2013 RST Suspension and Leatt H4 backpack - First Look

Aug 18, 2012
by Mike Levy  

RST R-One Fork

RST likely isn't a name that pops into your head when you're thinking about long-travel suspension, but the company, better known for their more-budget minded offerings, is looking to change that. We met up with RST's Mike Dunn, a man who has plenty of experience in the suspension biz, as well as being the mind behind their new R-One downhill fork, to see what they have been working on. The 200mm travel R-One is built around their existing single crown Storm platform, with longer 36mm stanchions that feature an internal taper to save grams, and an upper crown that is compatible with direct mount stems. RST has used a more conventional 20mm thru-axle that requires an 8mm hex key, although they have been able to avoid having to use pinch bolts due to the axle's reverse threading that is claimed to keep it from shifting. R-One owners will also be able to lower the travel to 180mm by fitting different travel spacers into the spring leg.

Internally, it employs a semi-open bath cartridge, inside of which you'll find a high-speed spring poppet valve that opens into a shim stack, as well as a more traditional low-speed needle valve to control fork dive under braking, with both being able to be adjusted externally at the top of the right leg. Low-speed rebound can also be tuned externally, and the high-speed circuit is controlled with a shim stack.

RST R-One Details

• Intended use: DH/FR
• Travel: 200mm (internally adjustable to 180mm)
• 36mm diameter stanchions
• External adjustments: separate low and high-speed compression, low-speed rebound
• Direct mount stem compatible
• 20mm thru-axle
• Post brake mount
• Prototype weight: 6.8lb
• MSRP $1100 USD



2013 RST suspension

The R-One's top crown is compatible with direct mount stems (left). There are external adjustments for both low and high-speed compression damping, as well as a rebound adjuster at the bottom of the fork leg.


2013 RST suspension

The 20mm thru-axle (left) turns into a reverse-threaded cap on the opposite side with an 8mm hex key. The R-One uses 36mm diameter stanchions (right).





RST Champ

Weighing in at 3.5lb with 15mm thru-axle lowers, the Champ is RST's lightweight trail fork. It features three travel settings - 80, 100, and 120mm - all of which can be attained on the same fork by swapping out travel spacers, and RST is also working on a slightly different chassis that would allow them to offer a 140mm travel Champ. A 650B model is in the works to compliment the current 26" and 29" Champ forks as well.

On top of the right leg you'll find a low-speed compression dial that can be turned completely forward to engage a 'soft lockout' that is very firm, but still allows for some movement and blowoff. An aluminum dial is used to adjust low-speed rebound at the bottom of the same leg.

RST Champ Details

• Intended use: XC/trail/all-mountain
• Travel: 80, 100, 120mm (internally adjustable)
• Air sprung
• External adjustments: air pressure, low-speed lockout, rebound
• 32mm diameter stanchions
• QR or 15mm thru-axle option
• 26", 29" wheel models (650B in the works)
• Post brake mount
• Weight: 3.5lb (15mm thru-axle model)
• MSRP $675 USD





www.rst.com






Leatt H4 Backpack

Lifted from their motorsports lineup, the H4 bag has been designed to not shift around on the rider's back, and specifically to not come up and hit the back of the helmet - an especially dangerous thing on a MX bike. Leatt claims that this is prevented by their cross-strap layout that positions the straps in an 'X' arrangement across the rider's chest. All four straps can be adjusted lengthwise via hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing the wearer to fine-tune the fit easily. Downhillers should also take note that it is also completely compatible with Leatt's neck braces, meaning that you can take some water and a few tools with you during runs - not something that enough riders currently do.

We're taking an H4 pack home with us from Crankworx and will be using it over the coming months, so stay tuned for a full test in the future.

Leatt H4 Details

• Intended use: XC/AM/DH
• Harness designed to interface with Leatt brace
• Cross-strap layout to minimize pack shifting
• Can be worn with Leatt upper body armour
• Five liters of storage space
• Include 2.5L bladder
• MSRP $109 USD


Leatt H4

The H4's unique 'X' strap arrangement (left) is said to limit bag movement during riding. Five liters of storage space, as well as room for the bladder, means that you can carry tools and other trailside essentials.



www.leatt-brace.com


Sponsors.


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Crankworx Forks LEATT


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159 Comments
  • 147 6
 Can this possibly be a break through in their "Really Sh*tty technology" past? I feel like asking $1100 after a past of supporting only Walmart and low end bikes is a lot to ask with the hopes of winning over riders who have been supported by a predominantly monopolized suspension kingdom ( IE the big 3, Rock Shox, Marzocchi, Fox)... Who is going to risk $1100 on a fork with no history when you can buy a Boxxer WC for that price and you know you will have a top of the line fork... Just my opinion. Thoughts?

