[kidwoo]

I've got a 2015-ish(??) fox 180mm talas for 26" wheels that's the best air fork I've ever ridden. I want some 27.5 lowers because no one is prying this air spring and damper from my cold dead hands. No 27.5 wheels don't fit, this is the old 2008 era casting without the marzocchi M hidden in there on the arch. It's a non-boost'em fork obviously.

So what do I need? I don't have a boost fork to measure but it sure looks like the stanchion spacing is different between boost and non-stupid. So I assume I need a non-boost 180mm 27.5 something yeah? I'd like to find one of the 20mm option versions if possible.

Also, where do you find this shit? The only places that sell parts like this are in limey land.

 

[4130biker]

 

[kidwoo]

No one is that stupid. At least no one wearing these socks right now.

 

[Mo(n)arch]

Do you still have the casting with the longer then normal stanchion tubes?

If that's the case I am afraid that you are doomed to ride 26" forever - with Cunningham-sized rotors.

If I remember correctly, this casting was solely made for the 26" 180mm version. The new arch was introduced on the 2015 version, so your fork is for sure from 2014 or older. With 2015 all travel versions got the same casting.

 

[Flo33]

No 27.5 wheels don't fit, this is the old 2008 era casting

Hmm, I'm riding a 2010 or 2011 Van 160 RC2 160 with 650b wheels with non stupid wide tires without a problem. That's the same chassis gen isn't it?

 

[jonKranked]

I've got a 2015-ish(??) fox 180mm talas for 26" wheels that's the best air fork I've ever ridden. I want some 27.5 lowers because no one is prying this air spring and damper from my cold dead hands. No 27.5 wheels don't fit, this is the old 2008 era casting without the marzocchi M hidden in there on the arch. It's a non-boost'em fork obviously.

So what do I need? I don't have a boost fork to measure but it sure looks like the stanchion spacing is different between boost and non-stupid. So I assume I need a non-boost 180mm 27.5 something yeah? I'd like to find one of the 20mm option versions if possible.

Also, where do you find this shit? The only places that sell parts like this are in limey land.

if it's the 2008 era casting then it's not a 2015 fork. probably 2013 or 14. I *just* went down this rabbit hole. what's the 4 character ID code on the back of the lowers?

 

[jonKranked]

If I remember correctly, this casting was solely made for the 26" 180mm version. The new arch was introduced on the 2015 version, so your fork is for sure from 2014 or older. With 205 all travel versions became the same casting.

i believe you are correct. in theory, i *think* he could drop his air spring in a newer chassis.

 

[kidwoo]

Do you still have the casting with the longer then normal stanchion tubes?

If that's the case I am afraid that you are doomed to ride 26" forever - with Cunningham-sized rotors.

If I remember correctly, this casting was solely made for the 26" 180mm version. The new arch was introduced on the 2015 version, so your fork is for sure from 2014 or older. With 205 all travel versions became the same casting.

What about the few 170 or 180mm 27.5 non-boost forks out there. Dampers and air springs shorter on those?

I bought it brand new, from fox, at the end of 2015. They called it a 2016 fork. It most certainly is the old freeride era casting.

I almost sent it back at the time but after riding it once I realized it was damped with unicorn urine. Yes, it's this one: https://ridemonkey.bikemag.com/threads/facing-down-the-brake-mounts-on-a-fox-36.274516/

 

[jonKranked]

I bought it brand new, from fox, at the end of 2015. They called it a 2016 fork. It most certainly is the old freeride era casting.

there's fuckery afoot

 

[kidwoo]

View attachment 134225


View attachment 134224

well alrighty then...............
(I changed socks)

 

[FarkinRyan]

The lowers you want, if they exist, are listed on one of these pages;

2015 36 parts list; https://www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=463
2016 36 parts list; https://www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=566

Find part number, contact Fox, order part. Profit?

 

[kidwoo]

The lowers you want, if they exist, are listed on one of these pages;

2015 36 parts list; https://www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=463
2016 36 parts list; https://www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=566

Find part number, contact Fox, order part. Profit?

Of course
It's easier in europe.

