Pace forks are a legend among 'real' mountain bikers; the type of person who does 6 hour rides every weekend, come rain or shine. The RC36 EVOIII is the latest fork, and one of the new generation long travel cross-country forks. Common consensus is that these are the forks to get if you have the dosh.
Upon first installing these forks, the first shock is how soft they are. Standing up uphill gives about 80mm of travel, which is, at first, distinctly unpleasant. The first mile of offroad was similarly unpleasant. However, once you learn to stop watching the fork movement and concentrate on the trail ahead, you quickly realise than the forks simply eat up the terrain. This is something that my previous suspension forks couldn't offer, the ability to improve control, rather than just comfort. They had an extra 25mm travel compared to my previous forks, but most of this is taken up in negative travel. This means that the forks can offer an enormous increase in traction, even over muddy terrain, whereas the old forks offered only extra comfort. The Paces are very very stiff both in steering and braking.
A soft fork like this is exactly what you need for touring. Riding for day after day will take its toll on you both physically and mentally. A soft long travel fork will improve comfort, as well as making it easier to pick a line through rough terrain. Also the weight bias to the rear during touring, from panniers or a rucksack, means that the front end is lightly loaded, and needs softer springing.
On rocky downhills, the forks really showed their high speed stuff. It was just so much fun compared to the old forks, the steering was almost as crisp as rigids, but the extra traction and comfort as the forks simply absorbed the rocks was superb. My disc brake was also better than it had even been, due to the fork's rigidity.
As an engineer I was extremely impressed by the construction of the forks. They are expensive, but you can see what you are getting for your money. Carbon lower legs offset the weight of the steel upper legs. I think this is an excellent idea, hard chromed steel is a far better bearing surface for forks, and makes the whole fork stiffer. Hard anodised aluminium legs, as used by most other manufacturers is much much softer than chromed steel, and will last only 2 or 3 years hard use. The impressive quality and durability of the Pace is also ideal for touring, as there will be little chance for maintenance. I have seen no evidence of dirt or water entering past the fork seals. The forks have easy-maintenance grease ports, but it is highly unlikely that you would take the grease gun along on a tour. Many Pace forks which have suffered many years abuse in harsh environments, are still in use today.
The aluminium machining was perfect, and the alignment of the magnesium disc mount also perfect. It was good (and unique) to see bolts coated in copper grease before assembly - top marks. The forks are easy to disassemble, requiring only circlip pliers and allen keys, meaning that if worst came to worst during a tour, a local garage could strip them down for you. The main spring only takes a minute to remove and replace.
The adjustability on offer is also excellent, with external adjustment for compression, rebound, preload and air pressure available. Spring weight and oil weight is internally adjustable. The factory settings of the fork are ideal, and should not be changed until at least 20 hours of bedding in, and getting used to the soft action. For touring, even softer than factory setting might be needed. If you take the shock pump along with you (it is very light), you could increase the air pressure and rebound damping to stiffen the fork for road sections. Despite Pace's claim, the air spring cannot be adjusted with a standard bike pump. The fact that you have to buy their RC7 grease gun, and shock pump, is the only criticism I have of the fork. I think these essential items should be included or discounted when bought with the fork.
Essentially this is not only a superb fork, but a hand made British product (just like Hope brakes), which manages to remain competitive against the mass produced competition. I can whole-heartedly recommend them, despite the high price.
Last Updated 21-12-2000
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