And chrome stanchions were cool 3 years ago...
  • 18 3
 It's still RST, so you have got absolutely right!
  • 35 6
 Are they going to use them on the Huffy Downhill bike hahaha Restricted Shock Technology they would be Poo sticks
  • 4 2
 yes i think you're completely right, altough maybe if someone buy it it will work properly but there is the risk, that it will not... and for that price there are a lot of other good forks
  • 3 2
 NittyGritty, completely agreed... Btw, those aren't chrome stanchions... Are the same color as every low-end suspendion they have x:
  • 54 0
 i for one wouldn't mind seeing a test. get on it pinkbike.
  • 7 1
 I definitely agree, way too much to ask considering their past and current status. Personally however, I like the silver color stanchions, specifically the Marzocchi nickel plated stuff I think looks awesome.
  • 8 6
 No matter how many positive reviews they get, I don't think it's going to change my view of RSTs as sh*tty forks that belong on rather low-end bikes.
  • 8 4
 That RST DH fork is way to overpriced for a company that havn't prove them selfs on the big suspension market,i mean Rock Shox,Fox & Marzocchi for example have been on top of their game since they make suspension.

I think $1100 is a complete waste of money if you look at the reputation what that company has,not an single RST product has been good in my opinion.
  • 7 1
 I think they will work good at first. Its just how long they will last would be my concern.
  • 39 1
 You can tell they would snap in half by looking at the outside of the fork in a photograph? Wow, have you considered a career as an engineer? Knowing pinkbike you probably are anyway.
  • 6 9
 I don't think that there is any way RST can infiltrate the long travel market with this fork. Apart from anything, they've made it look similar to the competition...but more boring. they needed to come out with new technology or a completely different design, so that it would make heads turn. Right now all i'm thinking is "Another RST pile of shit".
  • 25 5
 Just because your Walmart bikes fork snapped when you were little doesn't mean that the company is complete shit. I mean, have you guys ever ridden a higher end RST fork? I for one have, and they're just as comparable to any other fork on the market. So before you go baggin on something you've never tried out, try to have some respect for what they're tryin to do
  • 5 4
 I'm just saying they need to do something spectacular to rectify their reputation.
  • 5 1
 15 years ago RST was top of the line. Who remembers the RST XXL? I'll stick to my Bos Idylle for the moment....
  • 4 2
 No, 15 years ago RST was overpriced shit, including the XXL. Mind you, RockShox were shit then too (Judy DHO anyone?), so that's not saying much. RST will sell approx. none of these forks at RRP, but if they can get them onto £1500 bikes as an alternative to Domains, they may have a future.

Also, that axle system is actually really quite good. It's on the Society/RST 4XR fork, and although it's not quick to use, it's easy and bullet proof.
  • 10 2
 Just thought I'd contribute to this discussion. I have an RST fork on my XC bike. It is the worst fork I have ever seen or used, period. Absolute bin-worthy pile of crap, the only good feature is the lock out.


Having said that, it is possible that they're making a turn around, but the way to do it is not to come into the market with something to compete with already established and well liked forks like Boxxers, 40s and 888s, but instead offer a very good value, cheaper alternative that would offer quality at a lower price. IMO this fork has no target market because nobody wants to spend that much money on a fork from a company with such a crappy reputation. Think of it this way, nobody would want to buy a $200,000 luxury car from daihatsu when they could get a Mercedes, Rolls Royce or Bentley for the same money.
  • 4 1
 If they want to be a big name in the field, they need to take things slower imo. Nobody is going to spend 1100$ on this, when there's Rockshox and Fox around. Nobody.

Get some pro riders, make them use this on their bikes and meanwhile sell the product with 'minimal' profit in mind. That's the only way to earn people's trust at the moment.

Else, i wish them happy dreaming.
  • 58 2
 What an emotional irrational group of people on here.......... I guess it is true though, RST should not even try this because the DH crowd decides what works based on these criteria -

1. Is it cool?
2. Have I heard of it before?
3. Is it cool?

Yeah it is a lot of money...... I am not saying I would runout and buy one either. At least not without trying one out... But I welcome competition because to be honest I think forks could be BETTER and more affordable if there was some. So Suntour, X-Fusion, RST, whoever...... bring it on. And make GOOD forks, keep doing it and people will catch on.
  • 6 1
 why was the suntour recieved so much better? they have the same history after all... still want to try them both tho
  • 3 0
 That's what I was just about to ask! In my experience, RST has been better than SR Suntour, but a while ago when they showed us SR Suntour's dual crown fork, it seemed to be accepted rather well.
  • 5 0
 suntour did have a pic of garret buehler (not sure of the spelling) on the article tho
  • 5 0
 Another difference is that although the target market for the Suntour brand has typically been low-end stuff, they also did the manufacturing for other high-end brands. So the capacity is/was there. I don't know if thats the case for RST.

And yes, getting the likes of Buehler, Doerfling and Tippie to ride your product gives it a lot of credibility, at least in Canada.
  • 2 1
 Keep in mind that $1100 is the MSRP. It will sell for far less, possibly half the price of a 40.

