Description:Reba's combination of ligth weight and stiffness make it the most versatile option for aggressive XC and lightweight All Mountain bikes.
Key features
-New BlackBox Carbon-Steerer
-Stiff 32mm 7000 series aluminum upper tubes
-Aluminum control knobs
-Bossed lower leg option
-Integrated graphics
-Motion Contol with external Floodgate
-Compatible with all PopLocs
-Dual Air
Submitted by
ovaries11
a Cross Country Rider
from canberra, ACT, Australia Date Reviewed: July 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sparrow Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Weaknesses:
Motion Control Unit seals went, leaked within 6 months, shop said they arent normal shaped seals so you have to buy this pissy part for $100! Know two other people this has happened to, and the shop said it is a design fault and Rock Shox are taking a hammering on returns!
Bottom Line:
A good fork, light, responsive, though the seals are obviously rubbish and something they need to fix
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Wylie Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007
I wish I would have upgraded forks sooner. I had a very reliable Marzocchi that had served me for many years and was skeptical of all the newer features. This fork was a dramatic upgrade. The front end is much more responsive and less harsh to small bump forces but still has excellent dampening for those larger hits. I also feel this fork has improved cornering because the tire seems to stay glued to the ground better. As with any air fork, I was concerned about loss of air or bleeding of air into either of the chambers. This has not been a problem to this point. The remote lockout works great which improved climbing and the floodgate works as it is supposed. Travel adjustment can be achieved by adjusting spacers internally which I find beneficial. I would recommend this fork for those who ride cross country without any reservations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: June 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Adreneline Bikes
Strengths:
cost, however, factor in the price of not being able use this fork when it is in the shop and/or being shipped back and forth to Rock Shox.
Weaknesses:
Air leaks from positive chamber into the negative chamber, leaving the fork compressed.
Similar Products Used:
Fox
Bike Setup:
Superlight
Bottom Line:
Do yourself a favor and buy something else (i.e. Fox), unless you have a back-up you don't mind riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: April 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
OE on bike
Strengths:
Adjustability, stiffness and lightweight
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla, F100
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance 2 20006.
Bottom Line:
Nice plush and super adjustable fork. Rivals Fox's best. Dial in your setting and go ride. Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Petersburg, Fl Date Reviewed: April 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Stiffness, lockout, adjustability, ease of use, versatility, durability (all metal construction)
Weaknesses:
weight, will scratch (and peel decals) on trail.
Similar Products Used:
none, rigid all my life.
Bike Setup:
Dean Colonel Ti. XT
Bottom Line:
This is an update of my previous review. I have used this fork at least twice a week around town for about six months now. I love it so, so very much. I have used it on the trail a few times and it worked great. When it is locked out I can stand on the pedals and really pedal hard without any bob whatsoever (and I weigh about 185 lbs). Even when it is not locked out it is very stiff yet compliant. This is a great product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirk Denetclaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: January 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
universal cycles
Strengths:
Price!!! 32mm stanchions. Stiff fork. Marzocchi Marathon and Fox F series were both over $600.00
Weaknesses:
Recommendations for air pressure are high. Need to drop 20-40 psi lower than recommended.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX-R, Rock Shox Judy XC & Duke SL, Marzocchi X-Fly 80 & Atom Bomb
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dragon, Chris King hubs/headset, Rock Shox Reba Race, Race Face Turbine crankset, Syncros seatpost, Thomson stem.
Bottom Line:
Great fork for the money. I view this fork on the lines of the Marzocchi and Fox series forks. Adjustability is great. Had to play with fork pressures and rebound adjustment to get a plush ride. Use the manual and adjust all features. Use the rebound adjustment to limit shoot back from fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Petersburg, Fl Date Reviewed: December 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Quality, rigidity, adjustability, durability, lack of pedal bob.
I had serious reservations about switching to a suspension fork, as I have ridden rigid my whole life. I got the Reba because I am a big guy (190 lbs), and I wanted a fork that wasn't going to bob. I could not be happier with the Reba. Though it weighs more than my frame, it is worth it. This is a solid fork, no plastic anywhere (except the poplock remote). Even without locking the fork out it exhibits minimal bob. It is totally predictable and has no flex. The remote lockout is super intuitive and eliminates 99.99999% of all fork movement (though it was tough to fit it on my azonic cf-1 bars with an m750 dual shifter/brake unit). I have yet to bottom the fork out, and wonder if it is even possible to do so. Plus it looks awesome. For someone who is used to a rigid fork, this one is for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Behrer
a Downhiller
from Beaver, UT Date Reviewed: October 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
On-One
Strengths:
Adjustability, light weight, smooth function, great performance, Motion Control works great for extended or standing climbing that is common when riding SS
Weaknesses:
A bit more fore/aft flex than expected, but this is reducible if you adjust the fork with less compression damping. Not too sure that any 29er fork is going to have less fore/aft flex, though. Doesn't track or steer quite as accurately as my 26er Fox Vanilla RLC at 130mm travel.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first 29er suspension fork. For single crown 26er forks -- Fox Vanilla RLC, Fox VAN 36, Marzocchi Z1 FR QR20, Manitou Minute 1 and 2.
