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 >>

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>

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'.

READ MORE >>

COMMENCAL EL CAMINO 3

Commencal are going from strength to strength at the moment and they’ve taken their tough trail hardtail bang up to date with 650b wheels. With its skinny rims, crankset and fork, the El Camino certainly isn’t perfect and it’s the least hardcore bike here. The handling, smoothness, speed and all-round agility of the basic bike still make it a real blast for technical trail riding though, and it’s a great base for upgrading over time.

READ MORE >>