RST has been providing low price suspension forks for complete bikes for over two decades, but now itâs pushing back into the increasingly competitive mid-price market with this new Rogue fork.
In terms of basic chassis and stats the Rogue ticks all the relevant trail fork boxes. The 15mm axle uses a notched collar to tighten into place like an original RockShox Maxle and itâs simple and straightforward to use.
Related: Best trail/enduro forks
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Interestingly, the Rogue comes in 26in and 650b versions rather than the more normal trail fork wheel options of 29 and 650b, but the 34mm stanchions are the industry standard for all-round trail use. There are 140, 150 and 160mm travel options too. The magnesium lower legs are extended below axle level rather than using the cantilevered dropout design some forks adopt to reduce weight. This makes for a sturdy feeling unit that tracks well enough to keep steering obedient and predictable on more flowing, smooth surfaces.
Thereâs over 170mm of exposed stanchion despite only 160mm of travel and that means it will jack up the front of your bike 10-15mm more than most 160mm forks. That will slacken your head angle by about a degree and also lift up your bottom bracket height, potentially affecting bike handling adversely. At 2070g itâs at the hefty end of its category but Marzocchi, BOS and the old Fox 34 are all heavier. X-Fusionâs Sweep is significantly lighter at 1785g however, as well as being a touch cheaper.
Initial testing revealed a reasonably smooth fork with a naturally progressive stroke that settled comfortably into its sag but supported well in the mid stroke. Additional volume spacers can be added to increase pressure and progression deeper in the stroke but we didnât feel it needed them.
You can read more at BikeRadar.com