Sweetness of Vanilla R

Really don't know where I should start... Maybe I should start from the very beginning of my conquest of getting a FOX Vanilla.

Previously I was using RockShox Reba Race 100mm. Naturally it would have been a good upgrade from a Judy C. The problem I face with the REBA is the setting of the +ve and -ve air ! 1st off following the suggested air settings given is not recommended. Coz that is where I started from, but the fork felt too rigid. At the end of it all, the most comfortable settings was at about 110psi (+ve) and 100psi (-ve) or something like that. Bare in mind that I'm a 100kg rider. I was unable to find the balance between the plushness and the sag of the fork..

So I decided to give it up and give FOX Vanilla a try, after much poison from CS. Landed ourselves in Bike Pro, Tmn Megah. I must add, despite all the reviews of Boon Foo being a lan si seller. This time he was exceptionally friendly to us.. In fact he was friendly to all of us. At that time, the 07 Vanilla weren't available yet. But he assured that if were to order, the fork would arrive in a week or less. Nevertheless, there was a 06 Vanilla still available at his shop - KIV... Spoke to Boon Foo and Lim (MTB) to make sure that the Vanilla forks were able to convert travel to 100mm, for normal XC use mar. Plus my bike frame is not built for long travel forks.

On Monday, I called up Bike Pro to check on the stock of the 07 Vanilla. To my luck (and my surprised) NEW 07 forks just came in.. Once again asked more details about the 07 Vanilla, especially on the price and if it is able to travel adjust. IF I'm not mistaken, on Tuesday nite I confirmed with the buyer for my REBA + an original FOX air pump for RM1000nett. Thus on Wednesday morning, I called Bike Pro again, just to reserve 1 Vanilla 07 for me.. Guess I was speaking to Lim (MTB) at that time, reconfirmed with him again, that the 07 Vanilla was travel adjustable. I wanted the Vanilla to be at 100mm. Okay ! Confirm got fork and confirm can change travel.. Even booked the time slot to bring my bike in. Went to the shop with CS, only when Lim (MTB) dismantle the fork.. Realised that the 07 Vanilla model is not travel adjustable ! After checking the manual, it confirms so. Oh well, just not my luck of getting a new fork. Thankfully there was another 06 Vanilla in the shop. So I opted for that, and of course, the travel has to be adjusted to 100mm.

I have to add, at that time there were few other ppl/riders hanging out at BikePro. Most of them thought that I was stupid to change the travel to 100mm. But they'll NEVER understand.. Someone even asked me a few times to take the Talas, coz that is travel adjustable - on the fly. I keep telling them, I get Talas (another air fork) then what is the difference from using a REBA ? Kept asking me, until Lim (MTB) snapped at them.. "No point asking him to take Talas or Float R, what he wants is the spring coil feel. Some riders just want the spring coil feel. When speaking to him over the phone, I also know liow." May not be his exact words. But his comment was a direct HIT ! I was shocked ! He knew exactly what I was looking for.. Me and CS couldn't stop praising him, finally someone that understood ! From there on, everyone left us alone.. Hahahaha !!

Back to BikePro on Thursday nite, wanted to bring my bike home.. Sadly, after a very very spin on the tarmac.. Something was wrong with the fork ! The rebound was not working. Sigh... back to the hands of Lim. So pai seeh coz I held them back till 8pm. It meant that the bike had to stay for another nite. Damn I was pissed. It could possibly be the last chance for me to own a Vanilla fork.. Boon Foo also gave up, offered me a lower price for the 07 Vanilla / Float R. Just to solve off my problems. SEE ! Who says Boon Foo is arrogant ?!

Give it another last chance.. Heading back to BikePro on Friday evening, to my luck, there was no electricity. Headed straight into the shop and looked for my bike in the dark. Once I saw the bike installed with the 06 Vanilla R, damn relief ! Apa lagi ! Took the bike out for a test run ! If fact, not only we tested the bike... CS went on the test the fork and adjusted the settings for me, which I'm quite happy with ! There was not much of a problem with the SAG vs PLUSH, as I experienced with the REBA. Lim also proceeded to test the fork, he also agreed on the plushness of the Vanilla. Though there were still ppl asking me why I put it to 100mm, and asking me to change to the harder coil spring (red color). But I'll know once I test it out in Kiara. Since no electricity, Boon Foo allowed me to take the bike 1st, and pay him only the following day. I actually tested the fork 1st, then only paid for it. He assured me with the full package, 1 year warranty + 2 coil springs, manual and the FOX sticker.

