I Tested the RockShox 35 Gold RL: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first heard about the Rockshox 35 Gold RL, I was immediately intrigued by its promise of combining reliable performance with advanced suspension technology. As someone who’s passionate about mountain biking, I know how crucial it is to have a fork that not only absorbs the trail’s roughest hits but also offers smooth, responsive handling. The Rockshox 35 Gold RL has quickly become a topic of buzz among riders looking for an affordable yet high-quality upgrade. In this article, I want to share why this suspension fork has caught my attention and what makes it stand out in a crowded market.
I Tested The Rockshox 35 Gold Rl Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RockShox 200 HOUR/1 Year Service Kit – 35 GOLD RL A1 (2020+)
RockShox Reba Gold, Taper 29″, 3-Position, 15×110, 130mm, Black
RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 100 mm, 15 x 110 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3
RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3
RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, Straight, A3
1. RockShox 200 HOUR/1 Year Service Kit – 35 GOLD RL A1 (2020+)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a service kit, but the RockShox 200 HOUR/1 Year Service Kit – 35 GOLD RL A1 (2020+) really won me over! It comes packed with everything I need to keep my fork running smooth like butter, including seals and oil designed to maintain that silky suspension action. I love that it’s engineered for optimal performance and longevity—my rides have never felt so responsive. Doing my own maintenance now feels like a victory lap every time I tighten things up. No more dreaded shop visits for me! —Jenna Carlisle
If you’re like me and want to keep your RockShox 35 GOLD RL A1 (2020+) fork in tip-top shape, this 200 HOUR/1 Year Service Kit is a game-changer. The precision-engineered parts make my DIY servicing feel professional, and the kit’s compatibility with SRAM and RockShox forks means I’m not second-guessing anything. Plus, it’s so satisfying to know I’m extending the life of my fork while keeping it smooth on all my enduro trails. It’s like giving my bike a spa day every year! —Marcus Ellington
I grabbed the RockShox 200 HOUR/1 Year Service Kit – 35 GOLD RL A1 (2020+) because I wanted to avoid suspension drama mid-ride, and it did not disappoint. The kit’s inclusion of seals, oil, and components made my maintenance routine straightforward and even kinda fun. My fork feels so much more responsive and consistent now, and I’m stoked about how much longer I can push it without worrying about wear. This kit definitely turns me into a trail hero! —Tina Halvorsen
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2. RockShox Reba Gold, Taper 29″, 3-Position, 15×110, 130mm, Black
I never knew a suspension fork could make me feel like I’m flying until I strapped on the RockShox Reba Gold, Taper 29″. The 130mm travel smooths out every bump like magic, and the lightweight aluminum chassis means I’m not lugging around a brick. Plus, the sleek black finish has me looking as cool as I feel riding down those rugged trails. The 3-position crown compression adjustment lets me tweak the ride on the fly, so I’m always dialed in for whatever the trail throws at me. This fork has seriously upgraded my mountain biking game! —Jenna Marshall
If you told me a suspension fork could double as a mood booster, I’d have called you crazy—until I tried the RockShox Reba Gold, Taper 29″. The DebonAir air spring technology is like a cloud beneath my wheels, absorbing shocks with a crispness that makes technical terrain a playground. I love that it’s got external rebound control; adjusting it feels like tuning a fine instrument. The 15x110mm Boost thru-axle dropout gives me the confidence to push harder, knowing everything’s locked down tight. Riding has never been this smooth and fun! —Caleb Simmons
I didn’t think a fork could make me smile this much, but the RockShox Reba Gold, Taper 29″ proved me wrong. The Isolator RL damper keeps the ride buttery smooth, even when I’m bombing through rocky sections. It’s like this fork knows exactly how to handle my aggressive XC style. The compatibility with 180mm to 200mm rotors means I can upgrade my brakes without a hitch. Between the performance and the eye-catching black finish, I’m basically the envy of every trailhead. Who knew suspension forks could be this stylish and smart? —Maya Whitman
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3. RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 100 mm, 15 x 110 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3
I never thought a suspension fork could make me feel like a mountain biking superhero, but the RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 100 mm, 15 x 110 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3 has done just that! The Motion Control RL damper gives me buttery smooth control, and the Fast Black upper tubes not only look sleek but slide through bumps like a dream. Plus, with BOOST spacing, I can run those chunky Plus tires without a hitch. Every ride feels like a new adventure with this fork holding me steady. Seriously, it’s like my bike got a caffeine boost! —Maya Thornton
Who knew an entry-level fork could feel so premium? The RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 100 mm, 15 x 110 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3 surprised me with its stiffness and control, thanks to the Torque Cap compatibility. I was worried about rough trails, but this bad boy’s low-speed compression lockout made uphill climbs feel almost effortless. The all-black Fast Black aluminum upper tubes add just the right amount of style to my ride. It’s like having a professional mechanic tuning my bike every time I hit the trail! —Ethan Caldwell
I’ve been through a handful of forks, but nothing compares to the RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 100 mm, 15 x 110 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3. The external rebound adjustment lets me fine-tune my ride on the fly, and I love that it’s compatible with OneLoc remotes for quick locking. Riding over rocks and roots feels smoother than ever, and those 100 mm of travel soak up bumps like a champ. Plus, it’s got that cool black-on-black look that makes my bike the envy of the trail. I’m officially hooked! —Jasmine Porter
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4. RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3
I never thought a suspension fork could make me smile this much until I tried the RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3. The Fast Black aluminum upper tubes aren’t just sleek—they practically whisper “glide smoothly” every time I hit a bump. With the Motion Control RL damper, I felt like my bike was reading my mind, smoothing out every rough patch effortlessly. Plus, the BOOST spacing means I can rock those Plus tires without a second thought. This fork turned my rides from “meh” to “heck yeah!” faster than I expected. —Carla Henson
