A suspension fork can make or break a bike’s riding performance which affects riders’ confidence. RockShox gold 35 Gold and Yari are almost the same but their hidden differences are undeniably significant.Â
My uncle is a pro-mountain-biker who has competed in tons of championships and events across the globe and our State.
When I wanted to upgrade the suspension on my bike, I went over to my uncle’s house to get some insight.
Being a RockShox diehard fan, I knew he would have the latest and best forks in his collection and I was not disappointed.
35 Gold and Yari were my options and I spent the weekend in the neighboring ridges weighing in on their experience. Here is the summary.
What is the difference between Rockshox 35 Gold and Yari?
Model |
Rockshox 35 Gold |
Rockshox Yari |
Wheel Size |
27.5â€, 29†|
27.5â€, 29†|
Travel |
100mm, 120mm, 140mm, 160mm |
160mm |
Spring |
DebonAir |
DebonAir |
Offset |
44mm, 51mm |
51mm |
Maximum Rotor Size |
220 mm |
180mm |
Damper |
Motion Control |
Motion Control |
Check Availability |
Rockshox 35 Gold vs Yari – How they compare
ChassisÂ
RockShox used the 35mm stanchion chassis in both the 35 Gold and Yari forks to create a taller, stiffer, and precise steering system.Â
To increase stiffness, the brand uses Torque Cap compatibility on both models which makes use of larger hub end caps.
This causes an unaligned connection between the axle and dropouts which means that the standard hub is lost in between.
Thankfully, even with added stiffness, no noise transfer can be perceived through the handlebars.
With no need for adaptors, the Post Mount brake on 35 Gold allows the use of rotors measuring 180mm. The fork’s Maxle Stealth axle help to keep the front wheel in place.
The 35 Gold keeps you upright and stable when going over the most rugged routes and ascending and descending hills has never been smoother.
Air SpringÂ
Air Spring on 35 Gold is softer initially than that found on Yari suspension which is stiff.
3 Bottomless Tokens are placed in both forks which are done by threading them into the bottom side of the air cap.
Compatibility with these Tokens increases the adjustable options of the fork making them as customized as each rider may need it to be in tuning suspension and in matching with personal riding styles.
The 35 Gold fork is fitted with the DebonAir spring that has lower friction seals and a larger negative air spring which keeps the fork nice and soft in the initial strokes. This spring enhances the fork’s shock absorption and responsivity.
Yari features a stiff 35mm chassis with a Debonair spring which gives it a coil-like feeling that is uber responsive.
It is fitted with Motion Control damper and wiper seals with sag markings for easier setup. Also, to determine how much travel you have used, the fork pushes the O-ring to the top of the stanchion.
DampingÂ
Damping on 35Gold sturdily holds up the fork securely but Yari struggles to keep the fork stable at high speed.
For 35 gold, Motion Control damper manages the speed at which the fork moves through travel. This damper is convenient in its lock-out system and it can be bar or fork mounted.
It features low-speed compression adjustments made possible by the external rebound and aligned to the lockout system.
The Motion Control damper on Yari is standard at best because it doesn’t hold up the fork sturdily under loads of low-shaft speeds.
Hitting large bumps at high speed or weightily pounding your bike on landings causes spiking in the damper.
Also, to determine how much travel you have used, the fork pushes the O-ring to the top of the stanchion.
Even at that, it is difficult to use full travel on Yari because of the two-volume spacers that when combined with air pressure, limits the fork to a low travel
To gain access to full travel and provide more support, RockShox advises that you can remove the two spacers and increase the air pressure.
When weighted at the front, the fork feels consistently stuck to the trail and great traction is felt over small bumpy roads. This gives the fork turn-in grip because of the spring’s readiness to sink into early travel.
Rockshox 35 Gold vs Yari – A Comparison Overview
Rockshox 35 Gold Review Â
[amazon box=”B07QNS4GHV” template=”horizontal” ]This fork has 35mm stanchions which means the chassis is adequately stiff and provides steering precision that guarantees rider confidence.
This fork is fitted with the DebonAir spring that has lower friction seals and a larger negative air spring which keeps the fork nice and soft in the initial strokes. This spring enhances the fork’s shock absorption and responsivity.
With no need for adaptors, the Post Mount brake allows the use of rotors measuring 220mm. The fork’s Maxle Stealth axle help to keep the front wheel in place.
The 35 Gold keeps you upright and stable when going over the most rugged routes and ascending and descending hills has never been smoother.
This fork is compatible with Bottomless Tokens used to customize and tune the air spring performance to match riding style and suspension preference.
It features Torque Cap compatibility that creates a stiffer interface between fork and hub which gives you greater control over the front wheel movements.
Pros
- Needs no adaptors
- Compatible with Post Mount brake
- Sensitive and Responsive fork Â
ConsÂ
- Not upgradeable
RockShox Yari ReviewÂ
[amazon box=”B012VEQKGU” template=”horizontal” ]Features a stiff 35mm chassis with a Debonair spring which gives it a coil-like feeling that is uber responsive.
It is fitted with Motion Control damper and wiper seals with sag markings for easier setup. Also, to determine how much travel you have used, the fork pushes the O-ring to the top of the stanchion.
Even at that, it is difficult to use full travel on Yari because of the two-volume spacers that when combined with air pressure, limits the fork to a low travel.
To gain access to full travel and provide more support, RockShox advises that you can remove the two spacers and increase the air pressure.
When weighted at the front, the fork feels consistently stuck to the trail and great traction is felt over small bumpy roads. This gives the fork turn-in grip because of the spring’s readiness to sink into early travel.
Pros
- Quality sensitivity
- Large and capable travel fork
- Upgradeable damper
ConsÂ
- Damper lacks low-speed support
Conclusion
35 Gold allows you to gain access to full travel of suspension by removing the spacers and using the Motion damper to move fluidly through it.
Yari has a damper with convenient marking on it for easier adjustments but it is limiting in the use of travel keeping you to a low level.
Verdict: So, which is better – Rockshox 35 Gold or Yari?
RockShox 35 Gold is better than the Yari fork. This is because more than featuring the same features and benefits as those Yari does, it accommodates a larger rotor size and has a damper with speed compression adjustments making the ride much smoother and plusher than the Yari fork does.
FAQ
What PSI should my Yari RockShox be?
The recommended maximum pressure exerted on your Yari fork should be limited to 163 psi.Â
How does the RockShox Motion Control damper work?
By turning the blue compression knob located at the top right leg of the fork, you change the size of the oil flow port.