Johnny Everett gets back to grips with his RockShox Revelation Team fork and Monarch 4.2 rear shock…
From Dirt Issue 116 – October 2011
Words by Johnny Everett. Photos by Mike Rose
A certain Dirt Dep. Ed demanded that I return the (seemingly) only 15mm wheel that was available in the Wye valley…raaaapiid loike. So for me it was a return to a 20mm axle and my re–acquaintance with the Revelation.
I first came across this puppy over a year and a half ago on a German test bike we took to the Alps. Running it at 150mm (internally adjustabble, and after a bit of tinkering half way up a mountain, we got the air pressures correct, and although it was tougher terrain than in the UK, I was impressed with the stiffness and the way it stayed on line across rough old alpine roots.
Back home, it was a few months before I got hold of this pair as they were being put through their paces on the Dirt test fleet. Once set up it is possible to get a very supportive, smooth ride and I particularly like the on–the–fly adjustability of the Motion Control damping so you can tailor the fork’s feel for differing downhills. For whatever reason this fork always seems to hold and support you through a corner whilst remaining supple but still very controlled – there’s just no drama with it.
I ran this fork on my Orange 5 for a good six months through all weathers, raced enduros on it, took it down the pub, even just been on holiday with it, and it has never missed a beat…unlike me! It has since been getting continual abuse elsewhere. You can guarantee that this baby has never been shown any love or respect yet it keeps coming back for more and more. It has had a good hard year of use and, sure, it could use a service but it still functions great and has not let me down. It’s a great fork that just lets you get on with it.
Now to the rear. Some days it just seems like Christmas, new parts turn up, wheels, brakes, forks, snap off–able bits etc., but there remains one constant on my 5 the RockShox Monarch, it really does work that well. This has the firm ‘E tune’ and delivers a well controlled stroke which feels great at speed. Yes it heats up on long descents, but so do I, and ultimately if you want coil performance buy a coil shock, simple really.
This unit had already had a good year’s worth of use when it appeared in Dirt #103 and following on from that reliability is something we all want. In the dark recesses of the forums you’ll find as many lovers as haters, but you’ve got to deal with what’s in front of you and that is that this shock has just had its first service after two, flawless years of work.
Great performance and dare I say it, great reliability. This one is never going back. Happy Christmas.
Price: Monarch is available in various lengths and volumes from £219.99 (but search around, bargains are to be had). Revelation fork models have changed, but you can still search out this Team model for a good price. Fisher Outdoor 01727 798 340
