F100 vs. TALAS for Yeti 4X?

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Hi Lee,
I have a 2008 Yeti 4x which i need to buy a fork for. Im undecided between the fox rlc f100 series or a fox 32 rlc talas with the 100/120/140mm setting and 15mm axle. I want the bike to be my most verstile bike in my stable and be a good all rounder. I would use it for 4x, slalom and aggresive x-country with some light downhill as well. I figure i would use the 100mm setting the most on 4x and slalom and the 120mm on slalom also? and downhills? What’s your opinon?
Cheers Andrew.

Hey Andrew,



Pulling Gs in 2005. I’m still rocking that same 32 TALAS.

I have many miles on both forks, and they are both awesome. My SX is wearing an original, first-run TALAS. It’s a lot more flexy than the current models, but that fork has been a trooper. My P.3 has a 2007 F100, and that fork also rocks. It just got a rebuild at Dirtlabs, and it’s like new. Better actually, because we ramped up the spring rate with a little extra oil. Anyway …

Short answer:

The TALAS will be more versatile than the F100. That’s a no brainer. Short travel for 4X/DS/DJ/Pump; long travel for trail, downhill and freeride. Right?

Long answer:



F100 on the mighty P.3. That 69-degree head angle works just about everywhere.

When TALASes (TALI? TALUM?) first came out, I adjusted my travel every time the grade changed. Nowadays I prefer to find a good general setting and leave my bike alone. Head angle is one of the most important characteristics of your bike, and changing it all the time will ball up most riders.

If you have a stable, let your 4X be the finely sharpened filet knife it is. Run it at 100mm as God and Chris Conroy intended, and learn to ride it everywhere. The 69-degree head angle is perfect for most situations.

Why not just ride the TALAS at 100mm? The F100 is almost 1/2 pound lighter, and it’s a little plusher because the TALAS internals add friction.

TALAS = adjustable

F100 = lighter and smoother

You make the call.

— Lee

6 replies
  1. scott says:

    Yo Sensei,
    I ran a Talas 32 on Milan’s old yeti 4x and spent 90% plus time dialed in at 100mm. Most of the factory guys run about the same. I initially put a Talas 36 on my ’08 frame and after playing around with it all spring ended up converting it to Float internals with a 110 mm length (matches the crown-axle length of my old Talas 32 set at 100 mm). Matt runs an F80 on his small frame. mostly because he ways nothing, and so does the fork. Jake runs a Float cut at 110 on his large frame. (Both Jake and I are 200+ riders, lots more pluses in my case)
    I always thought I’d adjust the fork to more travel on big courses like Angel Fire, but I never ended up changing it that often. The bike responds really well in the 100 mm range. You do have to watch getting your weight too far forward in turns, it does get a little twitchy.
    If you’re light enough to run the F100, it’s a great way to go. My only issue was how much I could torque the fork sitting in the gate with a 32, so I went up to the 36 for stiffness.
    Scott

  2. leelikesbikes says:

    Nice.

    Now that I’m riding a 20″, the flex in my 32mm forks is extra noticeable. Not that my forks are holding me back, but I sure would love a cut-down 36 …

  3. scott says:

    “I sure would love a cut-down 36…”

    2 hours and a plate of Brownies for Mike and Justin at the Fox trailer (assuming you’ve got the 36 to start with). They give unbelievable support to MSC riders. Hope that other regional series riders have similar opportunities.
    Scott

  4. Paul says:

    Get a lowered 36 thats really stiff and resonable light or get the talas keep it short for flater smother coureses and extended for steep rocky ones

  5. Mikey Haderer says:

    Andrew,

    I have shredded that very same bike for the last 4 years solid with each of the mentioned setups above. I just recently got set up with a new 15mm f120 lowered to 100mm and a few extra CCs of float fluid and it is honestly the best part of the entire bike. Tracks ridiculous and no deflection. i was able to sitdown nose wheelie for 20 yards with one finger on the brake the moment that fork was bolted to the bike. I prefer it set a little steeper at the 100 setting rather than the 110 that most of my team rides simply because i corner a bit more off the back of the bike. but either 110 or 100 you will be completely satisfied. get the f120 so you have more options.

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