"I understand that bicycling, motorcycle riding, other motorized vehicle operation and competitive sports and activities, whether on or off road, involves danger and the RISK of INJURY to any and all parts of my body including possible DEATH."

These words were used in the general liability release I read while sipping coffee with my fellow riders at the Fox Racing Shox 2009 product launch breakfast at Zaca Station. It was mandated that we sign our life away in order to participate in any and all activities planned for us! There was little known about the day, other than the fact that bicycles and several different types of motorized vehicles would be enjoyed by all who wanted to participate.

As I glanced around the table, people either had a look of trepidation or total excitement, no one really knew what to expect! I for one was totally excited!!!! I personally had never ridden or driven most of the vehicles that were going to be on site!



As far as the bicycle product testing was concerned, I heard that most of it was going to take place on the 2007 Santa Ynez Norba National DH and XC courses. This was great because we could actually test the boundaries of the product on a real DH course. I quickly came to find out that the course was really mellow for DH race course but perfect for testing the 32mm forks and RP23 rear shocks that we would be putting on our bikes.



Post breakfast we headed out to the Zaca Station MX Park in Los Olivios California where Mario Galasso gave a detailed talk about the new Bicycle offerings from Fox.



The major breakthroughs for 2010 that Fox was going to focus on were with 32mm fork lineup and the rear shock program. The forks are still called the F series but every fork got a serious makeover. With FIT technology now being integrated into every fork, Fox has once again raised the bar with performance. Weight was a huge improvement as well with these forks; most 32mm forks dropped a significant amount. For instance: the F100RLC is now under 3.19 lbs. Fox always puts performance first, but this year they want to have the lightest and best performing forks on the market. As for the rear shocks, Boost Valve technology is going to be included in all high-end offerings. Boost Valve Technology was developed and refined on the World Cup DH circuit last year. This same technology is now going to help make your riding more efficient and enjoyable on any trail.





Forks:



32 F-SERIES
The Flagship XC Fork drops weight and competitors
In 2009 Fox presented the completely redesigned 32 F-Series chassis improvements including the revolutionary new 15QR system, new crowns, steerers and lower legs which improved suspension performance and rider confidence.





FIT (FOX Isolated Technology) dampers are brought into the 32 line up of forks. The FIT RLC dampers bring FOX damping control to a whole new level. The FIT damper uses a unique bladder design, which provides the lowest possible friction for a sealed damper, reduces fluid aeration for enhanced suspension consistency, and reduces unsprung weight for faster wheel response and increased steering precision. The ergonomic, handlebar-mounted remote lockout is now available in both left and right hand versions, offering riders flawless transitions between open and lockout damping modes. Now available with an optional 1.5˝-1 1/8˝ taper steerer for added stiffness, the F-Series forks also boast a reduction in both weight and friction throughout the fork, resulting in better small bump sensitivity and increased front wheel traction.
The harder you push the damper the more confidence it inspires. FIT dampers will be found in 32 F series, Float, TALAS, and Vanilla forks for 2010.

All Fox forks receive new tunes to their air spring curves for better utilization of travel. The TALAS forks receive a larger and more ergonomically friendly travel adjust lever.



My bike was spec'd with a 32 TALAS 150. Here are my findings for the new TALAS:
[*]High and Low Speed Compression are far more sensitive than last year.

[*]I rode much of the time with my low speed compression knob almost all the way on. The fork stayed high in it's travel on the climbs yet still provided great control over small bumps.



[*]On the DH the bumps got larger the fork was able to access it's full travel even with the low speed knob turned all the way on.
[*]Lockout force knob was easy to access and therefore usable during the ride.
[*]Once again beginning stroke compression has been vastly improved. The small bump compliance is much better giving the fork more of a coil type suppleness.
[*]TALAS adjuster was easy to use and I found that the forked had the same characteristics at all travel settings



I want to emphasize that Fox has made HUGE improvements in the following areas for this fork:

1) Small bump compliance in the initial 25% of travel. This has much to do with the improved beginning stroke (low speed) compression.
2) Sensitivity of the adjustment knobs. Each adjustment not only works but you can tell the difference with minor adjustments.



32 FLOAT

[*]now available in both 140 and 150mm configurations.
[*]gets the all-new FIT™ RLC and RL dampers for more weight savings and improved damping. Available with an optional 1.5˝-1 1/8˝ taper steerer for added stiffness, the FLOAT's overall weight reduction and decreased friction throughout the fork result in better small bump sensitivity and increased rider confidence.
[*]The new FIT Dampers inside combined with our 15QR system give the FLOAT the best ride control, traction and steering precision for your lightweight trail bike needs. 32 FLOAT: Lighter, more travel, better performance.

