It's an old tradition: when manufacturers develop new, innovative technologies, these are initially only available in the top models before the new technology is gradually introduced in more affordable parts - including suspension forks. Now is another such time, as Rock Shox is extending its high-quality damping technology downwards and revitalising an old legend at the same time. Motion Control and Judy are the key buzzwords.
Rock Shox Judy: mid-range fork with Motion Control damping
The Rock Shox Judy is a legend. It made a name for itself as one of the first truly functional suspension forks, later shining with an almost unbeatable price-performance ratio. In 2002, for a mere 250 euros, you could own a heavy but comfortable fork that really worked. Later, the Judy was not developed any further and its fame faded with time.
Now it's back, the Judy. With a new face but an old concept, namely to offer a lot of performance for little money. The keyword in this case is "Motion Control". The damper, which also served well in the old Pike and Lyrik for a long time and has already impressed several riders in the more affordable Yari, has also been integrated into the new Judy. However, only in the higher-quality Judy Gold RL version. The Judy Silver TK has to make do without the good damper unit but, like its big sister, works with the tried and tested Solo Air cartridge.
The Judy is available with suspension travel between 80 and 120 millimetres for 27.5 and 29 inches and comes in the Gold version with the black aluminium stanchions typical of Rock Shox. Boost is almost standard on new developments from Rock Shox, with a maximum tyre width of 2.8 inches. The simpler Judy Silver TK with steel stanchions will only be sold to original equipment manufacturers, the Judy Gold RL will be available from April and will cost between 420 and 500 euros.
Updates and new technology in Recon, Reba and SID RL
The affordable entry-level Rock Shox Recon fork can also boast a Motion Control cartridge in future and comes with two different chassis for 27.5" and 29": one with 80 to 120 millimetres of travel, the other with 130 to 150 millimetres of travel. In order to keep the price down, there is no longer a Recon Gold with aluminium stanchions, instead coated steel is used. In return, the new Recon costs only 280 to 355 euros.
The new Reba also gets an update. Apart from decals and a new design for the SAG indicator, everything remains largely the same with the Solo Air cartridge, lightweight chassis, Motion Control damper and the powerful Rapid Recovery System with 80 to 100, 120 or 130 to 150 millimetres of travel. The new Reba is now poaching in the trail and all-mountain segment, taking the place of the old Revelation. Only the Boost standard is really new. The Reba will cost between 555 and 635 euros.
Even more pleasing for the end customer is the revision of the Rock Shox SID RL race fork. In future, in addition to the Rapid Recovery System, it will be able to rely on the Charger 2 top cartridge, which previously only worked in the significantly more expensive and weight-optimised SID Worldcup. This significantly upgrades the SID RL. The fork will be available with 80 to 100 millimetres of travel and Boost standard from May and will cost between 665 and 745 euros. Everything remains the same for all other models, only the decals have been redesigned for both the shocks and the forks and are now available in many different colours.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
