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$
