This is the perfect fork for those riders who want to go up and down equally as well. ti is great for upto 2 hr. climbs and can handle 6-8 foot drops. Great fork for the typical all mountain rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Benson
a
from West Hawk Lake, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: July 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
A-Line and Dirt Mirchant
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
-Very Plush -Maxel -Looks Awsome -Travel Adjust Works Great
Weaknesses:
-A little heavy for the amount of travel -Rebound adjust is on the bottom of the fork(Not a big deel because it is not something you adjust frequently
This is the perfect fork for those riders who want to go up and down equally as well. ti is great for upto 2 hr. climbs and can handle 6-8 foot drops. Great fork for the typical all mountain rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
takethat jump!
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Date Reviewed: July 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
large stanchions, maxle, u-turn, lockout(though i hardly use it)
Weaknesses:
one guy said the rebound adjust is too big, i rode without it this past year, but i've put it back in and suppose once i get it tuned closer to my rear ill take it back out again.
Similar Products Used:
zoch AM2, '03 box.
Bike Setup:
older RM = 6" XT/X9 dual guide, 721's
Bottom Line:
i used to have the box, and loved it but found for AM/FR it was just not the ticket. so i tested a AM which i liked, but didnt like the QR front, so i throw this on. wow. now this bike (save for the weight of my cranks) is like a venerable AM/FR machine. i rode it 100+ days and have no maintainence issues whatsoever. its heavier than its 9mm QR counterparts but i think the maxle is way better anyways [stiffer] i do not think i'll get rid of it. most likey. btw. i got rid of the box cuz i wrecked the stanchion this one while similar,doesnot make me feel as if it needs boots (ie. its stronger )
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV, USA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
N trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Stiff, doesn't flex through rock gardens. Controlled, not overly plush, not overly stiff. Light(air version,) only 4.2lbs Great range of rebound, and feelable floodgate and compression adjust.
Weaknesses:
2005 Maxle is not as easy to use as 2006/7 Maxle.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Minute 3
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Teocali Super
Bottom Line:
Everything that a good all mountain fork should be.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thomas german
a Weekend Warrior
from doylestown, pa Date Reviewed: August 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
doc smith
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
looks awesome, maxle is cool, smoooooth travel, pop-loc adjust is useful.
Weaknesses:
spring is very soft(i replaced though with x-firm). lack of color choices(slate blue doesn't match my bike). I will just powdercoat them over the winter. the u-turn knob sucks. it is hard to grip! I will replace with a better designed 2006 model soon. no real issues though
Bottom Line:
The PIKE is an awesome fork period!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
braeden oneill
a
from ontario, canada Date Reviewed: July 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
death run
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
dropmachine
Strengths:
This fork is overall the best fork that i have ever used. It performs at a high level for almost any type of riding. It especially excels in dirt jumping, freeride and street. The adjustability on the fork is what impresses me the most. You can adjust the travel from 95-140mm, you can adjust the stiffness and the rebound. Overall a strong fork no problems.
Weaknesses:
Nothing so far!!!
Similar Products Used:
i have tried a z1, a dropoff, dirtjam, dropoff4 and none have came close.
Bike Setup:
Norco sasquatch
Bottom Line:
If you are considering in getting a fork that is strong, extremely adjustable, light weight and not head over heels expensive consider getting a pike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony
a Downhiller
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: June 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Wildwood, Hood River
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$290.00
Strengths:
*20mm bolt thru *Stiff *Easy to adjust *low maintance *Asthetically, not over styled
Solid fork, I never maintain my shocks or forks.Have never given me any problems. Good for climbing, when cranked down. Comes into its own on fast technical decents, never have to touch the brakes..this forks takes it all ...have another pair on my Rail...takes a good beating on 4x,dirt jumps and street ..proper good forks.. industry bench mark in my opionion..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one when I'm not at work
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
Stiff; Plush; Well made; 20mm hub; light; great adjustments; the motion control works well but is simple; even new, the value is great
Weaknesses:
The stock spring is too soft...however, I added an extra firm and it's dialed now!
