see if they got one yet. I have 5wt FinishLine and Spectro on hand. Are either of these okay?
Thanks!
Kathy |
| it's pretty easy....I used Spectro 5wt.... | RDC
May 22, 2003 10:07 AM | | and changed the oil in my Talas yesterday. I can't comment on wether or not it helped since I can't ride it yet (broken wrist), but the process is pretty simple. Your LBS should have a manual that maybe they could photocopy or let you look at. You just have to be careful not to loose the little ball bearings on the lock-out knob. Also you'll need a 26mm socket....and will have to grind it down a bit or hacksaw it so it will grip the top of the dampener. If you do a search or scroll back a few weeks or a month in this forum, there are some fairly detailed instructions and pictures on this process. |
| interesting thought.....I have mine set up the same... | RDC
May 18, 2003 9:06 PM | | as you...basically at 10 clicks. I have ridden it like that since I have had the fork (2-3 months now). If the blow-off knob does affect compression dampening even when not locked out, then there would be hope for us lighter riders. It would be too good to be true...so I doubt it will make any difference. Too bad I won't be able to try it out for another month since I broke my wrist. Anyone else have any thoughts? |
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