Submitted by
Ben Briant
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt Dandenong/Lysterfield
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$112.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
The fork is fairly light and has good yet easy adjustment. Rebound adjust is also a good option to have.
Weaknesses:
Probably needs a service every year with changing oil etc. Some of the stickers ain't the best either.
Bike Setup:
2005 Giant Yukon: DT Swiss E540 wheels laced to Shimano XT hubs + XT skewers RockShox Duke XC 100mm Avid BB7's with Avid FR-5 levers Oury grips Maxxis Ignitors/Holy Rollers DMR V8 pedals Kore B1B stem CaneCreek S-8 headset with sealed bearings.
Bottom Line:
Overall a great fork that can be used for nearly any kind of riding.
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Submitted by
Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Walton Bch, FL Date Reviewed: October 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Timberlake
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Fairly light, adjustable ride. Reliable... never had any problems with it... except that it might have made my bike more attractive to the thief who stole it!
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Replace stock RST that came on my old Trek Y26.
Bike Setup:
Between the Duke and the Fox Vanilla rear shock that I put on this heavy but sturdy bike, it rode like a heavy bike with smooth suspension... kind of like a Cadillac.
Bottom Line:
The RS Duke never caused me any greif, and really smoothed out the ride of my old dog of a bike. Although, for the Trek Y26, adding the Fox Vanilla rear shock made the most diff.
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Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: November 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Low maintenance, easy to adjust
Weaknesses:
none that I have encountered
Similar Products Used:
some judy carp
Bike Setup:
fast i drive
Bottom Line:
Good product, low hassle, hard to bottom out. Good travel/weight/price ratio!
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Submitted by
moox
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovakia Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
I had replaced RST capa tl fork with duke and ride became smoother and faster. I think this is good fork for weekend warriors, whose visit some competition (XC races, marathon, etc.). The ratio weight/price/functionality is very good.
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Submitted by
freedrider
a Downhiller
from slough Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004
I was quite pleased with these! i used em for dirt jumping! doing 18ft jumps! (and big stair drops (1.5m)!) if you dont believe me check out my homepage picture www.angelfire.com/hero/biker0 - those are a pair of rock shox dukes! i had em set up really hard - (much more than recommended top pressure) and had no promblems with them!!!! they are light, stiff, strong, they were nicked with my dirt jump bike so im gonna get another pair.....
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Submitted by
Joe Speer
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Palos Heights
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Prairie Path Cyclery w/bike
Strengths:
It is a pretty nice fork if it will last enough to get you around. For the price it is pretty light.
Weaknesses:
Within 10 weeks the seal blew out and I sent it back to Rock Shox and they gave it back to me on my Stock Fuel 90. The next day it was broken and the seal was moved up about a 1/2 inch with hardly any travel on it.
Similar Products Used:
Diamond Back 1992 Outlook. Raleigh M-30.
Bike Setup:
XT - Rear Derailleur. LX - Front Derailleur and shifters. Fox Float R - Rear Shock Rock Shock Duke XC - Fork
Bottom Line:
It is an okay Fork for the price but the seals are not the best quality.
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Dillsburg, PA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came stock on Trek Fuel 90
Strengths:
Rebound adjust although I set it all the way to "Fast" and left it there. Since it is air sprung, you can make it as stiff or as plush as you want. Fairly lightweight performs well.
Weaknesses:
In the year that I've used it, I haven't had any complaints about it.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Black, Marzocchi
Bike Setup:
2003 Trek Fuel 90 with IRC Myhtos XC 2.1 kevlar tires and Kool Stop MTB (salmon and black) brake pads.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent fork for a good price. There are better forks out there but I'm 100% satisfied with my Duke XC. It is priced nicely too. I haven't had to have anything done to it and performs fine. If you're looking for a nice fork for XC riding/racing, this one will work fine for you. I have used it on some pretty technical stuff and it works fine.