I'm psyched to see lots of suspension companies stepping up and finally bringing some competition. This will force all companies to up their game. How long before manitou double crowns are common again or we start seeing sun tour forks on serious bikes?
  • 2 0
 the dorado is fairly common... not like fox/rockshox but you do see them quite a bit, more than marzocchi sometimes
  • 2 0
 I would like to see a review... 36mm is right, weight is good and price is low... WTF not? 1100MSRP is low... Anyone ever pay MSRP price?
  • 9 9
 It's scary that some people consider $1100MSRP to be a low price for a bicycle component. People in this sport have more money than sense. A fork had better sing me to sleep for $1100...
  • 2 1
 its an expensive sport with markup at least 10x the price of manufacturing (unless their optics in which case almost a 1000x) point being if you dont like it dont ride
  • 4 2
 Tom, it's a DH fork. Those don't run cheap.
  • 10 6
 Ok so the majority of posts have been from people who aren't old enough to know how suspension forks have evolved for the various brands, but many have no experience it seems with any of the good models RST has offered in the past. Every major successful brand has had some really cheap forks that are so crappy that riders would have been better off with rigid forks. But they were sufficient to generate OEM sales and that's where the money is made to pay for development of better models. So if all you've done is experienced their low end stuff, and you've had no past experience with higher end offerings, you're really in no position to talk about these two new forks.
  • 7 6
 What 'good models RST has offered in the past'....? I've been in this game for longer than I care to remember, and I can't remember a single RST fork that was ahead of the competition. The closest they got was probably the Mozo XL 4.5, which was better than a Judy, but still a million miles behind a Z1. The Hi 5's 'air damper' needed stripping and rebuilding after every single ride, the Mozo XXL (upside down) was horrific, and don't get me started on the later model 'Storm' series...

