I just installed this same exact fork on my DV9. Everything you said about it was right on. This is the best fork I’ve ever ridden by far, no regrets on this purchase at all. I replaced the stock Fox step-cast 34 which I thought was darn good but this Pike makes that seem like a kids fork. It keeps its line so well and inspires so much more confidence. Just better in every way. I actually bought the 3.0 a little while back but I noticed it had a ton of stiction right out of the box and sent it back.
Hey there Homegrown! Man, that is so freaking awesome to hear! I continue to be blown away with how my 3.1 performs as it just seems to get better every ride without me touching a thing. Thank you for adding your thoughts to the video and enjoy the heck out of it!😃
Thanks for the positive words! Amazing how a great fork on a hardtail makes life better. You know, if it was me, I would try to get that 3.0 serviced under warranty. They can resize those bushings so they work better, and they might even update your damper too! The guys at rider support are pretty awesome from my experience, I’d suggest reaching out to them and see what they say.
Awesome review! Your fork reviews hold alot of weight because a hardtail allows you to really isolate the difference between forks without the rear suspension variable. It'd be interesting to install a 3.1 damper on your 2023 Pike to see how much of an improvement it makes on its own. New video idea 👍
Hi Frank! Man, thanks for that! I totally agree as the hardtail does add a lot of stress onto the fork and it simply has nowhere to hide. I thought about doing the 3.1 mod to Old Greenie's Pike, but I have decided that I am going to buy an MRP Lift damper and C2 air spring later this year and give that a go.... just have to sell my 34 first! Thanks for the support! 🙂
Awesome update. I’ve recently picked up the 3.1 upgrade kit for my Pike. Will get that installed when I get to the 200h service point. Thank you Mr. D!
Hi Ray!! Awesome! As you could probably tell, I am blown away by the new Pike and really hope you have the same experience. Are you going with the new C2 air spring as well?
@@GokkunGuru Oh man, nice!! I can't wait to hear your opinion. I'm going to go with an MRP Lift and C2 spring for Old Greenie once I sell my 34 and recoup some money... probably early next year at the earliest.
My stock pike damper blew up after 400km on a new bike and it was sent to rockshox under warranty. Just got it back and they changed the old damper with the charger 3.1 and was kind of confused of that changed. Thanks for the vid, I'm now more informed. Guess this was a happy accident after all.
Hi Noweri! They say things happen for a reason! I'm glad SRAM/RS took care of you and after you get some miles on the fork I would love to hear your thoughts on the 3.1.
Hey Crankshop! Awesome to hear! I have read some super positive reviews on the new Lyrik 3.0 so I'm betting you're going to be stoked.... let me know once you get some time on it!
Hi Colin! I went full T-Swift fan girl on it that's for sure.🤣 All it has to do is not explode on me and I'll be able to finally forgive SRAM for their 3.0 Pike!
Hi Dealz! Thanks! You are reading my mind.😄 My intention is to sell the Fox 34 and use that $ to buy a new MRP Lift and C2 air spring for old Greenie. That probably won't happen until the end of the year though, but that is my plan.
This is a quote from the Rockshox product detail section for the Pike and I think applies to all 2025 Rockshox forks: "NEW Ever on the quest to eliminate friction, a new bushing package further reduces friction with an updated process at the factory level to give riders a better feel right out of the box."
I just found a 2025 Pike Select+ new take-off for a great deal and pulled the trigger! Just doesn't have the buttercups but everyrhing else is the same as the Ultimate. Updated Pike C2 airspring, 3.1 damper and better quality bushing tolerances than previous years.
@ThunderStruckMTB A couple rides so far and it's pretty awesome. I did have to add more pressure than recommended though. I'm 175lbs riding weight and need 90psi (12.5psi over recommendation) to get 22% sag. Didnt experiment with tokens yet. HSC in middle position 3. LSC in position 12 out of 15. Rebound damping 8 clicks from open. I switched from a Fox 34 SC Fit4 and I'm faster on the Pike even though it added 225 grams. Extra stiffness up front helps along with eating up terrain with less drama allows you to carry more speed though corners.
