Fox suspension forks have long been well regarded for their plush stroke, stiff handling chassis and great production quality. They are often mentioned as a brand that someone would like to upgrade their forks to. The last pair that I rode on extensively were a set of 2009 Float 32 RL’s, 120mm. That set never quite suited me or the bike. At the time I wanted 100mm travel and bar-mounted lockout. Although changing the travel wouldn’t be a problem, their bar-mounted lockout system was only available on new forks, not as an upgrade at that point of time. So the Fox Forks sat in a box for a while.
2010 saw changes in the line up, and 2011 yields more updates again. To go on my 29er test bed bike, Fox Australia provided me with a Fox 32 F29 FIT RLC, QR15 100mm set of lovely forks. The air spring curves have been improved for the new FIT cartridge, aiming to allow for more usable travel with lower compression ratios. Also new is the Kashima Coat, the finish on the stanchions. The aim here is for improved durability, and lower friction. The RLC indicates adjustable rebound, a lockout lever (with blow off adjustment) and low speed compression damping. The fork I was provided with was also the QR15 variant – so although you need a specific hub, it ties the fork ends together strongly and isn’t really any slower than a regular quick release.
Having not ridden a Fox Fork for 18 months, I’m impressed. My previous Fox Forks used to wallow in their travel, even the RLC that I had in 2007 and 2008. The new FIT cartridge seems to have solved this. The aim of the FIT (Fox Isolated Technology) Damper is to create a better performing, lighter damper unit that works for cross country, trail and all mountain riders. This also covers the rigours associated with marathon and stage race mountain biking. The lighter weight is achieved by using less oil, and the single bladder design is aiming to be more reliable. The lighter weight is also aimed at reducing the unsprung weight. Just like a lighter swing-arm, wheel, cassette and so on, this should make the suspension more responsive. Durability hasn’t been a concern for the six weeks I have had on the fork, with no signs of oil seepage. Longer term testing will be required for such claims – 6 months used to be the standard time frame for when I would need new fork seals on a Fox Fork.
As for how the forks function, I really like it. Although I had become accustomed to a bar mounted lockout, I still opted to go for the FIT RLC as opposed to the Terralogic. I do want the control over the lockout, but the tune-ability of the fork means I’m not reaching for it as often as I usually would. I have set the fork up a little firmer than some would, in about the middle of the rebound setting, and a quarter of the way into the compression damping. This is where I have settled. I started with slightly lower pressures, but I find my style of riding and racing has me running into unexpected objects as I get tired, so the extra 5psi in the air-spring provides a better spring rate. The ample volume of a 29×2.25” tyre run tubeless provides plenty of small bump sensitivity for my riding.
The Kashima Coat is also said to enhance the durability of the fork legs and the small bump compliance. Without doing back to back testing on forks with or without the Kashima Coat, it’s hard to verify this. But the overall stroke of the fork is fantastic – the F29 is very responsive. The increased durability claimed with the harder coating will be a bonus too. Most fork manufacturers recommend service at 25-30 hour intervals. Throw in an 8 day stage race like the ABSA Cape Epic or Craft-Bike TransAlp, and it’s pretty easy to be getting well over 25 hours use on your equipment in demanding conditions. The Kashima Coat won’t change suggested service intervals, but a more durable finish may prove more resilient to those who stretch their service intervals. Many forks often show wear on the stanchion coating around the seals, due to poor maintenance or really bad conditions. If the Kashima Coat can help reduce this, along with less friction, then it is a welcome addition. Again, the long term durability will be apparent with more time.
So far I am really enjoying the function and performance of the F29 RLC forks. The QR15 front has allayed any of my concerns about a 29er having a vague front end. Even with a light front wheel and handlebar, the steering is direct and precise, with minimal deflection. The front end even feels more direct than the lightweight fork and wheel combination I had on my previous 26” wheeled dual suspension bike – which I can attribute to the slightly bulkier fork (1.85kg cut with the QR15 axle) and the oversized axle. Although I don’t seem to be reaching for the lockout switch too much, I would like to try these forks with one. They are a comfortable fork. Compared to my last bike, I haven’t come to the end of races either side of the 8hr mark with numb hands. Actually, my right thumb has been getting sore, but I attribute that to a lack of fitness and constantly searching for a lower sprocket when under duress on a climb.
I will put another review up in 2011, once I have a lot more use on the forks. So far I’m impressed. They have the plush stroke and stiffness that Fox Forks are renowned for, but they have a more controlled and progressive damping unit that I like for race performance.
More information on Fox Suspension products can be found here.