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Dirt Rag Articles
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Weight: 4.13lbs.
MSRP: $850
Travel: 140mm - 120mm - 100mm
Stanchion Diameter: 32mm
Steerer: 1 1/8"
Disc Mount: Post Mount
External Adjustment: Low Speed Compression, Lockout, Lockout Force, Rebound Damping, Travel Adjustment
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Website: www.foxracingshox.com
Fox Racing Shox has totally redesigned their already popular TALAS fork for 2009. Along with the obvious external differences, the internals have gotten a good working over and feature the new TALAS III system with better mid-stroke support in the spring curve for each travel setting. The redesigned travel adjustment knob is more ergonomic, making on-trail adjustments easier. Fox has also worked their magic on the crown and steerer by making them lighter and stronger, all good stuff.
I installed the TALAS on my Specialized Enduro SX, a bike I had previously used for mountain-cross racing that has since taken on an all-mountain vibe. I had been running a Fox TALAS on that bike for years, so this gave me a good baseline for the test.
The new fork is available with either a standard quick release or the 15QR system (tested). Although wheel removal was a little slower than a regular quick release, as it involves sliding out the thru-axle, installation was faster for two reasons. First, the wheel always slides into the dropout perfectly straight, so I didn't have to readjust the quick release until the wheel was sitting correctly in the dropouts. Second, the thru-axle's cam lever tightened at the same point on the fork leg every time. I didn't have to fiddle around, making repeated adjustments to find a safe home for the cam lever. How does that work, you ask? The axle nut is adjustable. To make the adjustment, simply remove the retaining plate holding the axle nut in place, then pull the nut out of the fork leg and rotate it until you find the perfect position for the cam and reinstall the retaining plate. Also, because the nut is removable, damaged threads are an easy fix.
Having used different designs of both 20mm quick release thru-axles and standard quick releases in the past, I definitely prefer the 15QR design, due to its safety and stiffness, not to mention simplicity and user-friendliness.
How else did the fork compare to my old TALAS? It had a familiar feel yet was more responsive. The thru-axle design made steering a little more precise. I appreciated the extra stiffness though technical rock gardens as it helped sharpen my occasionally sloppy lines. These improvements also affected how I rolled over the backside of large log piles; instead of praying for a good outcome while being suspended in a nose wheelie, I careened over the logs with more confidence.
The fork did a superb job soaking up small bumps. By using the low speed compression, I could find a balance between retaining small bump absorption while dialing out unwanted pedal bob. As for the big drops, I could feel the fork ramping up towards the end of the travel, yet it was never harsh enough to affect my landings. It may have prevented the fork from bottoming out (which I have never experienced on a Fox fork).
The big thing I love about the TALAS is how great the fork feels in each travel setting; just turn the dial and the fork easily switches from 100 to 120 to 140mm of travel, each just as plush and buttery as the others. The travel adjustment knob was a little hard to turn at first, but after a few rides it seemed to turn easier as it broke in.
All in all, when comparing the old versus the new, the new Fox fork is a definite upgrade. I used to think that the Fox TALAS couldn't be improved upon, but I was proven wrong.
Note: Although Fox and Shimano have created controversy for bringing in yet another standard with the 15QR, it seems they have developed a great product to compete with the RockShox's Maxle (and to perhaps doom the use of traditional quick releases on mountain bikes in the future).
| Exclusive Dirt Rag Web-Only Extras For 2009 Fox TALAS 15QR 140RLC | | For Dirt Rag's massive library of product reviews click here.
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| Comment from zona on 2009-05-10 |
| I had owned the Talas since the first genreation came out, but this 15qr version is more amazing than anything I have ever ridden. My bike now carves better than I ever dreamed it could. WOW! |
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