@@frankschock9981 Hi Frank! Awesome to hear! Interesting that you needed to add 12.5psi, but every bike, fork and rider is different and in the end, their recommended pressures are just a starting point. Looks like you have added a good amount of damping and I'm guessing no harshness? I am so freaking stoked on my 3.1 and love it even more with every ride. I did back off HSC 2 clicks from this video and added 1 click of LSC (so -1 and -1 from "0") as well as adding 2 psi... nothing major but it's so nice to actually feel the difference in 1 or 2 clicks. Thanks for the awesome fe4edback! 👍
@@ThunderStruckMTBI think because my bike has a steeper 67.5° head angle it sags more than a slacker bike. I also like having a lot of low speed compression damping for out of saddle sprinting support. It's firm but not harsh. Did you add a token?
Hey David! I would definitely try no tokens and see what you think. I'm right on RS's recommended settings for both PSI and rebound with no tokens installed and literally can not be happier. Try and keep puzzling to see if you can find your happy spot and if not, your '23 34 G2 is not a bad plan B for sure!
Hi Aidan! Man, I have been so close to trying a Mattoc over the last 2 years but just could never pull the trigger. The reported damper support is something I really wanted to try for myself and maybe someday I will, but as long as this 3.1 Pike doesn't explode that won't be any time soon. 🙂
Good to know we were on the same page! Have you found many reviews about the 2023 Mattoc? I only found maybe 5 written reviews and none of them seemed to commit to claiming it was better or worse than a 34 or a pike. There was also the usual chatter on a few forums but didn’t see much consensus.
@@ThunderStruckMTB Also, I believe I remember seeing some forum rumors about a 34mm stanchion DVO fork coming down the pipeline (October allegedly if I remember correctly), but I assume there’s no rush to toss the pike 3.1
@@AlienfromEarth The Mattoc, or maybe just Manitou in general, seems to have a pretty rabid following. I saw many of the same forum posts that your probably did (MTBR) and the Mattoc fans were pretty vocal on just how good the damper is. At the end of the day, I consider myself an expert (how's that for modesty?🤣) in maintaining both Rockshox and FOX and I really didn't feel like learning a new platform as well as acquiring all of the tools and fluids needed.... kind of lame I guess?
@@AlienfromEarth I missed that rumor! I had a 2019 DVO Sapphire D1 with 34mm stanchions and it was so bad (in terms of durability) that I decided it was my last DVO product.... which is a shame because their main shop is about a 30 minute drive from me and the dudes were totally cool. (I unfortunately got to know them well as I had a lot of first hand experience taking it in for repairs!)
Any chance you’ll get the 3.1 Upgrade kit and the new airspring for your 3.0? Or are you just going to sell it? The 3.1 upgrade is £/$75 and the airspring £45 I think
Hi Justin! My plan is to sell my 34 and use that $ to buy the new MRP Lift damper and C2 air spring for Old Greenie's Pike. While the 3.1 upgrade kit makes the most sense in terms of value, my curiosity will get the best of me as I really want to see what the MRP damper is all about.... that won't happen until early next year though.
@@ThunderStruckMTB I’ve just ordered the C1 v2 airspring. Will install this and see if I can notice any difference. I’ll get the 3.1 upgrade and get it done at the same time as a full service, as I’ll get the bushings checked too. So I won’t install 3.1 myself. Did you stick with 130mm? I did order 130mm but wondering whether to go up to 140mm. I can only source the airspring including the butttercups at the moment so a bit more expensive. Just received a 27.5 DT EX471 to MX my V8 Chameleon this week
Awesome Justin, congrats! Yes, my new 3.1 is 130mm. Both my silver Pike 3.0 and FOX 34 Factory were 140mm and I felt that was just a touch too much travel for where and how I ride, so I went to 130 for the 3.1 and I'm really happy with the subtle change in how the bike rides.... less geo change as the front end cycles through its travel and it climbs a touch better too. Also, I feel like I have more weight on the front tire in my flat, slippery desert corners with the 130.... With that being said, if you are more of an enduro hucker type rider, then a 140 might just be perfect for you. I'm stoked for you and really excited to hear your feedback and opinions once you get it installed! Hopefully you update this post with a huge smile on your face!😃
I am sorry, but I think it’s unfair to compare 34 to the Pike C2. In NZ the version of this Pike is $2,174 and Fox 36 Factory GRIP X2 is $1,952, so it costs a bit more. So as per my previous comment, all what you need now is Fox 36 for comparison 😅 Can’t wait to see the battle 😂
Hey there! Sorry for the late reply as I just saw this. Man, that's a crazy price difference there! In the USA the two forks are a lot closer and now both are a lot cheaper if you are a good deal hunter. As for a possible upcoming 36 review, I will just say that while anything is possible, this would be the one thing that I would say isn't as my Pike 3.1 is the best MTB fork that I have ever owned! 😀