Image Talas_small

32 TALAS

[*]For 2010 this all-round trail fork is also available with 150mm of adjustable travel and optimized spring curves for each travel setting.
[*]Completely new FIT dampers inside the RLC and RL models provide more consistent damping for enhanced rider confidence.
[*]The FIT dampers combined with the ultra-stiff chassis featuring the 15QR thru axle system provide 32 TALAS with incredible front-end traction and steering precision.
[*]The package is topped off with an ergonomically improved, forged aluminum TALAS lever for confidence inspiring travel adjustments on the fly.

Image Vanilla small

32 VANILLA

[*]The lightest 5.5 inch coil sprung fork just got lighter

[*]For 2010 Fox trimmed weight and increased damping performance with the completely new FIT RLC and RL damper, giving VANILLA an incredible amount of rider-adjustable low-speed compression and rebound adjustment.

[*]An available 1.5˝-1 1/8˝ taper steerer increases steering precision while decreasing weight. VANILLA's ultra-stiff chassis with optional 15QR lower leg, new FIT damper and a decrease in weight and friction improves suspension performance and rider confidence.

[*]36 and 40 FIT RC2 forks receive the tuning updates developed during the 2008 race season. Fox also brings the 36 Float, TALAS, and Van to a new price point by offering this fork with a more cost effective R damper.

Image Stock For Each fork below.

36 FLOAT
[*]Tipping the scales at less than 5 pounds, this 6 inch travel winner is the lightest, most versatile All-Mountain fork around.
[*]The RC2 damper with FIT cartridge give the 36 FLOAT outstanding mid and high speed damping and an ultra-wide rebound range.
[*]Reduced friction throughout the entire fork maximizes bump sensitivity and front-end confidence.
[*]The 20QR tool-free thru axle system increases fork stiffness and front-end precision as well as ensuring quick, hassle-free wheel changes.

36 TALAS

[*]new ergonomically designed 3-position TALAS lever allows for quick on-the-fly (160-130-110mm) travel adjustments, and has optimized spring curves for each travel setting.
[*]The 20QR tool-free thru axle system makes wheel changes quick and efficient. Enormous 36mm stanchions combined with the stepped 20mm axle provide unparalleled stiffness and steering precision while reduced friction throughout the fork maximizes bump sensitivity and front-end confidence.
[*]With fully adjustable high and low speed compression and rebound damping, 36 TALAS is geared up for whatever gets in its way.

36 Vanilla
[*]160mm of coil sprung travel, separately adjustable high and low speed compression damping circuits and widely adjustable rebound.
[*]The FIT RC2 position-sensitive damper along with reduced friction throughout the entire fork maximizes bump sensitivity and front-end confidence.
[*]VAN's 20QR tool-free axle system with stepped thru axle combined with huge 36mm stanchions provide for incredible stiffness and precise traction.

Fox 40 RC2

[*]Double downhill world champion
[*]At the 2008 World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy, FOX 40® equipped riders Rachel and Gee Atherton were crowned downhill World Champions. This double victory marked the culmination of what Fox learned during countless hours of testing on the world's most demanding courses, and working with the best athletes the sport has to offer.
[*]Fox engineers and race technicians have not only kept up, but anticipated their needs and championships are the result.
[*]The 40's purpose-built downhill chassis has been optimized for maximum grip and weight savings, features massive 40mm stanchions and a direct mount stem upper crown.
[*]At its heart is the world-class FIT RC2 damper with separate, externally adjustable high and low speed compression damping circuits and a titanium coil spring.
[*]The 40 is a sub 7 pound, full 8-inch travel Downhill Champion.

Rear Shocks


Image: RP_23 shock

As for Rear Shocks, Fox had a huge breakthrough with their RP23 Boost Valve Technology.
[*]For 2010 Fox has taken their position sensitive Boost Valve technology and packaged it within an in line air shock. This takes the RP23 to a new level of performance.
[*]These shocks provide excellent pedaling platform while absorbing bumps like no other technology we've experienced so far.
[*]Less chain slap, less effort to carry speed through sustained bumpy terrain.
[*]Shocks are great in ProPedal mode, in setting 1, 2, or 3, primarily and opting out to open mode occasionally to help settle the rear into the travel on steeper terrain.



I had a chance to ride this shock for two days while at the camp and can tell you that the biggest difference was in small bump compliance. Now, it seems that the gap in performance between coil and air shocks is beginning to close. Here is what I found:

[*]Small bump compliance is much better than years past. The beginning stroke (low speed) compression is very supple in effect smoothing out the trail. This holds true whether the pedal platform is engaged or open.

