2023 Rockshox REBA/ Recon/ Judy Budget Forks Quick Check

[@bdcopper]

Nice to see you got your channel back!!! One of the best mountain bike tech channels going. thank you

[@LoveMTB]

Wow, thanks! Amazing to be back

[@viniciovieirajr.]

I absolutely agree!❤🚵

[@davomoto42]

I've been riding and racing a 2020 Reba 120 RL for the past year. It's a fantastic fork. Stiff, light, adjustable, and responsive. For a 32mm stanchion fork it's remarkable just how well it performs.

[@LoveMTB]

Totally agree, underated

[@marklouieadame]

True all you need actually is little changes on damper. Air suspension you just need spacers on damper you can always change the viscosity if you want to change the behaviour, will it damage the suspension fork? No!!! This has been the practice in motocross by changing the fork oil viscosity depending on the type of terrain they are going.

[@Asthbendriel]

I've had for a Reba A9 for a year or two now, and it's been an exceptional fork for XC. About the damper, they sell both the DebonAir valve upgrade and the Charger Race Day damper for the Reba, although as you said, it can be seen as a no-go because of you'd be spending close to a Sid Select, or you can look at it as future proofing and upgrading your current fork as time goes by without having to have the money right at once 🤷‍♂

[@Kelty101]

Good video. I have about 20 miles on the Reba and was looking into upgrading. I am going to stick with it for now. TY

[@Mauricio6302]

I had a Reba RLT with Qr9 and I thought it was an excellent fork. But I recently upgraded to a frame with Boost so I needed to change it. At least here in Argentina the Reba are at a very premium price. So I opted for an SR Suntour Axon Elite that was at a very good price and the truth is that it works very similar to the Reba. at least I don't notice much difference.

[@LoveMTB]

Yeah Suntour provides the suspension to some of the UCI teams so they can't be all bad! So Rockshox is more expensive than FOX in Argentina?

[@ravendelapena5920]

This is the video that ive been waiting for. Got a recon on my bike as i was a bit late on 'sale' reba 😄 Can you do a DIY on how to repair a deep paint chip or scratch on bikes ? Thanks 🤟

[@LoveMTB]

I will try!

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Awesome RockShox review.I have a RockShox Reba Race from 2011and its still super smooth and plush.Excellent forks.Safe riding.

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks for sharing! They are good forks indeed.

[@louissrensen8327]

Just bought the Rockshox Judy 29 100mm for my Ebike Haibike.The old SR Suntour 28 NEX Spring is bad compared to any air fork, and the Judy Silver is perfect for my use and wider tires. 👌

[@LoveMTB]

Happy trails!

[@frustratedalien666]

My Trek Roscoe has the Rockshox Recon and it is fine. I plan to upgrade it eventually, but it matches my skill level for now lol

[@LoveMTB]

That's fair🤓

[@zdravo4]

I have Reba A3 on my bike, I bought it used in like new state. I using it all the time as I have only one bike and after factory coil for I had on my bike, Reba is unbeliveable fork, about 1000Gr lighter and has lockout on handlebar what I like.

[@LW_Black4]

Although not likely as popular given newer bike designs, Reba RL is also available for 26in wheels with a straight steerer tube and for skewer-type axles, likely as an upgrade for older 26in performance mtn bikes

[@carlbegnaud4851]

Somebody please help me I have a 2001 Specialized Expedition Sport that had an option to come with a suspension fork , it has 26 inch wheels , 1 & 1/8 Threaded steerer , I don't think it's tapered and it has V- Brakes , can I get a suspension fork for it ? And does Rockshox still make anything that will work for my Bike , I primarily use it on the road but provided it wouldn't be too bad I might go on off-road on a gentle trail

[@Silkl4sh]

Back in 2011 i had a 100mm XC reba. It used to be a benchmark for XC forks back then.