Similar Products Used:
Z1; Jr T; Boxxer
Bike Setup:
Jamis XLT frame; Pike; Float R rear; DH wheels/tires; heavy
Bottom Line:
I used to be all Zoki, until I rode the Pike. I'm 6'2" 180lb and I finally got an extra firm black spring. Now the shock behaves, I feel, properly. If you ride aggresively, go with the stiffer spring, it is a night and day difference. The Maxle is sweet, stiff and simple to use; the U-Turn is nice for switching between riding up and the DH or for DJ's and urban stuff; the rebound really helps in getting it all dialed in; the compression and floodgate adjustments are also very useful. With the stock spring (med) I used to run this thing locked out with the gate open because it felt too sloppy open, even on the DH. Now, I can run it wide open (compression and flood gate) with the xtra firm spring, and it just hooks up in the plushest of ways. I've ridden this shock hard for about a year now and the seals are still in good shape. No oil leakage or anyother problems at all. The coil version is also easy to maintain since there are few parts to mess with.
Bottomline: Kudos to RockShox, I usually don't give 5 stars for anything, but for the price and performance, you simply can't beat the Pike, just make sure so upgrade the spring to bring out it's full potential.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Forks are very plush, they soak up all bumps. Floodgate is very useful allowing the forks to be set up for different situations and allows them to be locked out. Forks pedal very well uphills. U-turn 95-140mm travel, set at 95mm for riding up and then wind out to 140mm for the downhills.
Weaknesses:
Stock spring is rated for riders weighing 60-70kgs and is too soft for me at 80kg, Flood gate sits a bit too high and can be a problem on for the downtube on some frames (so you need tall headset - Canecreek make one). U-turn adjuster knob rubber brakes off (this is fixed on the 06 model Pikes)
Nicest forks I have used, better than the Shermans, Motion control works really well soaking up bumps and hits. Forks are easily adjustable to your riding style. Highly Recomended
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: March 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Switchbacks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
evans
Strengths:
Maxle, build quality, Travel adjustment
Weaknesses:
None i can think of
Bike Setup:
Club Roost XC4
Bottom Line:
I am a heavy weight rider 235ib and run this with the medium spring as i like plush travel. this fork is a revalation stiff and durable it does get some proper grief. i have it set at 125mm and use all of it only ever bottomed out once (which was my fault!) this is a value for money product watch out Fox!! the pop loc leaver is handy too! would recomend all round
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Conner
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: March 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
cycle solutions toronto
Strengths:
These forks are amazing, I built up my Heckler as a free ride bike and was dubious about going for Rock Shox - but these have eradicated all doubt; smoove, stiff, zero maintenance (after a year) and with the lock out set at 90mm they ride as well as cross country forks - behold the bar has moved (and the price has fallen) why pay more.
Weaknesses:
None - although Pike sounds a little like Pikey
Similar Products Used:
Fox RLC onn my Kona, Manitou Mars (crap), Rock Shox Judy (ages ago)
Bike Setup:
Its a beaut: SC Heckler, King Headset, Fox DHX5.0 (also amazing), SRAM X9 front and back, Race Face stem / post, XT cranks
Bottom Line:
If you want a free ride fork that is versatile enough for all your riding needs and doesn't cost the earth join the revolution. Anything else is a compromise and a waste of cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Stiff, plush, extremely tuneable, travel adjust, 20mm Maxle system and extremely light for what the fork delivers
Weaknesses:
I wish it had 150mm of travel instead of only 140mm but Rockshox is coming out with a longer travel, larger diameter stanchion single crown fork over the next year. It will be a Pike on steroids. This will be the Fox 36 and Zoke 66 killing fork.
Similar Products Used:
Not many single crown forks other than a Fox Talas 125 and a Marzocchi Z1. The Pike blows both of these away by leaps and bounds.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler with Fox DHX 5.0 Coil shock built up as a heavy all mountain freeride bike. Avid Juicy's, Hadley hubs with Mavic D521 rims, Thomson stem and seatpost, WTB Rocket V saddle, EA70 bars, lockon grips, 2.3 Nevegal/Blue Groove tires, XT deraileurs, LX shifters and a Raceface Atlas X-Type crankset. All this was previously mounted on a Foes FXR frame.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review to my previous 2/20/05 review. I raved about the Pike Team then and I continue to love this fork today. My main concern back in February was the durability of the fork. Well, I am no light weight and ride the bike hard and this fork is just as tight as the first time I took it out on the trail. I have had absolutely no issues at all. Period! I have to say that this is probably one of the best mountain biking purchases that I have ever made. Sram really has done an amazing job with the Rockshox transformation. I also have Juicy Five brakes that I added recently. Another Sram product and they also are amazing. Mix all this with a Santa Cruz Heckler and you are assured of having a smile on your face before, during and after the ride.