I'm all for giving a company another chance (look at Mazocchi or GT) but RST have always been shit, will always be shit, and should stick to the entry level sector as they always have done. This new fork could be as good as a BOS, but I'd still never spend my money on it. Call me irrational or emotional if you like, but that's my opinion, and it's as valid as anyone else's.
  • 4 1
 I've ridden what was supposed to be "the piece of crap" Suntour Dh fork that everyone said would be terrible and loved it. Don't diss something before you try it.
  • 1 0
 I rode an Rst sigma inverted fork for a bit. It felt pretty good actually til the seals blew after a few rides. Quality issues like that need to be addressed ifthey want people to ride their products
  • 1 0
 my 36's seals blew after four days, I hate durability issues.
  • 2 1
 rippin-norco has the perfect response to madmax, its not about quality it's about name who hasn't had a 40 or a boxxer blow a seal on them? lets be honest here RST is doomed yes they might make a good product but with that name their f*cked
  • 2 1
 I agree. The fork could be amazing, but the name would deter most sales.
  • 1 0
 it's strange how DVO got such a huge following to even though their all from marzocchi who has a bad rep on here, I'm excited as I like marz but still...
  • 1 3
 For me, I don't doubt that RST could make a fork that rides well, I'd just be afraid of it snapping after two runs. I've seen WAY too many snapped RSTs, even the later Storm series and so-called 'high-end' forks from them...And they snapped on small hits too. No way would I ever trust it enough, no matter how smooth or well it rode.
  • 8 6
 Hilarious reading what some people have to say. If these things had Kashima coating people would be all over them like flies. Glad to see another company trying to enter the game. People seem to forget that every single company in the bike industry started from nothing and was a unknown brand. What if Fox had been treated the same 10 years ago and nobody gave them a chance? We'd have no float forks, pro pedal or 40s. Cop your selves on on wait for a review before you criticise.
  • 2 6
flag greencarrots (Aug 18, 2012 at 13:13) (Below Threshold)
 you can get a boxxer for $300 cheaper and its from a big name brand
  • 4 2
 Daire: I take it you've already placed your order then? The point isn't that RST are an 'unknown brand'. We know plenty about them, that's the problem!
  • 5 5
 @Daire, You're trying to sound like you know what you're talking about, but you clearly don't. If you knew your arse from your elbow you'd know that RST have been producing mountain bike suspension forks since 1990 - so saying they're new to the market is straight up untrue. You'd also know that they haven't made a single good fork in all of those 22 years of producing mountain biking products. People aren't making negative comments because RST are new to the market, they're making negative comments because RST have such a bad reputation already for the shoddy forks they produce. Make sure you at least know vaguely what you're talking about before you post.
  • 2 0
 RST should make it to top20 in wc circuit in order to gain crowd confidence
  • 1 0
 Well said
  • 1 0
 Whys everybody hating? Think about this for a second... For how many forks RST sells per anum on what you consider a "low end bike," I bet they sell just as much as the other suspension companies combined. Not to mention their products take an absolute $hit kicking from people who don't service the fork ever and ride it for years on end. Personally, I'd try the fork. They must be doing something right if some of the big names in cycling are riding their products (Brett Tippie for example). And don't get me wrong, I love my Vivid Air and Boxxer WC, but if you havent tried something new, dont bash it before you do.
  • 5 1
 tippie is on suntour?
  • 2 0
 Clearly they're not going to have an easy time breaking into the long travel/high end market - but if they start to make good forks at competitive prices, eventually they could make it. Maybe in 10 years, we'll be back saying "remember when RST were shit" Razz
  • 1 0
 dont talk about ten years from now... think about how much fox is gunna cost
  • 1 0
 I was talking more in a general terms of things. Suntour was in this same position 10 years ago. No one wanted a Suntour fork.
  • 1 0
 they did make really good road bike gruppo's at one point... it was in the age of downtube shifters tho, the brifter thing killed that...
  • 1 0
 and suntour manufactured forks for everyone as well
  • 1 0
 in philippines they will sell them cheap my guess just around 400 dollars thats why they are popular in my country thats all most of us can afford...
  • 1 0
 are you kidding me, in indonesian this fork just Rp.1.900.000 or $173.93 USD
  • 1 0
 and that's why no one on our continent rides them.
  • 1 0
 you mean because there are very expensive?
  • 1 0
 damn gravediggers
  • 1 0
 rambo ?
this is rambo schmoesknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/rambo_wideweb__470x3450.jpg
  • 58 3
 Sticker on the back of the fork: "not intended for off-road use"
  • 32 1
 Or more fitting with RSTs general reputation: "not intended for use"
  • 15 3
 Its nice to see a Leatt compatible backpack, but that thing looks like a backpack i could find at walmart...
  • 2 0
 true story.
  • 2 3
 A Evoc or Dakine pack would be cheaper, better & look decent.
  • 4 0
 I wonder if they've thought about the fact that most riders want to be able to put a helmet or pads on their pack?...
  • 2 0
 i like the backpack because it will actually fit with the brace....idk about anyone else but i have one hell of a time trying to be confortable and not have the neckbrace continually move up on me(yes i have the straps on) with my dakine pack like i have my pack basically on my but so it wont interfear with the brace....but thats just me
i may be doing it wrong but who knows.....
  • 3 0
 ... and the shocks too, you can find them at nearest wallmart.
  • 2 0
 This bag looks great. I too had the same problem with my Dakine bag pushing my Leatt up. Here in AZ, when we are doing 100+ degree DH runs @ 5am, having water is essential on a run. I'm really looking forward to seeing the review on this. You really only need enough to carry a bit of water and maybe a multi tool, this isn't a day pack.
  • 1 0
 I didnt have issues with my fox pack, you just have to put the straps over the tabs under either side of your leatt. this has the added bonus that it makes the leatt incredibly secure.
  • 1 0
 My camelbak and Alpinestars brace get on surprisingly well... once you've carefully adjusted each strap!!
  • 7 0
 Yeah, yeah, I know everyone is on the "RST makes wal-mart bike parts and is therefore crap" hype but does anyone remember the RST Sigma? I've tried one and it felt surprisingly good and I've never heard anything bad about their performance from anyone who's owned one, mostly just that they're hard to find and hard to find parts to service it with. For that reason I'm not going to be prejudiced against the R-One just because it's RST. Who knows, it could be really good.
  • 3 1
 Are you kidding? Most of the people whining about their products weren't even conceived yet when RST started offering suspension forks.
  • 1 0
 True, true...still though, the Sigma was in existence not that long ago, and it is a properly good fork. The main thing that concerns me about this new one though is the price, not because i don't think you'll get what you pay for but because it'll depreciate faster than an Alfa Romeo (at least to begin with, maybe if it proves itself it won't be so bad in the end). Then again, judging from the Sigma maybe it will be; I walked into a bike shop in santa cruz and they had 3 just sitting on their wall and I almost bought one for $150.
  • 2 1
 I got a pair of XMO SL O2's (one new, one used) when I walked into a shop, and the owner knowing I'd used them before sold the last two he had, for $50 apiece. These were XC forks comparible to Rockshox SIDs (of the time period) in quality. They're perfectly adequate for most XC riding still to this day. A few years ago, I bought SEVEN NOS Rockshox Judy XLCs for $35 each. Remember those ? Dual crown 100mm travel coil-spring / open bath hydraulic damping with alloy steerers and stanchion tubes around 4 pounds apiece. I sold them all at a good profit.
  • 1 0
 Yep, you can get some good deals on used ones, but that's the point. It's also one of the only good points the people hating on the forks are making. For several hundred dollars less you can find used fox, marz and rockshox forks, so if you have a used RST fork that's gonna have to fall a pretty long way to be able to re-sell it. Thus idk how many they're gonna sell at that price. Unfortunately that's only because most people will be too concerned with resale value to actually...well, ride it haha
  • 1 0
 er finding parts to service it is just as important part of the fork as the fork its self. If thats rubbish then you will use the fork for its initial service interval and the fork is gone.
  • 1 0
 Difficult, not impossible. 'It's not a fork you can just walk into your local shop and get seals for' seemed to be the theme.
  • 1 0
 yes, and why would you want that when you can get a sensible fork that you can just walk in to the shop and get a seal for?
  • 5 1
 You assume you can get parts for 'sensible' forks. Manitous would normally be considered sensible but in canada currently their distributor sucks bigtime.
  • 1 0
 Also, I could be wrong but i suspect that you won't have to service the RST as much as a fox or rockshox. Think about it; that company makes forks for people who don't know how to work on bikes, so they have to go a really long time without f*cking up TOO badly. Some of that has definitely rubbed off on their higher-end forks of the past and i suspect it will be so with this one.
  • 1 0
 An ok fork at best. cool idea of inverted legs and all. when I had it though, my marz super t outperformed it. If it lasted more than a couple months (less than 15 rides for sure)for how i rode it at the time, then my opinion would defintely be more positive about their product. but yes parts are not easy to come by, their customer service is meh. So for that i wouldnt try again, nor recommend.
  • 9 4
 I think 1100$ is too much for a fork, made by some machines, which also make forks for 100$ . For the same price you can get '11 Boxxer WC ! Champ - overpriced, too. I don't think it'll work any better than X-Fusion Velvet, which is even 200 bucks cheaper. Btw, Velvet is an awesome fork, and works as good as some way more expensive forks, IMO.
RST - no, thanks.
  • 3 3
 $1100 is the MSRP. Boxxer WC is $1700 MSRP.
  • 4 0
 The 2011 world cup...
  • 4 0
 I think you guys are all wrong and here’s why. There is a massive lack of competition in the world of mountain bike forks i.e. the big three? As soon as another company gets on the scene you guys are all quick to criticise.isnt this a good thing so the big three dont monopolise the fork industry? This can only be a good thing surely more option and choice? They might be poo but give them a chance to see if they work?? Thanks all!
  • 4 0
 Theres just so many things one could say/contribute to on this topic. As someone above said, seems like most of you arent old or experienced enough to know how this works. Im not going to waste my or your time on details - thankfully I see im not alone. But the rest of you should get out there and freaking try out the products before trash talking them. Like Fox and RS dont make low end sh*i?! And not to mention overprized?! Ive been riding Manitous, Foxs, RockShoxs and Marzs for many many years. Both dual and single crown. Trust me - its not the best branded make or the more expensive make that neccesarely makes the best product. (And then yheres the service issues). I would ride this RST fork at least once before I would give it any crap! With that said - RST might want to look into getting a new name and brand.