[@LoveMTB]

For sure, it was left behind as of late by the newer SID

[@Silkl4sh]

​@@LoveMTB I kinda don't understand new logic behind watering down some lineups eg. New Sid select=Old Reba. Sid used to be cutting edge of technology, the best one with no compromises. The same goes for new Sram transmission, which watered down XX groupset and downgraded X0. XX SL = XX1 XX = X01 X0 = GX

[@LoveMTB]

@@Silkl4sh The SID select is not the old Reba, that one remains as an in-between offering, cheaper than SID Select and not as good.

[@donnovicki9771]

I have a Fox Rhythm 29 and run a couple tokens up front. It went from super squishy to a much more responsive front end, at least that's how I feel. Wouldn't mind if some time you broke down the Rhythm vs Fox mid level for comparison, and of course add your usual insight to the product.

[@LoveMTB]

Hi Don thanks for trusting me for all the side-by-side videos! 😇 Rhythm and Performance are almost the same, some difference in weight but same damper, you can't really tell the difference when riding. I have both.

[@slimjim4ever]

Reba is really the Best Bang for the Buck! You can easily find one for around $300 range performs well & easy to maintain

[@LoveMTB]

Agree really great for what it costs

[@ivostarmans1199]

I had a 2018 100m Reba and a 2020 Recon gold rl 120mm.The Recon gold was the one item I was doubting to buy my bike or not.Trek Top Fuel 8 2021.But it really positive suprised me. I think its better then my previous Reba.

[@LoveMTB]

It's stiff-ish but heavy. As long as you can deal with that it's all good, decent fork.

[@ivostarmans1199]

@@LoveMTB it is 2250gr. I have a 2021 Trek Top Fuel 8. Besides xc I like to ride small bikeparks and wilder terrain, it goes ok with this fork. I thinking for upgrading the fork for RS Sid ultimate or Rs pike 120-130mm. The reviews of the Sid 120 from users arent that good. What do you recomend for upgrading. Fox here in EU is a lot more expensive.

[@LoveMTB]

Been using SID Select, no issues, we love it! Pike can be a bit stiffer but heavier and more expensive. Have a couple of videos on SID - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaO3e6yLnrmDebM

[@ivostarmans1199]

@@LoveMTB I like the blue version of the SID. Would the marzocchi bomber z2 be an improvemend/consideration?

[@LoveMTB]

@@ivostarmans1199 From REBA? Yes

[@luissalazarosuna3286]

Excelente video, tengo una lefty 2.0 y ya esta de cambio y esta Reva me parece una muy buena opción por precio y funcionamiento, desde Barranquilla Colombia 👍👍👍👍

[@SternLX]

I fitted a Judy TK Gold(aluminum stanchions vs the steel on the Silvers) to my Urban Commuter e-Bike. Seems well suited for the street.

[@emerywd]

Hi - another great video, but you overlooked one key fact, which also explains why it has 130mm on the fork. These cheaper Rockshox forks come with "all travel spacers" - which means they are very easily adjusted from 100-150mm of travel in the case of the Recon. Same fork, you just add or remove spacers as you would tokens.

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks REBA is not Like that it requires a new shaft

[@JamieR]

Would pushing a 100mm Judy/Recon to 120m be a good idea? Or does it change the riding feel in a negative way? I know going for a higher mm than the geometry is designed for can do so, but with a 100mm fork would it still be fine since it's just using more of the stanchion range? I'm quite new to MTBs.

[@LoveMTB]

@@JamieR yes and no, it also modifies the seat tube angle. But overall I would try a 120 on a hardtail for sure.

[@vicknet5159]

Hi, if I change the fork to thru axle, for Rockhopper, but the rear wheel is quick release, is there anything wrong with that? what do you think of such a combination? for simple cross country/rugged terrain.

[@LoveMTB]

That was a very common combination at some point. Nothing wrong with it you just have to replace the hub/ front wheel.

[@drcobayo1]

Love your vids!, the red knob of the reba is also an allen wrench, i think it’s 6mm. Just pull it out

[@LoveMTB]

More like a 2.5mm...

[@drcobayo1]

@@LoveMTB never pulled out 😅 but had some use aside the rebound?

[@GokkunGuru]

I’ve owned a low end Manitou Splice fork that didn’t have lockout. Also owned Recon TK Silver and Judy RL Gold. Both were better than the Manitou but I haven’t been able tell the difference.