I need to figure out of the damper and talas cart I have in mine are longer than what was in these.
https://www.foxracingshox.de/2862/service-set-2017-36-27.5in-180-w/20mm-pinch-axle-fox-matte-black-f-s-pe-s-lower-leg-assy

Is it wrong that I don't trust fox to send me what I order?

 

[Mo(n)arch]

What about the few 170 or 180mm 27.5 non-boost forks out there. Dampers and air springs shorter on those?

I bought it brand new, from fox, at the end of 2015. They called it a 2016 fork. It most certainly is the old freeride era casting.

I almost sent it back at the time but after riding it once I realized it was damped with unicorn urine. Yes, it's this one: https://ridemonkey.bikemag.com/threads/facing-down-the-brake-mounts-on-a-fox-36.274516/

Honestly I have no idea if there is some back and forth compatibility.
Maybe talking directly with Fox is an option?
Other idea: Is there someone in here that has a 27,5" and can measure the distance between upper and lower mount of the cartridges?
Maybe it's possible to stick the old internals in a new chassis? If the installation length in your fork is longer, you can probably add an adapter.

 

[FarkinRyan]

It's definitely not easier in Canada and I would much prefer to deal with Fox USA directly if it was an option. Distributors just add an extra layer of potential fuckups.

If you call Fox with your 4-digit code and the part number of the lowers you want they will be able to verify compatibility over the phone.

 

[jonKranked]

If you call Fox with your 4-digit code and the part number of the lowers you want they will be able to verify compatibility over the phone.

you can also pull up the full fork spec with the code online, which is why i asked for it earlier.

 

[Nick]

I've had good luck dealing with Fox directly. Roll the dice.

 

[englertracing]

View attachment 134225


View attachment 134224

No one is that stupid. At least no one wearing these socks right now.

 

[HAB]

If you go through the parts lists on their site, Fox lists entirely different parts for the older style forks with the longer lowers (CSU, damper and spring cartridges). Those forks also have a ~9mm taller a-c height at a given travel than the newer style ones, in addition to the extra length below the axle. Pretty sure that swap ain't gonna work.

Also, can confirm that the stanchion spacing on the boost forks is wider than the normal ones.

 

[4130biker]

How much interference is there with the 27.5 rim and tire you want to run? Was joking with the angle grinder, initially. Lol

 

[HAB]

How much interference is there with the 27.5 rim and tire you want to run? Was joking with the angle grinder, initially. Lol

FWIW (probably not much) the newer M arch forks clear a 2.5 650b DHF okay, with a 26" fork.

 

[kidwoo]

How much interference is there with the 27.5 rim and tire you want to run? Was joking with the angle grinder, initially. Lol

It's not even close. I can get the rim in but nothing with a tire. They came up with this casting in like 2007. Gazaloddis were dead and the next generation of gazzaloddi (40mm rims bru!) hadn't been cast upon the new generation of bright eyed impressionables.

 

[Jm_]

I would saw off the arch and make a new one out of carbon.

 

[Nick]

or just, you know .....

 

[kidwoo]

Well I mean it does work on any bike of any geometry and any travel after all.............

 

[Nick]

And check out that new low price!!!

 

[kidwoo]

I would saw off the arch and make a new one out of carbon.

that's just stupid


I'm going to cut the dropouts off and move them.

duh


I just looked up the fork, they do list it as a 2016 model even though it has ancient thickness. I think I'm SOL. Different CSUs between 27.7 and 26, and no 180mm talas for 27.5. So this cartridge was only used in this fork I think.

Everything I want to mess up with this fork just refuses to be messed up.

 

[HAB]

Little JB Weld and she'll be good as new!

 

[jeremy_2640]

Are TALAS really the best....?

 

[kidwoo]

Are TALAS really the best....?

Best? I wouldn't say better than a coil but the one I have might as well be a coil. The 180mm talas 5 (and ONLY the talas 5) are insanely good. The 160s are also pretty good but ramp up a little. I pulled a float spring out of a 160mm fork I have and replaced it with a talas and I'm not changing it. Itty bitty seal friction and all that. Supposedly the newest float springs are better but I've been hearing that for literally 12 years. Plus vorsprung coil. I just want to keep mine because I know it works really well.

