I really think there are plenty of good options out there right now. The hardest thing is being true to yourself and buying the correct size fork. For example buying a fox 34,36,38,40 the right size for the job. Back in the 2000’s buying a pike was an affordable option but very darn good option same with a lyric and a totem. I am on the fence on what I will buy
Watching this basically as it popped up in my notifications, can’t wait to get to the end and see what end verdict is as this is something that I’m looking at for my next upgrade.
I agree with the Debonair C1 vs B1. I also noticed the same, the B1 has a lot more off the top sensitivity while the C1 stays high in its travel. Depending on the trails you go to, on steep stuff, I like the C1. On fast non-steep stuff, I really like the B1 supple feel. Also depending on the bike's suspension, I noticed that on my '19 Stumpjumper, the B1 has more noticeable dive feel when hitting the brakes even on non-steep trails. Less of this dive feel with the C1 but its there. On my '22 Heckler (v9), there's no dive feel that I notice on C1 even on the steeps. Thanks for another great the video! 👍
2019 pike select with upgraded debonaire , Makes it sit up higher and does not sag down and suck down and stay there . But now I’m wondering if I should use the new oil they say to use
Running a FOX34 Rhythm with a DSD Runt and I love it. I debated going Pike, but found the runt an inexpensive and less hassle way to upgrade the Fox. I now have excellent small bump compliance, but no brake dive and great mid travel support. Feels near bottomless!
I have had both pike and lyriks, great forks. Got a 2022 fox 36 grip 2 now, damn, it's supple and so composed, very impressed so far, no creaking either yet.
Hello, great detailed review, but i have some questions if you dont mind. Does Ultimate came with green SKF seals or did you change them yourself? If you do did you notice difference in sensitivity - small bump comp.? Also did you ever try Vorsprung Luftkappe for your Fox/ RS forks? Thank you.
I have both. I have the Pike Ultimate on my hardtail and a Fox 36 Factory on my full suspension ebike and I like them both though I do lean more towards Fox as I've had more experience with them.
Is the pike debonair Spring adjustable in travel like the one in the 35 Gold RL? I find not too much difference between fox and rock shox. With the new adjustability they almost perform the same. And rock shox might have the edge on fox for the computer controlled forks. I find bike companies usually spec the fox on the higher tier bike.
Great, detailed review. Is there any difference between the Select and Select Plus? I want to buy a Select to upgrade the Manitou Machete on my Trek Stache. Do you think that is a good upgrade? I had an early generation Pike on a full suspension bike years ago and really loved it. Thanks!
Thaks! I know I'm "supposed" to encourage everyone to spend $$$ on upgrades but that Machete is not a bad fork at all. PIKE can feel harsh in comparison, it is more geats towards hard charging longer suspension travel bikes. That Manitou damper is really good!
Thanks! That Machete fork is not bad at all, PIKE can feel harsh in comparison? That Manitou damper is really good especially on a hardtail. My 0.02...
Great video as always my friend, and that Santa Cruz is a beauty. I like Rock Shox as they have always worked well for me, but would be willing to try Fox as the specs do look good. Take care. 🚲
@@LoveMTB I really like it a lot. I find it a bit unique feeling I guess due to the design of the rear shock(KS2 linkage) and the DPX2. Although my experience with different designs is limited to trying out friends bikes. It definitely doesn't feel as heavy as it is, since the frame is 7.8lbs. I've made it as light as I can with my build. The last piece will be newer wheels but I've been in a toss up between building some XM481's as light as I can or going with Elitewheels that you reviewed(hopefully those are holding up well?) or WAO Factions.
I ended up getting a 2021 pike ultimate for my commencal meta ht build. wondering if I should have waited for the 2023 version? my last hardtail had a fox 34 so I wanted to try a pike this time. I am hearing from some to try to get my hands on a B1 spring not sure though. my lyrik on my FS bike is the C1 as well. so I havent had a B1 spring yet. Cheers
Great Review ! I just bought a 2022 Pike Ultimate RC2 for $400 on an early Black Friday sale , Its an upgrade over my 2021 revelation 35mm debonair fork I really hope it is worth the money !
Is the C1 airspring so bad? I have a 2021 Ultimate and it’s awesome. So plush and with 130 mm travel it works perfect with my bike and riding. It uses the travel well and doesn’t bottom out. The old air spring is supposed to sit lower in the travel.
