The Fox TALAS 180 RC2 is one of the most sought-after upgrades for the rider of a long-travel trailbike. We mounted the fork on a 6.3-inch-travel Titus El Guapo.

Tech features: Fox’s nomenclature is a mouthful, but it basically spells out the tech features of any of their products. The 36 TALAS 180 RC2 features a burly chassis with 36-millimeter stanchion tubes and oversize lowers. The spring is Fox’s proprietary Travel Adjustable Linear Air Spring (TALAS) system, which is designed to keep spring rates consistent at different travel settings using multiple air chambers. This fork has two travel settings: 5.5 inches and 7 inches. The Fox Isolated Technology (FIT) RC2 damper offers independent adjusters for high and low-speed compression and rebound. It’s available in a 1 1/8-inch straight steerer or 1.5-taper version. Fox also makes the 36 180 RC2 in coil-sprung (Van) and fixed-travel air-sprung (Float) versions. All three forks use nearly identical dampers, and the only difference is the spring type. The TALAS system is the most complex spring system and uses three internal air seals that move as the fork compresses. The Float uses only one, and the Van uses none. Our test fork with the straight steerer cut to 7 inches weighed 5.4 pounds. The fork retails for $1080. Fox can be contacted at (800) 367-7469.



Field test results: This is the fourth generation of the TALAS system, and there have been noticeable improvements. Because the TALAS system uses more air seals, there is more friction as the fork goes through its travel. However, this is all but unnoticeable thanks to the super-slippery Kashima coating applied inside and outside of the stanchion tubes and newly designed seals (the first seal upgrade in Fox’s history). Essentially, the differences in small-bump compliance and overall plushness among the three forks have gotten much smaller. After comparing the Float and TALAS systems, the choice between the two should be determined by whether or not your bike can benefit from a travel-adjustable fork. Most frame geometries will handle up and downhill well with a fully extended fork. However, there is still a place for riders wanting a lower front end for climbing. If this is the case, the TALAS is your fork.
All three forks have the same recommended maintenance schedule, but the TALAS system uses a smaller volume of bath oil for lubrication. This means it is especially critical to change the oil frequently to avoid damage to the internals. Older TALAS systems required special tooling to perform maintenance, but 2009 and newer versions can be overhauled by any skilled home mechanic.
Enough about the technical; let’s talk about the ride. We set the fork up at 25- percent sag and ran the compression adjusters near the middle of their range. We immediately noticed the excellent small-bump compliance over rough terrain. The fork tends to ride at the top of its travel when set up properly, thanks to the excellent low-speed compression damper. This damper also assists with reducing pedal bob, a welcome trait on a fork that will be pedaled uphill. On high-speed impacts, the 36 TALAS reacts with a more linear stroke than most air-sprung forks. Basically, it uses its travel very effectively. It’s clear that Fox did their research on this project.
The gap between coil and air-sprung forks is becoming ever less noticeable. Today’s generation of long-travel air forks proves that issues of small-bump compliance, harsh-ramping spring curves and durability can be overcome. The 36 TALAS 180 RC2 is an excellent choice for a rider who will use the travel adjustment. All of the benefits can also be seen with the Float version, which is marginally lighter. Make your choice. You really can’t go wrong.

Reprinted from the December 2011 issue. Like us on Facebook