There may be one more item on your mountain bike progression is going with a rigged fork . I am exploring that now for my hardtail . The hardtail develope's a rider further coming off a full suspension bike . The ridged fork takes it to the next step from what I have seen
Hi Steve! You the man running a rigid fork out there!! If you can run it there, you can run it anywhere. I remember in 1992 when I got my first ever suspension fork for my GT Avalanche (RS Judy with 80mm of elastomer high tech goodness!😅) I was blown away with how much comfort I had in my hands as well as overall traction and that day turned me into the princess I am now and for life. Are all of the trails we used to ride still there or have they become overgrown? Are the shooters still as bad??🤬🤬🤬
@@ThunderStruckMTB They are all still here Darrel and we have built a few more . Brach says hi . He is still super human . Got some new riders that are talented . One guy can keep up with Brach . I have yet to go Ridgid but I think I will pull the trigger next week for parts . I wanted something I could pedal distance . I am going to 2.1 maxxis aspens . I have 2.3 dhfs so it's going to feel quite different .
Pretty sure its 80% bushings that was your problem, 2023-24 ultimate forks with larger lower bushing and bad quality control was the #1 problem. I own a 2023 pike select+ which doesn't have the larger lower bushing and I got lucky because there is no binding at all, also the buttercups are guaranteed to do nothing they are pure marketing. I weight 185lbs and I can say my fork works perfectly for me, small bump is so damn good I couldn't imagine wanting to change the air spring to the c2 for more negative its not needed imo, also I find the charger 3 to work perfectly fine at my weight, I find myself in the middle of the LSC and +2 for HSC. Not saying the new 2025 is bad but mostly that the 2023-24 ultimate package bushings was the main problem
Hey MTBfix!! (love that name!) You could be absolutely right. I took the advice from another super helpful comment and I reached out to SRAM warranty on my current 2023 Pike Ultimate 3.0 and I am currently waiting to see if they will take it back to do a warranty inspection on it to see if the bushings need to be burnished... So far, not super responsive like I'm used to with Santa Cruz or Shimano and I'm not very optimistic on the outcome, but we'll see. My 2025 is the best MTB fork that I have ever owned and I literally could not be happier! (hopefully that wasn't the jinx of the decade and now my damper will explode) Thanks for the super helpful comment and I'm stoked that the 3.0 is working out for you! (and I totally agree about buttercups!😅)
After getting the fork to feel right. how much sag did you end up with ? I have read that pike needs more sag and hence the usable travel could go down
Hey Sumanth! I told ya I would respond quick here!😀 I am running 3psi more than what the TrailHead app says for my weight and I'm also running 2 clicks less rebound for that spring weight as well (213lbs/100psi/0 Tokens/Rebound 9 clicks out from full closed/HSC -1/LSC -2) I'm at 28mm sag on my 130mm fork (21.5%) It's still the best fork I have ever owned and has only gotten better after opening up the rebound 2 clicks (from 7 out to 9 out from full closed). I hope this helps and don't hesitate to hit me up again for any reason!
Full open is on plus or minus? I have the same fork in ma YT Izzo and totally any ideas how to set it. Always is something wrong with. We have the same weight, could you send some exaples ? Take care!
Hey there muhskajloker! To make the compression softer (less damping) for both the HSC and LSC you turn each one of the knobs counterclockwise like you would if you were loosening a bolt. Once you get to the hard stop/last tick mark then you are 'wide open'. If you want to make the compression firmer (more damping) you turn each one of the knobs clockwise like you were tightening a bolt. Once you reach a hard stop/last tick mark then you are 'full closed'. You can see this in Rockshox's video here th-cam.com/video/6VO2YhPVp7k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Frx6KeUWgWdh5Xn2&t=207 For me at 210lbs I am 100psi with no tokens. Rebound is 8 clicks from all of the way closed (knob turned clockwise like you were tightening a bolt until it stopped, then backed off 8 clicks by turning the knob counterclockwise like you were loosening a bolt 8 clicks). As for HSC/LSC if both knobs are placed in their 'middle setting' where the fat line on each lines up with the center tick line, then I 'loosened' the HSC 1 click (counterclockwise like loosening a bolt) and then did the same exact thing for the LSC but loosened it 2 clicks by turning the knob counterclockwise like loosening a bolt.... Let me know if you still need help and I'll try a different way of describing it. I can take a picture of my HSC/LSC knobs and post it on my communtiy feed page if you need me to!