I was lucky to get my bike with zeb fork charger r damper. So I will upgrade air spring to debonair plus and damper to charger 3, just everywhere they will get in stock only in december, so can test those only next season.
recently replaced my 2017 fox 34 grip ( non evol model ) with pike select + ,i like pike more so far - very sensitive on small bumps ,didnt dive easy on big hits staying supportive
imo best "hack" for any older RS fork is to overfork 10mm and use the B1 spring. You get same travel and ride height as with C1 but much more subtle top. The newest spring is a vorsprung copy (aptly nicknamed sramkappe) and is good for shorter travel but way too progressive for 170mm+ springs since the ratio of negative and positive champer is not appropriate at those springs. Same problems apply to luftkappe, and therefore vorsprung does not recommend using the spring for very long travel forks.
Hi, I just got an used pike select upgraded by the previous owner to select plus (more or less), he changed the charger to the 2.1. I replaced the recon silver mounted on my Canyon Neuron 5. On the Recon I can basically almost lock it turning the wheel, on the Pike I don't feel a lot of difference between the opposite ends of the wheel. Is it normal or could it be a badly performed job with the charger replacement? Thanks
@@LoveMTB it only differs by damper. So mine obviously less tunable. But I think my riding level is really far from feeling difference between these countless clicks of hsc, lsc, hsr, lsr... So I play only with pressure and volume spacers sticking to manufacturer recomended values for damper settings
I got a used Pike RCT3 and am super happy, 500g lighter than the Recon I was using and more adjuable. Just gotta find out where to get some tokens so I can play with that😄
I have a Bomber Z2 that just got warrantied for bushings - thanks Fox for doing it out of warranty, they totally took care of me, truly awesome. A while ago I was thinking about buying Pike/Lyrik but the whole torque cap thing bugs me as I dont have them on my hubs - I dont like the idea of using the front spindle as an axle. TBH I would love to go up to a Z1 or Fox 36 Performance - I really dont need H/L speed damping adjustment.
I am in exactly the same boat looking at lyrik or pike as my bushings are sloppy in my z2 2 months out of warranty. Hopefully they are as good to me as they were to you
@@terrybull4604 I called them up (Fox Factory Australia) about it as I wanted confirmation of their warranty period. When I told them of the product and the problem they said something along the lines of as long as it isnt two years or older they would do a good faith replacement of the bushings as long as i paid for the service. They emailed me a return auth and i sent it off. In the end they sent it back no charge at all and fixed other issues i didnt even know existed (Air piston leak - new CSU and air piston too).
Thanks for the video. My son has a 2020 Pike select+ on his bike and it is great. A very consistent, smooth fork that has been set and forget. I have a Manitou Mezzer pro on my bike and it took a bit of work to get it set up for my riding style but it also has been fantastic. I don’t have much riding time on any of the recent Fox products but have used a lot of the older forks and shocks.
I went with the ultimate just for the silver lowers to match my bike. Plus with the new 2023 forks out I got a great deal.
I really think there are plenty of good options out there right now. The hardest thing is being true to yourself and buying the correct size fork. For example buying a fox 34,36,38,40 the right size for the job. Back in the 2000’s buying a pike was an affordable option but very darn good option same with a lyric and a totem. I am on the fence on what I will buy
2021-22 Pike Ultimate is $600 at some online retailers. Hell of a deal for anybody that needs a really good fork!
I'm wondering if i can replace the Crown Knob to RC2 then i can upgrade a select+ to ultimate
You need to replace the entire damper not just the knob😊
@@LoveMTB thank u,i have asked SRAM and the give me the same answer.
@@李豪-c3m Here we go, next time you can trust me 🙃
Where did you get your steerer tube replaced? Guessing not in America-land?
Watching this basically as it popped up in my notifications, can’t wait to get to the end and see what end verdict is as this is something that I’m looking at for my next upgrade.
FOX vs RS :) For me it will be 32/SID - SID, and 34/PIKE - 34. But regarding servicing, RS much more user friendly.
@@LoveMTB Not yet. But since I've properly tuned my 34 (130mm FIT), I think two seasons more I'll stay with Fox on my Scott Spark.
