First Look: X-Fusion RV1 DH Fork - Taipei Show

cavitation to a minimum due to the system preventing the oil from sloshing about inside the fork, but it also eliminates the chance of dirt and grime that has managed to get past the seals from mixing in with the damping oil. The twin-tube layout is just how the name suggests, with the damper cartridge employing a tube within a tube layout that allows the oil to flow through the compression damping circuits that are located at the bottom of the cartridge and out ports that feed into the outer chamber created by the exterior damper cartridge wall. The opposite happens during the rebound stroke, with the oil flowing in through the ports, past the check valve, and through the rebound assembly. External adjustments included rebound speed that can be adjusted via a red anodized dial atop the right fork leg, with separate low-speed and high-speed compression dials found at the bottom. Our time on shorter travel versions of the HLR damper have shown it to be a top performer that can rival anything on the market, so we are very much looking forward to having a go on the 200mm travel RV1.


26'' and 650B Versions
While 650B wheels are gaining ground fast on their long-standing 26'' counterparts when it comes to both OEM spec and consumer acceptance, no one is quite sure if they will have the same proliferation in the world of downhill bikes. We'll no doubt see some World Cup racers on-course with 650B wheels for the 2013 season, though, and X-Fusion may very well be one of them as the new RV1 will be available in both 26'' and 650B flavours. Both versions will utilize the very same lowers and stanchions but crown geometry will vary between the two in order to preserve handling, with the 26'' crowns featuring 42mm of offset and the 650B set running 46mm. Consumers will be able to purchase either version complete, or a set of aftermarket crowns that will allow them to switch between the two wheel sizes. Laser etched height markings on the upper portion of the stanchions will keep riders from having to measure to find where the tubes should be clamped.


Carbon Lower Leg Guards
Bolted to the lower legs is a set of uni-directional carbon fiber guards that protect the magnesium tubes from rock strikes. The guards are held in place with four small hex head screws and can be removed if you don't feel like running them, although riders who frequent rocky terrain will likely prefer to leave them in place (who's seen the countless photos of holes punched right through a set of fork lowers?). Graphics are printed directly onto the guard.


Pressure Release Valves
While common in the moto world, pressure release valves are only just now showing up regularly on mountain bike forks (although Marzocchi used them on their Shiver and Monster T forks many years ago). The valves, which are located just below the seals on the RV1, can be opened with a 2.5mm hex key to allow the fork's internal pressure to return to ambient levels. This may not be a concern for the majority of casual riders, but it is a well known fact that pressure builds up within a fork as it cycles through its travel for an extended period of time, artificially raising the spring rate as this happens. These small ports allow racers (or just picky riders) to release the built up pressure without having to crack open the fork's caps, and X-Fusion is even planning on offering tool-free aftermarket buttons that will replace the hex head screws.




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Reviews and Tech First Looks Forks X Fusion Shox