Btw - just switched my '11 fox 40 to a Manitou Dorado Pro '12.. I know a lot of you wanna trash talk that too probably! - But then again, I would know youre not talking from experience. The Dorado is a KILLER!
  • 8 1
 "..better known for their budget-minded offerings.."
So why the hell do they want $1100 for it?
  • 2 7
flag shredds (Aug 18, 2012 at 9:30) (Below Threshold)
 I can get a Boxxer world cup for like $900.
  • 6 1
 I know having another suspension manufacturer helps make competition better but at that price point and lack of any DH heritage, RST is going nowhere. Cut the price in half and people "might" consider this fork.
  • 7 0
 RST have so much DH heritage dude! saying that it was well over ten years ago now! www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/img_6134_831.jpg and seeming there forks have been crap since then $1100 is just silly
  • 4 0
 Haha, they should've been following the trend by doing a new upside-down fork.. I bet, then they would have gotten the public interest they were aiming for. People would be like: woah, it looks so sick dude!
Also it's way cheaper, then creating molds for lower castings.

Back in the 90´s I didn't like the RST´s either, and since then, I didn't even realize them still being around since I'm gravity orientated -- but I really welcome RST´s comeback to the higher end suspension market. Honestly, it can't be a bad thing for us!
I just love how new and old companies suddenly realize the potential of this growing market and want to jump on the train getting a part of it... this means innovation and price drop for us, and the chance to make one's ride even more individual.
I just think, they should have done it more like suntour... namely, getting some awesome and well known riders on board first, bring a decent piece of technology and sell it way beyond the amount the big names charge.
Changing an image isn't impossible, but it's definitely a piece of work. Good Look RST!
  • 1 0
 @ mazze; www.mtbr.com/cat/suspension/2008-forks/rst/sigma/prd_416337_1565crx.aspx
  • 1 0
 thats not from 2008!
  • 4 0
 To be honest, I think people should give those RST forks a chance before slagging them off. I think everything deserves a proper testing before opinions are passed regardless of past history. If they do turn out to be crap fair enough.
  • 3 0
 have any of you guy's actually realised the possibility that RST might just be onto something ?

for a start,if RST manufactured a high end fork in the same factory that it builds it's lower end products in BUT re-marketed itself as a totally new company for it's higher end products,would it still receive this much NEGATIVE feedback ? i personally think NOT!!!

Ok RST don't have a reputation for producing great products but they do have the right and need to make a stand in a competative market to produce a product that they see as able to get on the podium and give their customer,and that's YOU,a wider choice.

All i read in a hell of a lot of these discussions is negative and totally none productive,so if RST were to name themselves differently and NOT tell their customer,AND THAT'S YOU,exactly how much difference would it make ?

