Fox Vanilla RLC?

[mr_dove]

I'm just curious how valuable these features are? Lets get some :monkey: feedback.

R Rebound adjustment
RL Rebound adjustment and on-the-fly Lock-out switch
RLC Rebound adjustment, on-the-fly Lock-out switch, and low-speed Compression dial

Low speed compression is the only one that I'm not really clear on the use of. What does it really do?

On a $$$ per $$$ basis, which of the 3 versions has the most useful features?

[BlackhillsBob]

Coming from a dirt bike back ground having compression and rebound is very nice, actually important if you want a tuned ride. Dont care to much for the lock out, but to have the other adjustments you have to get the high end fork.

[TN]

I dont know $hit about suspension...'cept I am just about the only one with out it. Seeing that I am in the market for a new bike, I have come here to learn more. Please indulge me with your knowledge. I like the Fox Forx line but I am not sure about the features yuo have mentioned...except the lockout..that would be nice on my paved commute to work.

-TN

[amateur]

anyone know how you change the travel...or is it set at one measurement?

can you buy some sort of travel change kit?


i want a 3-4" fork for urban and stuff, but my mom will be using this bike(jack flash rad) for trails and such whenever i drag her out, and since i'll be on dual suspension w/ 11" of travel, i thinkit'd be nice for her to have 5"

[TickTock]

I have the vanilla rlc so ill shed a little light.

Travel is simply adjusted by removing or adding spacers inside the fork itself. You have to open the fork up to do it, it is not on the fly, but it takes maybe ten minutes tops.

The fox forks are sweet because they come with two extra springs so you can adjust the fork to your weight without purchasing extra springs (unless youre a fatass or a flea)

Rebound pretty much speaks for itself, how quick it pops back up. Simple.

Lockout is...well lockout.

Now the compression is interesting.....It adjusts how fast you go through the travel. there are twelve clicks of adjustment. You can have it breeze through travel early or have it a bit stiffer. Seems pretty nice and its smooth as butter.


One thing the rlc also has that the others dont is the blow off setting. Its for when you have the fork locked and then forget and hit a big bump. rather than wrecking the lockout or crashing you, it will "blow off" at a certain amount of force and allow the fork to compress. Hand but not totally necessary.

If you have the cash, go for the rlc, otherwise Id say get the R and spend the difference on some nice other stuff. I dont know the last time I locked out my fork.

[boboso]

If I were to do it over again (and I am with a Float RL), I would leave get the R or RL only... The RLC Vanilla I have currently has limited compression that is barely noticeable when riding...:angry:

[mr_dove]

thanks for the info tick. That's exactly what I was looking for. Now I'll have to decide between the R and RLC.

Lockout isn't important to me but the compression sounds pretty cool.

[Ventanarama]

Originally posted by mr_dove
thanks for the info tick. That's exactly what I was looking for. Now I'll have to decide between the R and RLC.

Lockout isn't important to me but the compression sounds pretty cool.

If you don't need lockout then get the R. The low-speed compression damping adjustment is very subtle, not much range at all. Many people aren't even able to tell the difference from one end of its adjustment to the other. If you wanted lockout anyway, then it might be worth it to jump to the RLC. But, don't pay that much extra going from the R to the RLC just to get the compression adjustment. Or, if you really want it then wait for the 03' which is rumored to have a wider range of adjustment on the compression damper. The R model is by far the most bang for the buck.

Also, I want to clarify on something that TickTock mentioned. Both the RL and RLC have a blow-off valve on the lockout. But, with the RLC you can adjust the threshold where the blow-off kicks in, the RL blow-off is set from the factory. ie: you can set the RLC up with a firm lockout, or as more of an anti-bob (some movement but stiffer than normal). A softer lockout setting is nice for slow technical climbs where you may want to reduce the bob a little but still have some movement when you hit something. If you'd like to ride the RLC and see for yourself before deciding then feel free to get in touch, I'm in Loveland.
Larry Mettler
http://www.mtnhighcyclery.com

[JoyRider]

I just got a Fox Vanilla RL. I have decided that the lockout is
dangerous and I am never going to use it again! The problem
is me. I was locking the fork on road sections, but every
single time I forgot to unlock it. I'm just lucky I didn't have
a bad crash.

[Endo Verendo]

Yes, the compression damping is very subtle, until you start climbing. It really helps with bobbing. Other then that the fork is very stiff and smooth. The short axle to crown height is either good or bad depending on what kind of head angle you're looking for. It's cool for climbing but a little too steep for hairy descents. I've also had some issues requiring my fork being sent back to Fox not once but twice. I'd wait til the 03's come out.