Spot the difference: Tora vs Recon

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Spot the difference: Tora vs Recon

16 posts & 12 voices | Started 2 years ago by V8_shin_print | Latest reply from Northwind

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V8_shin_print - Member

Just looking at the CRC website as i am thinking of getting a recon, but can't see the difference between these two:

Tora
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29886

Recon
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29874

I am toying with the idea of upgrading my '06 Tora 318 air (100mm) to something with more travel. The bike is the older shape Santa Cruz Superlight, I think it was designed for 100mm travel. The u-Turn is probably essential or i won't get up the steep stuff anymore.

Any thoughts? Is it going to be a waste of money? Will i notice the extra travel? Coil over Air? Gah! I wish i could try it out first...

Posted 2 years ago #
duckman - Member

Does the recon not have an alloy steerer? making it lighter than the tora.

Posted 2 years ago #
trail_rat - Member

tora = steel stantions and steerer

Recon = alloy stantions
reality you save about 150 grams BUT with steel stantions you risk rust and ruined seals from the rust ....

Posted 2 years ago #
jimbobrighton - Member

recon has anodized upper stanchions Tora are just chrome. Recons look cooler as a result, (possibly a bit smoother/less stiction) and are a bit lighter. Nothing wrong gwith Toras mind, but I'd plump for the Recons.

Posted 2 years ago #
thisisnotaspoon - Member

from memory (can't see CRC at work)

Tora = turnkey damper, steel stanchions and steerer

recon = alloy stanchions and whatever the manufacturer pays for (Turnkey or Motion controll, steel or aloy steerer)

Posted 2 years ago #
willyboy - Member

you can get reba sl's from merlin for £250 if you don't want adjustable travel (and stick to 100mm). They'll also be lighter than the recons and toras.

ps I have a pair of coil recons on my duster and quite like them - they work well for a cheapish fork.

Posted 2 years ago #
NW Alps Jeyer aka Boz - Member

They will both ride similar as they appear both to have the same Motion Control damper. Ive ridden Tora's and Recons, the Recons are a little more smooth and lighter, bit not a lot in it IMO.

Posted 2 years ago #
V8_shin_print - Member

Thanks for the comments.
I like the feel of my current Toras, they also have the motion control thingy so i guess it isn't going to be a huge change in feel but will i notice the increase in travel? If the two forks are nearly the same in terms of feel, but one has longer travel will it just feel like it is diving more? Or will it result in the wheel being on the ground more? Pretty difficult to answer i guess...
It would also be a change from Air to Coil, does that make much difference? My weight is ~80kg (12 stone) so i should be fine with the normal spring.

Posted 2 years ago #
desf - Member

Good prices on Rebas and Revelations at on one too.

Posted 2 years ago #
ballsofcottonwool - Member

take the internal spacers out of your Toras and you'll have 130mm of travel

Posted 2 years ago #
mtbrDot - Member

i've got an OEM recon sl with alloy stanchions and steerer. it weighs 1610g with 200mm steerer, even a bit lighter than my reba race.

Posted 2 years ago #
thisisnotaspoon - Member

depends on the fork, a lot of OEM stuff is not adjustable, i found this out with 80mm reba's on a giant, they were fixed at that travel to save a bit of weight.

Posted 2 years ago #
V8_shin_print - Member

Wooly: is that true for all Toras?

Posted 2 years ago #
brakeswithface - Member

Not true of all Toras, has to be an all travel model with long enough stanchions. e.g. 302 or 318 solo air.

Posted 2 years ago #
V8_shin_print - Member

mine is a 318 solo air but it is a few years old ('06 i think) i don't know if that makes any difference?

Posted 2 years ago #
Northwind - Member

The other thing is that while the Tora is pretty heavy, it's also strong and stiff- it's not totally wasted weight as it would be with some budget forks.

Posted 2 years ago #