RockShox Reba RL fork

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$

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KONA SHRED

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SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

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