This year’s lineup of forks is as outstanding as its bikes. Still, our testers found favorites in each, and the RockShox Pike was prevalent on both lists. This 35-millimeter-stanchion darling was introduced last year, and it has become more than just a hot upgrade. Given the range of bikes that come with Pikes nowadays, it may become the new standard across a variety of shred-worthy platforms.
The technology that
gives the Pike its remarkable plushness stems from the damping cartridge that
reliably carries more of the rider’s weight, requiring less air pressure to
achieve proper sag, thus achieving a smoother ride. At barely 4 pounds, the
Pike is versatile for 29-inch trail bikes, 650b all-mountain monsters, 26-inch
dirt jumpers and even on one cross-country bike at the Bible. The whole package
is stiff enough to out-steer any single-crown fork.
The RCT3 offers quick
access to a frm pedaling mode or even frmer lock out, but most riders will
rarely stray from the silky smooth wide-open setting. The low-speed compression
knob does much to keep the Pike from diving under aggressive riders. Those who
want more tunability can dial in progressivity with internal volume spacers.
The skin around this
impressive fork may be the best part. The all-black, thickboned Pike looks as
solid as it feels.
PRICE 980$ - 1085$