[@LoveMTB]

I think Manitou has better forks now than the SPlice you had the chance to ride...

[@jakubklouda2474]

I had Reba A9, but 100mm travel. Not bad. Upgrade kits for 100mm are available including Charger race day from SID SL Ultimate. And optional even Debon Air kit are available. For that price good fork, but Fox 34 Factory is different level(and cost much more than Reba :-D )

[@LoveMTB]

Good point!👍

[@rachmanagusnainadhecandra1096]

I need 100 mm air shaft for my REBA, can you help me where I can get it?

[@wildman9364]

A couple years ago I was thinking about getting a reba to upgrade the judy but ended up finding a used fox 34 performance elite. but my meta build I went with a pike ultimate and kept the lyrik select+ on my FS bike. reba seemed to be a decent XC/light trail fork for decent price Cheers

[@LoveMTB]

Yup that's it's target application. Do you have the latest Pike? With the ButterCups?

[@wildman9364]

@@LoveMTB no I got the 2021 model due to the huge price difference at that time I do want to try them? have you?

[@peppep5106]

Hi, you have to try Manitou, in my opinion, better quality in the medium and low range than Rock Shox and at a lower cost. Thank you very much for your videos.

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks for sharing! I have used Manitou and their dampers, even for the entry level forks, are better than MC from RockShox. Especially for light/ young riders they are better. IF it wasn't for the inverted crown...

[@ronggearrob9622]

I still have and ride an A3 Reba that I took off my old Specialized Crave - upgraded to the charger damper and increased the travel to 120mm for my Chinese carbon XC build. The damper is nice, better than the motion control, but as you pointed out not sure it worth the expense. The Reba fits the value for performance in the XC space. Plus, Rockshox forks are so easy to self service, really hard not to like the Reba. That said I will soon be replacing it on my bike with a SID Ultimate that I snagged on sale at the end of last year (it was just too good of a deal to pass up)....upgradeitis struck once again :)

[@LoveMTB]

Haha good points, I'm not sure you're going to feel the upgrade that much. It will be stiffer, it's a good fork, but the race Day is harsher than Charger. Also keep an eye for bushings play, the SID Ultimate is prone to having that issue. And enjoy!

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

I believe my Reba 2019 was available up to 150mm travel. I actually have 130mm stock setup in my trek. Gotta say it's nowhere near as plush, as older recon was on my friend's xc bike. But I understand recon's price bracket could mean, that my friend's piece was a lucky roll of the dice, and not a regular. I read my Reba to munch the travel, so recommend pressure is really high, which in turn affects plushness. I had 2 inserts stock in largest ex7 full sus trail model, (which must confirm above review) and I did purchased 3rd-maximum allowed insert for it, hoping to run a little less pressure and get some more movement on flat ground. I didn't install it yet though. So I don't love my Reba, but I love its very light(not a wheennie) and competent enough, and I run all black trails i can, but I don't fly high. Although maybe I'm to critical? No serious air though.

[@LoveMTB]

Good feedback thanks buddy!👍

[@chairmanmeow8388]

I'm just about to take the reba off my xc bike and put a pair of recons on. They just seem like better forks. Rebas either comply with small bumps and blow through their travel on everything else or chatter too much to be able to not bottom out. Very flexy as well. Recons are very basic but they just work.

[@Irving-u3x]

Hi sir, hoy to use shimano hub 21mm treaded endcaps?? Torque caps for 21mm are incluyed??

[@silver_c1oud]

which is Better? Rockshox SID SL Ultimate or Fox factory 32 sc? which is more durable? and reliable? For 100mm travel? which is better?

[@LoveMTB]

Can't go wrong with either one, FOX can feel a bit more plush vs SID

[@milanjereb2619]

Hello. I Have Reba RL A9 120mm on my Epic Evo. I can not find on YT, what are the advantages on Debonair vs soloair. I had 140 Revelation before and Reba is very unconfortable against it. Is the replacement to 120mm Revelation with Debon air good option ?

