OWNER'S MANUALS
FORK- 2014 36 VAN 180mm 26
Travel
6.7 in./170mm
7.1 in./180mm
Features/Adjustments
Factory FIT RC2; 170, 180; Kashima Coated or anodized upper tubes, 1-1/8” straight or 1.5” tapered steerer, low-speed compression, high-speed compression, rebound, coil spring preload.
Performance R; 170, 180; Anodized upper tubes, 1-1/8" straight or 1.5" tapered steerer, rebound, coil spring preload.
Lower leg
20QR thru axle system, post style disc brake mounting
Spring
Coil
Riding style
Freeride, Downhill
For general information and installation instructions click here »
Before You Ride
Step 1
Make sure that your fork is ready to ride
- Check that quick-release levers are properly adjusted and tightened.
- Inspect the entire exterior of your fork. The fork should not be used if any of the exterior parts appear to be damaged. Contact your local dealer or FOX for further inspection and repair.
- Check your headset adjustment. If loose, adjust it accordingly to your bicycle manufacturer's recommendations.
- Check that all brake cables or hoses are properly fastened.
- Test the proper operation of your front and rear brakes on level ground.
- Before every race or ride, clean the outside of your fork with only mild soap and water, and wipe dry with a soft dry rag. Do not spray water directly into the seal/upper tube junction. Do not use a high pressure washer on your fork.
Setting Coil Spring Preload
Step 1
Sag should be set to 15 - 20% of total fork travel
- Using your forks sag setting o-ring on the left upper tube (or temporarily install a zip tie to the upper tube), slide the o-ring (or zip tie) down against the fork dust wiper.
- Make sure your RC2 adjusters are in the open position (both fully counter-clockwise).
- Dressed to ride (including a filled hydration pack, if you use one), position your bike next to a wall or table to support yourself. Mount your bicycle. Assume your riding position for at least 10 seconds, allowing the suspension to fully settle. Make sure you distribute your weight evenly between the saddle, handlebars and pedals.
- While in your riding position, slide the o-ring (or zip tie) down against the fork dust wiper.
- Dismount your bike without bouncing, to avoid further moving the o-ring or zip tie. Measure the distance between the dust wiper and the o-ring or zip tie. This is your sag measurement. Suggested sag measurements are listed in the table below.
- If your sag measurement is less than the desired 15-20% of total travel, turn your preload knob counter-clockwise one full turn and repeat steps 1-5 to measure sag again. Repeat if necessary.
- If your sag measurement is more than the desired 15-20% or total travel, turn your preload knob clockwise on full turn and repeat steps 1-5 to measure sag again. Repeat if necessary.
Suggested Sag Measurements | ||
Travel | 15% sag (Firm) | 20% sag (Plush) |
6.7 in./170mm | 1.0 in./26mm | 1.3 in./34mm |
7.1 in./180mm | 1.1 in./27mm | 1.4 in./36mm |
If you cannot acheive desired sag by adjusting preload with the stock spring, you may need to swap your stock spring with one of the appropriate spring rate as shown below.
Adjusting Rebound
Step 1
Rebound controls how fast the fork extends after compressing
The red rebound adjuster is located at the bottom of the right fork leg (the rebound knob for Performance R forks is located at the right topcap). Rebound controls the rate of speed at which the fork extends after compressing. Turning the knob clockwise (in) slows down rebound; turning the knob counter-clockwise (out) speeds up rebound. Rebound damping should only be set after first setting your air pressure by measuring sag.
- Make sure your RC2 adjusters are in the open position (both fully counter-clockwise).
- Starting with the rebound adjuster fully open (counter-clockwise) push on the fork to compress it and feel its return speed.
- Increase rebound damping by turning the red rebound knob in clockwise until when tested, the fork returns quickly but does not top out.
Top out is felt when a fork fully extends too quickly and comes to an abrupt stop when it reaches full extension (you will hear/feel a small noise). Top out should be avoided through proper rebound setting.
Using the RC2 High and Low Speed Compression Adjusters
Step 1
Independently Control High and Low Speed Compression
Adjusting your high and low speed compression setting controls how the fork feels as it's compressed through its travel under various types of hits. Use your high and low speed compression adjusters to tune the fork to meet your riding style and terrain.
Low-speed compression:
Low-speed compression damping controls how the fork feels when being compressed slowly. This adjustment is useful to control fork performance under rider weight shifts, brake dive, G-outs, and other slow inputs into. Turning your low-speed compression dial clockwise increases low-speed compression damping and will make your fork feel stiffer when being compressed slowly. Turning your low-speed compression dial counter-clockwise decreased compression damping and will make your fork feel softer when being compressed slowly.
High-speed compression:
High-speed compression damping controls how the fork feels when being compressed quickly. This adjustment is useful to control fork performance under bigger hits, landings, and square-edged bumps. Turning your hihg-speed compression dial clockwise increases high-speed compression damping and will make your fork feel stiffer when being compressed quickly. Turning your high-speed compression dial counter-clockwise decreases compression damping and will make your fork feel softer when being compressed quickly.
Changing the 36 VAN Coil Spring
Step 1
If necessary, changing coils can help you achieve proper sag.
36 Van 170mm & 180mm Spring Information | ||||
FOX Part # | Spring Rate | Color Code | Rider Weight | |
lbs | kgs | |||
039-05-090-kti | 31.4 lb/in | Black | <90–115 | <40-52 |
039-05-091-kit | 35.9 lb/in | Purple | 115–155 | 52-70 |
039-05-092-kit | 40.4 lb/in | Blue (stock) | 155–180 | 70-82 |
039-05-093-kit | 44.8 lb/in | Green | 180–210 | 82-95 |
039-05-094-kit | 49.3 lb/in | Yellow | 210–240+ | 95-109+ |
- Turn your preload knob counter-clockwise until it comes to a stop.
- With a chamfer-less 6-point 32mm (or 1-1/4 in.) socket, loosen and remove the 36 VAN preload topcap.
- Do not attempt to do this with any other tool than that described above as damage to your topcap can occur.
- Compress the fork slightly to expose the coil spring. Pull the spring up to remove it.
- Verify the color code on your original and replacement springs.
- Lightly coat your new spring with Slick Honey™ and Install the new spring (shrink-wrapped portion at the top) by dropping it into the upper tube and pressing down to engage the spring perch.
- Install the 36 VAN preload topcap and torque to 220 in-lb (24.86 Nm) with your chamfer-less 6-point 32mm (or 1-1/4 in.) socket.
- Repeat steps 1-5 of the "Setting Coil Spring Preload" section above.