Rockshox & Fox fork hierarchy?

I’m on the lookout for some new (used, ie 1-4 years old) forks.

I’ve a reasonable idea of the RS line-up (although not totally sure of the newer models) but only ever had Fox forks once and don’t really know the lineup.

Looking for 130-150 travel on a 29er. Had assumed I’d be looking out for a Pike or a Rev? Not sure where the new 35s fit in or the Yari?

Also, what’s the lineup for the different dampers, air springs etc? MoCo? RC2/3? Debonair? Etc.

So, a full list, and comparisons across both makes, would be great. And any model years to avoid?

Thanks

The Fox one is a bit easier as the 34,36 refers to the stanchion size, then there are various models within that. Bigger the number, the bigger the fork.

RS has standardised on 35mm for various models so that get’s more complicated.

What’s your intended use, as that’s probably more important.

For RS forks I’d look at…

130mm = Pike
150mm = Lyrik

And look for the Ultimate, RC2 or Select Plus models to get nice damping.

Do your homework on the pricing, some people still think they can get silly money for used bike bits.

What’s your intended use, as that’s probably more important.

Well.

It’ll either be a (likely Boost) 140/150mm fork for my Swarf Contour FS bike.

Or, I’ll keep the non-boost 150mm Pike that’s already on it, and settle for a shorter, (130/140) possibly less beefy/less complicated fork to go on the Ragley BigWig. In which case, something like a Rev would be fine.

As others have said fox basically does 32, 34, 36, and now 38 (2020 was when these were introduced) single crown forks and 40 duel crown forks.

They then been 3 levels of fork, either factory (kashima coated stanton, grip 2 (high and low compression damper adjustment) or Fit 4 (3 way compression damper adjustment)), performance elite (standard black coated stanton, only Fit 4 (3 way compression damper adjustment)) and performance (standard black coated stanton, Fit (only 1 compression damper adjustment). There also the rhythm which is an OEM fork but gets very good reviews and now makes up the design for the Mazizochi fork range.

You can buy some forks in in 4 levels (the 36 for example) while others will be more designed to the lower end (32 and 34) or higher end (38) damper set up.

To add to the fun there was a time before boost where the 36 could come as quick release 15mm x 100 thrul axal or bolted 20mm x 110 thul axal but could be converted to bolt 15mm x 100 thrul axal.

I would say if getting fox aim for 36 if you can find what you are after as you can upgrade the damper unit at a later date easier than the 34 and they are less flexy. Very early 34 also had very rubbish grip 4 dampers and soon got changed in design the year after (though they can be upgraded. Other than that make sure that you are buying a well regularly served fork and it will carry on being used for years to come

https://www.ridefox.com/family.php?m=bike&family=34s

Pikes and Revs are the same 35mm stanchion chassis. At 130mm 29er that would be a good choice.

At 150mm 29er I’d probably go for a Lyrik or Yari – which have the same burlier 35mm chassis (think the legs are stiffer / crown is bulkier than the Pike / Rev chassis).

In terms of the damper differences the Rev and Yari have Moco for the most part which is basic.

Both have a ‘charger rc’ option which is similar to the Fox more basic Grip damper – it’s an ifp setup in the fork leg.

Better Pikes and Lyriks have a bladder damper named ‘charger’. The 2.1 version is the better one to go for (there was a version 1 and 2 before it). So ultimate / rc2 / Select + models have this.

Essentially you can upgrade a Yari to a Lyrik and a Rev to a Pike down the line if you want to – with a damper and airspring upgrade.

I’d write off the RS 35 Gold – it’s a heavier / more basic fork than all of the above. For the price it’s quite stiff but the spring isn’t as good and the damper is moco. You can’t upgrade either of them – it is what it is.

Fox:

You’d be looking at a 34 or 36. The 34 is slightly noodlier than the Rev / Pike but still a decent trail fork. I’d say 130 travel the 34 is good – 150mm I’d aim for a 36.

The 36 is broadly equivalent chassis stiffness wise to the Lyrik.

Dampers are the Grip (Performance or Rhythm) or Grip 2 (performance elite or factory).

Grip is better than RS Moco.

Grip 2 is broadly equivalent to the charger 2.1 rc2 / ultimate. Reviews generally say the charger is plusher over small bump but the Grip 2 is better for harder charging riders with lots of frequent big impacts – but both are decent.

Rhythm forks are a heavier / thicker stanchion walled / lower grade alloy than performance or performance elite models. Loads of bikes get a 34 or 36 rhythm fork with the basic grip damper.

