Got the above forks on the boys bike. Work well enough but we've had it a year now since buying on here. It's ridden hard bit he is only sub 50kg. It's done DH and Enduro racing and countless jumps.
So with the end of the season on the 19th we could either send it off to TFT or Sprung, or pick up something newer?
It seems we can get Fox36s on a 19/20 for around £350 but I don't know how much of an upgrade they are in the real world? Forks are outside of my knowledge really.
Would we be better with serviced older Pikes or less used (but arguably could need a service sooner) other forks?
Anything we bought would be boost though and spacered for now as his wheel is non boost.
How often do you do a lower leg service?
And assuming you do, when you last did them, notice any play extra?
Do note that my old 2015 Pikes weighed +100g less than the 2018 ones that replaced them (damaged the crown).
When were they last serviced? I'm guessing you've not even serviced lowers, they'll feel a load better just after that if not done for a while.
Service and tuned for his weight and riding style would probably be the best bet.
Is there anything the forks aren't doing and would like to gain from new ones?
Just get 36's or Lyriks.
How old is your boy? Could be a good experience for him to do a lower leg service together (easy to do), good experience for him too. A service would definitely be cheaper than a whole set of forks that he could out-grow soon anyway
When were they last serviced? I’m guessing you’ve not even serviced lowers, they’ll feel a load better just after that if not done for a while.
Before we bought them. But i don't know how much before... i don't do forks i'm afraid.
The discussion on selling has gone out of the window due to their history anyway. They have an EWS sticker on from when they were used in EWS and the boy won't allow me to replace, even with better forks lol. "Can't sell them and lose the sticker"
So they'll be getting serviced in Jan. I spoke to TFT who said the 'upgrade' options are basically none, so it's service only. We've got a bust Dec with racing, coaching and BPW trip, so as soon as we hit Jan, they'll get sent off.
Depends on damper, but our 2019 Fox 34 Fit4, 2016 Fox 32 Evil and 2021 Fox 36 Evol Grip are all noticeably less plush at first then the equivalent RockShox models. This is most noticeable with a lighter rider on board.
Both the 34 and 36 though do seem to get into thier stride in bigger hits, and the new 36 is (according to eldest_oab) a step better than his Lyric Ultimate RC2 when getting a move on.
Edit: just seen your post about servicing.
We find it makes a good difference, we do lowers a few times a year on each bike, and the two most used bikes get a full shop service each year at Stirling Bike Doctor.
Lowers services are worth learning. They are not that difficult and really extend the life of forks.
Lowers services are worth learning. They are not that difficult and really extend the life of forks.
I absolutely agree... It's just something that's a bit black magic to me. The problem comes that if i have a go and it goes wrong, then the bike is off the trails for that length until i get sorted.
So i'm not sure how i can 'learn' but without the risk... But i do completely agree it's something i need to get to grips with.
Does anyone near you run training courses? I learned on one of my mechanic courses at the outdoor centre.
I've now shown a few folk how to do it, and every one is surprised by how straightforward it is.
There really isn't anything to go wrong on a lowers service if your sensible. Key thing is not trying to bodge it, i.e. get/make a proper flat faced socket if you need to take the top caps off instead of trying to use a chamfered or worse adjustable spanner.
I'd happily buy the correct tools, i have plenty of tools i've used once or twice in 10 years, i've no issues with that.
As for training courses, dunno mate, i'd need to look into that.
You can't really go wrong with a lowers service if read the instructions, watch the vids, get the part layed out ready and take your time.
If your lad is serious about racing then things like regular lowers service, basic maintenance and wheel trueing is something that you guys are really going to loose out with if you can't do your self.
The SRAM official service videos on YouTube are great.
I’d strongly recommend watching this a few times and getting the right tools ready along with lower leg oil (any weight suspension oil will do at a pinch but I’ve most recently bought TF’s lower leg mix) and give it a go.
It’s a straightforward process as you’re not tinkering with the damper.
I'd do a lower service and fit a Luftkappe.
Then get the damper serviced when there's more time.
Lower service really is simple to do and will make more difference on an unservised fork than any amount of messing with a shockwiz.
thanks kids 🙂
Then get the damper serviced when there’s more time.
We've got plenty of time in Jan.
I spoke to TFT who said the ‘upgrade’ options are basically none, so it’s service only.
Is that due to lack of stock? I'm sure my old Pike was similar era and I upgraded the air shaft and damper. If so, you may be able to shop around to find the parts. If you put the serial number into the Trailhead website it will tell you the part numbers to look for.
As above though, lower leg service is pretty straightforward. - lots of videos on YouTube. Just make sure you have everything you need before you start.
Is that due to lack of stock?
"there isn't really much aftermarket you can put in these older Pikes now"...
Was that part of their answer... i'm not in a position to question or argue 😀
there isn’t really much aftermarket you can put in these older Pikes now
Luftkappe in stock at TFT.
https://www.tftuned.com/luftkappe-air-piston-fox-rockshox-forks/p3288
A1 Pike 2014-2017
Luftkappe in stock at TFT.
I'm assuming these are better than standard units then ? Doesn't seem a ridiculous amount of money on top, so sounds good. Will chat with TFT tech tomorrow as they're out of the office today.
