|   Manitou Swinger 3way with SPV Vs Fox Talas | Dave32983793299
Jan 10, 2004 7:46 PM | | I am very close to buying a trek liquid 25 '04.. but I have one last question.. should I be worried about the fixed travel Manitou Swinger 3way with SPV. the other liquids come with the adjustable travel of the Fox Talas. What is the difference what are the advantages and disadvantages of each.. I'd appreciate any help.
Also.... everyone I've talked to on these boards seems anti trek liquid 25 '04.. should I not buy this bike for some reason, bc I liked it on the test ride over the enduro. |
| Stick to what feels best to you, esp if you've done some good... | Bikeless Rider
Jan 12, 2004 8:52 PM | | ...test rides and know what you're liking. The pluses of the Talas are: very linear feel, low maintenence (18 month damper AND air chamber interval), good bottoming characteristics. The bottoming is backed by an everpresent air cushion in the reservoir, which is actually larger in the short and mid travel modes. This also means it feels linear and plush even with shorter travel settings. I just found out recently that it's also available with two different types of Propedal valving, firm, or soft. According to Fox there's no particular recommended rider weight for each factory platform setting, as much of it depends on how much of a platform the rider wants. Since I don't know your weight, riding style, and haven't ridden the Liquid, I will refer you to Fox for advice on which is best for you, but be prepared to answer some personal preference questions regaurding platform. I can think of no downside to the Talas shock other than weight and expense, if those are concerns for you. Of all the time the Talas shock has been out, I have only heard of one person saying his was not functioning properly (wouldn't go into the short travel mode). I don't know the specifics, he may have been mistaken. I was picturing him trying all the position adjustments before installing it in the frame, as some riders do worrying about keeping it in "new condition" if a refund is desired. It could be that it requires body weight on it to compress to the short travel position. I'm just guessing on his situation as well as the parameters of the adjustment proceedure.
The Manitou 3 Way can be ordered two different ways too, standard or twin tube air can, the latter being a more linear spring. With the twin tube, you may save a little money vs the 4 Way, but the weight would be about the same, and you wouldn't be able to adjust the linearity of the spring like you can on the 4 Way. So far people are saying the 3 Way is pretty dependable, but I tend to think the Talas would be lower maintenence, due to being able to run lower PSI (easier on seals) and having more seals than the standard Floats. The main thing the 3 Way has over the Talas other than being 128gm lighter (63gm on the twin tube) is being able to adjust it's platform. keep in mind though, that most people find a good all around setting and leave it. If the Talas valving isn't to your liking, Fox can set it at the other (firm or soft) option, and between the two, most rider's needs are likely to be met. |
| |
