RockShox Reba RL Suspension Fork [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

RockShox is what we would consider the leading Suspension company for affordable suspension forks. They have so many options to choose from whether you want to spend a few hundred dollars or up to a thousand. The same engineering that goes into the premium level suspension can be seen in the lower end models. Although the weight and look s may be far different. The cheaper forks still pack a punch. Our buddy Colton recently upgraded to a RockShox Reba RL Fork. Let's see what he thought.

Colton's Review:

Last year, I purchased a 2010 Gary Fisher HIFI 29er Full Suspension Deluxe Frame with a 2010 Fox F29 RL 32 Fork. Almost all the upgrades I had purchased for my Trek hardtail transferred over. I know upgrading an 11-year-old bike frame might not be the best investment, but I have learned a lot from the process. I recently lost air pressure in the Fox fork that came with the frame. After completing the seal service multiple times, cracking cold ones in the process, and not finding the air leak, I sprayed down the fork with soap and the leak presented itself. (I recommend doing this first haha) Somehow, I cracked one of the stanchion tubes. JB weld did fix the leak for a ride that weekend. Even though the leak was fixed I was worried about structural integrity, so I had to find a replacement fork.

The Fork

I searched around the interweb looking for a fork. At the time (2021), cheaper bike components were hard to find. Worldwide Cyclery had a couple of options in stock that I considered purchasing. I really wanted the RockShox Recon because the price point was much lower, but it was out of stock. I ended up purchasing the RockShox Reba RL 29”, 100mm travel, 15 x 100mm axle. In the same order, I also purchased a star nut, some park tool grease, and the needed FSA crown race for my headset.

Props to Worldwide for having everything I needed. I would like to point out that the RockShox Reba does come with a star nut and a thru-axle (I questioned this when placing the order). My bike calls for a 100mm travel fork. I questioned if I should just upgrade to 120 mm but saw reviews of this causing the front to lift too much on the climbs. I am glad I stuck with the recommended 100 mm of travel for the Gary Fisher frame.

The Reba feels much lighter than the FOX F29. I have to lean more forward to keep the front down due to the weight reduction, not a big deal but noticeable.

I am 5’ 8” 190Lbs. I am running 125 PSI in the air chamber. I felt like I should run less PSI because smaller trail bumps seem a little more noticeable than normal but noticed when at any lower PSI the fork would bottom out on a medium trail hit.

Conclusion:

"Where the Reba does shine is taking larger root hits on my local trail. My local trails are covered in unavoidable roots, so the Reba has its work cut out. In comparison to the FOX F29, the Reba is more rigid overall but gives when it should. I have ridden about 50miles on the RockShox Reba and I am happy with my purchase even though the price point is about equal to my bike’s worth altogether. I eventually want to purchase a new full suspension bike with updated geometry, but now I am scared that I won't like it as much as my updated Gary Fisher." - Colton