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Submitted by
jeff
a Racer
from Jax, FL Date Reviewed: November 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
San Falasco
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Durability,price,simple
Weaknesses:
not a
Similar Products Used:
manitou (various)
Bike Setup:
Full race Sugar
Bottom Line:
I had an 03 Duke Race on the bike for a few weeks. I prefer the XC (nearly identicle weight). Very durable with only normal oil changes needed to maintain consistant performance. There are lighter, more sensitive, more sophisticated forks. This is a very simple, tough, stiff air fork that can be easily maintained. Sensitive to small changes in air pressure & oil viscosity. Anything that can last a full season of training/racing and still function this well gets 5 frickin chili peppers
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from currently Taiwan Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light weight
Weaknesses:
durability and reliability
Similar Products Used:
Judy TT
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my last review. I got my shock back from Rockshox and on the 4th ride, it blew out again. I was riding along on a paved path and heard a hissing sound. I lost all air dampening. When I got home, there was 53 psi in the shock. I had topped it off with 125 psi before the ride. Rockshox said they replace the piston o-ring and the groove it went on was in spec. I am going with a Judy XC. If I hadn't given my Judy TT away, I'd put it back on. Dual springs are for me. I put 3 stinky farts because I don't want to skew the reviews too much. There is a chance that I just got a dog.
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Submitted by
RONNIE
a Weekend Warrior
from ALBUQUERQUE,NM Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
SWEET RIDE, GREAT VALUE/PRICE RATIO
Weaknesses:
PLAIN VANILLA LOOK
Similar Products Used:
SID, JUDY TT, BOXXER, NOLEEN AIR
Bottom Line:
GREAT UPGRADE FROM MY SID. THIS IS A GREAT SHOCK, SOAKS UP ANYTHING ON THE TRAIL. JUST RIDING IT BUILDS MY CONFIDENCE. IT TAKES GREAT DROPS (NOTHING OVER 4 FEET). IT HAS HAD NO PROBS, NO LEAKS, NO REBOUND PROBS. I GIVE THIS A GREAT REVIEW. BUY IT IF YOU NEED A MIDRANGED PRICE-GREAT PERFORMANCE FORK.
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Submitted by
George
a Cross Country Rider
from Lufkin, TX, US of A Date Reviewed: September 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any tight singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came stock on bike
Strengths:
Good performance, adjustability is great for different riding conditions and rider's weight.
Weaknesses:
Heavier than the SID, but so far no maintenance probs.
Similar Products Used:
Other RS shocks, Marzocci, Fox forks.
Bike Setup:
'03 Trek 8000, mostly stock but with a few tweaks.
Bottom Line:
This is a good shock for a retail value of $300. If you are a competitive rider or racer, or even an advanced recreational rider who wants a good quality fork without the maintenance nighmares of a SID, buy the Duke. I have not been disappointed. I ride very hard and on technical tracks, including 12 and 24 hour races. My Duke has performed like a champ and continues to smooth out the drops and thuds better than any other fork in this price range. Yes, it's a bit heavier than the SID, but the SID is for pro's who have their own personal mechanic following them around to keep fixing the damned thing. Get the Duke and enjoy riding without equipment problems or hassles.
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from currently Taiwan Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light weight, stiff, responsive
Weaknesses:
reliability
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Judy C
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC
Bottom Line:
After only 2 months of riding on paved bike paths, I took a 4 inch drop and heard a loud cracking noise. The shock depressed completely and I carefully went home with it. I got home and put air in it and it returned to normal. I contacted the folks at Rockshox and they were very nice. They seem to think it is a blown gasket. I can still use the fork by putting air in it before every ride, it goes down to 60psi over night. I am going to get it repaired, but I must say I am completely disappointed with this shock. I believe bike components are way over-priced and that a fork like this one shouldn't have this kind of problem. I couldn't trust this fork out on a bike tour, and therefore is next to worthless for me. I will keep it on this bike for training purposes only. This product doesn't deliver for what it is meant for, very bad.
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Submitted by
Gary S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, Idaho, USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Brundage
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Reed Cycle
Strengths:
Light Weight, Plush ride once it's set right.
Weaknesses:
Blew after less than 50 miles.
