Fox Talas rear shock fitted on EVO...

[keen]

  I purchased a new Fox float Talas rear air shock, as a new take off, for my Way Big Monkey. A little grinding to clear the air valve/ couple of bushings/ set sag @ 1/2"  and I hit the driveway for some testing. Stiffer/ stickier initial travel, probably a pedalling plus. I noticed I am useing quite a bit of shock travel just droping off curbs and bouncing up and down on the suspension - 1 3/8" or so. I never rode an air shock equipped bike- is this normal? The Talas boasts a linear air spring and an adjustable rebound, compression is either locked or unlocked. Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you

[GrimJack]

Sorry, no opinions on the air shocks - but we want pictures!

[keen]

 How do you post photo's?

[GrimJack]

That's easy!  Click on the Galleries link on the upper right, then click on the upload link, and it will start a photo album for you.

[d1sc0ver]

I run a Stratos Strata on the rear and it seems to perform according to the standard:  Air shocks are naturally progressive.  Mine also is either locked or unlocked for compression.

I don't know how Fox mfg's a linear rate air sprung shock, unless there's some sort of bleed system going on in the air chamber(s)...if anyone knows, please tell.

[keen]

 I added a photo, of the Talas, in galleries. It's under keen, view medium size for the best view. How do you add photo's to a post? I will call fox today and try to find out more about the Talas's linear air spring. I called Fox before I bought the shock but the tech. I spoke w/ wasn't to helpfull.

[Scott]

Hi Keen,
Just wondering what bike your Talas came from and what's the eye to eye?

Thanks!

[keen]

  The Talas was from an 03' Trek Liquid. 8.25" iei or filp the lever for 1/4"-1/2" shorter iei. I try to keep my head tube angle around 70 deg. I have a Marzocchi Z1 wedge up front which is pretty long. My head tube angle is @ 69.5 deg. I could probably run  an 8.5" iei shock and bring the angle closer to stock- 70.5 deg.

[slowride]

hmmm... Well, it looks good... but won't having the extra air thingy right up against the swingarm cause some troubles? As I understand it, you may get some interference... I doctored up your photo with arrows, to show what I mean... but maybe I'm wrong...

[Scott]

Thanks.  Try letting all the air out and cycle the shock through a full stroke to check for clearance-also are your brakes Pauls?  And are they truly a stronger braking V, or just an extremely nice piece of work?  I have Avid mags.

[keen]

  The Talas switch (resevior looking unit @ base) clears the swingarm by +/- 1mm , but under shock compression opens up this dimension. The only dimension of concern is under full shock compression I could bottom out the shock housing on the upper shock mount. Actual trail time is needed to find out if this shock performs and if it hits the upper shock mount under big hits. The rear brakes are Sram 7.0's w/ boosters. I have an Avid mechanical up front.I want to see if I really like discs. I rode a couple disc brake equipped bikes and found I actually rode slower because of overbraking- either I just wasn't used to disc's or I had more braking power than I needed.