Prepare yourself for a bunch of bullshit from people who haven't ridden a talas since 2006 to tell you how much they suck.

 

[Mo(n)arch]

So...
Whats the verdict about putting the ancient internals in a new chassis? Not possible? Internals too long?
Come on, you put a Charger damper in a 40 my man. You can make it happen!

Edit: Is the Talas required in terms of travel adjustment? Maybe a coil conversion of a new 36 might make you happy aswell? Just saw a 2018 36 with Push coil conversion on pinkbike buy an sell.

 

[kidwoo]

I just figured I could find some cheap lowers and go from there. I don't need to make this a huge project or anything. I was just trying to save money on a fork.

The RC2 damper cartridge in mine was shared with some 180mm 27.5 forks, but the Talas spring looks unique to the 26" one. I can't find a 180mm 27.5 talas. I grabbed another 27.5 wheel last night with a narrower rim and a 2.4 dhr2 and it barely fits in the crown. So I'm not completely in new fork land.

 

[Nick]

I just figured I could find some cheap lowers and go from there. I don't need to make this a huge project or anything. I was just trying to save money on a fork.

The RC2 damper cartridge in mine was shared with some 180mm 27.5 forks, but the Talas spring looks unique to the 26" one. I can't find a 180mm 27.5 talas. I grabbed another 27.5 wheel last night with a narrower rim and a 2.4 dhr2 and it barely fits in the crown. So I'm not completely in new fork land.

In the interest of geeking out ... what's special about that vintage air spring & damper when compared to the new versions?
Have you ever torn into them, is there an obvious difference? shimz? powdered unicorn balls? metal vs plastic?

 

[StiHacka]

In the interest of geeking out ... what's special about that vintage air spring & damper when compared to the new versions?
Have you ever torn into them, is there an obvious difference? shimz? powdered unicorn balls? metal vs plastic?

I've heard that riding the Talas without dying really impresses the ladies.

 

[Flo33]

That's a DT EX471 with a DHF 27.5 x 2.50 DD in mentioned old 26" Van 36s from 2010. A Shorty in 2.50 is tight.

Without the spring there are ~7 mm between csu and tire tread. I had enough bo events to trust the clearance.

You think the 180 chassis is lower?

 

[kidwoo]

That's a DT EX471 with a DHF 27.5 x 2.50 DD in mentioned old 26" Van 36s from 2010. A Shorty in 2.50 is tight.

Without the spring there are ~7 mm between csu and tire tread. I had enough bo events to trust the clearance.

You think the 180 chassis is lower?

It's definitely a different casting (obviously). I'd say with the 25mm rim and 2.4 dhr2 there's maybe 2-3mm.

 

[OGRipper]

Hey 'Woo, I might have missed it but have you tried the Grip2 damper?

Like others I find it hard to believe there is a good TALAS damper out there, but I've heard you say it enough that I'll give you the benefit the doubt. Still, the new stuff is really good. Plus, it has the added benefit of, you know, being compatible with what you're trying to achieve.

 

[Jeremy R]

Hey 'Woo, I might have missed it but have you tried the Grip2 damper?

Like others I find it hard to believe there is a good TALAS damper out there, but I've heard you say it enough that I'll give you the benefit the doubt. Still, the new stuff is really good. Plus, it has the added benefit of, you know, being compatible with what you're trying to achieve.

Gotta agree here. The new 36 Grip 2 that I just got recently is the best damped fork that I have ever ridden without a close second. The main thing that makes it so good is how handles hits at speed. It is damped so well that sharp impacts does not upset the fork and it just plows through on a straight line. Let's me ride stupid. I like stupid.

 

[OGRipper]

Let's me ride stupid. I like stupid.

Yep. And stupid fits 'Woo perfectly. Just read this thread.

 

[Flo33]

What has Grip2 damper got to do with TALAS spring?

 

[kidwoo]

^What he said. I even rode some grip1 dampers that felt great.

It's fox air springs that I still haven't ever liked. But I haven't ridden a 2018+ fork other than a 40.