For 2010 RockShox have introduced XX versions of the Revelation, Reba and SID forks with cutting-edge lockout performance. Our first test model is the new 1,645g XX Reba.
RockShox offer the Reba with 9mm open-axle or 20mm through-axle Maxle Lite lowers, and in 80mm, 100mm or 120mm travel options. We tested a 9mm, 120mm-travel model.
At first glance there’s no clear difference from a standard Reba, other than the full hydraulic XLoc remote lockout. This offers instant lockout – faster than the old cable version and also around 30g lighter – but, more importantly for last-lap racers, the ergonomics are improved so it takes much less effort to activate.
The unit can also be merged into a SRAM cockpit using its matchmaker system, combining the shifter into the same bar bracket.
RockShox Motion Control damping is well known and loved – tuning is easy, with external access to rebound. This iteration of the 32mm-stanchion Reba showed boundless enthusiasm for smoothing scary rock gardens and gobbling drop-offs, as well as showing great manners on rippling trail bumps.
While this open-axle format isn’t the stiffest version of the Reba chassis, it is plenty stiff, and even without the Maxle Lite through-axle we rarely felt the fork lacked steering precision.
If you really use your lockout and need a new high-end cross-country fork the Reba XX is a no-brainer, although we think most riders will be equally well served with a standard Reba.