Old 08-09-06, 12:59 PM
  #3  
C Law
Too Much Crazy
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NY
Posts: 3,660

Bikes: Eriksen 29er, Gunnar Roadie, Niner RLT, Niner RIP 9

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Well I have the pre 07 Talas adjustable from 90-130 on a Ellworth Distance and I find

1. When you are going on extended climbs, dialing down to 90mm really helps the handling. No wandering and helps 'bring down' the front end for easier climbing. Plus it is easier to get the weight forward on steep climbs.
2. When riding mixed singletrack I tend to leave it at about 110 to provide a good balance of handling characteristics with enough travel to handle the job.
3. On extended descents I crank it up to 130 for a relaxed front end and usually lower the seat down as well. It really makes the bike feel like a freeride bike. At least to me.

So, in your example, one bike is spec'd with the TALAS that can be adjusted anywhere in the range of 100 to 140. So it means the expert has a more versatile fork on it in my opinion.
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