[@twowheelsr6]

I have a marlin 6 gen 3 and it has a Judy fork. What better options is there for my bike? I just started getting into mountain bikes

[@LoveMTB]

Anything is better than the Judy. One option being the Reba for sure

[@twowheelsr6]

@@LoveMTB lol okay sounds good lol

[@tonyb2760]

I have one Rockshox fork and it came on the bike, a Lyrik. If I were building, which I have, it would be a Fox fork every time.

[@LoveMTB]

Interesting, what is that you don't like about it?

[@mattisse86]

I have recon silver(100mm) actually on my bike, I am thinking about upgrade bike adding reba. Do you thing that it will be good upgrade ? also thinking if I can add 120mm instead 100mm, any advice ? :)

[@LoveMTB]

@@mattisse86 120 could work and Reba will be an upgrade!

[@mattisse86]

@@LoveMTB thanks for quick answer, but what about frame geometry and loads that may occur at a different angle, my bike is Cube Reaction Pro (2019)

[@LoveMTB]

@@mattisse86 1 degree slacker w the change and 5mm ish higher BB most of the time you’d be ok

[@willentam338]

I've got a 2019 Rockshox Sektor RL. I've always wondered where it fit in the RS lineup. Is it a step above the Judy?

[@LoveMTB]

Definitely!

[@tomalbert3299]

As far as I remember my Fox 34 Performance is 1880g.

[@LoveMTB]

Not the ones Ive had as of late, 2050 for Fox Performance, 2100g for Rhythm forks

[@PixelPainta]

Great videos 👍 any experience with the Rockshox Domain ?

[@LoveMTB]

Not yet!

[@nvdesignz]

I have. It's a great fork for the money and you can upgrade it with Motion Control. Nevertheless, I would get a used ZEB for pretty much the same money since it's a bit lighter and the Charger fits

[@johnnyrocket1320]

Will the Reba work with a straight steerer ? I've got a 100mm Judy coilspring on my '21 Marlin 7 and I want a solid upgrade. Already Installed Bontrager Line Comp 30 rims with adapters. Still QR though. Would love ThruAxel on the fork. Thanks

[@LoveMTB]

I don't think so, you're stuck with Recon. Only Reba 26" had a straight 1 1/8 steerer option.

[@somethingsomethinggr]

I gotta ask, you said you wanted to use a non boost fork on that Trek bike, but I'd like to know how would using a boost fork and boost front wheel on a non boost frame using a 135QR rear wheel affect handling?

[@LoveMTB]

In no way it will affect handling. Many bikes were sold like that at some point

[@somethingsomethinggr]

@@LoveMTB Cool thanks for the reply.

[@ahmadamirizan8542]

Been using fox34 rhythm for almost 6 month now....ahhh..it feels much better than recon 👍

[@LoveMTB]

It is BETTER fork in every respect.

[@ahmadamirizan8542]

@@LoveMTB agree 👍

[@shrinkingshrimp]

2,4 kg sounds too much for the Recon, mine was around 2-2,1 kg (27,5 wheel size, QR, straight steerer, 120mm). I loved that fork for the price. On my other bike I went from Judy to Fox34. I hated every bit of the Judy, but I'm happily rocking that Fox ever since.

[@LoveMTB]

Gid difference Judy to Fox!

[@nyreppin1]

What fork would you recommend for trail riding at 130mm? I've been looking at the recon gold because of it's price, debonair, and the 32mm stanchions.

[@LoveMTB]

What's your bike? Weight? Riding style? Recon gold is decent but heavy

[@nyreppin1]

@@LoveMTB '23 trek top fuel 5, 145lbs, XC to some bike park but nothing crazy (minor table tops and 2-3ft drops). I would love to get something better than a recon but from there the prices of forks seem to jump

[@LoveMTB]

@@nyreppin1 What do you have now? Recon gold is not really an upgrade, I would save and get a real fork like a FOX 34 Rhythm, the fresh take offs are cheap in the used market and a definite improvement

[@nyreppin1]

