Rockshox Psylo and Domain 2025: New suspension forks for less money

The Rockshox Psylo is back! Long-time bikers will certainly remember: The Psylo was once an extremely popular suspension fork for all-mountain and enduro bikes - but then disappeared from the suspension fork giant's line-up. Now the former flagship is back. And the new fork with a 35-millimetre chassis is sending three model series into retirement. Instead of Revelation, Yari and 35, there will be the Psylo in future. In the three versions Gold RC, Silver RC and Silver R, and each with 130 to 160 millimetres of travel. This makes Rockshox's entry-level segment much clearer. As always with Rockshox, the abbreviations R and RC stand for the adjustability of the fork. The simple R models can only be adjusted in the rebound stage, while the compression stage can also be adjusted on the RC models.

The Psylo's main drawback is its weight. Depending on the model, the newcomer weighs between 2320 and 2888 grams (manufacturer's specification at 160 mm). The top forks Pike Ultimate and Lyrik Ultimate weigh only 1887 and 2028 grams respectively. However, there are no compromises when it comes to brake disc clearance. Up to 220 millimetres are possible. The mount is designed for Direct Mount 180.

Rockshox Domain suspension fork with two variants: Gold RC and Gold R

The Domain remains responsible for plenty of suspension travel and tough applications in the affordable segment. But it is also getting an extensive update. The little sister of the Rockshox ZEB continues to ride with solid 38 mm stanchions and will be equipped with Isolator RC damping in future. This should not only work better than the already successful Motion Control damper in the predecessor, but also work quietly. The Domain is available in two versions, Gold RC and Gold R, each with 150, 160, 170 or 180 millimetres of suspension travel. The new fork is likely to become a popular and frequently installed attachment on affordable enduro and e-mountain bikes. The high weight of 2.5 kilos is the price you have to pay for the economy course. Compared to the ZEB, this is around 150 - 200 grams more. Instead of 180 mm direct mount, 200 mm brake discs fit here without an adapter and discs up to 220 millimetres are approved.

The predecessor Domain impressed us several times in our tests. Compared to other forks in this price segment, it always offered very high suspension performance. It was also very stiff and precise. Click here to test the previous version of the Rockshox Domain!

The facts about the new Rockshox Psylo and Domain entry-level forks

• Psylo with 35 mm stanchions and 130 - 160 mm travel
• Price: Psylo Gold RC for 645 euros (e.g. Lyrik: from 912 euros)
• Psylo weight: 2.32 to 2.88 kg (depending on version, 160 mm suspension travel, manufacturer's specification)
• Brake mount Psylo: Direct Mount 180
  
• Domain with 38 mm stanchions and 150 - 180 mm suspension travel
• Price: Domain Gold RC for 695 euros (e.g. Zeb: from 968 euros)
• Domain weight: 2.5 kg (180 mm travel, manufacturer's specification)
• Brake mount Domain: Direct Mount 200
• Gold version each with Isolator RC damping (three stages for low-speed compression Open, Pedal, Firm)
• Compatible and customisable with the familiar tokens from Lyrik and ZEB

Inside: The new Rockshox Isolator RC damping system

The main new feature of Domain and Psylo is the damping technology. Rockshox has named the compression damping unit "Isolator Damping", which is functionally based on the "Charger 3" of the top forks Pike, Lyrik and ZEB orientated. Like the higher-quality version, Isolator RC is also designed to work completely silently - putting an end to smacking and slurping on the trail. However, only the low-speed compression stage and the rebound stage can be adjusted, but not the high-speed rebound stage. For all tech nerds, let's take a look at the inner workings of the Isolator RC damping.

A spring-assisted IFP (Internal Floating Piston) damper is designed to provide a smooth and predictable ride over the entire suspension travel. Charger 3 also uses an IFP. However, on Rockshox' top forks, this is located in a closed cartridge and therefore requires less oil. The compression adjustment logic of the Isolator RC is much simpler and more rudimentary, as there are only three settings: Open, Pedal and Firm. In the open stage of the Isolator damping, the oil flows unhindered through the damper to absorb hard impacts. In the pedal stage, the damping is increased without becoming hard on successive hits. And the firm stage switches on the maximum compression stage to minimise the bobbing of the fork when pedalling uphill and on flat terrain and to ensure the highest possible acceleration efficiency.

The IFP design of the isolator damping prevents the mixing of air and oil, which should lead to better response behaviour and more even suspension comfort over the entire spring travel. The new technology works with shim stacks that slow down the flow of oil during both compression and rebound. The damping has a two-part rebound circuit. One part is designed to respond easily and provide traction in technical passages (easy-flow path), while the hard-flow path intervenes when the fork dives deep into the suspension travel. This should provide more control.

The DebonAir air spring has also been revised and adapted to the new damping. The aim of the two air chambers of this system is to keep the fork in the ideal stroke and provide more support in the middle section of the suspension travel.

The new Rockshox suspension fork models at a glance

Rockshox Domain Gold RC

• Top model of the Domain series
• 2501 grams, 695 euros (e.g. Zeb: from 968 euros)
• 38 mm standpipes
• New isolator RC damping
• DebonAir air spring
• 27.5 and 29 inch
• 150 to 180 mm

Rockshox Domain Gold R

• Only on complete wheels, not available separately from dealers
• 2524 grammes
• 38 mm standpipes
• No adjustable compression damping, only rebound damping
• DebonAir air spring
• 27.5 and 29 inch
• 150 to 180 mm

Rockshox Psylo Gold RC

• Top model of the Psylo series
• 2320 grams, 645 Euro Euro (e.g. Lyrik: from 912 Euro)
• New Isolator RC damping
• Aluminium uprights with 35 mm diameter
• DebonAir air spring
• 29 and 27.5 inch
• 130 to 160 mm
• Two casting variants: with and without mudguard mount

Rockshox Psylo Silver RC

• Only on complete wheels, not available separately from dealers
• 2786 grammes
• Steel standpipes with 35 mm diameter
• Solo Air
• Motion control damping
• 29 and 27.5 inch
• 130 to 160 mm
• Two casting variants: with and without mudguard mount

Rockshox Psylo Silver R

• Only on complete wheels, not available from dealers
• 2888 grammes
• Steel standpipes with 35 mm diameter
• Steel spring
• Motion control damping
• No adjustable compression damping, only rebound damping
• 29 and 27.5 inch
• 130 to 160 mm
• Two casting variants: with and without mudguard mount

Conclusion on Rockshox Domain and Psylo

The Domain was already a really good fork in the entry-level segment. The smaller 35 and Revelation models were not always fully convincing. The new Psylo not only gives hope for improvement, it also tidies up the portfolio and makes the product range more manageable. How the new forks with Isolator RC perform on the trail will soon be put to the test in BIKE and EMTB tests.