[*]Pedal platform is more sensitive allowing for more subtle adjustments while riding. Now you can actually leave ProPedal on while riding downhill and the shock will perform the way its intended to. I ended up riding the much of the downhill in ProPedal mode. Small bump compliance was great and when I hit larger obstacles the valve would open allowing the bike full use of it's travel without bottoming out.

[*]Adjustments are easily made on the fly. I found myself using the propedal lever and rebound adjustments more than normal.

[*]Shock is very lightweight coming in at only .5lbs in the 6.5x.1.5in model I used on my bike.



FLOAT

[*]The 2010 FLOAT series of lightweight, high volume air shocks incorporates the revolutionary patented Boost Valve damping technology.
[*]Boost Valve was first developed and refined on the most demanding World Cup Downhill courses.
[*]This year Boost Valve is brought into the XC, Trail, and All Mountain categories in the RP2 and RP23 level FLOAT shocks. Bumps disappear.
[*]No sacrifice in traction or bump comfort while in the pedaling efficient ProPedal mode of the new FLOAT RP2 or RP23.

DHX AIR

[*]The DHX Air is the heavy-duty trail riding shock of choice in an incredibly lightweight package.
[*]The large volume air spring and position-sensitive, velocity sensitive Boost Valve® damping offer an amazing amount of stutter-bump thru big hit performance in any type of terrain.
[*]With adjustable ProPedal®, linear adjustable rebound adjustment, and independent adjustable bottom-out resistance.

DHX RC4 AND DHX RC2

[*]DHX RC4 is a new from-the-ground-up, purpose-built downhill shock specifically engineered to the demands of the world's most brutal downhill courses.
[*]Externally adjustable high and low speed velocity sensitive damping and a completely redesigned Boost Valve® for position sensitive ending stroke control, act independently from each other allowing the rider to dial in the perfect balance of traction, small bump compliance and big-hit absorption.
[*]A larger diameter shaft lowers internal pressures and increases oil flow throughout the entire shock allowing for a wider range of tuning.

Once we were back from our second ride of the day, Riders were let loose to enjoy some of the epic Fox suspended machines on site



Motorsports:



One thing that I found refreshing at this camp was the fact that almost every Fox employee was either an enthusiast passionate about his or her particular sport or is currently or was a professional racer with a full time job. You can really tell that Fox employees are testing the boundaries of the product they produce.



Cameron Mccaul and James Huang take a ride in the Ford Raptor. Ford had this AWESOME vehicle on site all week for everyone enjoy!!! As you can see from the image some Cam is super stoked but James is not too sure!!! The Raptor was flying at over 90mph cornering on loose gravel!! It was a BLAST!!!!



This berm was right above the tech area, it was getting destroyed by the guy below!



That is Dennis Stapleton, one of the Fox Factory moto riders. He was an great guy and an amazing rider!



Contrary to what Mark and I thought, Adam seems to be a very coordinated fellow - Adam Craig, killing it on the step up.



Mark Fitzsimmons Fox Race Team manager/R&D specialist/Engineer/Pro Level Mountain Biker and sick moto guy!



Fitzy: Throwing the lookback!



Fitzy: Ripping the ruts!


Image: Mario1_small

Mario Galasso, Head of the Bicycle Division at Fox was seen going huge on the moto track! Mario ended up hitting the biggest jump on the course; a 100ft. Step up!!!! It was killer!



Mario hits the step up!



Mario couldn't get enough of the moto track!



Wild Lupine all over the track!!



Eric Swan, another Factory Fox Rider was killing it all day! The guy was amazing! Throwing massive whips off of everything! Weir, enjoying a moment in the Lupine!



Eric throwing another whip, so massive I couldn't fit him in the frame. He actually landed almost 100 feet down the landing and blew his tire off on this jump!



Eric Swan once again showing us how it's done!



This kid was so rad, I never got his name but he got so pumped for this step up!



ATV guy ripping up the burm!



Fox Factory Ride!!! SWWEEEET!



Bob Fox describing Bob Fox.



Adam Craig and Israel Romero mesmerized by Bob F.



Israel Romero of Bike Magazine Spain; super nice guy and great rider!!! Always a pleasure to hang with!!!





That is my buddy James Huang of Cycling News and killing it on the DH!!!



Danny from MBR, finding his way through the grass..

Parting Shot
Cameron Mccaul just didn't want to leave. Just before sundown he and Weir went out for another run in the Lupine.



website: FoxRacingShox.com