i say good on RST for trying for ALL of US,i too would like to see PB's take on a possible good product.
  • 2 0
 er its not their right to make products thats questioned here, its their price point they are aiming at is questioned
  • 2 0
 i'm sure a lot of riders here have rode an RST,after all they've been producing budget suspension for many years and i'm sure that without RST a great many rider's wouldn't have had the chance to get into the sport that we all love so much,and i'm not just talking RST here either,they've probably made a huge amount of money that they can invest into making a higher end product just by selling budget suspension and opening the door to a great many people who wouldn't have had the chance to ride at first opertunity,their high end budget may very well go a long way to explain itself IF their product can compete with the big boys and you can't just slate a product just because it say's RST on it,they have enough money to employ whoever they need to get their product off the ground and it's their right to have that chance and we need them to give us more choice,more choice isn't a bad thing so we should all be a little more open minded and stop trashing ANY company's ideas from the start....never forget where your roots took hold,RST have given lots of us a chance and maybe we should support them in return!!!
  • 1 0
 once again, not brand. Nothing to do with RST. Price point!
  • 1 0
 let me give you a better example. I ride xfusion vengeance here in uk. whilst xfusion is already a established brand, they havent established a decent supply chain in uk yet. And when they introduced their new vengeance fork they knew people werent going to chip out massive ammount of money on something unknown so they priced their fork accordingly. Company the vengeance and fox or rockshox equivalent in terms of price and performance.
  • 3 0
 I used RST Storm while my boxxer whas broken...for 3 times less the price of a boxxer, it turned out a good fork!! it worked well and whas quite stiff. Not racing of course, but for the price it really worked.. Hope they devolp a nicer one here!!!! hope they go the same as Suntour, whsh these existed when I whas 15 years old!
  • 3 0
 sure the price should be like half of what they are asking!!
  • 3 0
 80% of the people on here waste there time on here chattin some utter bollocks and bet half of you can't even ride just claim too and whats worse is you all make out that you know every thing and all you know is fick all ... Sorry rant over good luck rst these are the bunch of c*nts your up against lol
  • 1 0
 You just did what you were ranting against. Nice.
  • 3 0
 If the same fork had a different name, everyone would be saying "Oh great, I hope this company can take a run at RockShox and Fox, it'd be nice to have some other options". How many of you run Mongoose? We all know that story. How many run Trek? "Jazz" bicycles were sold in walmart from '89-'93, made by Trek. GT? Sold in "Sporting Good" stores, just 1 step above mass market. How many of you love the Iron Horse Sunday? They also sold bikes in the sporting good realm. Rockshox? Does no one remember the Jett, sold on bikes that were bought at WalMart in the 90s? . Please, for just a moment, forget the marketing hype when you consider buying anything. Most companies have at least dabbled in mass market sales. it's good money, and that's what drives the industry.
  • 3 0
 I'd buy the RST over a Boxxer. I'd happily give one a go. A few things I'd like to know though is about the shim stack, the rebound damping system(hopefully a shim stack), and if both are well made with easy to get parts. If it's wellmade, I don't care what's written on it.
I'd rather buy a fork from a brand that's built poor quality forks turning their hand at well made forks than the other way around like it seems RockShox is sort of doing. I don't like theidea of supporting any brand that makes perishable products for no need. As the buyers, I feel crap products and brands should be boycotted. Vote with your money people. I see no reason why today we shouldn't have forks that can be onsold for years, not just a season or two. I favor Marzocchi and Fox the most for durability at the moment(going by the current models).
.
Super keen to see if the Latte pack doesn't push the brace about. I'd buy one for sure if it doesn't.
  • 1 0
 The RST triples will probably apear mainly on bikes OEM, and the RRP is just to make them look quality.
  • 4 1
 they look like they could be decent, but i could never risk spending $1100 on it, RST's reputation is pretty low and there are a lot of much more trusted forks out there for the same price
  • 2 0
 Ok, I need that backpack... I am always having to adjust my neck brace when I am wearing my camelback on long rides. I am an enduro rider but I love wearing a neck brace. I almost given up on wearing one but now this backpack may change my mind.
  • 2 0
 Talking about RST Forks ,during the days of my childhood near 1996 period,the came up with fine forks even with aluminum adjustable caps and oil damped. Later in 1998 ,I bought a full stx -rc bike from Shimano company that came wih a RST fork. At first the fork works fine but later rattles because the liners are made of plastic. I later sold the bike off to my Malay friend , I topped the fork with engine oil to convince my friend that it is an oil damped fork. My friend was happy and went riding hard. Later my friend came back and said the adjustable caps pop off and nearly hit him. Thinking back I am a little regret selling that bike to him..
  • 4 2
 Everyone is complaining about the price before anyone has ridden it. If we put a Rock Shox or Marzocchi sticker on the exact same fork no one would think it was excessive at all. People pay for the badge and when it is a badge they don't like they wont pay no matter what it is like.
  • 4 1
 can you blame people for being a bit skeptical from their past history in suspension though?
Sure they are more than worthy, might be like kona's rise in the industry, more competition is healthy thats for sure.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, and everybody is exactly right about it. It's just the point of creating a name like Rock Shox or Marzocchi after all... the consumer is willing to pay for the sticker. You got no name you can't ask same price, it's as simple as that. It's called brand value.
  • 2 1
 well see, if i sink 1100 in to a rockshox or fox i know its going to (or very likely to) work because everyone uses them, plenty of parts and service if something was to go wrong.

Where as i sink 1100 and it breaks in the first 2 weeks what do i do with it? And lets be fair, RST arent known for their reliability.

And btw this isnt ENTIRELY brand based. Dual step air from rockshox is also known to be aweful, hence people avoid that despite it being rockshox
  • 1 0
 Actually, they're known for making parts for wal-mart bikes, not for not being reliable. In fact, given the way their forks are treated by most people i'd say the're very reliable. They may be crap, but they're crap that just keeps on going through years of neglect and abuse. I really want to see a review of this fork because it does make a strong case for itself in its design and features. Curious to see if it's worth the money.
  • 1 1
 What if I were to say something like rockshox is worth the money and fox and manitou are in the same technological boat?