@@LoveMTB I currently have a recon silver. I would just like to keep costs low because I know that even the most expensive forks won't make me a better rider. The issue I'm currently having with my RS is that the compression and rebound adjustments do next to nothing so I'm hoping the debonair will remedy that at a low cost

[@LoveMTB]

@@nyreppin1 I would save the money and get a 34 like I said…

[@TomL2025]

I think I lost the blue cap on my Reba Rockshox, where can I get it?, could you or anyone send me the link? Thank you

[@birraebici]

I'm thinking of buying a Specialized Chisel, but they are now come with Sram AX, NX and Judy silver and Gold!🙄

[@LoveMTB]

You’d have to do a lot of upgrades to make that trail worthy…

[@trailfork7815]

Wonder how these will fare against similarly priced suntour forks

[@LoveMTB]

top end forks would probably be similar or give the nod to Suntour since this is not thei RS best damper.

[@esshoul]

Could you test Wren inverted forks?

[@LoveMTB]

If I get my hands on one sure

[@Rich-me5eb]

I have an question about the reba is it does it have good stifness for an 108 kg 2 meter long rider because the judy is to flexy, Or do i have to go to the revelation because i have heard that it is an reba but on 35mm. Or go for the sid select 120mm. Greets from Holland

[@LoveMTB]

Hi there, it depends on a few factors like how hard do you ride, terrain, etc. Reba is considered stiff enough but the 35mm stanchin forks can be stiffer in compsrison. Depends on what you're after I guess?

[@Rich-me5eb]

Ok thanx

[@Rich-me5eb]

And reba vs sid select vs ultimate 120mm thanx

[@pier7898]

Is there any way to convert reba with remote control 3 positions?

[@LoveMTB]

Rockshox only has 2 position remote, Locked and Unlocked. You have to replace the damper.

[@jmguevarra7577]

What is there difference to Rockshox Revelation?

[@LoveMTB]

That’s a trail fork heavier and stiffer and more expensive

[@jmguevarra7577]

@@LoveMTB Which is better Rockshox Reba or Rockshox Revelation?

[@Jurica-mtb]

Hi, I got Judy SL 100mm Boost 110x15 on a Trek X-Calibdr 8 from 2022 on a very good discount price. The whole bike feels so lightweight and it climbs so easily on XT 1x12 drivetrain 30T chainring and 10-51 casette. Judy is somehow mine concern if it is not an adequate fork for my weight and style of riding. With equipment I weigh 100kg and I tried setting up the fork on 120psi which was plushy on descends but it was pedal bobbing while in standing position. Raising the pressure to 140psi made it a little too stiff on small bumps on fire roads but much more effective in standing position. Finaly I went with 130psi as a compromise with rebound set to middle. I like to ride bikes fast and challenge on gnarly trails on my full suspension bike and I am aware this xc hardtail bike has it's limits but I need advice if it would be a good idea to remove a 2cm internal spacer to raise fork's travel up to 120mm. I might do it on the first service interval but I would like to know your opinion. It has steel stanchions so I gueas it still might be safe and I heard the only difference in factory settings between 100mm and 120mm Judy forky is just that one internal spacer.

[@JogieGlenMait16]

I have the same bike and the fork is very good.

[@TheProjectX3]

So nothing really new on the 23 model? I expected a watered down previous Sid 32...

[@LoveMTB]

Nope, same for now, too busy with the new AXS

[@phenofinder9145]

I'm on the latest sid sl select.

[@LoveMTB]

Great fork!

[@joshuaallswang8016]

Rebas better

[@MaoMio79]

I have a 130 recon gold and i think are good

[@LoveMTB]

Not bad but HEAVY!

[@MaoMio79]

@@LoveMTB in gold version the 130 fork are on 1950gr and have debonair only thing 0 damper upgrade.... you remeber the code of 32 damper??

[@LoveMTB]

Unfortunately not, but the SRAM spare parts catalogue would have it.

