Skip to main content

RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork


ROCKSHOX’S PIKE IS as much trail fork as most riders will ever need, but there was a definite gap in their line-up for a gonzo fork to take on the Fox 36 for single-crown downhill domination honours. Rather than upsizing the outer diameter of the Pike’s 35mm stanchions for the Lyrik, RockShox have made them thicker throughout their tapering walls. They’ve also increased the depth and stiffness of the crown, and made the arch taller.The result is the stiffest fork in our static tests, even in 180mm format.

The Lyrik feels rock solid on the trail too, whether you’re ripping tyre knobs off in a turn, smacking into big blocks or clamping a 200mm brake rotor as hard as possible.An extended negative air spring similar to that found in RockShox’s DebonAir shocks improves traction and sensitivity, while SKF seals on the fork legs and a Pike style Charger Damper reduce stiction further for a consistently plush and planted front wheel.The air spring, Rapid Recovery rebound and Charger Damper combine for naturally excellent mid-stroke control.

While high- and low-speed compression are both widely adjustable, the Lyrik’s real-world strength compared to other premium performers is that it feels outstanding without you needing a degree in dial-twiddling knowhow. It’s compatible with the Torque Cap ends of the latest SRAM wheels and there are 110mm Boost axle versions too.


WEIGHT: 2,070g
TRAVEL: 160, 170, 180mm (tested)

Price 1238$




Labels

Popular posts from this blog

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

READ MORE >>

Chromag HiFi 35 (50mm) stem

This is a seriously solid stem. Chromag use 5mm Allen bolts throughout, which makes it that bit easier to fit because you don’t have to swap tools. Once torqued up to the recommended 6-8Nm, it clamps both steerer and bar solidly, with no appreciable flex. We couldn’t get it to twist on the steerer, either in our static test or when riding. It’s also available in a 35mm length and three other colours. At 204g the HiFi is the heaviest stem on test by some margin, despite being one of the more expensive offerings here. Price $112

READ MORE >>

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

READ MORE >>

Trek Session Evolution

In this series we’re looking at the evolution of three bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders. Each fits into a different category – we’ve had a hardtail and a full-suspension trail bike, so for this final feature it’s the turn of the long-travel bike. And few ‘big bikes’ have undergone such a transformation as the Trek Session, which had a bit of a confused birth at a time of overlapping disciplines but has evolved into a sleek, lightweight race bike with multiple World Cup wins to its name.

READ MORE >>