MTB Fork rebuild vs. replacement conundrum.

  1. iamus72

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    Ok I'm putting this out to the forumites for some advice & food for thought. I'm building up a new hardtail that will replace my '04 f/s frame. I have an '04 Rockchox Duke XC fork that will fit the new frame (but just barely). However, the fork is closing in on 10 yrs old. Doesn't leak air or oil and hase been a solid performer.

    However, we all know how much shinny new parts look on a new frame right? Well my conundrum is this - rebuild the Duke w/ new seals, bushings, oil and repaint (it's dinged and chipped) and reuse it OR package it with the f/s frame and sell those two and put the proceeds towards a new Reba RL or Recon Gold R.

    It's not so much about saving that much money as I'm swapping some of the newest components over to the new mtb and upgrading the drive train. I think it's more about the issues of a 10yr old fork w/ 80mm of travel vs. a new fork w/ 100mm of travel.

    I'm thinking that I can probably sell the old f/s frame and fork as a bundle more easily than separately.

    Thoughts? Anyone have experience with the Reba vs the Recon as far as ride quality, durability and stiffness?

    Posted 2 months ago

  2. jmdirt

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    -Get a new fork for the new ride.
    -I had a Reba on my SS and it was fine.

    Posted 2 months ago

  3. CB2

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    I like the package deal idea.

    Both forks are good. Reba is lighter than the Recon. They both have the same Soloair spring, but the Reba's rebound and compression are more easily adjusted.

    Jam Econo
    Posted 2 months ago

  4. Cosmic Kid

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    Nuthin' rides as nice as new stuff.....besides, lots of new technology has come along since the Duke was released.

    Even if you rebuild the Duke, it probably won't perform as well as a new fork (although pretty close).

    Get the new fork. No opinion on which one though....

    Just say "NO!!" to WCP!

    "Want to get faster? Work harder, eat better, cut the crap. Instead of talking the talk, work the work"
    Posted 2 months ago

  5. iamus72

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    Thanks all. I was leaning towards the Reba vs. the Recon. I found a good price on both and a $20 difference between the two.

    CB2 - I figure someone on ebay would find the fork & frame w/ headset package a good deal. And what ever amount I get for the package will get folded into my new build.

    Good thing is my wife said she'd buy me the new forks for my 41st birthday! I'm sure there is a catch somewhere though when her birthday comes up in April.

    Posted 2 months ago

  6. CB2

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    For only $20 more; no question, get the Reba.
    Rebas are stoopid easy to overhaul too.

    Posted 2 months ago

  7. Andy

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    Retire that fork. Can you even get parts for it? When you get a new fork, go for the 15QR through axle. Standard QR forks are done. QR 15 is better, stiffer, safer and the new standard. What frame are you putting this on? Will a tapered steer tube fit.?

    Lance who??
    Posted 2 months ago

  8. taterheadrob

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    I vote for a new fork with the new ride.

    If you have the cash and the wife permssion slip go for it.

    I had my 2004 Manitou skareb rebuilt for my 2004 MTB and it is working fine. I tried to order a new x-fusion but they were back ordered and the fall riding season was approaching.

    If I go new MTB, I will go all the way with new parts and fork to celebrate life and fitness fun.

    It is also much safer on the downhill if your wife is reading this.

    Posted 2 months ago

  9. pa biker

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    Sell the old fork and put the $$ toward the new one.

    Wouldn't your new frame have a tapered head tube and 15mm thru axle set-up?

    That said I'm running a 2013 DT Dwiss on my old 2011 S-Works carbon hardtail.

    I know, ghetto.

    Posted 2 months ago

  10. jacques_anquetil

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    yup, sell. better performance from the old 80mm to new 100mm fork.

    Posted 2 months ago

  11. Kameron

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    Personally, I've had Rockshox XC, Marzocchi Bomber and about three years ago changed to Fox R (Not L or C, just R) with 160mm of travel. I wanted something solid and smooth with low maintenance since I Mtn Bike during the winter months only. The Marzzochi needed constant TLC, and the XC was OK but not smooth the Fox however is brilliant and a true performer. When they say 160mm of travel they really mean it and I I use most of that travel every time I ride. There are rock gardens that previously I had to really focus to get through but with the Fox it’s just pedal hard and fast and it will soak up all the bumps you can throw at it. All I have to do is just change the oil once a year. The FOX RLC has all the bells and whistle for travel adjustments, control dampening and rebound. I just wanted a solid smooth low maintenance fork, and that’s exactly what I got. Now I know why review after review owners rave about Fox forks, they are truly head and shoulder above the rest.

    Posted 2 months ago

  12. Jah

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    As Kameron said

    Get the Fox, you will feel as if the Duke was a rigid fork. Funnily enough, I have been running rigid with a huge tire all winter

    Posted 2 months ago

  13. iamus72

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    Andy,

    I'm retiring the fork or sure. I was able to still get parts for the fork - but parts are limited to bushing and seals. Those are really the only serviceable parts anyway. So I have the parts for the rebuild/return and I'll include that in the package I ebay.

    However, I"m not moving to a 15mm QR. One reason, the SOMA Analog is a straight 1 1/8" headtube and not tapered so that limits the forks I can use. Secondly, I've got a great set of 26" Velocity XC rims laced to WTB hubs that are only a few years old. I'm doing heavy downhill riding, I'm very much a cross country rider and am certainly not a clydesdale so I think I"ll be ok w/ 100mm of travel.

    The Reba intrigued me because it's an easy to maintain fork and since I wrench 95% of my build-ups (wheel sets is where I haven't ventured yet) I liked that aspect as well. But I expect the RS to require little attention from me.

    My final build up will be:
    Soma Analog
    RS Reba
    XT gruppo
    Ritchey headset/stem and riser bar
    Selle San Marco saddle
    Velocity + WTB wheelset
    WTB Weirwolf tires

    Posted 2 months ago

  14. Andy

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    You may be able to convert those hubs. Check before you buy a fork as it is worthwhile in my view. I am like you not a downhiller but firmly in the xc arena and I weigh under 145. But I can tell the difference between a standard QR and 15 QR, but my xc in Whistler and North Van might be called downhill in other places. Pretty frickin' steep ad rough. If you decide to remain with a standard qr get a proper Shimano quick release and watch it to make sure it stays in place. I have had the cheap qr's and they can allow movement in the drops with disc brakes.

    Posted 2 months ago

  15. Bernie

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    Another vote for the Reba. Nice fork, solid feel, easy to service and rebuild and the technology is way ahead of the Duke.

    Having said that, everyone I know with a Fox has had good experience. Can't comment personally on the RLC as I don't have one and haven't ridden one.

    Posted 2 months ago

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