Bike Setup:
On-One Inbred 29er SS.
Bottom Line:
This is the 29er Reba Race set up at 100mm travel with PopLoc, but I'm not using the remote lever.
Fantastic value and excellent performance. The last RockShox fork I owned was a 1998 Judy which was a piece of cow dung. Every RS fork I rode after that was a big disappointment, especially the Psylo that was so touted by so many riders. Now that SRAM have taken over the RockShox game, the tides have changed completely. This is a great fork, very smooth operation, tracks well, steers well, very adjustable, high quality adjustment knobs (fit/finish), and best of all it's very competitively priced. I have to say that RockShox forks now are very worthy competitors to Marzocchi and Fox. Not quite as accurate in the steering and tracking as the Fox Vanilla RLC 130mm in 26" model, but that may well be because the 29er fork is taller. Either way it's a very impressive performer and a 5/5 chili value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GEORGE INGERSON
a Weekend Warrior
from STOCKTON, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ROCKVILLE
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$307.00
Purchased At:
THE BIKE SHOP IN SALIDA CA
Strengths:
ITS LIGHT WEIGHT,STIFF,ADJUSTABLE,
Weaknesses:
MY POPLOC BROKE ON MY SECOND RIDE BUT THANKS TO ROCKSHOX THEY HAD ME A NEW ONE WITHIN 4 DAYS A**KICKING COMPANY
The reba represents a great upgrade for riders who like to build fun into rides and is very good for XC. The adjustability is great and bump sensitivity is awesome. I don't see the point of paying 130$ more for the 25g lighter reba team when you get the same adjustability and smooth performance from the race. The reba range is not for weight weenies but even so, is only 3.5lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donnie Nix
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodstock, GA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bear Creek, GA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Everything.
Weaknesses:
None that I can see or feel.
Similar Products Used:
SID
Bike Setup:
hardtail XTR, lightweight XC bike
Bottom Line:
Great fork. Does everything I expect in a high-end fork. Large tubes make this the perfect fork for us beefy individuals who need more stability and strength from our parts on the trail. This fork is 3.5 lbs of love. It works well in every aspect of my riding, adjusts easily, has quality parts, and is just a darn good-looking piece of equipment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wj
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore! Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Plush after breaking in and putting in the correct amount of air (WITH PROPER PROCEDURES)
poploc ROCKS
Weaknesses:
a little on the weighty side for XC =/
Bottom Line:
Alright, first of all i just wanna tell all those out there while making a decision that, do not belittle rockshox. I feel that their quality is not being compromised, and this fork, when set properly and carefully, can feel like a fox, at half the price. This is good! the only thing is it's a hassle to maintain haha... but if you do not mind that, who needs a fox? and you can just keep clicking that poploc... very convenient, very good to use... 4.5 for overall if there was one, 5 for value
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Saint Paul, MN USA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
Great rebound adjustment, compression adjustment, and the poploc is incredible.
Weaknesses:
Wish it may have been a bit lighter...however, nothing else competitive to the Reba Race comes close
Similar Products Used:
Other rockshox, Psylo, earlier Indy.
Bike Setup:
V5 7005 aluminum hardtail, Rockshox Reba, Avid Juicy 5's, FSA Pig Pro Headset, FSA STEM, FSA bars, Hope XC Hubs with DT Swiss Rev Spokes 2.0-1.5, Mavic XM321 Rims, Shimano FC750 Crank, Shimano XT 750 Front and rear Derailers, SRAM powerglide 990 cassette, Sram 990 chain, and Sram Rocket Trigers.
Bottom Line:
I am very happy with this fork, the range of adjustment is awesome and most importantly very receptive to change. I am not sure where Rockshox gets there numbers for air pressure, but once you find what works for you, its great...I found that I am running the positive and negative pressures about 30psi lighter then what they recommend for my weight(165lbs). the poploc system is simply the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trekin fool
a Cross Country Rider
from southeast USA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mtn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Of course every good xc fork should have lockout and this one does. This shock stands out due to the remote lockout (pop lock) and the motion control when the fork is locked out which will give you some compression (sweet). This rock shock has impressed me very much due to value, options, looks, and functionality.
Weaknesses:
I agree with the other guy. Pay no attention to the suggested pressure ratings. I almost got the crap beat out of me on down hills on my first ride.
