News Review

RAD Weekend: Fox 34 Talas RAD testing session in Heidelberg

03.12.2013
by Aaron Steinke
Fox RAD test session-20

Last weekend we followed the invitation from Fox Europe to join them in Heidelberg to test the exclusive Fox 34 Talas RAD. The plan: to experience the status quo of the Fox enduro forks, enriched throughout the season with experience and feedback from riders like Jared Graves (Yeti) and Nico Lau (Cube).

“In the Enduro World Series the loads and demands on the suspension are enormous. Accordingly we spend a lot time testing different setups and technologies with our teamriders – today you shall ride what resulted from that time!” explains Chris Trojer, Fox Europe Marketing Manager. So no wonder that Fabian Scholz and I were very eager on the test runs, it was a great opportunity to have an outlook on future developments, products and to draw comparisons to the competition.

RAD steht für "Racing Applications Development" und ist wie SRAM's Blackbox ein Programm, in dem ausgewählte Teamfahrern spezielle Tunes und neue Technologien testen.
RAD stands for “Racing Applications Development” and is – similar to SRAM’s BlackBox – a program where selected riders and teams test new tunes and technologies.
Mit im Gepäck hatten wir 2 Focus SAM 1.0 Enduro Race Bikes, die als Testbikes fungieren sollten.
Our baggage included two Focus SAM 1.0 enduro race bikes which would act as test bikes.
Fox versus RockShox? Jein. Das wäre so wie wenn man einen serienmäßigen Porsche 911 gegen einen GT3 antreten lässt. Getan haben wir es aber trotzdem - unser Urteil lest ihr in Ausgabe #008.
Is it Fox vs. RockShox? Well, not really. That would be like comparing an standard Porsche 911 against a race-ready GT3! Of course we did it anyway – read our conclusion soon in issue #008!
Die Fox 34 Talas RAD kurz vor der ersten Testfahrt.
The Fox 34 Talas RAD shortly before the first test ride.
Abstimmung der Fox 34 Talas RAD.
First adjustments on the Fox 34 Talas RAD.
RockShox Pike raus, Fox 34 Talas RAD rein. 2 Fahrer, 2 identische Focus SAM und 2 Teststrecken. Unsere Meinung dazu lest ihr in Ausgabe #008.
Remove the Pike, mount the Fox 34 Talas RAD. Two riders, two identical Focus SAM and two testing tracks.
Make love, not war! Dieser Sticker hat es Anfang der Saison auf den Fox Werkzeugkoffer geschafft - und lebt immer noch. Qualität...
Make love, not war! This sticker made it to the Fox toolbox in the beginning of the season – and still lives. Quality…
Keine Gnade: Feuchte Wurzeln, nasse (und viele große!) Steine, Anlieger, Highspeed, eng, steil... die 2 Testtracks waren sehr abwechslungsreich, aber vor allem eines: fordernd!
No Mercy: Moist roots, wet (and large!) stones, tight berms, high-speed passages, jumps, narrow and steep sections… the two test tracks were vary varied, but above all: challenging! ENDURO editor Robin Schmitt in a rush!
Only for real men: Fabian Scholz bügelt mit der Fox 34 Talas RAD und seinem Focus SAM mit Custom Decals durch das Steinfeld.
Only for real men: enduro racer Fabian Scholz (Focus / 5th Overall SSES) shredding with the Fox 34 Talas RAD and his custom-designed Focus SAM

More on the Fox testing weekend will be found in ENDURO Issue #008 – stay tuned!

Photos: Chris Trojer / Robin Schmitt Text: Robin Schmitt / Aaron Steinke

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About the author

Aaron Steinke

Aaron was our first employee and actively helped make our company what it is today, significantly shaping the look and direction of our various magazines. Aaron has been pursuing his own projects since mid-2020 but he continues to advise and support us on issues of marketing and technology. For many years, you would usually have found Aaron at casual enduro races, but increasingly you'll find him riding his road bike – long live freedom on two wheels!

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