I think that’s the gist of it – bike companies like to make things complicated!

Edit – no it’s not – forgot about Fox FIT4 dampers. Personally I’d avoid these – they’re ok but can be a bit spiky / harsh over big compressions.

Something like this? Or would you be put off by the ‘slight discolouration’ to the black coating on the stanchion?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/rockshox-lyrik-29-27-5-160mm-Please-read-description-/115166899045?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

duel crown forks

bataille royale avec des fourches?

I think that’s an early charger 1 fork and in rough condition. The stanchions sounds like they’re quite heavily worn – would give that a swerve personally.

What’s your budget?

From my own limited experience Pike are very good and will do most things very well. Yari feel fine until it gets a bit chattery but then they run out fun very quickly. Pikes are much better.

Fox 36 are another level compared to the Pike, best forks I’ve had.

So in summary, if you can afford high end Fox, get them but if you can’t save up for Pike rather than go cheaper.

What’s your budget?

I think my budget is probably around £500-600 for a set of used forks and wheels …

On eBay the best value looks to be a Yari – one for £300 and one with bids starting under £100. 36 / Pike / Revs / Lyrik look expensive – as so bomber z1 / Z2. Cane Creek Helms also look pricey. No decent Formula options on there.

Ah – here you are @ Merlin. Brand new Revelation 29er fork. Personally I’d pickup up the 120mm one as it’s 42mmmoffset rather than the 140mmnone with 51mm offset and just change o it the airshaft for £45. Depends what your frame is designed around though – 51mm might be perfect. Would probably just snap this up before it goes out of stock if it’s the right fitment for your bike!

https://www.merlincycles.com/rockshox-revelation-rc-debonair-boost-forks-29-247775.html?utm_source=PHG&utm_medium=AffiliateMarketing&utm_campaign=phg-GB&ucpo=160715&gbraid=0AAAAADANKJmaHxbwyLOl0t7i_kmlsacXJ&source=PHG

With wheels you should get something for £200 I’d have thought. I’d probably build some myself unless I could pick up a superstar components / Planet X bargain set.

Don’t just look at fox or RS. There are other forks out there that have better air springs and dampers.

Don’t just look at fox or RS. There are other forks out there that have better air springs and dampers.

Such as? I wouldn’t limit my search, but I know even less about other forks that I do RS or Fox. Have heard of Helm, Cane Creek, Formula etc … but what’s about that would be realistically in budget?

Hmmmn, X Fusiom with a roughcut damper are ok. But not very home serviceable and x fusion try to discourage doing stuff yourself.

DT Swiss forks are ok but probably out of budget for newer decent ones.

Manitou are good – I think you’d want a mattoc pro – but uk backup for them isn’t meant to be very good at all. A batch of Mezzers had bushing problems abs just had to be refunded and couldn’t / wouldn’t be fixed.

That revelation above gets you a brand new fork for £399 with warranty and everything.

Edit – some DVO forks are meant to be good but I don’t know much about them. Same with MRP – but I think older ones had problems so you’d want the newest Ribbon.

What about these?

Then save up for a future upgrade to turn them into Lyriks?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROCKSHOX-YARI-220MM-STEERER-15X110-29ER27-5-150MM-TRAVEL-FULLY-SERVICED-/224776348806?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

I actually really like the Fox FIT4 damper, and I’ve never found it harsh at all, even on pretty full on rocky DH tracks. They’re also cheaper than the GRIP2 forks 2nd hand, especially the “performance elite” ones which don’t have the kashima but otherwise same as the top-end ones.

Im lucky enough to have had, pikes, yaris, lyriks & fox 36 recently.

Lyrik ultimates & fox factory grip 2 are both brilliant, but if i was you now, i would be getting a 150 Lyrik Ultimate for your full sus.

Its a sensational fork!

These might be alright?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255108148851?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Brand new set of Lyrik Ultimate on CRC for £593.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/rockshox-lyrik-ultimate-boost-fork-2020/rp-prod208348?gs=1&sku=sku853492&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=base&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_b2Qgdyh9QIVE5ftCh10YwVsEAQYASABEgKbsvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

All those saying the Lyrik over a Pike at 150mm, other than stiffness, what are the other benefits?

150mm Pike Ultimate owner that might bump to 160mm at some point

I’d just keep the non-boost 150mm Pike on the bike unless there is something fundamentally wrong with them.

The lyric is just stiffer than the pike.