Updated for 2014 with a Solo Air air spring (only one adjustable air chamber), the 2015 is unchanged and is available in every wheel size and travel options to please most trail riders.
The addition of a Solo Air spring saves a few grams over the previous dual air spring and does away with the need and ability of adjusting two separate air chambers on either end of the fork stanchion. Although, at first accused for dumbing down fork tuning, the result has been a smooth, stiction-free ride with minimal set up time. With the new Solo-Air design, a small dimple on the wall of the inner leg allows air to bleed from the main air spring to the negative spring, automatically balancing the two pressures. While Dual Air allowed for a good deal of flexibility in tuning, most people arrived at fairly evenly matched pressures in the negative and positive chambers. Solo Air does just that with one less valve and no chance of getting it wrong.
Motion Control RCT3 damping allows the choice of three settings, adjustable with the flick of a switch. Open, Threshold (extra resistance in the beginning of the stroke but not locked out), and Lock-Out. The Lock-Out setting is not a complete locked out and firms things up. Low speed compression can be tuned with eleven clicks of the black dial on top of the blue Motion Control switch, while high speed is pre-set.
Rapid Recovery rebound damping, first introduced on the Monarch shock, helps increase the fork’s ability to track the terrain by riding higher in it’s travel. By speeding up the end of the rebound stroke, Rapid Recovery allows the fork to recover faster from bigger hits keeping the fork from packing up over continual bumps. A slower beginning rebound stroke keeps the fork from “bucking” as it returns to full extension. Incorporated in this is independent damping circuits, allowing separate rebound speeds for big hits and small ones. A user-adjustable, bottom-mounted red knob controls the beginning-stroke (small-hit) rebound, and a factory-set ending-stroke (big-hit)
With Rapid Recovery rebound damping comes the new Dig valve. Dig is short for digressive tuning, which means there are lower flow rates at lower speeds, with an increase in the rate as the speed rises. This offers a pedal friendly damping rate at lower speeds and smooth damping curve on bigger hits, which should greatly improve the damping out on the trails. Leaving no stone unturned, the Dig valve’s shaft is crafted from aluminium rather than the previous Chrome steel saving 5g in the process.
A tapered (1.125″ to 1.5″) head tube and 15 mm through axle are standard spec, with RockShox’s trademarked Power Bulge and 15mm Maxle Lite adding extra stiffness to combat flex in the lowers.
On The Trail
At this point it’s maybe good to point out that I’m not a race snake and like a plush, supple ride that soaks and absorbs as I ride along the way. Other riders will feel differently about the three Motion Control settings and may use them more often than I have up to now. In fact, typing this I can’t remember when last I used the firmer two settings on any fork that I have ridden the last couple of years.
As usual, I left the fork in the fully open mode and adjusted the low speed compression to fine-tune the firmness. The lock setting is very firm and close enough to completely rigid and I have only used it once or twice doing some intervals on tar or gravel district roads. The middle “Threshold” setting does a good job to limit bob under heavy load, but is not a setting I would use often as it rids the fork of small-bump compliance. Whilst there is a learning curve to fine-tuning the RCT3 damper, initial set-up is easy, thanks to guides on the fork. An air pressure chart gives starting PSI measurements, travel & sag indicators on the stanchions and fast & slow rebound directions are displayed on the fork.
The Revelation’s buttery smooth responsiveness is immediately noticeable with only it’s bigger brother (the Pike) feeling smoother from the off. The fork is lively at the top of the stroke giving it a nice “pop” and ensuring that small bumps are dealt with in a smooth manner. This translates into a front tyre that tracks well around corners or berms. To help mid-stroke support, I added 6 or 7 clicks of low-speed compression damping to sit up more.
The only real negative is the fairly linear feel through the travel. It can be countered through tweaking a combination of the settings, but it does take some time to get it right.
Verdict
It’s a tough challenge building a complete trail fork. A middle child of sorts, it has to be the best of many worlds. Light enough to compliment shorter travel (120mm) trail bikes, but stiff enough to rip trails on 150mm single track slayers. It needs to have good small bump sensitivity and, at the same time, not dive through its travel or flex when the speed picks up or the terrain turns technical.
With the new breed of super capable and slack 150mm – 170mm 27.5″ and 140mm – 160mm 29″ Enduro / All Mountain bikes, the Pike has it’s place. Anywhere between that and the XC / Marathon focused SID, the Revelation is more than comfortable and capable, regardless of wheel size. And that is no mean feat. While the Pike has been getting all the attention and praise, the Revelation has quietly been getting on with business. Unlike some of the competition, the Revelation has to be pushed quite hard before it starts reaching it’s limits and is more than happy to go where most riders will take it. When you ride the Revelation you quickly realize what an incredible feat it is for a manufacturer to hit all the nails on the head.
Shipped as standard in the box with the fork is an extra seal service kit and high pressure shock pump. They really have thought about everything
RRP: R9,600
From the Manufacturer
Something good got even better. We received so much positive feedback from trail riders out there that we wanted to give something back. Winner of numerous magazine tests, we upgraded Revelation with our new Motion Control DNA system. Now, the stiff and lightweight ultimate trail fork is even smoother and more responsive. And with Dual Position AIr, the uphills are even easier now, too. Add in the new RCT3 – a lockout with three positions – and you can adapt to any terrain: Switch between “Open (with all DNA possibilities), “Threshold” (takes away the big bumps) and “Lockout” for fast rolling on smooth ground.
Introducing Revelation 29″: a proven lightweight platform designed for aggressive trail riding. Smooth responsiveness provided by Motion Control DNA damping systems perfectly pairs with Maxle Lite and 140mm travel.
Specifications
Travel options and weight:
– 26″: 150/140/130mm 1636g
– 27.5″: Dual Position Air: 150/140/130/100mm 1867g
– 27.5″: Solo Air: 150/140/130/100mm 1787g
– 29″: 140/130/120mm 1800g
*Weight based on 265mm tapered carbon crown-steerer, 9mm QR lower leg, Dual Air
Damping: Motion Control DNA with Dig valve and Rapid Recovery rebound
Available springs: Solo Air/ Dual Position Air
Adjustments: External rebound, low speed compression, 3 position compression (open/platform/lock), External Travel: Dual Position Air (+ 80 g), Spring Adjust: Air pressure via single Schrader valve
Steerer options: Aluminium 1.5 to 1-1/8″ tapered
Crown: Forged, hollow 6066 aluminium w/custom heat treatment
Upper tubes: 32mm, Fast Black, Low Friction Anodized
Lowers: 26″: Magnesium, Post Mount Disc Brake, 27.5″: Magnesium, 15×100 Maxle Lite, post mount disc brake, 29″: Magnesium, 20×110 Maxle Lite, Post Mount Disc Brake
Options: Travel, Spring, Steerer, Axle, Remote, Colors
Max rotor size: 200mm
Colour options: Black, White, Diffusion Black
Remotes: PushLoc remote (RL & RLT models)
Upgrade: Over RLT: Additional adjustment capability and improved damping performance
Lekka, Boet!