Anybody have the Rockshox Recon Silver RL fork?
#1
Fredly Fredster
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Anybody have the Rockshox Recon Silver RL fork?
I have a 2014 Trek X-Caliber 6 that I use for cross country and rail trail rides. It has a Suntour XCM fork with lockout that was standard for the model. I don't know much about forks. Would the Rockshox Recon Silver air fork be worth $250 + labor at the LBS to install or should I stick with the Suntour fork? The Suntour fork is OK for rail trails and XC. The Trek X-Caliber bike is in excellent condition and I like everything about it... the drive train, wheels, tires, gearing, brakes, etc... so I'd rather not buy a new bike at $1K+ just to get a better fork. I don't plan on riding single track... just the usual rail trails and XC.
#2
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Try to find a model with aluminum stanchions. The weight savings is significant. SRAM's website currently lists the Recon RL as having steel stanchions. That $250 price is probably ok, but I'd spend a bit more for aluminum if it were me.
For example, I just now pulled up the weights of the Sektor Gold with aluminum stanchions versus the Sektor Silver RL with steel stanchions. The weight difference is 2190 - 1806 = 384 grams = 13 ounces.
For example, I just now pulled up the weights of the Sektor Gold with aluminum stanchions versus the Sektor Silver RL with steel stanchions. The weight difference is 2190 - 1806 = 384 grams = 13 ounces.
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The Suntour upgrade program might be worth looking at.
https://www.srsuntour.com/pages/upgrade
$200: https://www.srsuntour.com/collection...nt=27529038787
$290: https://www.srsuntour.com/collection...nt=29038021251
https://www.srsuntour.com/pages/upgrade
$200: https://www.srsuntour.com/collection...nt=27529038787
$290: https://www.srsuntour.com/collection...nt=29038021251
#4
Fredly Fredster
Thread Starter
Try to find a model with aluminum stanchions. The weight savings is significant. SRAM's website currently lists the Recon RL as having steel stanchions. That $250 price is probably ok, but I'd spend a bit more for aluminum if it were me.
For example, I just now pulled up the weights of the Sektor Gold with aluminum stanchions versus the Sektor Silver RL with steel stanchions. The weight difference is 2190 - 1806 = 384 grams = 13 ounces.
For example, I just now pulled up the weights of the Sektor Gold with aluminum stanchions versus the Sektor Silver RL with steel stanchions. The weight difference is 2190 - 1806 = 384 grams = 13 ounces.
As long as the Recon Silver is lighter than the current Suntour XCM... .8 lbs is not a big deal. I can't find any weight stats on Recon Silver or XCM.
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#7
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I take it you're buying the fork at the LBS, not just having them install a fork purchased online. The internet has numerous Rockshox forks from China I assume are knockoffs. Checkout alixepress.com
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The Suntour upgrade program might be worth looking at.
https://www.srsuntour.com/pages/upgrade
$200: https://www.srsuntour.com/collection...nt=27529038787
$290: https://www.srsuntour.com/collection...nt=29038021251
https://www.srsuntour.com/pages/upgrade
$200: https://www.srsuntour.com/collection...nt=27529038787
$290: https://www.srsuntour.com/collection...nt=29038021251
To put into perspective... your XCM fork weighs a little more that 6lbs. These forks weigh 4.4lbs and 3.7lbs. For what you are doing, these will be fine.
John
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I upgraded from a XCM to a Recon Silver Solo Air and really love the upgrade. Yes, there are better and more expensive forks, but being far from an expert I can really tell the difference. Basically, the XCM is just weight added to the bike. OTOH, the Recon does the job for me.
#10
Senior Member
I upgraded from a suntour to a Recon Gold TK and it made a huge difference. The Gold has the aluminum stanchions and can be found pretty cheap. I got mine new from Random Bike Parts for $$175 and its been great. Here's a link to the store,
they have a bunch of "random" parts and their inventory changes often https://www.randombikeparts.com/collections/forks
they have a bunch of "random" parts and their inventory changes often https://www.randombikeparts.com/collections/forks
Last edited by dvdslw; 10-05-17 at 06:45 AM.