The Revel RoughCut RCP35 [paid link] suspension fork, designed by X-Fusion, offers riders a robust and high-performance option for tackling various terrains. However, achieving optimal performance from this fork requires proper installation, adjustment, and occasional fine-tuning. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential steps to adjust and maintain your Revel RoughCut RCP35 [paid link] for maximum efficiency, while also addressing common troubleshooting tips.
Understanding the Key Features of the Revel RoughCut RCP35
The Revel RoughCut RCP35 is a high-performance suspension fork that caters to aggressive trail riders. Featuring adjustable compression and rebound settings, along with a customizable air spring, the RCP35 is designed to provide a smooth and responsive ride over rough and technical terrain. To get the most out of your fork, it’s essential to understand the main features and their functions:
- Air Spring: Provides a responsive and customizable feel, adjustable via a volume spacer system.
- Rebound Adjustment: Controls how quickly the fork returns to its extended position after compression.
- Compression Damping: Adjusts the fork’s resistance to compression, allowing riders to fine-tune the fork’s performance to their weight and riding style.
Understanding these features will help you make more informed adjustments and enhancements to suit your riding style.
Tools Required
Before making any adjustments, ensure that you have the following tools on hand:
- 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
- 2mm Allen wrench [paid link]
- Suspension fluid (as recommended by X-Fusion)
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Volume spacers (if modifying air spring)
- Air pump (compatible with the fork’s valve)
Installing the Revel RoughCut RCP35 Fork
Proper installation of the Revel RoughCut RCP35 is crucial for performance and safety. Follow these steps to install the fork:
- Remove your old fork: Loosen the axle and remove the wheel. Then, use the correct tools to disconnect the brake mounts and remove the fork from the head tube.
- Install the new fork: Slide the Revel RoughCut RCP35 into the head tube, making sure it sits properly in the headset.
- Secure the fork: Tighten the headset compression bolt and stem bolts to the manufacturer-recommended torque settings.
- Install the wheel and brakes: Reattach the wheel and secure the brake calipers in place, ensuring proper alignment.
With the fork installed, it’s time to adjust it for optimal performance.
Adjusting the Rebound and Compression Damping
The Revel RoughCut RCP35 is equipped with both rebound and compression adjustments. These adjustments control how the fork behaves under different conditions and are critical for achieving a balanced ride. Here’s how to adjust both:
Rebound Adjustment
The rebound setting controls the speed at which the fork extends after compression. Too fast a rebound can result in a bouncy ride, while too slow a rebound can make the fork feel sluggish.
- Locate the rebound adjuster: It is typically found at the bottom of one of the fork legs.
- Turn the knob: Clockwise to slow down the rebound, or counterclockwise to speed it up.
- Test the rebound: Perform a few test rides to find the optimal rebound speed. Ideally, the fork should return quickly without bouncing excessively.
Compression Damping Adjustment
Compression damping controls how much the fork resists compression when encountering obstacles. It’s important to dial in the compression settings for smooth handling and efficient performance.
- Locate the compression adjuster: Usually positioned on the top of one of the fork legs.
- Adjust the knob: Turn clockwise to increase compression resistance (firmer feel) or counterclockwise to reduce resistance (softer feel).
- Fine-tune for riding style: A stiffer setting is suitable for aggressive riding, while a softer setting may be better for smoother terrain.
For trail riding, setting a mid-range compression damping often works best, offering a balance between comfort and control.
Customizing the Air Spring
One of the standout features of the Revel RoughCut RCP35 is its air spring system. Customizing the air spring ensures that the fork feels responsive and provides an ideal ride for your weight and riding style.
Air Pressure Adjustment
Adjusting the air pressure is essential for ensuring that the fork performs well. The ideal air pressure depends on your weight and riding style.
- Find the air valve: Located on the top of the fork leg.
- Set air pressure: Using an air pump, inflate the fork to the recommended pressure for your body weight. For example, a rider weighing 160 lbs may want to start with around 85 psi, but this will vary based on personal preference and riding conditions.
- Check sag: Ensure the fork sags (compresses) around 25-30% of its total travel when you sit on the bike. Adjust the air pressure accordingly to achieve the correct sag.
Volume Spacers
The Revel RoughCut RCP35 features adjustable volume spacers, which allow you to fine-tune the fork’s progression. By adding or removing spacers, you can adjust how the fork behaves during the mid-to-end portion of its travel.
- Remove the air cap: Use an Allen wrench to remove the air cap on the fork leg.
- Add or remove spacers: Insert the desired number of spacers to increase the spring rate towards the end of the travel. Fewer spacers will result in a more linear spring rate.
- Reinstall the air cap: After making adjustments, securely reattach the air cap.
By adjusting the volume spacers, riders can control the fork’s bottom-out resistance, which is critical for aggressive terrain and big hits.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the Revel RoughCut RCP35 is designed to be reliable, issues may arise due to poor maintenance or incorrect settings. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
Fork Not Returning Properly
If the fork is not returning to its extended position properly, the rebound adjustment might be too slow. To fix this:
- Increase the rebound speed by turning the rebound adjuster counterclockwise.
- Check for low oil levels or contaminated oil inside the fork. If oil levels are low or dirty, perform a full service and replace the fluid.
Fork Bottoming Out
If the fork bottoms out too easily on rough terrain, the air pressure might be too low, or the compression damping may be insufficient. To address this:
- Increase air pressure to match your body weight and riding style.
- Increase compression damping to provide more resistance during compression.
Noisy Fork
A noisy fork can be caused by insufficient lubrication or an improper setup. To resolve this issue:
- Check for lubrication: Ensure the fork’s moving parts are well-lubricated.
- Inspect the seals: Make sure the seals are properly seated and free of dirt.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
The Revel RoughCut RCP35 is designed to be compatible with most modern mountain bike drivetrains, including 1x and 2x systems. However, always check the specifications of your bike and components to ensure the fork’s axle type and steering tube length align with your setup. The fork is typically available in both quick-release and thru-axle versions, so confirm your axle compatibility before purchasing.
Conclusion
The Revel RoughCut RCP35 by X-Fusion is an exceptional suspension fork designed for aggressive riders who demand high performance on rough trails. Proper installation, regular maintenance, and fine-tuning the settings, including air pressure, rebound, and compression damping, are essential for optimizing the fork’s performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, riders can ensure that their fork is perfectly tuned for the terrain, resulting in a smoother, more responsive ride.