The only thing that I am picking up from reading the few negatives in reviews is that you have to make sure to have the correct spring assemble for your weight to get the full potential of the Pike. I read the spec sheet and installed the extra heavy springs before I ever took the fork out on the first ride. Don't complain about soft springs if you do not have the correct springs installed in the first place.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arron Kopp
a
from Saratoga Springs, New York Date Reviewed: December 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Blue Sky Bicycles
Strengths:
Very smooth. This is one of the best forks that i have owned. Great for most types of riding (trail, light freeride, DJ,). I am mainly dirt jump so the floodgate adjustment is really helpful. It allows me to fine tune the fork depending on the types of jumps. Mine is set at either 95mm or 120mm.
Weaknesses:
The plastic knobs. I broke the U-TURN knob after 4 months and it was only like the tenth time i had actually used it. I haven't experienced the crack lowers that other owners have commented on, but i'm keeping my eye out. Spring a little soft for more agressive freeriding, but then again its not a DH fork. Even though it has floodgate adjustment,and your into that type of riding, this is probably not the fork for you. Not quite enough travel.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Minute 3:00, Manitou Sherman Firefly, Rockshox Psylo SL.
Bike Setup:
Blur 4X, DJ settup with short bars, BMX cranks, etc.
Bottom Line:
Great fork. I would recommend it to anyone that does a lot of trail riding, a little freeride and even DJ. The Travel indicator on the stanction tube is really helpful if you like to set your travel at an exact spot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Chicksands, anywhere in the Alps!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Price Poploc feature once you have replaced the OEM lever Versatility - XC, 4X, Jumping, downhilling!
Weaknesses:
Wish the new version had 10 mm more travel Original poploc lever is a P O S. Replace it with a thumb shifter though and you can adjust the floodgate
Similar Products Used:
'zocchi 88vf, bombers,
Bike Setup:
05 Specialzed SX trail, Hayes V8 brakes, original 5th E shock with Ti spring, mostly XT trans with Husselfelt Double cranks w bashring. Running two wheel sets, one hobe bulbs / DT rims for Xc, the other deore hubs, sun rims for bashing!
Bottom Line:
The price!
20 mm Maxel super easy quick release. It's as tought as any other 5 -6 inch travle forks out there IMHO The weight isn't too bad either. Just wish the latest version ( 426 ) came out in a 150mm travel version.
I don't use the U turn travel adjust much, I prefer to use the poploc to adjust the floodagte, fully on the fork is almost locked out, off nice n plush. I run it in the middle for jumping / 4X. Replace the poploc on off lever with an old thumb shifter!
The otehr adjustments are easy to get to , spring rate is fine for me ( 165 lbs )
Hate to say it but I might change to get a fox 36 vanilla (160mm), but only because on my 05 SX trail the head angle is a touch steep, if this fork was a bit longer there is no way I would change. But that is only a VERY minor quibble, this fork rocks, it is 1/3 the price of the fox. For the xtra to get a fox I could buy a pretty good 2nd hand hard tail! Hey there is an idea....
If you are on a budget get one, just look at the mags you would be amazed at the number of riders running these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTNFiend
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
San Juan
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Adjustable travel, easily adjustable compression, 20mm axle, Maxel makes removing wheel easier than QR. THE PRICE!
Weaknesses:
It would be nice if it were easier to raise and lower the travel, like on Marzocchi. Metal knobs for travel, compression, and rebound would be nice, though I haven't experienced any issues with the plastic ones on there now.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla RL
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
This is a great fork and perfectly matched for my bike. It has totally improved my riding ability. The Pike is an unbeatable fork for the price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jhonny Strait
a Racer
from L.a Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Urban
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
light weight, looks like a short boxxer.good price
Weaknesses:
none..til´this moment..mmm maybe the decals,
Similar Products Used:
psylo, dirt jumper III(sucks)
Bike Setup:
jackal
Bottom Line:
good fork if you like urban or dirt or maybe a little xc, works very well, but the best of that fork is the weight is awesome.....conclusion, the best in the market for the price that offer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kapusta
a Weekend Warrior
from Norden, CA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
The List
Strengths:
Very adjustable for a wide variety of aplications. Pretty stiff, very smooth. CHEAP! 1/2 as much as anything I would compare it to (Fox 36, Marz AM1)
Weaknesses:
Knobs are plastic. I already broke the u-turn knob, but Rock Shox sent me a new one super quick.