Hey Waldow! With both forks side by side the Pike does look a "little burlier" but it is not a night and day massive difference.... I hope that admittedly weird description helps! 🙃
The 2025 Pike Ultimate is listed at 1887g per Rochshox. I didn't weigh mine so I can not confirm or deny, but it is heavier than my 2025 34 Factory for sure. It's also noticeably stiffer and just better feeling overall vs the 34 which is why it stayed on my bike. Two good forks!
Hi Thunderstuck, sent you a message on MTBR if you can help me out. It’s a SC warranty issue, and they’re fobbing me off. Posted there as I have provided images on a thread. Thanks
Hey Justin! I received your PM and have replied. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with and I will do my best. Hopefully they take care of you as your problem is exactly the same as what I had on Old Greenie and is not how an IS frame is supposed to be. Keep me posted!
@@ThunderStruckMTB Thanks, appreciate it. Quickly read your message as ive just got home so will update you. I took my fork out to change to the revised Pike airspring, that I mentioned in these comments previously I can send some pictures of the differences
I just installed this same exact fork on my DV9. Everything you said about it was right on. This is the best fork I’ve ever ridden by far, no regrets on this purchase at all. I replaced the stock Fox step-cast 34 which I thought was darn good but this Pike makes that seem like a kids fork. It keeps its line so well and inspires so much more confidence. Just better in every way. I actually bought the 3.0 a little while back but I noticed it had a ton of stiction right out of the box and sent it back.
Hey there Homegrown! Man, that is so freaking awesome to hear! I continue to be blown away with how my 3.1 performs as it just seems to get better every ride without me touching a thing. Thank you for adding your thoughts to the video and enjoy the heck out of it!😃
Thanks for the positive words! Amazing how a great fork on a hardtail makes life better. You know, if it was me, I would try to get that 3.0 serviced under warranty. They can resize those bushings so they work better, and they might even update your damper too! The guys at rider support are pretty awesome from my experience, I’d suggest reaching out to them and see what they say.
@@Spacechoppers Man, that is great advice! I am going to reach out to SRAM/RS and see what they have to say... THANKS!! 👍
Awesome review! Your fork reviews hold alot of weight because a hardtail allows you to really isolate the difference between forks without the rear suspension variable. It'd be interesting to install a 3.1 damper on your 2023 Pike to see how much of an improvement it makes on its own. New video idea 👍
Hi Frank! Man, thanks for that! I totally agree as the hardtail does add a lot of stress onto the fork and it simply has nowhere to hide. I thought about doing the 3.1 mod to Old Greenie's Pike, but I have decided that I am going to buy an MRP Lift damper and C2 air spring later this year and give that a go.... just have to sell my 34 first! Thanks for the support! 🙂
Awesome update. I’ve recently picked up the 3.1 upgrade kit for my Pike. Will get that installed when I get to the 200h service point. Thank you Mr. D!
Hi Ray!! Awesome! As you could probably tell, I am blown away by the new Pike and really hope you have the same experience. Are you going with the new C2 air spring as well?
Yes sir. C2 air spring to go along with the full upgrade. I’m no where near the service interval, maybe by next summer.
@@GokkunGuru Oh man, nice!! I can't wait to hear your opinion. I'm going to go with an MRP Lift and C2 spring for Old Greenie once I sell my 34 and recoup some money... probably early next year at the earliest.
I wouldn't be able to wait 😂
My stock pike damper blew up after 400km on a new bike and it was sent to rockshox under warranty. Just got it back and they changed the old damper with the charger 3.1 and was kind of confused of that changed. Thanks for the vid, I'm now more informed. Guess this was a happy accident after all.
Hi Noweri! They say things happen for a reason! I'm glad SRAM/RS took care of you and after you get some miles on the fork I would love to hear your thoughts on the 3.1.
Felt my 23 Lyrik is lacking, ordered the upgrade kit, quite excited.
