Since 2013, the Rock Shox Pike one of the top-selling MTB suspension forks from trail to enduro. Although a lot has happened on the suspension fork and shock market in recent years, the previous Rock Shox Pike was still convincing. However, with the introduction of the Lyrik two years ago, the Pike was increasingly pushed out of the enduro MTB segment.
Less weight
In order to be attractive in the suspension travel range up to 160 millimetres, weight reduction was at the top of the agenda. The new 2018 Pike has therefore been completely redesigned and is said to be 150 grams lighter overall, with even greater torsional rigidity. Rock Shox speaks of 1841 grams for a 160 mm Pike in 27.5 inches. The new Charger 2 damping unit, which works with less oil volume but has a larger adjustment range, saves 60 grams alone. The compression adjustment, platform and rebound range can be set more broadly and therefore utilised more effectively.
More sensitivity
The larger negative chamber ensures a finer response. Rock Shox calls the technology DebonAir-Airspring, analogous to the damper. This measure is intended to harmonise the characteristic curve of the new Pike with the current Lyrik and offer better performance in the initial range of the suspension travel.
Remote option
Fans of handlebar remotes will be delighted with the remote option. Thanks to the Charger 2 cartridge, the new Pike can now also be operated from the handlebars as an option. A OneLoc lever will also be available, with which the fork and shock can be controlled simultaneously.
Update also for the Revelation, SID, RS-1 and Lyrik
The Revelation also benefits from the update and gets the same new casting, but damping with an open oil bath. Instead of the previous 32 mm stanchions, the Revelation will also have a stiffer casting with 35 mm stanchions. The SID, RS-1 and Lyrik will also benefit from the newly developed Charger 2 damping.
The first driving impression
On the trails in Latsch, the new Pike was already convincing and stood high in its travel even with little compression damping. The stiffness of the Pike was beyond reproach. While the platform stage of the previous Pike could only be used uphill, because otherwise the fork became too stiff and insensitive, the newly tuned platform can be used much more often.
The new Pike should be available from late summer and cost between 825-940 euros.
