This makes the fat thing a direct competitor to the Fox "36 Talas 180". Although the "Totem" is of course in a different league in terms of weight. 2702 grams with a shortened steerer tube is not sensationally light, but anyone who has ever experienced such a fork live knows how massive the fork is. And how stiff. And how stable. The fork can be lowered by just under 3 centimetres with a 45-degree turn of the lever on the left-hand bar. It only retracts again when the fork is completely relieved (raised). The right-hand bar contains the now proven and very good "RC2 DH" compression damping system. We weren't able to put the fork through the wringer for very long - a long-term test is currently in progress. But it's enough for first impressions.
The lowering initially worked without any problems or faults. However, the testers frowned at the spring performance right from the start. As usual with this manufacturer, we initially adhered to the pressure specifications on the bar. It should be 55 PSI for the test weight. This made the fork feel firm and extremely progressive despite the compression being fully open. We couldn't get more than 150 millimetres out of it, even on the downhill track in Bischofsmais and a few deliberately botched landings. In the course of the test, we lowered the pressure to 40 PSI, but the (too) strong progression at the end remained. Big question mark.
On our test bench, it delivered a stroke of just 173 millimetres at 40 PSI and a hefty 2300 newtons. Isn't that how we know the "Totem"? Although RockShox is generally characterised by a firmer basic compression set-up, the forks actually work very well, especially at high speeds. Interestingly, we tested a 2012 "Lyrik RC2 DH" (also with air suspension, but without drop) on the same route at the same time. And it clearly outperformed its fat sister.
Is it just the new lowering system that has such a strong influence on the characteristic curve? We will clarify this and report in detail.
ConclusionThe "Totem RC2 DH Dual Position Air" (very catchy name, by the way) could be the new secret weapon for extreme tourers and freeriders without a park nearby. The emphasis at the moment is on "could", because the suspension function on this model wasn't really that good yet. Is it due to the pre-series? We'll check that out. At least the lowering works well. But that's only half the story. Unfortunately.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
