MTBer Oppos! Weigh in.

"Mattbob" (mattbob)
08/27/2015 at 10:56 • Filed to: bikelopnik

Has anyone ever rebuilt a fox fork? I have an older one I bought used, and I am debating between rebuilding it, or just waiting until it fails completely and buying a new midrange fork. It is an ‘06 Fox TALAS R. What should I do? Video for inspiration

DISCUSSION (17)

MonkeePuzzle > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 11:01

what are the symptoms that indicate a need to rebuild? that’ll help identify whether to bother or not

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 11:01

I managed to rebuild some low end mountain bike forks once. It was a right faff on, but different brands go together differently.

Patrick Nichols > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 11:05

What should I do?

Buy a dirt bike. You never explicitly said it had to be helpful advice.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 11:06

I have rebuilt a couple of Marzocchi and can say its probably just easier to buy a new fork.

They can be rebuilt but never seem to last as long.

nermal > Patrick Nichols
08/27/2015 at 11:09

Ugh, pedaling is for n00bs.

EmbraceTheRasp > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 11:18

The Fox stuff is generally pretty rebuildable. I had that same fork on my old Yeti 575 and blew out the TALAS unit. I had these guys rebuild it for me. They were pretty great. Also swapped to a heavier spring and redid the seals. They are in Asheville, NC and are riders themselves.

If nothing else you might give them a call and get an expert opinion on your options.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 11:23

Take it to your LBS and have them put new bushing in and new oil should be about $100 and work like new.

Mattbob > MonkeePuzzle
08/27/2015 at 11:23

they just arent holding pressure as well as they used to, and have a bit more stiction than they used to. they probably need oil at least.

Mattbob > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/27/2015 at 11:27

I’m thinking I might go that route, or at least get an estimate from them. I have a pretty good LBS

Eberle-Hills-Cop > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
08/27/2015 at 11:28

Classic marzocchi experience.

Eberle-Hills-Cop > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 11:30

I’ve been using Fox components for my trail bikes for years, and have always gotten tons of life out of them between rebuilds/oil replacement. I’d vote for a rebuild, especially if it’s just going to be new seals and oil.

Mattbob > EmbraceTheRasp
08/27/2015 at 11:30

NC is a bit for to send it (im in michigan) but I will poke around their site and see what they offer. I’ve been looking to DIY it, but finding parts for the older TALAS shocks seems to be tricky and or not worth it.

Mattbob > Eberle-Hills-Cop
08/27/2015 at 11:32

where do you go to buy the seals, or do you have a LBS do it?

Eberle-Hills-Cop > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 11:34

Last time I did it myself I think i found the best price on http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 11:35

I get my forks rebuilt every year, they ride like new when serviced. You probably just need an oil change and bushings lubed up good.

RallyWrench > Mattbob
08/27/2015 at 12:41

Every bike tech I know says Foxes are a pain in the ass and require more care than competitors. Don’t wait for it to fail, just get it rebushed and sealed and it’ll be good for awhile. I bought a used 36/180 Van RC2 from a friend and had it done by a pro bike tech buddy with aftermarket seals for $80 and it kicks ass. Have you tried cleaning and oiling the stanchions yourself? If the seals are sticking a bit, this can help sometimes.

Mattbob > RallyWrench
08/27/2015 at 12:42

I think this is what I will do. I just need to get some oil and the seal kit. It should be around $40 for that stuff.