Rockshox uses a full air spring, manitou and fox use positive airs and negative springs/hybrids. preload is therefore higher at higher pressures, quite possibly worse than the stiction created by the tiny rubber seal on the air rod. Why manitou uses full air only on the dorado, I have no clue. Why the dorado has position and velocity sensitive damping, and their other forks do not, I have no clue. Why a Fox 40 has 3 external adjustments and the R2C2 has 4 for damping and is cheaper, I have no clue. Rockshox is clearly more for your money. Even the moto world thinks marzocchi is better than fox. Why do we all flock to fox as a benchmark?

Probably nothing wrong with the RST, but even if it does much better than expected and is par with the comp, I am still looking at something less than the rockshox model in performance... For the same asking price too. It isn't good competition. I hope it dies a harsh death. I hope something like DVO or suntour does much better.
  • 2 0
 Because, having run both boxxers and 40s, the forty feels better, is more reliable and has beautifully made internals that last forever and work amazingly if treated and serviced properly and the rockshox has...well, mostly plastic. The fox spring system is proven, and actually they're working on an air system so that's coming along as well. The fox is also (last time i checked) 100 bucks cheaper than the RS boxxer WC, and for that you get kashima, ti spring, the works. Now, I realize that both forks are good and most of it is up to personal preference, but having experienced and lived with both I would take a 40 over a boxxer WC any day.
  • 2 0
 Cool I would like to try one right away, may be Im the only one here but as far as it say's:

"Internally, it employs a semi-open bath cartridge, inside of which you'll find a high-speed spring poppet valve that opens into a shim stack, as well as a more traditional low-speed needle valve to control fork dive under braking, with both being able to be adjusted externally at the top of the right leg. Low-speed rebound can also be tuned externally, and the high-speed circuit is controlled with a shim stack. " 6,8 pounds - 1100$
Im curious to try it... Wink
For example I have Avalanche cartridge unit in my 888 rc2x fork and it performs awesome and have almost the same technology inside, but this baby here looks solid and durable i ll be glad to see them in WC, along with some other brands like DVO.
  • 4 1
 are you sure you're not put too many zero at the RST price?
I'm pretty sure the last RST R One is just cost about USD200. no joking.

USD1100 for that fork? meh.
  • 1 0
 I thought the 2012 were about £400 which is approx $600.00 ...that price does seem a bit of a price jump.
  • 2 0
 Only some scientific results with tests from a lab can convince me about RST. And 1100USD @#$%? Why don't they start with a lower price like 600$ for about a year to see if they can show some quality proof.
  • 1 0
 I wouldn't ever spend that kind of money on an RST fork seeing as they are nearly totally unproven and i don't feel like being a guinea pig. Although, with that said I had an RST Sigma fork and it was beautifully plush and I loved it. I see potential, but i think it's idiotic for them to jut think that everyone will forget about their past.
  • 1 0
 Show me a test ride and I'll make my mind up as I Know thier past and reputation but they may have finally decided to sort it out so till I see them in action I'm going to keep a open mind. As for the price drop it to below 1000 and put it on entry level dh bikes if they work well we will hear about it.
  • 1 0
 That being said the bag seems pretty shit hot, i mean my camelbak is always riding up even with the gay waist strap is in place. The hose from the bladder seems pretty beefy too, only criticism i got is that the front buckle might get in the way of a gopro chesty!............and its yellow.
  • 1 0
 You know, it would be really smart and a good selling point if the bag had a gopro chest attatchment point on it! Honestly though, hat would be so great.
  • 1 0
 The rst could end up being a very cheap fork. Given that you can get a full dh bike (airborne taka, anyone?) For close to the same price, I'm guessing that this fork will definitely come down in price to compete with the rockshox domain, and it'll probably do well since it has *some* extra adjustability. And for the champ, 3.5 pounds might be good for an "all -mountain " fork at that price point, but 80-120mm of travel is definitely for xc only. As an xc fork, it just seems way too heavy and clunky. On rst vs. Suntour, I had an rst f1rst on my bike for a while, until the oil blew out of the bottom of the fork dropping it over a log. Replaced it with an epicon and have had no problems at all...I think this speaks volumes about their "budget" forks.
  • 3 0
 Rozszyfruję ten skrót RST = Radziecki Sprzęt Totalitarny
I decode the shortcut RST = Soviet totalitarian equipment

Wink
  • 1 0
 I'm the ex-user of the rst R1 previous model and I must say that it is ok till the first breakdown/service. after all my experience I can say 'never again', this looks the same but is more adjustable that's why I can judge that there are more things to be broken inside it.

after having a new rst I bought five year old 888rc and I'm perfectly happy about it
  • 1 0
 Actually had an RST Dual Crown - the ones with the funny rubberthingies inside. Hard as a rock below 20 degrees. That was in 1996. It wasnt good but not much worse than RS or Manitou, it didn`t need much service and didn`t fail constantly like RS, Manitou etc. Saw dh-use till 2004. More dh time for me.

Kids have had cheap ones on their schoolbikes and got trashed tremendously without breakage. One still in use on a dj-bike.