Similar Products Used:
RST, Rock Shox Judy
Bike Setup:
'03 Diamondback XSL, XT components, Fox Vanilla shock, Avid disks
Bottom Line:
Nice ride and weight...Seals blew after less than 50 miles and while sitting to be serviced. Can't say RockShox is high on my list after that...Reed Cycle took great care of me warranty'n it out and offered a loaner. Think I'll go to a Manitou Black Comp.
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Submitted by
justin doria
a Weekend Warrior
from mamaroneck, ny Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiff, good rebound
Bike Setup:
Stock Fuel 90
Bottom Line:
I hated the fork until I set the air pressure properly. Read the manual and dial the shock in, it works well.
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Submitted by
Jentastic
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
- Weight - Stiffness - Fits 2.4 tire
Weaknesses:
- Feels dead if inflated to low pressure
Bottom Line:
I hated my Duke XC. It felt dead when inflated for my weight (121 pounds). Too much air and it was too stiff.
I would not recommend this fork for light weight riders.
Get a Manitou fork, those are better for us feather weights.
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Submitted by
Hilton
a Racer
from jerusalem Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all the time
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Works great, I am an aggresive XC rider/racer and have put this shock thru about everthing. It has never bottomed out or done anything else other than what it is supposed to do! The rebound works very well on condition the oil and inners of the shock are kept clean and serviced. I did have an initial problem after purchace with a bit of bushing play but the shock was replaced and I have never had to look back.
Weaknesses:
I ride in mostly dusty dry conditions and the fine dust gets into the lowers even if the shock is kept clean. Seals?
Similar Products Used:
manitou magnum and tried lots of others
Bike Setup:
Merida LRS RACE frame with lots of xt,wtb and avid parts attached.
Bottom Line:
After 4500km I am still smilling. Great value for money. This shock soaks it all up if you are an AGRESSIVE XC RIDER(dont try 2m drops with this shock). Since putting on the shock my riding style has gotten faster and more daring than I ever thought it would. Flying down a rutted off road track at 50-60km/h is only possable if you trust you equipment, I do!
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Submitted by
Allen Coulonge, Jr.
a Weekend Warrior
from New Orleans, LA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
GNO Cyclery in New Orleans
Strengths:
Light Weight, Stiffness, Ease of adjustment.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Pilot C, Rock Shox Mag 21, Rock Shox Judy TT
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900 w/ XT/XTR group, Syntace bar/stem combo, Eggbeaters, Cane Creek WAM TI Crono Wheels, Michelin Jet S Tires, Selle San Marco Arami Saddle, Duke XC Fork (24 lbs w/ pump & seatbag w/ tools)
Bottom Line:
This fork is great balance between light weight and stiffness. No bells, no whistles, just great suspension at 3.5 lbs. I weigh in at 235lbs and have no problems with this shock. I highly recommend this shock for people who like to ride and not mess around with needless miniscule adjustments for every ride, it just plain works for it's intended purpose.
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Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Villa IL Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kettle Moraine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
holds air well after long rides on rough terrain.
Weaknesses:
mine didnt come with air pump. shox rep told me they ship pumps out with every fork so it could be pricepoint scammin me. i dunno, they wont answer e-mail
Similar Products Used:
manitou
Bike Setup:
giant xtc with non squeaking parts.
Bottom Line:
so far the only time i even have to think about the fork is checking the air pressure and cleaning it. this is my first real fork and so far i love it. took a lot of abuse first three months and now racing started so we shall see. i see no probs. still hasn't bottomed out like my cheapo manitou se something.
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Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Majik Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
www.ukbikestore.com
Strengths:
Light,cheap(relatively),simple to set up,black.
Weaknesses:
none so far!
Similar Products Used:
2000 Judy XC, 1998 RST Mozo Comp, 1996 Marzocchis
Bike Setup:
96 Kona cindercone/LX & titec components/mavic 231 rims
Bottom Line:
Can't fault this fork. Soaks up all the bumps and handles the big hits with no problems. Well priced, and lighter than comparable manitous and marzocchis.
