@johnnnewmex Yeah it's not a big deal on a trail fork but if you're racing there's certain situations where it's nice to have and useful. Sprinting on smooth sections mainly. I still went with a 2025 Pike and maxxing out the LSC is effective enough for me. Firm enough for sprinting while still taking edge off of bumps.
I do too… For long adventure days I really appreciate the lockout for hours of non-tech climbing. I’ve heard the charger 3.1 is exceptionally plush? Have you tried one against a grip 2 or x?
@dannyfisher9764 I've had a Grip2 Fox34 and now the Charger3.1. I'd say Charger 3.1 is more versatile. Can be set up super plush especially with the 2025 bushings/air spring, but can also be set up to be sporty and supportive with more damping. Dials on Pike make it easier to reach down and max out LSC dial compared to Grip2.
Nice! Food for thought when I upgrade my fork! I wonder how long my Fox Rhythm fork on my R spec will last... If I do upgrade, then I guess I’ll keep it fox 34 130mm. The lighter build and more custom settings sound enticing!
Hey Alan! I'm betting your Rhythm 34 will last a good long time, although a good case of upgraditis might render that inconsequential.😅 You definitely can't go wrong with the 34 and the Performance Elite GRIP X would be the overall best bang for your buck for sure.
just bought mine on sale from Thunder Mountain for $799; wish it came with the grip x2, but I'll upgrade later if I feel I need to. I'm 210lb with gear, so I should feel a similar ride, coming from a Fox 34 Rhythm.
Hey Mr. T! Congrats! That's one heck of a deal for sure. The GRIP X damper is pretty darn good and I'm betting you're going to love it. If you can remember, I would love to hear your thoughts after you get some time on it.. thanks for commenting!
fellow Chameleon 8 wrangler. I just got a lyric ultimate on mine in 140mm really really nice fork, rides high in the travel and straight butter on the trail. im a big dude so the 34 and pike were just not enough for me.
Hey Alex! Did you buy the Lyrik Charger 3.1 or 3.0? I bought a 2025 Pike Ultimate Charger 3.1 130mm and it's on the v8 now and will be doing a video on it after I get another 6-8 rides on it.🙃 I've heard really good things about the Lyrik and I'm glad you're stoked on it!!
@@ThunderStruckMTB it’s brand new so a 3.1 compared to the bomber I had it’s a revelation. Literally I thought “my god this is a safety measure” so much confidence at speed.
As for rebound setting, is "all the way closed" in the direction of the turtle(slow)? Like your vids (subscribed), your riding style and philosophy on simplicity are on par with what I do.
Hi Paul! Yes "all the way closed" is turning the control clockwise like you were tightening a bolt. For rebound, since the knob is on the bottom, many people get confused on which way to turn it, but "tightening it" like it was a bolt (or towards Turtle!!) is the correct way to slow the rebound of the fork and the way Fox and most people describe clicks.
What was the main reason of getting 34 GRIP X instead of GRIP X2? It would be amazing if you could make a video of which one is better for Fox 34 and why. I would like to upgrade my Fox 34 Performance to one of them and I am not sure which one is the best option. Thank you
Hey Yaros! I felt the GRIP X was the best damper for me and how I ride. The X2 is more gravity oriented and I just didn't need it. Also, I think that the 34 Factory was only offered in GRIP X at the time I got the limited edition Podium Gold, but even if I would've had a choice I would've gone just X. I would say that either damper would be a noticeable improvement over the GRIP damper in your 34 Performance. If you do more gnarly downhill riding and/or lift assist days then maybe the X2 is for you, but if you are a trail rider who doesn't ride long gnarly descents for most or all of your rides and want a lighter fork then the X would be the pick. You really can't go wrong with either though. If you pull the trigger I would love to hear your thoughts once you get some time on it.... Best of luck and if I missed something don't hesitate to ask!
Thank you for answering, I will definitely let you know how I feel about an upgraded fork. Another question, in one of your videos you told that Pike wasn’t as flexible as Fox 34, so why did you go again with Fox 34 instead of Fox 36? Thanks
@@ShevelYar Now that's a great question! I was so close to going with a 36 but chose the 34 thinking it would be stiff enough for me and my riding, but in the end I was wrong and a 36 would've been the better Fox option for me. It's not like the 34 is a wet noodle, heck it's far from it, but when compared back-to-back against the Pike, on the same bike and on the same trails the difference was very noticeable. Now I'm 210lbs though and I would bet that someone under 180lbs would have no such issue with the 34.
