fox 36

given that specialized specs a 160mm fork on their completes and the bike isn't recommended for more than 175mm of travel, i'd say a 36 would be perfect. the geo on their website is measured with a 160mm travel single crown, and the numbers look spot on, nimble but not super steep. if you buy the rc2, you can dial in the compression to make it match the rear of the sx, and with the new hydraulic bottom out protection, you won't have to worry about losing the extra 20mm of travel really.

You're coming from a Domain so I'm assuming you don't have experience with high-speed compression. If you get the RC2 it will be pretty much impossible to bottom if set up right.

High speed means two things:

1. Going fast on your bike.

2. High speed fork action, like a big hit which uses all the travel. Low speed action is pedalling or braking forces, which moves slower thru the travel.

I'm not surprised you don't know what high speed is.

good choice. however, if you really think you would need the extra 20mm, you have the option of going with a marzocchi 66 ata. they can be adjusted between 180 and 140mm, so you'd have the best of both worlds, just some extra weight. it will still be lighter than your domain though, but unless you really want that extra 20mm, definitely go for the 36.

DavidMakalaster said:

You're coming from a Domain so I'm assuming you don't have experience with high-speed compression. If you get the RC2 it will be pretty much impossible to bottom if set up right.

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I run the 2006 36VanRC2 so I can only speak for that model. I run it w/ full high speed and minimum 4click slow speed. Bottoming is on max setting from factory. The fork when set up like that it is perfect for just about everything trail or DH.
You get full use of travel w/o bottoming. Couldn't be happier w/ it.

gmac said:

I run the 2006 36VanRC2 so I can only speak for that model. I run it w/ full high speed and minimum 4click slow speed. Bottoming is on max setting from factory. The fork when set up like that it is perfect for just about everything trail or DH.
You get full use of travel w/o bottoming. Couldn't be happier w/ it.

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Air spring are generally more progressive. I can't specifically speak for the 36 Float but I'm betting it would take less high-speed than the Vanilla.

BTW: Before someone gets anal I just use the terms bottom-out resistance and high-speed mostly interchangably. Deal with it. I'm aware of the difference.

I've run a 36 TALAS for over a year now on my Moment. It's a great fork, that's very adjustable. The combination of 36mm stanchions and the 20mm thru-axle are just awesome, especially if you're coming from a less-burly fork.

The TALAS doesn't feel quite as good as a Vanilla or Float, but it's a good compromise, especially if you want a good all-mountain fork.

BTW, 20mm is less than an inch... you could probably do without it. Also, I run a Totem on my Highline... it's killer, too. It just depends on what you want, and what's proper for your bike. I think a Totem on an SX Trail is a bit of overkill, as it would be on a Moment, or similar AM bike.

DavidMakalaster said:

BTW: Before someone gets anal I just use the terms bottom-out resistance and high-speed mostly interchangably. Deal with it. I'm aware of the difference.

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First I like this ^. I appreciate the educational extras in some of these posts. But, it can get silly. So agreed.
Second, I'd love to try the Float. You hear almost nothing but great stuff about it.

My buddy has an SX with a 36 on it, and it feels perfect. It's definitely a good match.

im running a 2007 fox talas 36 rc2 on my bottle rocket and the fork is amazing, i like it better than the van 36 i had earlier. a couple of the local trails have 8 foot drops with a good trany and it handle it with ease. i think the talas is a great choice.