Fork Test. Fox 32 Float RLC15QR Extra Travel Can Enhance More Than Your Ride
There are few options for those who desire a longer stroke fork but don’t want to carry the six-inch-stroke Fox 36 all-mountain fork. The Fox 32 Float RLC is our sleeper. It’s a 140-millimeter (14cm) stroke slider that suits the aggressive cross-country trailbike role more than any other.
When speed and rocks are combined, the difference in travel between 120 and 140 millimeters is quite dramatic. Jon Ker photo The 32 F has 32-millimeter diameter stanchion tubes. This provides a lot of rigidity and torsional strength. You get more control than any trail rider could wish for when you add the 15QR through-axle option. There is another benefit toFox Racing Shoes’ mid-travel fork, which may not be obvious to those who push the limits on the descents or in the corners. Fox 32 Float RLC, in all its glory. 15QR axles have a special forked quick release lever. John Ker Photo
Cross-country trailbikes often use 120-millimeter stroke bikes. They also use a steeper frame geometry, usually between 70 and 71 degrees at their head angles. Adding a longer travel fork like the 140-millimeter-stroke 32 Float adds a measureable improvement in the bump-handling ability, and kicks out the bikes head angle almost one degree. Although the longer fork won’t make a significant difference in handling, it will not be subtle. The handling advantage doesn’t just apply to bikes with poor handling. We upgraded a Pivot Mach 5 test sled with a 140-millimeter stroke Fox fork. It became a formidable performer on technical descents and was more secure in turns. This without affecting its already-legendary climbing abilities.
We replaced the fork in ourPivot Mach5with a longer-stroke 140 millimeter
32 Float fork, it increased its high-speed steering performance and big hit performance. John Ker photo
It is also possible to do the opposite. The Fox 32 Float RLC is slightly lighter than the Fox 32 Float RLC, and can provide a lot of cushion with its five-and-half inch fork travel. It weighs in at just four pounds. If you are a Santa Cruz Nomad or a large-fork all-mountain bike with a very slack head angle, consider switching to a smaller, lighter cross-country setup. A steeper head angle can boost the bikes’ climbing. Add a lighter-weight wheelset, and you might have a great XC bike that can take off on some big drop-ins. As all-around riders seek more efficient bikes that can travel longer distances and are lighter than 14kg, the trend is already underway.
The quick release handle is closed at a specific angle by the indexed splined axle tab. The blue clicker adjusts the lockout threshold. RC photo The quick release 15QR lever doubles up as a wrench handle for unthreading the axle. Cast-in guides are placed on each leg of the fork to position the hub so that the through-axle can slide in and out easily. RC Photo
15QR is a sweet through axle mechanism. At least once the threads have been indexed on the right side dropout. Rotate the splined insert until it reaches its ideal position. The through-axle system allows for quick wheel changes once that chore has been done. You can wheel off as fast as you can with a traditional quick-release wheel and intact lawyer tabs.
32 Float sliders have post-mount caliper bosses to make it easy to center, and Foxs trick brake guide with rubber anti-swivel pads. The sliders are made of magnesium and the crown and stanchions are made from aluminum. RLC stands for low-speed Compression damping control, adjustable Lockout and low-speed Rebound. These are all familiar terms to Fox riders. The 32 Float also has a tapered steerer tub (4 cm at its crown and 1.1/20cm at the stem). The damper is an oil bath system that keeps the internals (on right) slippery. The air spring is located on the left.
Forks have a more precise steering control and a clear advantage over rough terrain. Click on the picture to visit Scott USA.
What do you think about the 14 cm Fox Float travel Fox Float? It rides much smoother than any other suspension machine, including the black, silver and white versions. The tiny chatter that used to drive Fox riders crazy is gone, and the big-hit performance of this suspension maker is almost unstoppable. The adjustment dials can make a big difference in the riding experience. The clickers of the Floats are well-machined and offer a range of tuning options that will suit most riders. The Fox 32 Float RLC and the 15QR system can transform a trailbike from a reliable one to a great one.
Fox Racing Shox 32 Float RLC
Weight: 18 kg
Stroke: 140 millimeters (14 cm)
Controls: Low-speed rebound, compression, lockout threshold and air spring
Contact: www.foxracingshox.com
