Despite being the cheapest fork on test, the Reba still manages to perform on a similar level, though there's more noticeable flex when pushed hard.
This RL model gets a top cap-mounted compression
adjuster, which offers a total lockout with adjustable 'Gate' blow-off in case
you forget about it and head downhill locked out. The fork is impressively
smooth out of the box and is nicely progressive, aided by the Rapid Recovery
feature in the Motion Control damper, which speeds up rebound deep in the
stroke to make sure it's ready for more, giving a fun, lively 'pop' to the fork
out of corners or over jumps.
While it shares that technology with the more
expensive sealed Charger damper found in the longer travel Pike, when pushed
hard it starts to lose composure over continuous big hits. Compared to the
significantly more expensive opposition, that's easy enough to overlook, as is
the slight chassis twist under pressure. That's a byproduct of the low weight,
so it's swings and roundabouts.
The Maxle quick release is
easy to use and the sag markers on the legs make setting it up an absolute
breeze. You can also get volume adjusting spacers to tune progression.
RockShox' Reba offers a great combination of value,
performance and weight.
Weight 1660g
Offset 51 or 46mm
Axle to crown 526mm
Price 690$