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I ask because almost all hardtails around the 2k mark come with recon or lower. Few years back it seemed like they would have been reba.
I've never had lower than reba
If you get a recon gold they have moco damping and alloy stanchions - generally with a black finish. They’re ok but no amazing. 32mm stanchions so I wouldn’t want one of the longer travel versions.
I put the 130mm Gold RL version on my nephews bike and they’re ok. But vs my pike or Lyrik they’re a bit noodly.
I've just had a mass produced Merida big trail with a bomber Z2 for £1500. What bikes are you looking at?
Just to add I’d think you could get better than a recon for circa £2k.
Vitus Sentier comes with a Z2 for just over £1k I think, or a revelation on the next model up.
I’m a fan of Bird bikes having had a couple now. Just a quick look at their Zero AM - with deore 12 speed and DT Swiss wheels / 4 pot brakes it came in at £1831 with a Lyrik. Significantly better than a recon - although you could also get a Pike on it if you wait for stock in March (lighter fork than the Lyrik although slightly less stiff).
https://www.bird.bike/product/zero-am-27-5-shimano-12-speed-slx-xt-xtr/#configuration
Seems like most xc hardtails.expensive game to get a carbon xc bike with reba...guess an option would be sell Judy fork and buy reba. (Groupsets all feel the same to me these days)
I was pleasantly surprised with the Recon fork that came on my Orbea Laufey. Sure, it's basic and heavy but (consequently) fairly stiff! Took big hits pretty well but the chattery stuff wasn't overly comfortable. Expected it to be a POS, but accepting it for what is was, it was alright really.
Have since upgraded to a Pike Select.
Ah, you hadn’t mentioned carbon before. In that case you’re paying a premium for carbon (and probably a big brand name at that)....hence leaving less budget for a fork.
If you can find something like a Cube Reaction C:62 SL or Race in budget they’ll get you a better fork. Sid or 32 step cast in previous years - race has a Reba for 2021.
i've got a pair on a ebike and the extra weight means they work fine. i actually prefer them to my xfusion sweep HLR which are a top end fork! I'd like a 'better' fork but they work fine so its hard to justify another £400.