After past experiences with such crap as the Psylo, and the Judy I figured I'd be about as likely to buy a bike from Huffy as a fork from Rock Shox. So of course I was wary when I started hearing good things about the Pike. In fact, at first I completely wrote it off because it was from Rock Shox, regardless of the reviews. But eventually the good press from the folks on MTBR and the fact that SRAM took over Rock Shox made me look again at this fork. When I realized it was HALF the price of an AM1 and ONE THIRD the price of a Fox 36, it was a no brainer.
This fork has lived up to all the hype! The floodgate and compression adjustments interact and take some fiddling with, but once you get a feel for it, it is amazingly versatile. I have found two settings that I really like:
One is with the compression cranked almost to the max and the floodgate near minimum. Very stable, well damped ride that soaks of big hits as well as and fork I've felt. In this setting, engaging the poplock does not do much.
The other is just a little heavier (but still light) on the floodgate and with the compression at about 1/3-1/2. Smoother than anythign I have felt, though a bit more prone to diving, sort of like the Z1 FR I had. Engage the poplock, and the fork gets bit more damped. It is not anywhere near locked out, but very efficient pedaling, (even at max travel), NO diving (under heavy braking) and it is perfect for launching jumps and descending super steep, rocky sections where fork dive can mean a trip over the bars.
I like the poplock. I've never seen the need for a lockout, but this is much more versitile. I can use it now as easily as I shift.
The Maxle is super easy to use. This is my first 20mm fork and I will never go back!
I love the travel adjustment. I've used ETA, and I think something like the TALAS sytem or u-turn is far more useful. I tend to run the fork around 125 most of the time, and adjust up or down from there.
The plastic knobs are pretty weak. I cracked my u-turn knob. They sent me a new one very quickly, but I am hoping to get my hands on one of the new metal ones (along with the rebound knob)
This fork is the stiffest I have ridden torsionally, but in terms of fore-aft flex, the Z1 was slightly stiffer. Just one look at the crowns and it is obvious why.
Anyway, this is an amazing fork and cheap to boot! The value rating should be at least a 6! You can buy 2 for the price of an AM1 and 3 for the price of a Fox 36.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
quinten
a Weekend Warrior
from singapore Date Reviewed: August 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
portsdown rd
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$535.00
Purchased At:
treknology bikes 3
Strengths:
great damping, nvr bottoms but uses all the travel, the handel bar lockout adjuster is great as i can change the compression rates on the move...
Weaknesses:
the stock springs are very soft and i therefore will soon need to upgrade those, it is easy to overtighten the Qr system.
Similar Products Used:
rock shox pilot c
Bike Setup:
trek alpha 6500, pike team, shimano deore hydraulic disc brakes, SIC LL stem and Race bar, da bomb saddle, Primo pedals, maxxis tires, alex rims dm24 rims, shimano deore LX/XT shifting components and a gator hydrahose steel braided front brakeline
Bottom Line:
awesome fork, i use it for dirt jumping, urban riding and extreme cross country riding, it is an awesome overall fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
El Jefe
a Downhiller
from hamilton, ny Date Reviewed: July 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
plattekill jump trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$285.00
Purchased At:
Dick Sonne's
Strengths:
Like everyone else mentioned the fork is plush and stiff with easy adjustments. quick release 20mm thru-axle is very handy looks bad ass
Weaknesses:
havent found any so far
Similar Products Used:
sherman, dj 3 & 2, black elite
Bike Setup:
Specialized P1 with Pike and doublewides, avid 8er's etc etc
Bottom Line:
This fork truly is an amazing fork for just about anybody i use it for downhilling and dirtjumping mainly but you can still jam out a few xc miles if ya gotta ride to your favorite trail.....Buy It!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: June 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$415.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
The 20mm axle makes this fork stiff. The travel adjustment works well. The blow off feature is useful.
Weaknesses:
Rcokshox could go to 150mm with the Pike.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla.
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575.
