Not really an issue with the acctual forks as such…at least, I hope.
I’ve received a brand new Pike Ultimate that I bought from Vanilla Bikes.
The problem is, I’m not 100% it’s a brand new fork or refurbished one.
Why?
That’s my second Pike Ultimate…first one I bought from CRC. After the first ride, I had to return it under warranty because there was a knocking noise coming from the fork (0 tokens inside). So I send it back for service, and CRC sends me a “new” one instead…but after VERY close inspection I could see the black paint slightly rubbed off (had to look very close to see that) on the edges of lower legs and the edges were slightly rough to the touch, especially around wiper dust seals. There was grease around the damper cap, bite marks from the damper removal tool – all slight but visible. LS/HS caps were ratling, although screwed tight. After unscrewing the caps turns out first little o-ring wasn’t there. On Sram’s website there’s a blow out photo of the damper’s parts, and the very first o-ring is there.
https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/collections/charger-2.1
So I’ve decided to return the forks and asked for refund.
Now I’ve received new forks from VB and they are they same as the second fork from CRC. The serial number is different though.
serial numbers of each fork, in order I received them:
23T90989737
16T90227653
16T90227652
Am I exaggerating? Would it be VERy obvious if the forks were refurbished. Is it even possible that I would receive refurbished forks (while them being sold as new)?
Would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!