I agree with the Debonair C1 vs B1. I also noticed the same, the B1 has a lot more off the top sensitivity while the C1 stays high in its travel. Depending on the trails you go to, on steep stuff, I like the C1. On fast non-steep stuff, I really like the B1 supple feel. Also depending on the bike's suspension, I noticed that on my '19 Stumpjumper, the B1 has more noticeable dive feel when hitting the brakes even on non-steep trails. Less of this dive feel with the C1 but its there. On my '22 Heckler (v9), there's no dive feel that I notice on C1 even on the steeps. Thanks for another great the video! 👍
2019 pike select with upgraded debonaire ,
Makes it sit up higher and does not sag down and suck down and stay there . But now I’m wondering if I should use the new oil they say to use
It will probably make a neglijible difference...
So is the c1 conversion for the debonair recommended or not? compared to the older debonair?
What do you run the compression at on the select plus?
It's highly personal TBH
would you recommend running the pike select all the way to 160mm?
It works but depends on the toe of riding/ rider you are
Running a FOX34 Rhythm with a DSD Runt and I love it. I debated going Pike, but found the runt an inexpensive and less hassle way to upgrade the Fox. I now have excellent small bump compliance, but no brake dive and great mid travel support. Feels near bottomless!
Jealous, they don’t make one for my 140mm 36
I have had both pike and lyriks, great forks.
Got a 2022 fox 36 grip 2 now, damn, it's supple and so composed, very impressed so far, no creaking either yet.
@@LoveMTB had the fit 4 a few years ago, it's ok but the grip is more composed imo.
Hello, great detailed review, but i have some questions if you dont mind. Does Ultimate came with green SKF seals or did you change them yourself? If you do did you notice difference in sensitivity - small bump comp.? Also did you ever try Vorsprung Luftkappe for your Fox/ RS forks? Thank you.
Will be interesting to review the new 120mm pike (charger 3) and how it compares with the Sid ultimate 120
I have both. I have the Pike Ultimate on my hardtail and a Fox 36 Factory on my full suspension ebike and I like them both though I do lean more towards Fox as I've had more experience with them.
Is the pike debonair Spring adjustable in travel like the one in the 35 Gold RL? I find not too much difference between fox and rock shox. With the new adjustability they almost perform the same. And rock shox might have the edge on fox for the computer controlled forks. I find bike companies usually spec the fox on the higher tier bike.
Great, detailed review. Is there any difference between the Select and Select Plus? I want to buy a Select to upgrade the Manitou Machete on my Trek Stache. Do you think that is a good upgrade? I had an early generation Pike on a full suspension bike years ago and really loved it.
Thanks!
Thaks!
I know I'm "supposed" to encourage everyone to spend $$$ on upgrades but that Machete is not a bad fork at all. PIKE can feel harsh in comparison, it is more geats towards hard charging longer suspension travel bikes. That Manitou damper is really good!
Thanks!
That Machete fork is not bad at all, PIKE can feel harsh in comparison? That Manitou damper is really good especially on a hardtail. My 0.02...
Did you also experience the non working rebound on Rockshox 35 Gold RL?
Hi sir I just bought a revelation rc 2022 i'm wondering if it has a c1 already or I need to upgrade it?
Great video as always my friend, and that Santa Cruz is a beauty. I like Rock Shox as they have always worked well for me, but would be willing to try Fox as the specs do look good. Take care. 🚲
I run a 2020 Ultimate at 130 on my Banshee Phantom v3. New build for this season, it's been great so far.
@@LoveMTB I really like it a lot. I find it a bit unique feeling I guess due to the design of the rear shock(KS2 linkage) and the DPX2. Although my experience with different designs is limited to trying out friends bikes. It definitely doesn't feel as heavy as it is, since the frame is 7.8lbs. I've made it as light as I can with my build. The last piece will be newer wheels but I've been in a toss up between building some XM481's as light as I can or going with Elitewheels that you reviewed(hopefully those are holding up well?) or WAO Factions.
I ended up getting a 2021 pike ultimate for my commencal meta ht build. wondering if I should have waited for the 2023 version? my last hardtail had a fox 34 so I wanted to try a pike this time. I am hearing from some to try to get my hands on a B1 spring not sure though. my lyrik on my FS bike is the C1 as well. so I havent had a B1 spring yet. Cheers
Great Review !
I just bought a 2022 Pike Ultimate RC2 for $400 on an early Black Friday sale , Its an upgrade over my 2021 revelation 35mm debonair fork
I really hope it is worth the money !
Have a Pike Ultimate 140mm and so far doing great.. compared to Fox I like how servicing the lowers seems easier
Is the C1 airspring so bad? I have a 2021 Ultimate and it’s awesome. So plush and with 130 mm travel it works perfect with my bike and riding. It uses the travel well and doesn’t bottom out. The old air spring is supposed to sit lower in the travel.