Bottom Line:
Coming from a Fox Vanilla, the Pike had a lot to live up to. And it easily holds it own against the Fox. It's as plush as the Fox, and the 20mm axle means it's stiffer too. The adjustment features work well, and the travel adjustment makes climbing a breeze. If it had an extra 10mm it could be a great alternative to the Fox 36.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Downhiller
from Chico, CA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$460.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Plush feel and the quick release 20mm axle
Weaknesses:
Travel adjustment knob is much harder to turn compared to Fox. Pop lock adjust only between two settings and nothing in between. Crown is weak mine is in the process of being sent in right now. I snaped it right in half on simple trail.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi ZR1 FR 04, Fox Talas 04
Bike Setup:
Kona Coiler Primo 05, Sram X9 shifters, Shimano XT Brakes, Pike Team
Bottom Line:
I believe that if you're into fun on the weekends and don't plan on going to extremes then this is for you. If you're a bigger guy 190+ and want to go big or a regular size guy and want more perfomance and durability out of your shock then think twice. I'm about 200lbs and like to do very tech trail and quite frequently step into the freeride arena. I'm going to upgrade to a 66 which gives me more strength and just a little more travel. But as I said before if you have a 4-6 inch trail bike and love the cool rides on weekends go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Warrenton, VA, USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Burke Farm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Plush and stiff, with adjustments that actually work (imagine that!). Travel adjustment is easy, especially with the 5mm marks on the left stanchion. The Maxle rocks!
Weaknesses:
No real weaknesses so far. Travel knob is rubber/soft plastic, which seems a bit chintzy on an "all-mountain" fork. Paint is pretty soft. Rebound adjuster knob at base of right leg seems long, and could attract rocks! ;)
First off, after ordering my new frame, I decided to jump up a tad in travel from my Talas RLC 130, and was open to any of the current stock of long travel trail forks (Marz AM-1, Fox 36, Maverick DUC, etc). In the end, other 575 owners' positive statements about the Pike/575 combo, together with the crazy cheap price, led me to choose the 575. After budgeting for a 36, I had major pocket change left over to satisfy some other upgrade-itis urgings!
I've ridden this combo roughly 20 times now, and am exceedingly happy with my purchase. The Pike is stiff & plush, and its ATC measurement nicely compliments my frame's geometry. Damping is nice & plush, and the compression/waste gate dials actually work. You can set it extremely soft for nasty rock gardens, or extremely hard for fire road climbs. I'm 210#, and have experimented with the firm and x-firm springs. While I prefer the firm springs for typical trail rides, I've settled on the x-firm after bottoming out a couple times on the firms. Bottom Line: A strong, plush, and mega-adjustable fork that should compliment a wide variety of trail frames. (I'm thinking specifically of the 5-Spot, 575, FXR, and others.) Other than a couple minor complaints about knobs, I'm stoked. It's a great value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
luke
a Weekend Warrior
from whitehorse, yukon, canada Date Reviewed: April 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
downtown,my trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$381.00
Purchased At:
downtube bike shop
Strengths:
this is the sti8ffest fork I have ever ridden, plush and I love the poplock ajustment. realy stiff lots of travel.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness is the springs I bottomed them out on a 3 foot drop and can almost bottom them out on the trails.
Similar Products Used:
DJ 3
Bike Setup:
2004 norco sasquatch frame, pike teams, mavic XM 325 disk wheels, snafu jumping saddle, odi lock ion grips, nokian Gazzaloddi tires, FSA pig DH pro headset.
Bottom Line:
This is the best fork out there I use it for urban, DJ, trail riding, DH, north shore and cross country.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Racer
from Vacaville Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Rays Cycle
Strengths:
Easy to adjust Super Plush The blow off adjustment on the lockout is cool because it can be set up fairly light.
Weaknesses:
Broke the first pair after about an hour of riding. If you hava a pair check the U brace if it has waffling that goes all the way to the lowers be careful mine broke there.
Similar Products Used:
I have a tried them all
Bike Setup:
Blur 4X
Bottom Line:
Rock Shock was great about replacing the broken fork. The new pair I recieved has a beefed up U brace. The frok rides great, it is stiff and the 20mm axle helps the fork track though the deepest ruts. I am 180 pounds and the stock springs were to soft, I went to extra heavy spring which seems to be prefect for the type of riding I do. The fork is perfect for the Blur 4X because I use a different setup for MTN X and Slalom. For 4X racing I run about 95mm of travel with the fork almost in the lockout and the blow off set at about med. That way I can snap out of the gate without loosing power. For slalom I run about 110mm of travel and soften the fork up so I have about 25mm if sag.