@@ThunderStruckMTB So the next video is “Fox 36 and GRIP X2” 😊 The bike upgrade is extremely addictive, but at least having Fox 36 you could compare it to Fox 34 and Pike. At least a few great new videos from you 😉
@@ShevelYar Awesome advice! Although I'll have to clear it with my Production Manager first (my Wife) and I'm not too hopeful she will approve the budget increase... Also, I am rather scared for my life just asking!😅🤣
at some point you gotta try the ohlins. it has all the features you talk about in the start of the video. its stiff, it doesn't dive in corners, rides high in the travel even when you're over the front, but somehow also gives amazing compliance
Maybe someday I'll give Ohlins a go, but right now I could not be happier with my Pike Ultimate 3.1 (latest video) and I just hope it stays that way for a few years at least!
I have owned several rxf forks, 36 and 38, and never found them to have the traction or ride quality of the Fox counterparts. Just my 2 cents. They are definitely high quality though.
Hey there step1! Thanks! I do a lower leg and air spring service about every 6-8 months which for me is above what FOX and RS recommend, but since I ride only in dry conditions and wipe my fork stanchions before every ride I can get away with longer service intervals. I have never seen any evidence on the foam rings that I went too long, but your mileage may vary of course.... I always do the air spring whenever I drop the lowers as it just makes sense to me and is kind of like not changing the oil filter when doing an oil change on a car. Thanks for commenting and I hope this helps!
Hi Michael! I prefer to think that I have them set up correctly and everyone else in the USA is backwards!🤣 Joking aside, I grew up riding motocross where the front brake is on the right side so I prefer a 'moto style' setup so I can just react and not think... cause lord knows I get into trouble when having to think too hard!! Thanks for the question!
![สักวันฉันจะหายดี - INK WARUNTORN [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qyKVXta1vVY/mqdefault.jpg)
Cool feature of the GripX is turning the HSC knob all the way clock-wise locks out the fork. Wish the Charger 3.1 had this feature.
Nice add Frank! That lockout is definitely nice for those riders who want it. 👍
But why would you ever lock out a fork... Especially a trail fork.
@johnnnewmex Yeah it's not a big deal on a trail fork but if you're racing there's certain situations where it's nice to have and useful. Sprinting on smooth sections mainly. I still went with a 2025 Pike and maxxing out the LSC is effective enough for me. Firm enough for sprinting while still taking edge off of bumps.
I do too… For long adventure days I really appreciate the lockout for hours of non-tech climbing. I’ve heard the charger 3.1 is exceptionally plush? Have you tried one against a grip 2 or x?
@dannyfisher9764 I've had a Grip2 Fox34 and now the Charger3.1. I'd say Charger 3.1 is more versatile. Can be set up super plush especially with the 2025 bushings/air spring, but can also be set up to be sporty and supportive with more damping. Dials on Pike make it easier to reach down and max out LSC dial compared to Grip2.
nice garage, all well placed :)
Hi Stephan! Thanks! I definitely error on the side of neat.🤓😆
Great review
Hi Millie! Thank you! ☺
and its a cool colour too. I'm liking the whole bike look a lot.
Thanks Colin! I'm really liking the subtle ride changes compared to Old Greenie out on the trail too. So much fun!
lovely bike mate !!
Hi Federico! Thank you!!! 😃
Nice! Food for thought when I upgrade my fork!
I wonder how long my Fox Rhythm fork on my R spec will last...
If I do upgrade, then I guess I’ll keep it fox 34 130mm. The lighter build and more custom settings sound enticing!
Hey Alan! I'm betting your Rhythm 34 will last a good long time, although a good case of upgraditis might render that inconsequential.😅 You definitely can't go wrong with the 34 and the Performance Elite GRIP X would be the overall best bang for your buck for sure.
just bought mine on sale from Thunder Mountain for $799; wish it came with the grip x2, but I'll upgrade later if I feel I need to. I'm 210lb with gear, so I should feel a similar ride, coming from a Fox 34 Rhythm.
Hey Mr. T! Congrats! That's one heck of a deal for sure. The GRIP X damper is pretty darn good and I'm betting you're going to love it. If you can remember, I would love to hear your thoughts after you get some time on it.. thanks for commenting!
fellow Chameleon 8 wrangler. I just got a lyric ultimate on mine in 140mm really really nice fork, rides high in the travel and straight butter on the trail. im a big dude so the 34 and pike were just not enough for me.
Hey Alex! Did you buy the Lyrik Charger 3.1 or 3.0? I bought a 2025 Pike Ultimate Charger 3.1 130mm and it's on the v8 now and will be doing a video on it after I get another 6-8 rides on it.🙃 I've heard really good things about the Lyrik and I'm glad you're stoked on it!!
@@ThunderStruckMTB it’s brand new so a 3.1 compared to the bomber I had it’s a revelation. Literally I thought “my god this is a safety measure” so much confidence at speed.
@@Doty6String AWESOME!! A good fork is so important and a great one just makes every ride so much more fun.
