REH — Armac
It’s exactly a year since R.E.H. Forks were relaunched onto the classic trials scene. Created in the 1960s by engineer Robin Humphreys, the front forks were revived in 2014 by Duncan Macdonald of Armac Design. It took two years of development with prototypes tested by trials riders including Duncan (Armac Tiger Cub and 500 Ariel), Dave Thorpe (Armac Tiger Cub), Mick Grant (Ariel and Bantam) and David Emmott (500 Triumph Twin). The first forks were sold to a waiting list in summer 2014. By August 2015 the initial batch of 50 was almost sold out with customers in Australia, New Zealand, France and Spain, as well as Britain. Around 15 machines ran the forks at the Scottish Pre-65 Trial this year and, like the forks, the new yokes are also eligible for Britain’s most prestigious classic trial.
DUNCAN MACDONALD:
“We’d reached a stage in classic trials where the only way to get a set of competitive forks was to do conversions, using mainly 1970s and 1980s Spanish and Italian forks. It was always a poor compromise so when we were offered the R.E.H. brand we knew it was the way forward. From the beginning we wanted to make a fork that was true to the form and ethos of Robin Humphreys’ original design while using modern engineering methods to produce very high quality equipment.”
During the first year the forks were available in two lengths: 30” and 32”. There has been enough demand for an intermediate length so from September 31” forks will also be offered. With three spring rates — soft, medium and hard – which can be used in combinations, plus the option of different oil weights, it means virtually every weight of rider and bike is catered for. Feedback from riders shows that R.E.H. forks are being used on Pre-65 machines in
modern and classic trials. The most common comments are about how much better their machines steer and how easily they absorb rock steps and rough going. Duncan is known as a perfectionist through his work with Armac Design and never stops trying to improve the forks, but has found very little to tweak as the first year draws to a close. Instead he has developed new products: R.E.H. yokes were launched this summer, and a brake anchor bracket compatible with hubs with an anchor arm will be available in autumn. He is especially pleased with the yokes, which are designed to work with all classic trials machines with 35mm Ø stanchions.
Duncan added, “We use an aircraft-grade aluminium and I’m confident they are the strongest, stiffest yokes on the Pre-65 market. Most, if not all, yokes are made from 6082; R.E.H. yokes use 2014A aircraft-grade billet, also used in R.E.H. sliders. This has a higher ultimate tensile strength and yield.”
It’s not an empty claim: there are several features that make R.E.H. yokes different. The depth on top and bottom yokes is bigger than other Pre-65 ‘slab-type’ yokes, to give a much larger surface area in the stanchion clamping zone. Parallel with 40mm offset they fit virtually all Pre-65 frames. The spindle takes a 24mm internal-diameter bearing, which is larger than most other yoke spindles and so is stronger and stiffer. The spindle is provided over-length to suit any frame and is easily removable. Yokes are the latest addition to a product list that includes everything necessary for a competitive front end.
Duncan continued, “Once you have assembled the fork legs everything else is optional but most people also take a spindle in 15mm Ø or 17mm Ø, mudguard brace assembly, a set of brace clamps, fork leg guards to save the sliders from being bashed and damaged and the brake anchor plate. We also offer gaiters for the traditional look, and spare springs in three rates so you can tune the action for different machines and rider styles; plus sets of bushes, wear rings and dust/oil seals. The idea is to future-proof the forks: once you’ve bought into R.E.H. everything is available to keep them working to the best possible level. Feedback has been 100 percent positive and several riders have come back to buy multiple sets. It’s fantastic for the brand and a relief for Judy and me, as it has been a very expensive undertaking to get everything right and to carry stock.” For more information on all Armac and R.E.H. products Tel: 01751 417371, email: rehforks@gmail.com or visit: www.rehforks.com