If RockShok had not been so fast to take care of the broken fork I would be really hard on them, but they were cool so I figued I would give them an honest rating. After the first pair broken I was not feeling warm and fuzzy about putting another pair on my bike. So far I am really happy with how the fork performs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Niklaus Hartmann
a Weekend Warrior
from Cochabamba, Bolivia Date Reviewed: April 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Escalarani, Cochabamba
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Plush, easy lock out, incredibly adjustable travel (from 95 mm - 140 mm), looks (except if you're from around england)...
Weaknesses:
none so far, now it needs to go through the test of time... i'll let you know..
Similar Products Used:
no high end shocks till now, so none...
Bike Setup:
santa cruz blur 4x with pike team and fox float rp3 rear, all SRAM X-9, mavic wheels with dt swiis hubs and tioga blue dragon tires...
Bottom Line:
nice, smooth, and with total lock out for the climb...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a
from Holland MI US Date Reviewed: February 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
Interbike
Strengths:
So freekin stiff and adjustable it is crazy
Weaknesses:
none from me
Similar Products Used:
Marz DJ1 Fox 36 Man sherman Jumper
Bike Setup:
on My freeride hardtale, Soul Titan with bombshell 24"
Bottom Line:
Grrat fork for the price it is so adjustable and has lots of technology put into it. amazingly light for it's class
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Burly construction with reasonable weight. Maxle is very easy to use. The Pike tracks incredibly well and is very stiff, plush and super adjustble.
Weaknesses:
I'm not too crazy about the big decals on the lowers.
Similar Products Used:
Z1 FR QR20, Z3, Dirtjumper 2, and some big forks like Shiver, Monster T, 2004 Super T and 2001 Super T
Bike Setup:
Foes FXR with Curnutt TI, Pike Team, Mavic D521's on Hadley Hubs,Kenda Blue Groove front and Nevegal rear, XT Deraileuers and shifters,Raceface Atlas Crank, Thomson post and stem, Ea 70 bars, WTB Speed V saddle.
Bottom Line:
I really did a lot of research before purchasing this fork for my Foes FXR. I was looking for adjustable travel, 20mm axle, 5"-6" of travel, reasonable weight and of course a single crown. I narrowed down my search to the Manitou Firefly, Marzocchi Z1 FR and the Rockshox Pike. As you can see from the forks I either own or have used, I am a big fan of Marzocchi forks because of their bombproof construction, plush ride and overall mount it and forget it dependability. The main thing that kept me from purchasing a Z1 was the weight and limited adjustabilty. I did briefly own a Rockshox Judy a few years ago and felt that fork was complete garbage. It came on a bike that I had bought. Rockshox has not had the best reputation for reliability and ease of getting spare parts so that made my decision to purchase the Pike a real gamble. I was banking on the fact that Rockshox will be better now that it is owned by SRAM. Everything I'd read about the Pike had been impressive and it had everything I was looking for at a reasonable price. I figured that if I did not like it then I'd sell it and get something else later. Well, now that I have the fork with some riding time on it I must say that I am extremely impressed. It is everything that I could have hoped for. This fork is plush and the adjustments work very well. You can tune the fork for whatever type of riding you will be doing. I upgraded to the heaviest springs from the very beginning and that was a $40 upgrade and easy to do. I am 230lbs and the heavy springs were a must. We'll see how the fork holds up over time but I believe it is going to great from all my experience so far. Get one of these Pikes and you will be happy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian Nash
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: February 16, 2005
the name and the decals. Nervousness about past rock shox durability perhaps. The plastic rebound control adjuster...burly metal one would be better.
Similar Products Used:
Fox TALAS and vanilla
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, crossmax, SRAM XO, race face etc...
Bottom Line:
After replacing my vanillas with these I am amzed at the difference the front end feels on the yeti. off camber roots etc is just a judder as stifness and control is spot on with no wheel deflection.
The fork is beefy yet only comes up a shade under 1/2 pound heavier than the vanillas.
The action is super smooth and i have had the full 140mm of lush linear travel. U turn works great.