Hey Crankshop! Awesome to hear! I have read some super positive reviews on the new Lyrik 3.0 so I'm betting you're going to be stoked.... let me know once you get some time on it!
That's some Rockshox love right there 👍
Hi Colin! I went full T-Swift fan girl on it that's for sure.🤣 All it has to do is not explode on me and I'll be able to finally forgive SRAM for their 3.0 Pike!
Super review! I would suggest to look at MRP lift as well :)
Hi Dealz! Thanks! You are reading my mind.😄 My intention is to sell the Fox 34 and use that $ to buy a new MRP Lift and C2 air spring for old Greenie. That probably won't happen until the end of the year though, but that is my plan.
This is a quote from the Rockshox product detail section for the Pike and I think applies to all 2025 Rockshox forks:
"NEW Ever on the quest to eliminate friction, a new bushing package further reduces friction with an updated process at the factory level to give riders a better feel right out of the box."
Nice add to the video, thanks! I missed this quote. 👍
Hi. Congrats on the new fork!
How would you compare the V8 vs V7 frame?
Would love to hear your opinion. Thx!
Hey Andres! Thanks! Yes, I will do a v7 vs v8 video real soon and will get it out by the end of the month.🙂
I just found a 2025 Pike Select+ new take-off for a great deal and pulled the trigger! Just doesn't have the buttercups but everyrhing else is the same as the Ultimate. Updated Pike C2 airspring, 3.1 damper and better quality bushing tolerances than previous years.
Oh heck yea Frank! Great find! Take offs are a great value. I can't wait to hear your opinions.... congrats! 🙂
@ThunderStruckMTB A couple rides so far and it's pretty awesome. I did have to add more pressure than recommended though. I'm 175lbs riding weight and need 90psi (12.5psi over recommendation) to get 22% sag. Didnt experiment with tokens yet. HSC in middle position 3. LSC in position 12 out of 15. Rebound damping 8 clicks from open. I switched from a Fox 34 SC Fit4 and I'm faster on the Pike even though it added 225 grams. Extra stiffness up front helps along with eating up terrain with less drama allows you to carry more speed though corners.
@@frankschock9981 Hi Frank! Awesome to hear! Interesting that you needed to add 12.5psi, but every bike, fork and rider is different and in the end, their recommended pressures are just a starting point. Looks like you have added a good amount of damping and I'm guessing no harshness? I am so freaking stoked on my 3.1 and love it even more with every ride. I did back off HSC 2 clicks from this video and added 1 click of LSC (so -1 and -1 from "0") as well as adding 2 psi... nothing major but it's so nice to actually feel the difference in 1 or 2 clicks. Thanks for the awesome fe4edback! 👍
@@ThunderStruckMTBI think because my bike has a steeper 67.5° head angle it sags more than a slacker bike. I also like having a lot of low speed compression damping for out of saddle sprinting support. It's firm but not harsh. Did you add a token?
I have a 23 fox 34 grip2 and a 3.1 pike. Couldn’t get the pike to feel good but I’ll have to try it with no tokens and more compression dampening.
Hey David! I would definitely try no tokens and see what you think. I'm right on RS's recommended settings for both PSI and rebound with no tokens installed and literally can not be happier. Try and keep puzzling to see if you can find your happy spot and if not, your '23 34 G2 is not a bad plan B for sure!
This probably all carries over to the Lyrik so good news.
Yep! I would think so and I have read some really positive reviews of the new 3.1 Lyrik.👍
Thank you for the review. Have you considered trying out a Manitou Mattoc Pro?
Hi Aidan! Man, I have been so close to trying a Mattoc over the last 2 years but just could never pull the trigger. The reported damper support is something I really wanted to try for myself and maybe someday I will, but as long as this 3.1 Pike doesn't explode that won't be any time soon. 🙂
Good to know we were on the same page! Have you found many reviews about the 2023 Mattoc? I only found maybe 5 written reviews and none of them seemed to commit to claiming it was better or worse than a 34 or a pike. There was also the usual chatter on a few forums but didn’t see much consensus.
@@ThunderStruckMTB Also, I believe I remember seeing some forum rumors about a 34mm stanchion DVO fork coming down the pipeline (October allegedly if I remember correctly), but I assume there’s no rush to toss the pike 3.1
@@AlienfromEarth The Mattoc, or maybe just Manitou in general, seems to have a pretty rabid following. I saw many of the same forum posts that your probably did (MTBR) and the Mattoc fans were pretty vocal on just how good the damper is. At the end of the day, I consider myself an expert (how's that for modesty?🤣) in maintaining both Rockshox and FOX and I really didn't feel like learning a new platform as well as acquiring all of the tools and fluids needed.... kind of lame I guess?
