F100 vs. TALAS for Yeti 4X?

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