[MMcG]

I'm considering either a Manitou Minute 3 or a Fox Talas fork to replace a Rock Shox Psylo SL

I can get either fork for around the same price so what I'm looking for is feedback as to which fork you'd choose and why.

Thanks in advance!

Mark

 

[kidwoo]

I've had a talas on an enduro since the beginning of last summer and it's been the best xc fork I've ever owned. I usually prefer the feel of coils but the fox shocks are almost indiscernable between the two systems. The best thing about the linear air springs is that you really do get a fully functioning fork at every travel setting. I owned a coil psylo and in the shorter travel setting, it was not far from being a rigid fork. The talas feels like the same air pressure, just less stroke, not a compressed spring. It is kind of nice to drop the front end on really long steep climbs.

I've only ridden a minute prototype for a few miles on a trail. I fiddled around with the threshold settings for a while and still wasn't happy with how unresponsive it felt. It reminded me of how the epic brain shocks feel. It literally felt locked out some of the time. For some folks this is a good thing but I like a more active suspension feel. I don't have significant time on one though so can't really offer any real usage opinions.

I'd say the two are on par with each other as far as stiffness. The fox has 32mm stantions and the minute has the reverse arch which really does seem to make things stiffer.

I'd vote fox for durability as well. I have yet to have any problems after a few thousand trail miles. I haven't even touched the thing. I can't say that about any other fork I've owned.

 

[JRogers]

I've owned 2 manitou forks (Xvert and a Sherman) and one fox (vanilla) and was more impressed with the Fox for durability and performance. I am building up a frame now (Giant VT) and my 2 choices were minute or Fox and I currently have a new TALAS RLC hanging off the front. I don't really feel that forks need SPV (it's nice but not a requirement or something I sought out) and, besides that one thing, Fox has the Minute beat in most other areas of performance in my experience. Maintainence, feel, stiffness, durability are all better on Fox.

 

[Sir_Crackien]

i have the minute 3 and it is the best fork that i have ever ride for a trial bike. the reason is that it does not ungulate when you get out of the saddle and really start cracking but it remain completely active. the fox forks can not even touch that.

get the minute 3 and be happy

 

[gorgechris]

I've not ridden a Minute, so I cannot compare. I will tell you what I think of the TALAS, though.

I rode a TALAS R for a season, and I loved it. I used the adjustable travel, and I liked the nearly-infinite ability to tune the feel of the suspension, and I do think it feels like a coil fork, not an air fork. Acceptable weight, too.

The cartridge in my fork worked great, never had a problem. I know a guy doing light-duty FR on a TALAS, he doesn't weigh much, but hits it pretty good, and it's holding up for him. The durability and quality of Fox products is very high. I don't think you could go wrong with one.

My GF now rides it, as I moved up to a Z.1 FR QR20 for more rigidity. I don't like the extra weight, though, so I'm kinda' bummed that I gave it to her, but I can't really ask for it back, she likes it too much.