So for many kids RST is a good starting point although less than mediocre quality will not translate into brand recognition. They want RS or Fox.
  • 1 0
 It seem like only rock shox, fox and marzocchi can design a good fork ( well from pinkbike's LOAD of engineers... ). suspensions IS super simple, forks are basically closed loop systems with adjustable metering valves... and any company with a single mech engineer and an established plant can produce a high end fork, all you need to do is work your way around patents... so why not give somebody else a chance ?? I am not saying they are better or equal to the current line up of forks but is not impossible either... anyways I'd love to try one out, Pinkbike really needs to do a test !
  • 1 0
 there is a category of people who can not afford to buy ( RS BOXXER-MARZOCCHI 888((((
and this version of the PCT, for people with a small budget)))I am glad that there are firms that are accessible to all) thanks for reading)
  • 1 0
 the RST Storm is really pretty good, only a bit sticky at times is the only knock against it...

Suntour make excellent forks as do X Fusion... RST doesnt think they are going to come out of the gate with the best fork, but in 5 or ten years if they decide they want to do it, they will provide a lot of competition- they will raise the overall quality of the forks out there and lower the prices... just like Suntour and X Fusion have done already with the Durolux and Vengeance...

of course a $40 OEM fork is not going to work right... so you cant judge their ability to evolve based on their incredible success in the low end of the market- same as Suntour... who clearly can provide world championship winning suspension of the highest quality to the market at much better prices.
  • 2 0
 RST was always crap, but I don't see why that can't change. I mean SR Suntour has really stepped in to the game, with what looks like decent quality and good technology.
  • 3 0
 RST R-one fork should cost the same as a R.S. Domain dual crown, $500 to $600. Both are so over priced.
  • 1 1
 RST R-One Details

• Intended use: DH/FR
• Travel: 200mm (internally adjustable to 180mm)
• 36mm diameter stanchions
• External adjustments: separate low and high-speed compression, low-speed rebound
• Direct mount stem compatible
• 20mm thru-axle
• Post brake mount
• Prototype weight: 6.8lb
• MSRP $1100 USD

this is a joke? isn't it? this can't be serious.. rst is in my eyes a low budget company with cheap suspension products and not a established high end company.. oh man
  • 1 0
 whats the rst warrenty like? lol
the only way i see this fork ever becoming popular is if a top pro rides it and beats the shit out of it.
they need to change their wallmart reputation first!
  • 1 1
 I'd be really keen to see a test on the RST fork. Yeah, their history is in low end parts, but that's not to say they can't make high-end stuff when they want to.

Just look at what Suntour did! They were always fairly popular in Europe, but no-one in the UK or America/Canada would touch em with a barge-pole. They re-invented themselves and are now up there with Rockshox/Marzocchi. They still do their low end rubbish, but their top stuff is actually really good. The prices are around the same as RS, but they cost just as much to make so it kinda makes sense.

Moral of the story: Don't judge a book by its cover! get it tested PB!
  • 3 0
 haha from the sounds of it, the marketers at RST need to create a new brand for their high end forks...
  • 1 0
 I'm assuming the backpack doesn't have anything to hold the helmet because the brace does absolutely nothing for you without a helmet on.
  • 1 0
 Why can't rst step it up Haters going to Hate but say they have a good product it will bring more Competition into the market place which can only be a good thing
  • 4 1
 I'm still running my RTS High Fives' !
  • 1 0
 All just buy maniou, flex is the new cool as is not being a sheep and buying what someone called the 'big three'
  • 1 0
 By the way, the RST R-1's caps looks similar to judy SL's adjustable knob..
  • 1 0
 i think its good to see vompanies with a shitty repuation make some good stuff like rst and sr sentour!
  • 1 0
 It would be nice if they put aside a budget for making those forks look good
  • 1 0
 Wait. That LEATT pack, Intended Use: XC/AM/DH. Who rides XC with a fullface and a LEATT?
  • 1 0
 Ill try one.... If itsjunk ill put it on my 12 year old daghters bike. Problem solved
  • 1 0
 i see some kids getting this fork and spraying wd-40 all over it.lol... i donno....
  • 1 0
 They would work for a week and then seize and snap
  • 2 1
 Manitou dorados ftw, whatever happened to them, true shame
  • 1 0
 RST Champ is not even a 20mm
  • 1 0
 the rst on my bros bike are still working! elastamer tech ftw! lol
  • 1 0
 This is the stupidest thread of hate I've ever read.
  • 1 0
 For Sale: Fox 40. Reason For Selling, RST R-ONE... Nottttt
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike needs to do a test on the fork.
  • 1 0
 RST.... maybe Suntour can asnwer back lol.
  • 1 0
 Boys Boys...patience....DVO is coming.
  • 1 0
 REALLY SHIT TECHNOLOGY
  • 3 2
 same sh*t for sure
  • 1 2
 Why are they calling a 120 mm fork All-Mountain?
  • 1 0
 why not ? Oh because if it's not 15mm you can't possibly ride up a hill and back down ?
You should take less notice of what shit you read dude.
  • 3 6
 the fork can be use for supermarket ride..Smile







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