The RockShox Recon RL Gold is a well-regarded entry-level fork designed for cross-country and trail riding. With its combination of quality construction, affordability, and performance, it offers a significant upgrade for riders looking to enhance their riding experience without breaking the bank. This guide delves into everything you need to know about installing, adjusting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing the Recon RL Gold fork. We’ll also compare it to similar models and discuss compatibility with other drivetrain components to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your bike.
Installation of the RockShox Recon RL Gold Fork
Installing the Recon RL Gold fork is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure proper functionality and safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing the fork onto your bike:
Tools Required:
- 5mm and 6mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
- 32mm and 36mm socket wrenches
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Suspension oil (if needed for servicing)
- T10 Torx wrench [paid link] (for damping system adjustments)
- Star nut tool (if applicable)
Installation Steps:
- Remove the Existing Fork:
- First, remove the front wheel, brake caliper, and the current fork. Use the appropriate Allen wrenches [paid link] to loosen and remove the headset, stem, and fork clamp bolts.
- Prepare the New Fork:
- Before installing the Recon RL Gold, ensure the fork is correctly sized for your bike. Check the fork’s steerer tube length, and if necessary, cut the steerer tube to the appropriate length using a pipe cutter or saw.
- Install the Fork:
- Slide the Recon RL Gold fork into the headset, ensuring it sits correctly in the head tube.
- Tighten the stem clamp bolts and headset bolts to secure the fork in place. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to ensure the correct torque settings (typically around 5-6 Nm for stem bolts).
- Attach the Brake Caliper and Wheel:
- Reattach your brake caliper and front wheel, ensuring everything is properly aligned and tightened. Make sure the brake rotor is correctly positioned within the caliper.
- Adjust Headset and Fork Alignment:
- Ensure the fork is aligned straight with the head tube. Tighten the headset and stem bolts to the recommended torque settings to prevent any unwanted movement.
Adjusting the RockShox Recon RL Gold Fork
The Recon RL Gold fork features a range of adjustments to help you fine-tune your ride. From compression settings to rebound damping, the fork allows customization based on your terrain and riding style.
Compression Damping Adjustment
- The Recon RL Gold fork comes equipped with an Motion Control RL damper, which includes a low-speed compression adjustment knob. This allows you to adjust the fork’s response to small hits and chatter.
- To adjust: Turn the compression knob clockwise to increase firmness (ideal for smoother trails) or counterclockwise to soften the suspension for rougher terrains.
Rebound Damping Adjustment
- Rebound damping controls how quickly the fork returns to its original position after compressing. It is essential to adjust this to prevent the fork from bouncing excessively.
- To adjust: Turn the rebound knob at the bottom of the fork leg. Turning it clockwise will slow the rebound, while counterclockwise speeds it up. Adjust until the fork rebounds at a controlled, steady pace.
Air Pressure and SAG Settings
- Setting the correct SAG (the amount the fork compresses under your body weight) is critical for optimal performance. The Recon RL Gold uses air spring, and you can set the air pressure according to your rider weight.
- To adjust: Inflate or deflate the air chamber using a shock pump. Aim for a SAG of about 20-25% for cross-country riding, which is typically the optimal range for most riders.
Maintaining the RockShox Recon RL Gold Fork
Proper maintenance ensures that the Recon RL Gold fork performs at its best for years to come. Regular servicing helps prevent wear and keeps the fork smooth and responsive.
Regular Cleaning
- After every ride, especially if you’ve been riding on muddy trails, clean the fork legs with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Pay close attention to the seals, as grime can damage them and affect performance.
- Use a mild soap solution for deeper cleaning but avoid harsh chemicals.
Lubrication and Oil Service
- The Recon RL Gold fork should be serviced every 50-100 hours of use or once a year, whichever comes first.
- Open the lowers and inspect the internal parts, including the air spring, damper, and bushings. Replacing the oil and lubricating the seals will ensure smooth action and prevent internal damage.
- If you notice a decrease in performance or air leakage, consider replacing the air shaft seals or damping fluid.
Seals and Bushings
- The seals on the Recon RL Gold fork are critical for preventing contamination from entering the fork internals. If you start noticing decreased performance or a squeaky sound, check for damage in the seals.
- If needed, replace the seals and bushings during the service. RockShox provides seal kits for easy replacements.
Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues
While the Recon RL Gold is designed for durability, users may occasionally encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue 1: Fork Not Holding Air Pressure
- Cause: Air leaks in the fork’s air spring chamber or valve.
- Solution: Inspect the air valve for any visible damage or dirt. If the air valve is fine, check the fork’s seals for wear. If necessary, replace the seals or take the fork to a service center for a full inspection.
Issue 2: Poor Rebound Control
- Cause: Incorrect rebound setting or internal damage to the damper.
- Solution: Recheck the rebound adjustment and adjust the knob accordingly. If the issue persists, it may be time to service the damper.
Issue 3: Excessive Brake Judder
- Cause: Fork alignment or brake rotor issue.
- Solution: Ensure that the fork is properly aligned, and check the brake rotor for warping. If the rotor is damaged, replace it. Also, ensure the brake pads are correctly aligned with the rotor.
Customizing and Optimizing the Recon RL Gold Fork
To extract the maximum performance from your Recon RL Gold fork, you may want to customize it for your riding style and terrain. Here are a few tips:
Upgrade to a Remote Lockout
- If you plan on riding both uphill and downhill, installing a remote lockout system on your Recon RL Gold fork can help. This allows you to lock out the suspension for better pedaling efficiency on smooth climbs, and unlock it for more cushioning on descents.
Tune the Air Spring
- Experiment with air pressure to fine-tune the SAG. For trail riding, increasing the air pressure slightly can prevent bottoming out on big hits. For smoother rides, lower air pressure will provide more sensitivity to small bumps.
Comparison: RockShox Recon RL Gold vs. Other Forks
The Recon RL Gold is an entry-level fork that strikes a balance between performance and affordability. But how does it compare to similar models?
Recon RL Gold vs. Recon Silver RL
- The Recon Silver RL is a more budget-friendly version of the Recon RL Gold. While both use the Motion Control damper, the Gold version has a higher-quality Charger Damper for improved control and smoother performance.
- The Gold fork also features a more refined air spring, giving it better responsiveness and durability than the Silver.
Recon RL Gold vs. Judy Gold
- The RockShox Judy Gold is another competitor in the entry-level suspension fork category. While the Judy Gold offers similar features, it boasts a larger diameter (32mm vs. 30mm) and improved stiffness. However, the Recon RL Gold is known for its smoother compression damping and lighter weight.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
When upgrading to the Recon RL Gold fork, it’s important to consider its compatibility with other components on your bike, particularly the drivetrain. This fork is compatible with most modern cross-country and trail bikes, especially those with 100-120mm of travel. However, always ensure that your bike’s head tube, axle type, and brake mount align with the fork’s specifications.