Good to know. Would love to try the difference. Maybe I can pick a used one up some day.
I was able to pick up a nib lyrik ultimate for $675. Stoked on the ‘23 models for driving these prices down!
Just bought Pike Ultimate for €600 (new from the shop). New generation Pike costs €300 more. So definitely it's possible to find a great deals.
I was lucky to get my bike with zeb fork charger r damper. So I will upgrade air spring to debonair plus and damper to charger 3, just everywhere they will get in stock only in december, so can test those only next season.
recently replaced my 2017 fox 34 grip ( non evol model ) with pike select + ,i like pike more so far - very sensitive on small bumps ,didnt dive easy on big hits staying supportive
imo best "hack" for any older RS fork is to overfork 10mm and use the B1 spring. You get same travel and ride height as with C1 but much more subtle top. The newest spring is a vorsprung copy (aptly nicknamed sramkappe) and is good for shorter travel but way too progressive for 170mm+ springs since the ratio of negative and positive champer is not appropriate at those springs. Same problems apply to luftkappe, and therefore vorsprung does not recommend using the spring for very long travel forks.
Hi, I just got an used pike select upgraded by the previous owner to select plus (more or less), he changed the charger to the 2.1. I replaced the recon silver mounted on my Canyon Neuron 5. On the Recon I can basically almost lock it turning the wheel, on the Pike I don't feel a lot of difference between the opposite ends of the wheel. Is it normal or could it be a badly performed job with the charger replacement? Thanks
You are correct you don’t get a full lock but I wouldn’t be worried much it’s a much much better fork. Enjoy it!
Thanks for the review. I run Fox 36 Performance Grip 170mm.
@@LoveMTB it only differs by damper. So mine obviously less tunable. But I think my riding level is really far from feeling difference between these countless clicks of hsc, lsc, hsr, lsr... So I play only with pressure and volume spacers sticking to manufacturer recomended values for damper settings
I got a used Pike RCT3 and am super happy, 500g lighter than the Recon I was using and more adjuable. Just gotta find out where to get some tokens so I can play with that😄
Why forks of such class have no remote locking or it's not trend anymore?
@@LoveMTB makes sense 👍
Manitou Mattoc on my trail bike and WREN for the year round fat Bike.
I have a Bomber Z2 that just got warrantied for bushings - thanks Fox for doing it out of warranty, they totally took care of me, truly awesome. A while ago I was thinking about buying Pike/Lyrik but the whole torque cap thing bugs me as I dont have them on my hubs - I dont like the idea of using the front spindle as an axle. TBH I would love to go up to a Z1 or Fox 36 Performance - I really dont need H/L speed damping adjustment.
I am in exactly the same boat looking at lyrik or pike as my bushings are sloppy in my z2 2 months out of warranty. Hopefully they are as good to me as they were to you
@@terrybull4604 I called them up (Fox Factory Australia) about it as I wanted confirmation of their warranty period. When I told them of the product and the problem they said something along the lines of as long as it isnt two years or older they would do a good faith replacement of the bushings as long as i paid for the service. They emailed me a return auth and i sent it off. In the end they sent it back no charge at all and fixed other issues i didnt even know existed (Air piston leak - new CSU and air piston too).
Ever if i don't have any of those, its still informative.
Can you do a review on a more budget friendly forks like the Recon and 35G ?
Thanks !! Will be exepcting some soon 😁
How many bikes do you have? And what secret job do you have to finance all this new stuff? :D
I run DVO suspension, you should them out
Best fork and shock I've run so far
I would never pick anything else rather than rockshox. I love their idiotproof but hella effective stuff.
@@LoveMTB Most of manufacturers do. I just love simplicity of RS
Oh this Yeti ARC! So pretty bike. Pity that I cannot buy it in Ukraine😭
Thanks for the video. My son has a 2020 Pike select+ on his bike and it is great. A very consistent, smooth fork that has been set and forget. I have a Manitou Mezzer pro on my bike and it took a bit of work to get it set up for my riding style but it also has been fantastic. I don’t have much riding time on any of the recent Fox products but have used a lot of the older forks and shocks.
🚲🚲🚲👍💪🙏
In 2 years or so they will invent even newer damper and tell you the current on is crap 🤣🤣
@@LoveMTB yes exactly like they had no time to work on it
քʀօʍօֆʍ
I like FOX.