Submitted by
pko142
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO, El Paso Date Reviewed: November 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
LBS shop worker
Strengths:
Ability to adjust rebound, spring rate and dampening. Easy as hell to work on. Works great when everything is patched and replaced! 20mm through-axle
Weaknesses:
Issue #1: Stock spring (red - medium) is much too soft for the fork to function (IMHO). Had to move up from the medium to an x-firm (black)at a cost of $30. The stiffer spring rate perked the fork right up. I no longer had to tension the spring to achieve an aceptable rebound. Fixed the problem of bottoming out on turns and drops. This was an easy fix, but could become pricey if you buy the wrong spring.
Issue #2: Lower leg assembly cracked and started leaking oil. Was able to patch with JB Weld as the cost to replace was $156. Oil leak really wasn't a problem as it is only for lubricating the seals in this fork. I was more worried about the structural integrity of the fork it's self. No leaks, no more worries.
Issue #4: The 4wt oil used in the dampening side is too light. Replaced with a heavier 8wt fork oil. Range of dampening was greatly improved.
Issue #5: Dampening adjuster was lost. This makes sense as it is in the stupidest place ever! Who the #*^% puts a removable, loosely harnessed adjustment dial on the bottom drop out of an all mountain fork? Answer: a company that wants to make $15. Be sure to carry a $2, 2.5mm hex key in your tool bag.
Issue #6: Heavy. But i knew this when i bought it. So much for a light weight cross country rig. Guess this isn't a big deal all things considered.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Talas-RLC.
Bottom Line:
I had to buy this fork because i broke my talas rebuilding the seals. As an intro to Rockshox i'm not impressed with the durability or stock setup of the fork. I hear this was not the case when SRAM didn't own them.
While I'm into the fork for $430 (fork and spring) it could have easily cost me ~$700 if i fixed and replaced all the crap.
Works great now that it's set up for ME and not some 110lb 5ft asian girl. Be ready to play mechanic when you buy this fork.
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Submitted by
Trail Blazer
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 31, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good looks and should be able to take the knocks.
Weaknesses:
Not getting the full 140 travel. Seems to be maxing at 130. Doing the national downhill tracks / no big jumps but give them a fair thrashing. I originally had to take them back to the shop @5 times due to oil leaking from the rebound adjustment. The leaking oil was only the oil that is used to splash around the internal chamber to stop rusting however it was more of the principle and the fact that they were a new shock & should not have leaked at all. Recommended/standard spring is at the lower end of my weight however they still feel very stiff.
Bottom Line:
Toss up between the Pikes or Fox however these won through due to being way cheaper.
Also i've had Rock Shox in the past and loved them.
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Submitted by
Dirt Surfer
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo, CA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Latigo Cyn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Bike Warrior
Strengths:
Smooth travel, easy to change travel length, Stiff, small bump sensitivity, big hit absorbsion, Maxle thru axle quick release.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy, travel not adjustable while riding
I was looking for a fork that could bomb downhill ( no major jumbs), climb well, corner well and not be too heavy. I have used Marzocchi for years and really liked them but could not find something that fit my needs and the Mfg max travel, in their new product line. I have not used Rockshox in years, (old Judy '98) The Pike met my criteria. This fork works very well, stays online when things get rough, point and shoot. It carves turns and is well matches with the Fox RP23 on the back. It is easy to adjust travel, when stopped, with a few twists of the knob. The short travel helps a ton climbing steep technical hills and still offers travel, it is not a lock out. I have no trouble with it or complaints except it is a bit heavy.
$
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