It's basically what Rockshox have done with their later air shafts.
Increases the negative airspring chamber size.
Also easy enough to fit with some basic tools.
Lowers service is pretty straightforward. You'll be fine weeksy. Just get the parts in and follow the sram video. Worth doing a couple of times a year imo as the wiper seals, foam rings and lowers oil are the first things to get mucky.
well, i may as well get them to fit when they service.
But good info, thank you.
A monkey who could follow instructions could do a lowers service on Pikes, but if you can't follow instructions any competent LBS could do them instead.
Why is it folks spend loads on forks & shocks but seem incapable of looking after them?
Why is it folks spend loads on forks & shocks but seem incapable of looking after them?
The same way folks spend loads on cars, cookers, windows, fridge freezers, turbo trainers, motorbikes... It's not what they do, i'm not a bike mechanic (although apart from forks and shocks i can do pretty much everything else) but just because someone owns a bike doesn't automatically mean they turn into suspension experts... otherwise we wouldn't need suspension companies 😀
hey Weeksy, did you upgrade the damper and get the debonair kit? I'm sure it was one of your old threads, apologies if it wasn't
Edit;
Bike Discount
RockShox
Pike / Revelation Upgrade Kit Charger 2.1
Item №20069929-40172728
RockShox
Pike Debon Air Upgrade Kit
Item №20058642-40140576
I got these for £150ish delivered. Made it a new fork, big improvement
Why is it folks spend loads on forks & shocks but seem incapable of looking after them?
It does amaze me that people spend hours trying to set stuff up that's not been serviced.
Kind of pointless and aircan/lowers service is so simple on most shocks/forks.
hey Weeksy, did you upgrade the damper and get the debonair kit? I’m sure it was one of your old threads, apologies if it wasn’t
That was on my own Yaris. Not on his Pikes, the Pikes haven'y been touched.
r2-bike have the Rct3 2.1 damper for 149 euros which would probably come under the £135 limit. The debonair air spring upgrade can be had for circa £40. I slotted both of these into my 26” 2014 Pikes along with new seals and a lowers service and it really made a difference. I have no doubt you’re well capable of doing this following a step by step guide from the SRAM site. Just a shame my Yeti asr5 head tube cracked shortly afterwards 😟. I think I was enjoying the newly upgraded forks a bit too much!
I'd do the charger damper and deboniar upgrade first, then look at a new fork later. Night and day difference with those upgrades
Actually, debonair air spring is 27 euros from bike discount so add a seal kit for 16 euros and you have a serviced and upgraded fork for £200.
Can you swap out an RCT3 damper for an RC2.1? I was reading that the RCT3 shim stacks end up doing "too many duties" becasue of the pedal platform, so if you're not fussed about locking out, then you're better with the RC..? Im in a simialr boat -2014 RCT3's (pikes) that have had a lot of abuse, i did upgrade to the debonair not so long ago and it made a difference - but the chatter is still very much there..
there was an old thread on this here as usual mr chief gives a good view..
RC 2.1 damper is significantly more expensive and to be honest my forks felt great with the RCT3 2.1 upgrade. It solved my sore hands problem but managed to be supportive at the same time, poppy even.
airspring upgrade, lower service and later damper, quids in
not sure if you can get charger 2+ in rc format for none boost, i ended up with charger 2 rct3 for ~£80, significantly cheaper than 2.1, didnt watn pedal platform as i most definitely want fit and forget
doing the damper upgrade means you wont be paying for a damper service, and lower leg service is honestly the easiest task
Does the 2.1 RCT damper fit a 2015 pike?
I recently had to replace mine with a charger 2 damper.
I had a similar dilemma with my 2015 pikes as the stanchions are worn on mine and I bent the charger damper. I think I paid about £90 for a charger 2 damper.
So far I've had my monies worth. Compared to the cost of new forks.
They certainly perform way better with regular lower servicing and occasionally bleeding the damper.
Just for info, the boy has never reported any issues in terms of feel, chatter, anything, he just rides it 🙂
I'm a ham-fisted, soft-handed office boy with all the practical skills of a toaster, but I'd happily service my Lyriks every day. Once you get in there, you realise, there's not much too them. The air spring is a couple of seals and some plastic on a shaft, the dampers are more complex but unless something is wrong with them, they usually only need a bleed.
If you fancy doing it, my advice would be:
Have somewhere clean to work. When I do mine I clean my worktop and them lay workshop towels down.
Take your time. Don't stress, just following the instructions one by one.
Watch the RS videos first, get an idea of what you're going to be doing.
Torque wrench for the bottom bolts. Too loose and they leak, too tight and that can mess with the rebound.
Have the right tools and fluids ready. It's all set out in the instructions.
In the unlikely event you put it back together and it doesn't feel right, just start again.
If it all goes wrong, there's nothing wrong with admitting defeat and sending it off to Sprung / TFT et al.
I find it zen af, but only if I take my time, I won't do it if I've not got at least twice as long as I think it will take.
Had a chat with Sprung and it's booked in with them now next Tuesday. So he'll get to race with new bouncy bits in the last one of the season.
keep and get it serviced, luftkappe and shim tuned. Forget about putting in a different damper it will make no difference especially the charger 2.0.