The maxle system is great, the wheel can come off in 3 seconds.
Masses of control, however everything is set in the middle and works just fine. I havent got the poplock as the fork works well enough without having to lock it out due to the on the fly adjutable floodgate system.
Other than the stupid name and decals (here in the UK PIKE means a fish or a dodgy band of gypsies) I cannot fault these forks.
The only thing against them at the moment is RS pass history with poor durability, but medium term reports now suggest that SRAM have now got them sorted. Fox, Zochi and Manitou better start worrying as these are half the price of their forks and perform the same if better with masses of adjustment. And if durability is proven then I can guarantee that other forks will be cheaper or everyone will have these and the manufacturers will spec them to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rik Jacobs
a Weekend Warrior
from Bournemouth!! Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any decent freeriding tracks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
my halfrods store
Strengths:
sooo plush, smooth, great in black, the lock out is excellent if your road riding or going up hills, the travel adjustment comes in handy if you are changing riding styles, such as street to jumping
Weaknesses:
the plastic top caps AGAIN!!!!! the rubber bits are cool, but why dont they use ally??? fools
Similar Products Used:
many other forks
Bike Setup:
mountain cycle rumble, pike sl's, atom lab on bulb front, and taom lab on bigun rear, mono 6 pot ti, middle burn cranks
Bottom Line:
excellent forks, no problems so far, but only time will tell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bo
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: January 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles
Strengths:
Very stiff, very plush, slate blue great colour, look the nuts, easy to use and responsive to settings changes
Weaknesses:
still got plastic topcaps, when will rock shox learn?
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla 125R (replaced by the pikes)
Bike Setup:
Heckler, tough xc build, PUSHed AVA.
Bottom Line:
These are truely great forks for the money. Such a step up from the Fox Vanillas (which I thought were great but have proved not so durable). I am quite heavy (200lbs) so pulling stoppies used to flex and bounce the Foxes. Not now, lotsa control. The 140mm setting is just buttery but for general xc use is a bit of a struggle on steep technical bits. The 120mm setting is my favorite for singletrack, the bike just rails! So much fun. I hope they are durable.....
But I do recommend them, Rock Shox are out of the wilderness.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gopedal
a Weekend Warrior
from Kiara, Malaysia Date Reviewed: November 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Kiara
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Solid yet very plush. Keeps front wheel planted in all conditions
Weaknesses:
Unnecessary remote lockout.
Similar Products Used:
Psylo SL, Z1
Bike Setup:
Haro extreme X2
Bottom Line:
Rockshox once again delivers the industry standard plushness. The Pike seems to handle everything i care to throw it onto. Definately is more capable than i'll ever be! U- turn is pure bliss especially on steeper ascent when less travel is favoured. It is light enough for all day trail riding and never fails to keep me grinning on descent. You can be reckless and still be able to save your skin.
My only gripe is the poorly designed Poplock on the handlebar. It juts out like a sore thumb which will definately snap if hit. The damping is good enough for seated climbs which makes it unnecessary to lockout. I never stand anyway, this is a burly fork for a burly bike, who needs to stand to climb?
Go for the better value SL or Race, extra $$$ for Poplock Team is unnecessary. I give one chilli less for this reason.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rambler
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh Date Reviewed: November 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
stiff and on-the-fly adjustable
Weaknesses:
springsss
Similar Products Used:
older rockshox and marzocchi airs
Bottom Line:
I donno where I've been, but I've always preffered air shocks, even in heavy stuff...maybe my only beef with this fork is that at 190# I'll have to upgrade the spring....opposed to adding air. The super deal on this shock is the adjustibility including travel, handlebar lockout and blowoff. If I crush this thing, I'm way beyond my limits. Super deal on a solid fork..SRAM is good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
laurent
a Racer
from volvic, auvergne, france Date Reviewed: November 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
singletracks w rocks
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
plush, smooth, no bottoming, rigidity. maxle is as simple as and as fast as a quick release. price
Weaknesses:
it is to long to change the travel. we just need two positions a low one and a high one.
