Finalised details of the wild new RC40XCFR fork have been released from the Pace development lab', the three most exciting details being confirmation of weight, price and availability.

But first just to remind you of the products technical specification. Headlining the forks impressive  feature list is Launch Control top right of fork crown and Travelexpress top left. The Launch Control system gives external control over rebound damping, lock-out (with manual override) and Launch Control itself (threshold adjustable). Without taking your eyes off the trail slapping down the systems dial engages lock-out mode, allowing you to either climb more efficiently due to the forks reduced  length or rapidly accelerate out of the gate (as the fork will not be active or fully extended). However in either case the Launch Control system will instantly sense an impact and flick back to suspension mode, and because the systems senstivity can be externally adjusted the rider always has full control over Launch Controls automatic function. You can engage Launch Control then forget about it- so remembering to turn off the system or reaching down for the lock-out dial as you turn down a gnarly trail are a thing of the past on the RC40.

Launch Control also has an Active Travel Reserve feature so that the last 40mm of travel will always remain active, so no matter how much the fork is compressed when locked out there will always be an emergency reserve of travel.

Meanwhile dial in your preferred fork travel with Travelexpress. Simply rotate the Travelexpress dial to set the forks travel (and length) anywhere from 130 to 100mm. Not forgetting the forks remaining list of impressive features list such as Hollowform Carbon Fibre slider, 32mm stanchions and open bath damper with external compression damping control (for a detailed listing of the RC40's full spec' please see previous RC40 features in the News section of this site).

However the big news must be the forks svelte weight of 1785g and a confirmed SRP of £439 (in UK, please contact your distributor outside of UK), both of which have been pared away to provide maximum value at minimum cost. Afterall, the RC40XCFR model is designed for the increasing number of riders who would prefer their 5inch travel rigs not to weigh the same as a motorcycle. This is a seriously lean fork for riders who take their cross-country freeriding seriously- leave the overweight other brand lardy fork on the extreme sports downhill and dirtjump bike.

The other good news is that the production model (shown opposite) will be available in limited quantities March '04 so make sure you're not dissapointed and visit your dealer now for ordering details. Check out the latest copy of 'What Mountain Bike' for a full technical review and make a date with MBUK when the RC40 will soon have a full test ride shakedown. Other magazine and web features to follow.