RockShox forks dominate the cycling industry with little competition. If you are looking for the best suspension to complete your hardtail bike, your choice will fall between the Revelation and Pike fork models.
You may want to revamp your hardtail bike which has dulled-down in performance but you are unsure of the best components to add to it so that it transitions from ordinary to extraordinary.
Suspension forks can help you achieve this effect but many might shy away from the high price tags slapped onto the best brands in the business.
Going for a brand heavyweight like RockShox, Revelation, and Pike may seem all too similar but with a little more digging, you should get the fork most tailored to your needs.
What is the difference between Revelation and Pike?
Model |
Revelation |
Pike |
Wheel size |
27.5-inch, 29-inch |
26-inch, 27.5-inch, 29-inch |
Spring |
DebonAir |
Solo Air |
Damping |
Motion Control |
Charger damper with Rapid Recovery |
Stanchion Diameter |
35mm |
35mm |
Brake Mount |
Post |
Post |
Weight |
4 pounds |
4 pounds |
Availability |
Revelation vs Pike: How they compare
Damping
Revelation fork gives you a better and reliable stable ridewhich overrides the Pike that creates a fluid and grounded feeling in the ride.
With this improved damper, the Revelation compression and rebound adjusters can ride wide open for all forks available. This was impossible on the old Revelation.
Revelation forks are also available with RCT3 adjustable damping. This gives way to accurate tracking and suspension that is precise to the trail.
Opening up possibilities in the Open, Threshold, and Lockout modes available, the Revelation also increases air volume the top cap. This creates a smooth and balanced experience using the Dual Air system.
A Charger cartridge in a fully sealed construction takes care of the damping. It uses an external bladder to keep the air and oil from mixing.
This sturdy poise makes the bike super responsive and gives accurate feedback while giving you total control over the front wheel.
You will experience some level of big-drop but it is calm and the spring rate can be adjusted by adding or removing the volume spacers.
Holding the fork mid-travel, the Charger damper offers stability across rugged descents that are made worse by the increased sensitivity that leads to inevitable hand ache.
Pike shocks have the Evolved Charger 2.1 damper which combines with negative DebonAir springs to create coil-like suspension.
Pike forks are also available in two alternatives one being the RC2 which is embedded with the high-low speed compressor.
And the RCT3 that features a low-speed damping lever with three available positions; Open, Pedal, or Firm (Open, threshold and Locked Out) and a fixed compression at high-speed.
The low-speed compression is tunable by the use of 11 clicks activated by the back dial provided.
Adjustments
Bottomless Token in the Revelation fork act as volume reducers that you could add or remove to finely tune the air spring progression while on the Pike fork, Tokens change the air-spring curve.
The number of Tokens fitted in your Revelation fork depends on its travel. There are none found in the 150mm and 160mm versions, two are in the 140mm, three in the 130mm, and four in the 120mm fork.
By experience, the 130mm fork has a close to perfect progression but when it comes to the 140mm fork, the Tokens must be removed for riders to enjoy the full length of travel.
When removed, the curve becomes more linear to enrich the suspension experience in some trails and helps less aggressive riders benefit from the full travel of their fork.
SKF seals and maxima Plush fluid further enhances the riding experience because they minimize noise and stiction.
Pike has the Rapid Recovery rebound which increases trackability by riding on higher lengths of travel. This rebound system helps to manage the effects of big hits at fast paces.
Rebound strokes with a slow beginning saves from bucking as the fork returns to its full travel and the rebound speeds are managed for both big and small hits by use of special damping circuits.
Revelation vs Pike: A Comparison Overview
Revelation Review
[amazon box=”B01F9KJBQ4″ template=”horizontal” ]The Revelation offers you travel between 120mm to 160mm in their 27.5in version with clearance for 2.8in tires. However, this version is limited to the tire size it can accommodate.
It features a 35mm chassis which is a step up from the old version which was a 32mm stanchion that failed in stiffness required to control the 27.5in and 29in bikes.
When in doubt, Revelation 29in is what you need to go for because when combined with a 3.0 size Plus tire, it can hold in a 27.5in wheel.
Revelation RC has Bottomless Tokens built-in. These act as volume reducers that you could add or remove to finely tune the air spring progression.
Pros
- Ability to tune
- Al purpose suspension fork
- 3 positions dampener
- Solo Air
- Remote lockout
Cons
- Rebound positioning is inconvenient
Pike Review
[amazon box=”B0127BJ8ES” template=”horizontal” ]Pike forks feature a wide-arch design to accommodate fatter tires and it could handle tires that are a bit over 29 inches.
It has 35mm stanchions which provide for predictable tracking in all kinds of terrain. This chassis eliminates fluttering and minimizes the work a rotor has to do.
The 15mm Maxle Stealth bolts through the axle and the construction cover other details in a way that is dependable and simple. It has been threaded in and clamped making it easy to use the fork and adding a level of security.
Pike’s damping has the Rapid Recovery rebound which increases trackability by riding on higher lengths of travel. This rebound system helps to manage the effects of big hits at fast paces.
Rebound stroke with a slow beginning saves from bucking as the fork returns to its full travel and the rebound speeds are managed for both big and small hits by use of special damping circuits.
A red knob that is mounted at the bottom controls the strokes for both types of hits.
Pros
- Competent trail forks
- Easy DIY servicing
- Service kit included
Cons
- Limits upgrades due to reduced fitting
- Adjustments take a while
Conclusion
With Revelation, you get a fork that grants you full control over your front wheel which makes for better handling in rides.
Pike suspension will allow you to make use of the full length of travel that helps them manage hits at high speeds.
Verdict: So, which is better – Revelation or Pike?
Revelation beats the Pike fork. It has better options in adjustability and future, its damper can be upgraded to match the Pike fork because they have the same stanchion diameter.
In setting up, the post mounts of Revelation come already set to accommodate 180mm rotors and you won’t have to purchase a post-mount adapter for the fork to work.
FAQ
How can I reduce travel on my Pike fork?
With 10cc of 0-W30 oil dropped into the bottom of each leg, proceed to slide on the lowers. Then screw in bolts, torque it to 7.3nm, and pop on the rebound adjuster. Having done this, do not forget to also adjust the Bottomless Tokens in your Pike fork.
What is the recommended service interval, for my RockShox fork?
Damper and spring servicing for the Revelation should be every 100 hours and for Pike, every 200 hours. For lower leg servicing, both Revelation and Pike require this servicing every 50 hours.