Similar Products Used:
fox vanilla, fox talas, manitou minute 1, manitou nixon, marzo Z1 150, psylo sl (tullio or not)
Bottom Line:
the fork is so smooth in the begining of travel that you think you have a flat tire but the resistance to bottoming is excellent: there is alway 1 or 2mm left. compression control is excellent and detent knob just do his job the right way (like a fox one maybe more plush) the stock spring is perfect for people around 155 pounds you just have the sag needed. rigidity is as good as with other 20mm axle but without the hassle of using tool to remoce the wheel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: November 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Like I'm gonna tell you?!?!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
Universal
Strengths:
Torsional stiffness, high speed damping, adjustable travel, pseudo-platform, functional lockout for climbing, maxle system makes for quick wheel installation, steering precision. Full, plush 140mm. Relatively light weight.
Weaknesses:
Haven't really found anything serious to gripe about. Wiper seals don't seem to be quite as tight as 'Zokes, but still very good. Have to purchase correct springs seperately unless you weight 165lbs or less.
Nice burly trail-fork without a big weight penalty or having to worry about blowing an air-seal 10 miles from the nearest road. If you like taking the technical lines on all day black diamond XC rides, get this fork. If you're training up for the next RedBull Rampage, you might want something wothout a hollow crown.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a
from Westminster Date Reviewed: October 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Chutes
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Strengths:
Very stiff, dampening is really plush and active, maxle is extremely user friendly, large range of adjustments, travel adjust, lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Only one, found out on really overgrown trails that brush/branches can actually turn the compression/lockout knob towards the locked out position.
Similar Products Used:
Zoke Z1 SL, Super T, Jr.T, Talas, Psylo.
Bike Setup:
Foes FXR
Bottom Line:
After trying 3 different forks on my Foes and finally settling on an '03 Z1 SL, I saw the Pike. Having ridden an '03 Psylo for a couple months I really liked the dampening and plushness but could not stand how flexy it was. Found a deal on a Pike Team for $380 so figured I would give it a try....and I am extremely pleased with this fork. First thing I noticed was how stiff the fork is, no more bushing slop like the Psylo. The dampening feels similar to the Psylo, but seems even more plush. Once I got the rebound dialed in I was amazed with how good this fork felt. The lockout and threshold knob work very well and are easy to adjust. The axle to crown height is just barely taller than my Z1, yet there is an extra 10mm of travel. I have measured a full 5" of travel off a little 3 1/2 foot huck. The stock springs feel perfect for my weight (about 165#). The maxle is a great design, just as easy as a regular quick release with the benefit of a 20mm axle. Sure there are a lot of nice 5-6" single crown forks out now, but for the price this one is very hard to beat. Now if it holds up for a long time......we'll find out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damage
a Downhiller
from Wellington, New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pylon 28
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Avanti Cycles, Lower Hutt
Strengths:
They look great, burly, easy to use bolt thru, plush and so much adjustability!
Weaknesses:
None yet!
Similar Products Used:
Z1 freeride, Jnr T, Psylo, Sherman
Bike Setup:
Cove Foreplay, hugi FR hubs, D521's, Saint/XT, E-13 guide, FSA carbons DH bars, King headset, Pikes, Azonic pedals/stem, Deore hydro disc's w 8" rotors. Set up for Urban at the mo' with Hookworm tyres and no front brake
Bottom Line:
I love this fork! I had a Z1 freeride, which was a really good fork, but I love the feel of Rockshox, they arn't so stiff feeling. No problems so far, Rockshox have sorted themselves out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BobKreyole
a Weekend Warrior
from Queens New York Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point Long Island
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Peak Mountain Bike Pro Shop
Strengths:
Adjustable travel and compresion control, very beefy with 32mm tubes but weights less then 5 pounds.
Weaknesses:
Have yet to discover any
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Super T, Rock Shox SID
Bike Setup:
Intenses Uzzi SLX, Race Face Next, XTR front & back, Sun Rhyno Lite, Easton Monkey Lite & M60 stem.
Bottom Line:
The review is for the Team with PopLoc Remote. The fork is very plush and works as advertised. The PopLoc handelbar control is great for instant lock & release. In adition the compresion can be adjusted from the handlebar. The combination of lockout and travel adjustment make climbing less of a chore. This fork is for agresive trail ride with some medium jumps. I do not know if this is a fork for freeriding. This is an initial review. I will do a follow up in a few weeks. Price and features make this the best value of any fork in its class. If these forks are durable, Rock Shox should retake its spot as the premier fork. Will give 5 Chilis for first review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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