Pace RC38 any good in the modern world?

[mikeb]

I've got a pair of Pace RC38 forks, look like early ones, mag alloy bridge, short travel, 1 1/8th steerer. They aren't in great shape to be fair, bridge is cracked around the bolt holes and the magnesium parts are all a bit corroded. It sounds like this model is plagued by problems with air leaks/losing pressure, no idea if mine have that problem.

How do they compare to a more modern air fork? Is the only reason to use them for retro looks, or could they cut it compared to a cheap newer, but used fork, like a RS reverb?

 

[brocklanders023]

Re:

Forks are improving all the time so any half decent modern pair will be better. That's not to say they're not worth bothering with but as a general rule the newer, the better.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

The Rockshox Reverb is a dropper seatpost isn't it?? not a suspension fork:?

I had some RC38's and as far as short travel air forks go they were alright. I replaced them with some Fox F100 RLC (or something like that) which not only had a bit more travel but were way stiffer in the steering department too.
So as it goes they're ok, but compared to more modern short travel forks they do show their age.

 

[suburbanreuben]

Re:

They couldn't cut it when they were new. Rock Shox and Marzocchi were cheaper, simpler, and worked better.

 

[ishaw]

As mentioned, you can't really compare to a modern fork, that said, I like them myself but more for form over function. I've got a set that's fully working and one that needs an air seal, but they are easy to work on when you need to, and if looked after on the outside, seem to last really well. Both my sets are pretty minty considering they are pushing 10+ years old. I will be selling a set as I don't need two, and if truth be told don't have a bike for the set I'll keep, but they are nice forks imho, hence keeping a set. If you want a replacement brace, I have a nos one kicking about that I might sell.

 

[mikeb]

I did mean to say Reba not Reverb in my opening post. Anyway, I've finally got around to taking some photos of what I've got. I'm pretty sure they're RC38's, but if anyone can confirm for definite, at least I'll know what I'm dealing with.

ishaw, can you confirm that the brace you have is the same as this one, and how much you want for it? Ideally, I want to try and service/test the rest of the fork before shelling out for new parts for it.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

yeah they are Rc38's alright, look like the ones I used to have, so the xc version (I think they did a longer travel version as well).
It seems quite common for the brace to crack like that around the bolt holes, mine were the same, although I doubt it had any real effect on performance.

 

[ishaw]

They are the earlier rc38, the brace I have is for the later version which has a larger bolt size for one hole each side, so not sure it would fit I'm afraid.

 

[ishaw]

I think a brace from the rc36 models of the same style fit, might be worth contacting justbackdated on here to confirm. Oh, I think the model of your fork is rc38 air force one btw