The remote tension (compression) knob on the pop lock can be a bit touchy. I just quit fooling with it.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shock Psylo and Duke
Bike Setup:
Came standard on '06 Trek Fuel EX8
Bottom Line:
Great fork for the value and even if it were to be a bit more exspensive it would be worth it. I've also had a rough relationship with Rock Shock and so far this '06 Reba Race has done a lot of making up from where I stand. It's actually 4 inches you can brag about.
(By the way, don't let my overall rating of 4 chilis be discouraging. I've never given an overall of 5.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rain Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: December 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Local singletracks.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
One Niner Bikes.
Strengths:
Good looking fork, solidly made. Works very well once dialled in and set up. Remote poploc is nice and easy to use. Good appearance and finish.
Weaknesses:
Recommended factory air settings are waaaay too high.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, Fox, Marz.
Bike Setup:
One Niner SS with all the top bling gear.
Bottom Line:
These Rockshox forks are very nice.
Rockshox finally got their act together and produced a fork that can compete with the other top brands. The forks work very well after being dialled in correctly. Disregard the factory recommended air settings and go waaay lower for a very plush and compliant ride.
[ I'm 170 lbs and run 80 psi positive and 60 psi in the negative air chamber.]
The remote poploc works beautifully to lock the forks out for out-of-the-saddle climbing and mashing up steep hills.
Imo, these forks are the best bang for the buck currently available, especially for single speed bikes. They are reasonably light, yet strong enough to take a beating, and the finish and appearance is good.
Changing the travel spacers inside the fork leg is so easy. You can set the fork up for 80, 100 or 115 mm of travel just by exchanging the spacers, and it is a very simple job.
I would definitely buy another set. I'm very happy with the Reba. I have given mine a hard time, and they have worked flawlessly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoff King
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: December 8, 2005
This is a great fork. Over the years I've had a love/hate relationship with Rockshox - bought a Mag 21 when that was state of the art - then one of the early Judy SLs (remember the bright yellow colour) - 80mm of travel and titanium-sprunmg beauty that didn't quite survive an XC epic ride with a couple of dozen river crossings - then a Judy XC which was a major disappointment, switched to Marzocchi with a 2001 Z2 Atom Race and swore I'd never go back. Got an EXR with my previous bike and found that OK, if lacking in plushness, then round myself back with Rock Shox when I bought the Trance this year. Have broken the fork in over 500 km or so and couldn't be happier with it - small bump sensitivity is awe-inspiring, I've never got close to bottoming it out (and I ride some pretty rocky trails.) Its lateral stiffness is superb, and in spite of my initial skepticism, the handlebar mounted lockout is now one of my favourite bits of kit on the bike - just great for those long hard climbs (and when I've forgotten to disengage the lockout the floodgate means that if it takes a hit the suspension will still work.) I trialled an Epic equipped with a Fox RLC prior to buying the Trance and don't think it performs any better than the Rockshox Reba - I can see myself enjoying this fork for quite a long time. Given the price differential between them, the Reba represents a great fork upgrade - if you're lucky enough to get a bike equipped with one stock, good for you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bbrtan
a Cross Country Rider
from malaysia, selangor Date Reviewed: November 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
light stiff , plush n smooth multiple adjustability
Weaknesses:
Brace jams with sticky mud other that this everything is great
Similar Products Used:
JUDY , SID
Bike Setup:
litesepeed , reba, xt, eggs, ringle
Bottom Line:
great smooth fork. really impressed me with its stiffness and adjustability with 80 or 100 mm travel taking small nipple hits and rock hard knockers. So yeah , it'll boost your manliness in all terrain...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a
from Byron Bay, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: October 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Pitt Street, majura pines ACT
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Weight, Price, Stiffness, Motion Control.
Weaknesses:
None found (only tested on Australia Giant Trance 2)
Similar Products Used:
Own/ed: Fox Vanilla 125R, Marzocchi EXR Pro Air, Manitou Avel Elite.
Bike Setup:
Avanti Barracuda (upgraded)
Bottom Line:
NB: this Reba does not have a Carbon crown/steerer as stated in the description! It uses butted Aluminium.
THe fork performs to the same level as those seen in 2005. It is plush, very light and stiff. The Motion Control feature is great. I found myself using it quite frequently- until now I was unsure about a "lock out" feature. Unfortunately (IMO), RS have only made the Reba adjustable from 85-100mm this year (previously up to 115mm). For my style of riding this is not enough. However I plan to purchase the Trance 2, then swap over my Fox forks, in which the Reba's will be home on my commuter/XC racer hard tail. Overall though, it's a great fork that performs well, and priced extrememly well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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