Saturday morning... Woke up and it was drizzling outside. Because of the urge to test out the Vanilla was too strong. We headed to Kiara also. Just lepak for almost 40mins, before we started our ride. Since fish arrived all the way from Klang. Lets not like a little bit of rain dampen our spirit !

Instantly could feel the difference on the Vanilla. It was bobbing with every pedal I made. So my bike was like on ecstasy, feeng tou all the way up to tarmac X-junction. Doesnt matter lar, still can live with it. It only shows the plushness of the fork (??). Proceeded to ride up to Tokong, after a power stick break of course. Could feel that it was easier to climb, rolling over the rocks and roots was a breeze. Unlike using REBA, if ride too hard over roots/rocks, the bike feels like flipping over. The Vanilla is absorbing the terrain better. Though I did pushed most of my way upto Tokong.. =)

That aside, once the downhill from Tokong towards the Shriner's Convention entrance. That was when the feel of the Vanilla HIT me right in the face ! I realised that I was going down faster than before, it felt so much smoother. Cause of that, had more confidence and laid off the brakes. Till I reached the ramp, which I stopped. Cause I thought that I had a punctured tyre ! Checked nothing wrong, so proceeded down again, didn't press brakes till I could see the rest of them waiting at the junction. It was a feeling that I never felt before. WOW !!! It was smooth downhill all the way ! Was going faster than before, made me feel bit scared.. It was pure adrenalin rush !

Difference on a REBA is, it is more rigid. I think due to the +ve and -ve air settings, I was unable to find the correct balance. Feels like there has to be a threshold pressure applied on the fork, before the fork / travel begins. It created a very bumpy feel and sometimes pushes you forward. Having the REBA requires a lot of trial and error with the settings. You will just have to test all possibilities till you find your own ideal air settings. Those REBA users out there, share your setting experience with others.. It really helps !

Okay.. From there on, we entered Shriner's Convention, but then exited at the Carnival loop entrance to the tarmac. All the way, I was following CS line down. I think he foong shui.. So that I could follow him. I always have a problem with switchbacks, that ride, I managed to clear a few of them. SO HAPPY ! Since now rolling over roots / rocks weren't a problem.. Cleared a few parts which went on so smoothly, despite the damp condition. Damn Happy ! Was laughing and smiling down all the way !

From there we entered and did part of 4K and exited at the KLGCC... Sigh... sadly couldn't ride more due to time constraint ! But it was good enough for me to realised the sweetness, plushness and smoothness of a coil spring, specifically the FOX Vanilla. For sure the next ride (coming Sunday morning), it is gonna be another experience of the Vanilla ! Can't WAIT !

Basically, in terms of weight the Vanilla R is only 0.5pound heavier than the REBA Race. And since this is a coil spring and not air, won't be hearing the air blow-off anymore. BUT instead you'll be hearing me screaming and laughing all the way down.. Wooo HOooo !! The handling and cornering of the bike felt more stable. Definitely more grips over the rocks and roots. Bare in mind, it was still raining during the whole ride. The only thing that needs to overcome is personal fear / phobia. Certain sections where I've had bad falls, still haunts me till today. Something that needs to be overcome internally.

To those looking for a new fork, or have doubts with a coil spring fork. Trust me, no regrets ! This especially goes to those riders, who are in the HAPPY weight (90kg above) category. No need to susah trouble yourself with the air settings, just a few clicks and turns on the Vanilla, kaw tim !

p/s - Since the other parts of the ride has already been blogged, there is no need for me to repeat. And fish, hope that you are recovering well from the roll...

NK_Merida @ The wOOfer
::who needs a SOFT 6inch, when mine is HARD::
Hardtail'ers