RockShox Recon Silver or Gold?

Asif Tufal
Asif Tufal Posts: 109
edited May 2013 in MTB buying advice
The steel stanchions have rusted on my current 29er forks, RST Omega. I've been advised that the corrosion will probably damage the seals and allow oil out and/or water in. Should I go for Recon Silver at about £130 (within my budget) or Recon Gold, with aluminium stanchions at £250 (a bit of a stretch moneywise)? Thanks.

Comments

  • sprite1275
    sprite1275 Posts: 157
    If you have 15mm front axle you can get the golds for £180http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/frame-forks/forks-shocks/rockshox-suspension-forks/rockshox-recon-gold-tk-forks-2012.html

    I got some myself but i had QR so it was an excuse to buy new wheels :mrgreen:
  • Asif Tufal
    Asif Tufal Posts: 109
    Unfortunately, that link is for 26" forks. I need 29er 9mm QR forks.
  • felix.london
    felix.london Posts: 4,067
    If you can afford it, get the Gold, if you can't get the Silver, no?
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    Generally gold are better than silver. Having had both, I think gold are worth the extra cost.
    Planet X Kaffenback 2
    Giant Trance X2
    Genesis High Latitude 2x10
    Planet X n2a
    Genesis Core 20
  • sprite1275
    sprite1275 Posts: 157
    Asif Tufal wrote:
    Unfortunately, that link is for 26" forks. I need 29er 9mm QR forks.

    Oops, missed the 29er bit.
  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    Makes no difference, gold are still better than silver.
    Planet X Kaffenback 2
    Giant Trance X2
    Genesis High Latitude 2x10
    Planet X n2a
    Genesis Core 20
  • felix.london
    felix.london Posts: 4,067
    Makes no difference, gold are still better than silver.

    You what?

    Sprite1275 gave the OP a link for a set of 26" forks.

    So he was just saying, sorry, he missed the 29er bit in the original post

    Of course it makes a difference...the forks wouldn't fit!
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    TBH it depends on which Gold you are getting.

    The main upgrade from silver to gold is the Alu uppers. Then depending on which gold you also get motion control damping and adjustable lockout too.

    If its the Silver TK @ £180 vs Gold TK @ £250 then I would probably stick with the Silver TK.

    But if you are getting the Gold R or RL then yes the upgrade is worth it if you can afford it.

    Also check if you are getting air or coil spring, the Recon is available in both. If coil spring and if you don't match the standard supplied spring then you will need to factor in cost of replacement spring. Where as with air spring you can adjust the pressure to your liking.
  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    Makes no difference, gold are still better than silver.

    You what?

    Sprite1275 gave the OP a link for a set of 26" forks.

    So he was just saying, sorry, he missed the 29er bit in the original post

    Of course it makes a difference...the forks wouldn't fit!

    What I meant was: It makes no difference if you're looking at 26 or 29, I think the gold Recon is always better than the silver Recon. Isn't that the case across the Rockshox range.
    Planet X Kaffenback 2
    Giant Trance X2
    Genesis High Latitude 2x10
    Planet X n2a
    Genesis Core 20
  • Gold RL if budget allows. But keep an eye on deals/used market for the more adjustable reba. I have a coil recon gold rl and I'm quite happy with the way it works but I keep wondering what it would be like if there was more adjustability.