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Submitted by
Milo
a Weekend Warrior
from Vic, Australia Date Reviewed: April 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Hendry's
Strengths:
External Adjustment is sweet, very plush
Weaknesses:
Since purchase, it has been making this 'clicky' noise. Has been checked and re-built by bike-shop. Noise is still there, but isn't giving any trouble
Absolutly fantastic. Saved my arse through ruts many times when I thought I was about to eat it. The clicky noise it makes every time the suspension works is a worry. However, it was checked over by a rockshox dealer, and no problem was detected. Also, the 12 month warranty is a bonus. Was recommended the Duke over the psylo, and i now know that it was the correct decision.
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Submitted by
Jrod Ferris
a Racer
from mesa Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
adventure
Strengths:
light, inexpensive, stiff
Weaknesses:
not as light as the sid
Similar Products Used:
the only other fork iv used is a black comp. its kinda heavy and gets sticky sometimes
Bike Setup:
santa cruz chameleon, xt parts, mavic wheels, thomson and other brands
Bottom Line:
were talking about the duke not the pyslo! idiot! its a cool fork buy it if your looking for a light cross country fork. its not as light as the sid or anything but its stiffer than the sid so thats a plus. I think its a good price too. it handles great. what more can i say. have i typed 50 words yet?
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Submitted by
bird
a Cross Country Rider
from nc Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
its all good
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
stiff,plush but solid.has saved me many times from goin over the bars
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
judy
Bike Setup:
trek 90
Bottom Line:
great fork,needs a bit of air every couple rides but i think thats pretty common.i might be ignorant but i cant see paying more than this for xc fork,quit fiddlin and ride dammit
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Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Arizona Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Morman to National
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Supergo/K2 (Noleen warranty)
Strengths:
Light 3.5 pounds, Air and spring, 80-100mm travel, "Hydra-air", and adjustable damping called "Hydra-coil". RockShox name.
Weaknesses:
None yet. As I ride more I may want more adjustments. Lockout et cetera.
Similar Products Used:
Noleen Mega Air 80mm
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock K2 Zed 5 hardtail with some upgrades/XT rear
Bottom Line:
I ride on weekends and like to push myself and equipment to the limits. Supergo gets KUDOS for making things straight. The K2's Noleen had problems and K2 swapped it out for an '03 Duke XC. '01 for an '03. I did have to pay $100 in the exchange but that is better than retail. My first ride was in Sedona AZ yesterday on a trail called Cathedral Rock. It was around 10 miles of everything you would want to ride. Smooth rock, some technical up downs, and packed dirt. I did come close to one of the many famous 'VORTEXs' in the area but really did not notice anything...sorry. I was use to the Pogo-Stick feel of the all air shock. I barely noticed how it absorbed the small bumps. It builds confident because you could concentrate less on the 'bounce' and more on the experience. Climbing was better as well because I did not get the bouncing resistance I had been use to. The person looking to purchase this is someone that needs to upgrade model of entry-level shock or upgrade year and without forking over big coin. Don't get me wrong about air shocks. Having been use to all air and now going to a shock that is combination air/shock I am pleased. If you like to make a million adjustments each ride this is not the shock for you. If you want something quality and just want to hit the trail this is it.
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Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from los banos, ca, us Date Reviewed: February 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
it came from giant factory on 2003 ac 2
Weaknesses:
after logging 76 cross country miles I was launching off a small burm at 17mph, while little jonny (250lbs.) was messing with his brakes, and a clank occurred. Later, after an endo in a rock garden landed me on my head, I realized the dampener adjustment knob must have been the clank. The fork is now stuck in the turtle mode of adjustment which packed up the shock and made my 125mm travel become zip in the rock garden. Prior to this failure, I was having problems with the fork only showing 115mm travel remaining even though no weight on bike. Additionally, from day one there was an annoying rattle whilst traveling over high frequency bumps.
Similar Products Used:
white bros. at 4, black elite on ac air
Bottom Line:
crap. I am going to switch to fox forx tallus rlc as soon as "the kid" gets his hands on it. The all coil nature of the psylo was not very plush as compared to a 1 year old black air fork. I notice few bad reviews of fox, so will give it a try
$ 300.00
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