@@AlienfromEarth I missed that rumor! I had a 2019 DVO Sapphire D1 with 34mm stanchions and it was so bad (in terms of durability) that I decided it was my last DVO product.... which is a shame because their main shop is about a 30 minute drive from me and the dudes were totally cool. (I unfortunately got to know them well as I had a lot of first hand experience taking it in for repairs!)
Any chance you’ll get the 3.1 Upgrade kit and the new airspring for your 3.0? Or are you just going to sell it? The 3.1 upgrade is £/$75 and the airspring £45 I think
Hi Justin! My plan is to sell my 34 and use that $ to buy the new MRP Lift damper and C2 air spring for Old Greenie's Pike. While the 3.1 upgrade kit makes the most sense in terms of value, my curiosity will get the best of me as I really want to see what the MRP damper is all about.... that won't happen until early next year though.
@@ThunderStruckMTB I’ve just ordered the C1 v2 airspring. Will install this and see if I can notice any difference.
I’ll get the 3.1 upgrade and get it done at the same time as a full service, as I’ll get the bushings checked too. So I won’t install 3.1 myself.
Did you stick with 130mm? I did order 130mm but wondering whether to go up to 140mm. I can only source the airspring including the butttercups at the moment so a bit more expensive. Just received a 27.5 DT EX471 to MX my V8 Chameleon this week
Awesome Justin, congrats! Yes, my new 3.1 is 130mm. Both my silver Pike 3.0 and FOX 34 Factory were 140mm and I felt that was just a touch too much travel for where and how I ride, so I went to 130 for the 3.1 and I'm really happy with the subtle change in how the bike rides.... less geo change as the front end cycles through its travel and it climbs a touch better too. Also, I feel like I have more weight on the front tire in my flat, slippery desert corners with the 130.... With that being said, if you are more of an enduro hucker type rider, then a 140 might just be perfect for you. I'm stoked for you and really excited to hear your feedback and opinions once you get it installed! Hopefully you update this post with a huge smile on your face!😃
I am sorry, but I think it’s unfair to compare 34 to the Pike C2. In NZ the version of this Pike is $2,174 and Fox 36 Factory GRIP X2 is $1,952, so it costs a bit more. So as per my previous comment, all what you need now is Fox 36 for comparison 😅 Can’t wait to see the battle 😂
Hey there! Sorry for the late reply as I just saw this. Man, that's a crazy price difference there! In the USA the two forks are a lot closer and now both are a lot cheaper if you are a good deal hunter. As for a possible upcoming 36 review, I will just say that while anything is possible, this would be the one thing that I would say isn't as my Pike 3.1 is the best MTB fork that I have ever owned! 😀
There may be one more item on your mountain bike progression is going with a rigged fork . I am exploring that now for my hardtail . The hardtail develope's a rider further coming off a full suspension bike . The ridged fork takes it to the next step from what I have seen
Hi Steve! You the man running a rigid fork out there!! If you can run it there, you can run it anywhere. I remember in 1992 when I got my first ever suspension fork for my GT Avalanche (RS Judy with 80mm of elastomer high tech goodness!😅) I was blown away with how much comfort I had in my hands as well as overall traction and that day turned me into the princess I am now and for life. Are all of the trails we used to ride still there or have they become overgrown? Are the shooters still as bad??🤬🤬🤬
@@ThunderStruckMTB They are all still here Darrel and we have built a few more . Brach says hi . He is still super human . Got some new riders that are talented . One guy can keep up with Brach . I have yet to go Ridgid but I think I will pull the trigger next week for parts . I wanted something I could pedal distance . I am going to 2.1 maxxis aspens . I have 2.3 dhfs so it's going to feel quite different .
