Skip to main content

RockShox Pike RCT3 Dual Position Air fork


ROCKSHOX’S PIKE IS a genuine game changer across all wheel sizes and versions. The 35mm stanchion chassis is accurate even in long-travel 29er formats and absolutely nailed in 26in and 650b guise. The new Maxle Lite screw-through 15mm axle is excellent, and accurate air pressure guides and sag markers make set-up easy.

The slippery Fast Black stanchions, Charger damper and progressive air spring offer super-supple small bump response for outstanding traction that seems to physically reach out and grab grip just when you think the front wheel is sliding away from you. Push your weight forward though and you rail around corners on a well supported mid stroke that still reacts in a balanced and consistent way to ripples and rocks. The already excellent bottomout control can be user tuned with optional Bottomless Tokens progression change spacers and the position sensitive Rapid Recovery rebound damping handles big hits and braking bumps better than most full-on downhill forks.

The Dual Position Air spring lets you switch between 130mm and 160mm of travel (5.1/6.3in) using a leg-top dial. It’s no less controlled and consistent than the Solo Air version, though the fixed-travel fork is 100g lighter and cheaper.

The Pike is slightly heavy and some of our testers would happily trade the three-position (open/pedal platform/lockout) RCT3 compression lever for separate high- and low-speed adjustments but overall performance is still sensational. You even get first-service spares and a shock pump in the box, making this the undisputed enduro racing champion.

Travel 130/160mm
Weight 1,935g
Length 555mm
Wheel sizes 26in, 650b (tested), 29in (140mm Solo Air only)

PRICE: 1329$








Popular posts from this blog

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

Scott Stego MIPS helmet

Scott’s top-end aggressive trail helmet is only available with MIPS, as the Swiss brand were early adopters of the system. The EPS extends low at the rear without clashing with the retention system and the strap attachment points are external to the liner, maximising the amount of material around the temples. This is the closest-fitting helmet on test, with very little clearance inside the liner. Despite this, and although the Stego has fewer vents than some other lids here, we never felt too hot-headed. Scott spent time developing the ventilation system using a wind tunnel and it seems to have paid off. The thin pads don’t offer quite as much comfort as some competitors’, and while the short peak is removable, it doesn’t offer any height adjustment. Weight 340g Sizing S, M, L Price $180

SANTA CRUZ NOMAD

Santa Cruz’s new enduro focused dream bike While the Santa Cruz Bronson has been causing a commotion on the enduro scene as one of the lighter and more capable bikes, the Californian company have been working on something better suited to the more gravity orientated courses.

Fulcrum Red Power XL wheels

THESE WHEELS CERTAINLY don't look like some of the cheapest on test, and the adjustable-preload bearings are some of the smoothest and longest lived at any price.