Fox Forx Float RLC 32 or Vanilla R 32?

John.

I'm looking to buy a new bike & one of the options is to upgrade from Fox Vanilla Rs to Float RLCs. Upgrade cost is £150, the bike is an Orange Crush:
http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/2008bikes/crush-upg.php

Float RLC 32:
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/Produc ... 968ffb3ba4
Vanilla R 32
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/Produc ... 968ffb3ba4

The main reason I'm tempted to upgrade is the lockout feature on the RLCs - as I like to ride to & from local trails (upto 10 miles away). Is the extra cost justified, are they worth the extra money? What's the reliability like of each system? (Coil vs air).

TIA

J.

Splasher

Ideally on a Crush, I'd say a Vanilla RLC. The crush is a bruiser hardtail and the extra plushness of a coil fork would suit it. Coils are more reliable than air simply because there is less to go wrong but air forks are very reliable these days. Coils feel better though. Talk to the dealer and see if they can do you the upgrade rather than buying an Orange pre-packaged upgrade. The VAnilla RLC is cheaper than the Float.

John.

Splasher wrote:

Ideally on a Crush, I'd say a Vanilla RLC. The crush is a bruiser hardtail and the extra plushness of a coil fork would suit it. Coils are more reliable than air simply because there is less to go wrong but air forks are very reliable these days. Coils feel better though. Talk to the dealer and see if they can do you the upgrade rather than buying an Orange pre-packaged upgrade. The VAnilla RLC is cheaper than the Float.

So coils feel better, are cheaper to puchase, cheaper to service & more reliable?

So why do people use air even though it's more expensive? Is it purely for weight saving?

Also, what do you think would be a fair price to pay to upgrade from Vanilla Rs to RLCs? £100?

J.

Andy B

Air forks are lighter & more adjustable than coil forks.

Vanilla R's cost ~£310, the RLC's cost ~£399, so an upgrade should cost less than £90 .Personally I'd get the RLC version as it is a lot more adjustable than the R version.

clarkson

i'd go for the RLC version because of adjustability and the lighter air spring. personally, i'd only go for coils for seriously heavy riding or if my budget wouldnt stretch.

John.

Cheers for the help guys, went for the Float option in the end.

Should get the bike in a couple of weeks - can't wait!