Pretty sure its 80% bushings that was your problem, 2023-24 ultimate forks with larger lower bushing and bad quality control was the #1 problem. I own a 2023 pike select+ which doesn't have the larger lower bushing and I got lucky because there is no binding at all, also the buttercups are guaranteed to do nothing they are pure marketing. I weight 185lbs and I can say my fork works perfectly for me, small bump is so damn good I couldn't imagine wanting to change the air spring to the c2 for more negative its not needed imo, also I find the charger 3 to work perfectly fine at my weight, I find myself in the middle of the LSC and +2 for HSC. Not saying the new 2025 is bad but mostly that the 2023-24 ultimate package bushings was the main problem
Hey MTBfix!! (love that name!) You could be absolutely right. I took the advice from another super helpful comment and I reached out to SRAM warranty on my current 2023 Pike Ultimate 3.0 and I am currently waiting to see if they will take it back to do a warranty inspection on it to see if the bushings need to be burnished... So far, not super responsive like I'm used to with Santa Cruz or Shimano and I'm not very optimistic on the outcome, but we'll see. My 2025 is the best MTB fork that I have ever owned and I literally could not be happier! (hopefully that wasn't the jinx of the decade and now my damper will explode) Thanks for the super helpful comment and I'm stoked that the 3.0 is working out for you! (and I totally agree about buttercups!😅)
After getting the fork to feel right. how much sag did you end up with ? I have read that pike needs more sag and hence the usable travel could go down
Hey Sumanth! I told ya I would respond quick here!😀 I am running 3psi more than what the TrailHead app says for my weight and I'm also running 2 clicks less rebound for that spring weight as well (213lbs/100psi/0 Tokens/Rebound 9 clicks out from full closed/HSC -1/LSC -2) I'm at 28mm sag on my 130mm fork (21.5%) It's still the best fork I have ever owned and has only gotten better after opening up the rebound 2 clicks (from 7 out to 9 out from full closed). I hope this helps and don't hesitate to hit me up again for any reason!
Full open is on plus or minus? I have the same fork in ma YT Izzo and totally any ideas how to set it. Always is something wrong with. We have the same weight, could you send some exaples ? Take care!
Hey there muhskajloker! To make the compression softer (less damping) for both the HSC and LSC you turn each one of the knobs counterclockwise like you would if you were loosening a bolt. Once you get to the hard stop/last tick mark then you are 'wide open'. If you want to make the compression firmer (more damping) you turn each one of the knobs clockwise like you were tightening a bolt. Once you reach a hard stop/last tick mark then you are 'full closed'. You can see this in Rockshox's video here th-cam.com/video/6VO2YhPVp7k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Frx6KeUWgWdh5Xn2&t=207 For me at 210lbs I am 100psi with no tokens. Rebound is 8 clicks from all of the way closed (knob turned clockwise like you were tightening a bolt until it stopped, then backed off 8 clicks by turning the knob counterclockwise like you were loosening a bolt 8 clicks). As for HSC/LSC if both knobs are placed in their 'middle setting' where the fat line on each lines up with the center tick line, then I 'loosened' the HSC 1 click (counterclockwise like loosening a bolt) and then did the same exact thing for the LSC but loosened it 2 clicks by turning the knob counterclockwise like loosening a bolt.... Let me know if you still need help and I'll try a different way of describing it. I can take a picture of my HSC/LSC knobs and post it on my communtiy feed page if you need me to!
@@ThunderStruckMTB Thanks so much for your advices. It would be great to se some exaples :)
It would be great to see also your best setings or something :)
Is the pike noticeably bigger then fox 34? Or do they look about same size?
Hey Waldow! With both forks side by side the Pike does look a "little burlier" but it is not a night and day massive difference.... I hope that admittedly weird description helps! 🙃
Fox34 1700g Fox36 1980g Pike 1930g really heavy
The 2025 Pike Ultimate is listed at 1887g per Rochshox. I didn't weigh mine so I can not confirm or deny, but it is heavier than my 2025 34 Factory for sure. It's also noticeably stiffer and just better feeling overall vs the 34 which is why it stayed on my bike. Two good forks!
Hi Thunderstuck, sent you a message on MTBR if you can help me out. It’s a SC warranty issue, and they’re fobbing me off. Posted there as I have provided images on a thread. Thanks
Hey Justin! I received your PM and have replied. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with and I will do my best. Hopefully they take care of you as your problem is exactly the same as what I had on Old Greenie and is not how an IS frame is supposed to be. Keep me posted!
@@ThunderStruckMTB Thanks, appreciate it. Quickly read your message as ive just got home so will update you. I took my fork out to change to the revised Pike airspring, that I mentioned in these comments previously I can send some pictures of the differences