[@ridedirtymtb9938]

I hate this Reba so much, it was spec for my 2022 supercaliber. Trek made a Frankenstein of a Reba for the supercaliber and when you look up the info for the rockshox app it shows it’s a Reba but the information is incorrect. For example it came with 4 token in it when the app stated that it has a max of 3 tokens. When I spoke to rockshox it took a week of back and forth and turns out it’s a Reba revelation hybrid made for trek… very disappointing

[@marke.8668]

Is the reba good on small bumps, plushness

[@LoveMTB]

Good enough!

[@marke.8668]

@@LoveMTB im comparing it to the suntours aions or axons 34, the ones with pcs. their around the same price in my location, so im thinking should i go for the reba or the aions/axons 34mm. although it is 32 vs 34mm, but the plushness and sensitivity is what im looking at.

[@LoveMTB]

@@marke.8668 I would also consider service and support in your area in my decision.

[@pj5674]

Reba Rulezzzzz ;)

[@Pillokun]

Premium bikes are too expensive, I rather buy a motorcycle for those money than a bicycle. In the end I still outpace many mtb:ikers on my 26" ht mtbikers anyway :D What I would want though is a modern fork for 26" bike with straight steering tube instead of that tapered one that is standard now :)

[@LoveMTB]

I can still see REBA RL A6 that is straight steerer, 26" on their site!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Some how I unsub'd from you? Damn big fingers. I have been using Torque Caps for years and feel absolutely no difference and the only reason I use them is to make installing the front wheel easier.... next thing you know SRAM will reinvent how a RD is mounted or change the routing on their brakes so I get hose rub on my new carbon handlebars. One can only dream I guess?🤣

[@LoveMTB]

Haha thanks for sharing! It's what I thought about the Torque Caps. As you did not unsub...it was my hacked account, channel complettely dissapeared from KZbin for a couple of weeks!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

@@LoveMTB I just watched your Elite wheel video and saw that you were hacked... Damn some people absolutely suck! I was wondering why you weren't popping up on my feed and just figured you were in a slow period. Great to see the BEST review channel on You Tube back and ready to roll!

[@LoveMTB]

@@ThunderStruckMTB Thank you😊 great to be back! They can't take my baby!🤘

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

@@LoveMTB Hey, any plans to make a quick video on what happened, how it happened and what you did to take it back? I'm always worried about stuff like this.

[@aaronflower5183]

Can anyone help I have reba forks and the rebound ajust knob falls out and some fluid came out from the bottom is this normal ?

[@camperp195]

If fluid came out,the retaining bolt is not tight,just re tighten it

[@aaronflower5183]

@pete thanks Pete do I need a special tool for than because it's hard to reach it from the bottom of the fork ?

[@aaronflower5183]

@@camperp195 is it normal for the knob to be a bit loose and drop out ?

[@LoveMTB]

No special tools for servicing these aside from a cassette tool but that's at the top of the fork. 10mm socket I believe

[@LoveMTB]

Push it in until it clicks in

[@flashfive23]

Recon+Judy not good

[@iamcyberpunk68]

suntur

[@MasterTomPl]

Reba is not budget

[@LoveMTB]

Used to be…

[@Blacksheep40actual]

I have a recon silver rl, how many turns is the rebound adjustment supposed to turn? Im only getting about 30-45 degrees

[@LoveMTB]

About that very rudimentary

[@glennmorgan8691]

Another great vid!!!Are fox suspension components harder to service then rock shocks?It looks like you need more special tools to do fox stuff?Cheers!!!

[@LoveMTB]

Great point! I think it's a bit of a mith, they are kind of the same. Only time when FOX is more expensive is changing travel, have to replace the entire air shaft.

[@killakwik]

i have been doing a bunch of research on these forks for a Cannondale Trail SE 3. I feel like maybe the Reba hits a price point that makes sense. I paid $1000 USD for the bike Brand new with a Judy Silver TK on it. The Reba comes in at 66% pf the weight and has the Motion Control damper. the only Fox option that fits my bikes specs (120mm travel, 15x110, 51mm offset, 29" wheel and 1.5" taper.) is $1019. i just cant justify that kind of cost. Do you have any other suggestions that might fit my bike? Thanks from Idaho.

[@eronebr]

Hugs From Brazil !

[@LoveMTB]

Cheers from Canada!🤗