As for rebound setting, is "all the way closed" in the direction of the turtle(slow)? Like your vids (subscribed), your riding style and philosophy on simplicity are on par with what I do.
Hi Paul! Yes "all the way closed" is turning the control clockwise like you were tightening a bolt. For rebound, since the knob is on the bottom, many people get confused on which way to turn it, but "tightening it" like it was a bolt (or towards Turtle!!) is the correct way to slow the rebound of the fork and the way Fox and most people describe clicks.
What was the main reason of getting 34 GRIP X instead of GRIP X2? It would be amazing if you could make a video of which one is better for Fox 34 and why. I would like to upgrade my Fox 34 Performance to one of them and I am not sure which one is the best option. Thank you
Hey Yaros! I felt the GRIP X was the best damper for me and how I ride. The X2 is more gravity oriented and I just didn't need it. Also, I think that the 34 Factory was only offered in GRIP X at the time I got the limited edition Podium Gold, but even if I would've had a choice I would've gone just X. I would say that either damper would be a noticeable improvement over the GRIP damper in your 34 Performance. If you do more gnarly downhill riding and/or lift assist days then maybe the X2 is for you, but if you are a trail rider who doesn't ride long gnarly descents for most or all of your rides and want a lighter fork then the X would be the pick. You really can't go wrong with either though. If you pull the trigger I would love to hear your thoughts once you get some time on it.... Best of luck and if I missed something don't hesitate to ask!
Thank you for answering, I will definitely let you know how I feel about an upgraded fork. Another question, in one of your videos you told that Pike wasn’t as flexible as Fox 34, so why did you go again with Fox 34 instead of Fox 36? Thanks
@@ShevelYar Now that's a great question! I was so close to going with a 36 but chose the 34 thinking it would be stiff enough for me and my riding, but in the end I was wrong and a 36 would've been the better Fox option for me. It's not like the 34 is a wet noodle, heck it's far from it, but when compared back-to-back against the Pike, on the same bike and on the same trails the difference was very noticeable. Now I'm 210lbs though and I would bet that someone under 180lbs would have no such issue with the 34.
@@ThunderStruckMTB So the next video is “Fox 36 and GRIP X2” 😊 The bike upgrade is extremely addictive, but at least having Fox 36 you could compare it to Fox 34 and Pike. At least a few great new videos from you 😉
@@ShevelYar Awesome advice! Although I'll have to clear it with my Production Manager first (my Wife) and I'm not too hopeful she will approve the budget increase... Also, I am rather scared for my life just asking!😅🤣
Wow you flipped off the Pike. That says alot! I heard Rockshox is providing the Charger 3.1 damper at $75 for people who purchased the 3.0 Pike.
😂Hi Frank! I will have a new video dropping in the next 24hrs that you may be interested in.... that is if you like Charger 3.1 Pikes!! 🙃
@@ThunderStruckMTB You're on top of it! Will be interesting to hear your review and comparison. Also if it leap-frogs your new Fox 34 gripX.
at some point you gotta try the ohlins. it has all the features you talk about in the start of the video. its stiff, it doesn't dive in corners, rides high in the travel even when you're over the front, but somehow also gives amazing compliance
Maybe someday I'll give Ohlins a go, but right now I could not be happier with my Pike Ultimate 3.1 (latest video) and I just hope it stays that way for a few years at least!
I have owned several rxf forks, 36 and 38, and never found them to have the traction or ride quality of the Fox counterparts. Just my 2 cents. They are definitely high quality though.
Great Bike. I also have a Fox fork. How often do you service your fork, by the way? Thank you!
Hey there step1! Thanks! I do a lower leg and air spring service about every 6-8 months which for me is above what FOX and RS recommend, but since I ride only in dry conditions and wipe my fork stanchions before every ride I can get away with longer service intervals. I have never seen any evidence on the foam rings that I went too long, but your mileage may vary of course.... I always do the air spring whenever I drop the lowers as it just makes sense to me and is kind of like not changing the oil filter when doing an oil change on a car. Thanks for commenting and I hope this helps!
@@ThunderStruckMTBThank you! Do you service the fork yourself? If you do, this would make a great video!
@@step1idiomas Thanks for the video idea!🤔Yes, I do all of my own work on the bike, including the fork.
Are your brakes set up backwards??
Hi Michael! I prefer to think that I have them set up correctly and everyone else in the USA is backwards!🤣 Joking aside, I grew up riding motocross where the front brake is on the right side so I prefer a 'moto style' setup so I can just react and not think... cause lord knows I get into trouble when having to think too hard!! Thanks for the question!
@@ThunderStruckMTB HA! I'm also seeing it as an instant-karma theft prevention measure, lol
@@shanetrammell I have thought the same thing! As long as my bike didn't have a scratch on it, it would be hilarious. 😄