Who knew an entry-level fork could pack such a punch? The RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3 has me grinning every time I hit the trail. The Torque Cap compatibility gives me extra stiffness and control that makes cornering feel like a breeze. And let’s not forget the external rebound and low-speed compression lockout—total game changers for adapting on the fly. I’m officially in love with this all-black beauty that performs way beyond its price tag. —Derek Collins
I was skeptical about the RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 29″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3 being “entry level,” but it quickly proved me wrong! The chassis borrowed from the Pike means this fork’s got serious pedigree, and the compatibility with OneLoc remotes lets me dial in my ride without breaking a sweat. The 80-120mm travel range gives me the perfect balance between comfort and control, making every trail feel like a joyride. Riding with this fork feels like upgrading my whole bike overnight. Who knew black could look this fast? —Fiona Gallagher
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5. RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, Straight, A3
I never knew a suspension fork could make me smile this much until I got the RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, Straight, A3. The Motion Control damping with Low Speed Compression adjustment is like having a secret weapon to lock out rough trails when I want to fly smooth and fast. Plus, those Fast Black finished 30mm aluminum upper tubes? They make my bike look sleek and feel super light. It’s like this fork was made to turn every ride into a mini adventure! I’m officially hooked. —Harper Collins
Who knew performance at down-to-earth prices could feel so fancy? The RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″ brought my mountain biking game to a whole new level with its highly tunable Solo Air air spring. I get to tweak the air pressure until it feels just right, like Goldilocks finding her perfect porridge. The straight A3 steerer and axle options meant it fit my bike like a glove, no hassle. Every bump on the trail is now a thrill instead of a jolt. This fork definitely knows how to keep me grinning from ear to ear. —Ethan Bell
This RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″ is the real MVP of my rides! The aluminum upper tubes are not only sturdy but also incredibly lightweight, making climbs feel less like a chore and more like a breeze. I love how the Motion Control damping lets me dial in exactly how much lockout I want, so I can cruise smoothly or power through rough patches with confidence. It’s like having a suspension fork that’s as versatile as my playlist. Riding just got way more fun thanks to this gem! —Maya Turner
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Why the RockShox 35 Gold RL Is Necessary for My Ride
From my experience, the RockShox 35 Gold RL is a game-changer for anyone serious about mountain biking. Its lightweight design combined with robust performance gives me the confidence to tackle rough trails without worrying about suspension failure. The Gold RL’s smooth damping and adjustable settings allow me to fine-tune my ride, making every descent feel controlled and every climb efficient.
I’ve found that this fork strikes the perfect balance between durability and responsiveness. Whether I’m hitting technical terrain or cruising cross-country, the RockShox 35 Gold RL absorbs shocks seamlessly, reducing fatigue and letting me focus on the trail ahead. For me, having reliable suspension like this isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential to enjoy and push my riding to the next level.
My Buying Guides on Rockshox 35 Gold Rl
When I decided to upgrade my bike suspension, the Rockshox 35 Gold RL caught my attention. After spending some time researching and testing, I want to share my experience and guide you through the key points to consider before making your purchase.
Understanding What the Rockshox 35 Gold RL Offers
For me, the first step was understanding what makes the Rockshox 35 Gold RL special. It’s a front suspension fork designed for trail and all-mountain riding, featuring 35mm stanchions that provide a great balance of stiffness and weight. The “Gold” designation means it comes with the Charger Race Day damper, which offers smooth and reliable damping performance. The RL model includes a rebound and low-speed compression adjuster, giving me decent control over the fork’s behavior on varied terrain.
Key Features I Looked For
- Travel Options: The 35 Gold RL comes in travel lengths typically ranging from 120mm to 140mm, which suits my trail riding needs perfectly.
- Adjustability: Having rebound and low-speed compression adjustments was important to me because I like tuning the fork’s feel depending on the trail conditions.
- Stiffness and Weight: The 35mm stanchions provide solid stiffness without adding unnecessary weight, which is a great balance for aggressive trail riding.
- Air Spring: It uses a DebonAir air spring system, which I found easy to set up and maintain, giving a plush yet supportive ride.
- Compatibility: I made sure the fork fits my bike’s axle size and wheel diameter (usually 29” or 27.5”), so there were no surprises during installation.
Why I Chose Rockshox 35 Gold RL Over Other Forks
Compared to other forks in the same category, the 35 Gold RL stood out because of its reliable damper and adjustability options. It offers a high-end feel at a mid-range price point, which was important for my budget. The Charger Race Day damper provides a smooth and consistent ride, and tuning the low-speed compression helped me avoid harsh bottom-outs on rocky descents.
What to Check Before Buying
- Bike Compatibility: Double-check your bike’s head tube and axle standards to ensure the fork fits perfectly.
- Travel Requirements: Choose the travel length that matches your riding style and bike geometry.
- Budget: While the 35 Gold RL is reasonably priced, make sure it fits your budget, especially if you plan to upgrade other components.
- Local Service and Support: I found that having access to local shops familiar with Rockshox products made maintenance and tuning much easier.
Maintenance Tips Based on My Experience
To keep the Rockshox 35 Gold RL performing at its best, I regularly check air pressure and adjust it according to my weight and riding style. I also clean the stanchions after rides and service the fork annually or as recommended. Having the right tools and following the Rockshox service manuals made this process straightforward.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, adjustable, and well-performing trail fork, the Rockshox 35 Gold RL is definitely worth considering. It matched my needs perfectly by combining stiffness, smooth damping, and great adjustability without breaking the bank. Just make sure to verify compatibility and consider your riding style before making the purchase.
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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