120mm forks - switch to 100mm?

nugro
nugro Posts: 2
in MTB workshop & tech
Hi folks,

I have a Boardman 29er from 2016. It has Rockshox Reba RLT 120mm forks, but they are stuffed and non-repairable due to my lack of maintenance.

I was looking at replacement Reba RL forks and can find some the same spec (120mm) for £350.

I have found some that have 100mm travel rather than 120mm for £250, so quite a bit cheaper.

Will I notice much difference with the 100mm forks? I generally ride bridleways and rough tracks - nothing majorly hard-going. I guess it will drop the front a little?

Also, can anyone recommend an alternative fork that's a similar spec? It needs to be for 29" wheels, 15x100mm axles and a tapered steerer. I've looked at the Recon, but they're quite a bit heavier.

Comments

  • JBA
    JBA Posts: 2,852
    Dropping to 100mm forks will lower your bb and steepen the head angle. That's ok for riding uphill but will negatively effect the ride going down hill.

    Wiggle have got 120mm Reba RL forks in 15x100 flavour on sale for £299.99

    Have you had your forks checked over by a reputable service centre? An overhaul and rebuild should be cheaper than new forks.
    “Life has been unfaithful
    And it all promised so so much”

    Giant Trance 2 27.5 2016 ¦ Sonder Broken Road 2021¦ Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2019 ¦ Giant Toughtroad SLR 1 2019 ¦ Giant Anthem 3 2015 ¦ Specialized Myka Comp FSR 2009
  • nugro
    nugro Posts: 2
    Thanks JBA - yes, I dropped the forks off at a specialist and they said they were trash.

    Good spot with those Wiggle forks. I have ordered them from Chain Reaction (it's the same company for those that don't know) and used my £10 off voucher that comes with my British Cycling membership.

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