Increasingly, more people are now opting for a stylish bike for home, work, school or outdoor activities. For these very purposes, how much would you like?
This December is going to be my 3rd anniversary since I bought my first bike. I’ve come a long way from my high school days where I only trusted road bikes or city bikes.
Now, I’ll been competing in our town’s annual bike race across the woods and I cannot wait. So, I had to spruce up my mountain bike and suspension was my main focus.
RockShox is a trusted brand worldwide and I zeroed in on Lyric and Pike models as my most preferred alternatives. Here is how they compare.
What is the difference between Rockshox Lyrik and Pike?
Model |
RockshoxLyrik |
RockShox Pike |
Wheel Size |
27.5 inch, 29 inch |
27.5 inch, 29 inch |
Travel Options |
150mm to 160mm |
120mm to 160mm |
Spring |
DebonAir |
DebonAir |
Offset |
46mm |
44mm |
Maximum Rotor Size |
180mm |
180mm |
Damper |
Charger 2 |
Charger 2 |
Check Availability |
Rockshox Lyrik vs Pike: How they compare
Chassis
Lyrik features the same 35mm chassis that Pike does, but is better because it uses the Rapid Recovery system that keeps the front wheel stable in dirt tracks.
The Lyric fork is boost compatible and using the wider axle, big wheels can be kept stable at the most pivotal point: axle, hub and fork connection.
Further strengthening the stability of the fork at the front, are the Torque Caps that increase the surface area.
By use of the trusted Maxle which is available in both the Stealth and Ultimate options, your safety is guaranteed. Even in the event of a crash, the Stealth Maxle will maintain the axle as is.
Pike’s chassis is notably designed to maximize on weight saving and increase in stiffness. This is evident through the range of travel available in its models being between 120mm to 160mm.
Air Spring
Lyrik’s DebonAir spring system boasts of more air volume which is manually adjustable and inferior to the Pike fork which can equalizes itself automatically
RockShox designers creatively hollowed out the shaft of the air spring to increase the air volume by a whopping 40 percent.
The reason behind this design is so that the fork could sink into travel more easily to afford users a smooth and plush experience in riding.
Giving the feeling of a coil fork, Lyric eliminates the internal rattling and the lack of capacity in adjustable options.
RockShox Pike has a DebonAir spring mechanism with quality crown and steerer components featuring an indentation on its side. This port is situated on the upper tube and allows for air travel between negative and positive chambers facilitating for automatic equalization.
What’s even better about this fork is the fact that it is made with an aluminum seal, a longer foot nut and a shaft complete with internal bushing.
The seal is designed to be hollow at the bottom which decreases the positive air volume and increases it in the lower leg to counter the drawbacks. Lastly, the Pike’s spring is compatible backwards making it compatible with previous generation forks.
Damping
Lyrik’s damper has ideal compression adjustments in both low and high-speed cycles superior to Pike which is fitted with a damper that provides a wide range of stable low-speed compression
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.
On Lyric, you get the best in responsivity and keeps you grounded and firmly on the ground whether going over roots or through rough corners.
It offers riders 5 settings in high-speed compression with the open settings being the most recommended and preferred in comfort over the RCT3 version.
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 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.
The damper also features low-speed compression adjustments made possible by the external rebound and aligned to the lockout system.
On the fork’s frame, there is a remote which allows you to halt the performance of the shock system with only one finger flick.
Rockshox Lyrik vs Pike: A Comparison Overview
Rockshox Lyrik Review
[amazon box=”B07BR8YFHN” template=”horizontal” ]With this new and improved fork, you are guaranteed less friction, more volume in spring and compression adjustments at high speeds.
In the air spring set up, Lyrik uses an alloyed seal head which is lighter and stronger than the plastic used before. These properties make the fork more resilient and minimize the friction that results from the squeeze of the o-ring.
The size of the negative air chamber has been improved by maximizing the use of the hollow inside the shaft which helps to attain extra volume.
By use of the Charger II damper, this fork has adjustable compression in both high- and low-speed situations. All this is possible by the flick of a button located within arm’s reach.
Pros
- Sensitive and compliant
- Supports long comfortable rides
- Enables faster riding
Cons
- Need adjustments in pre-installed volume spacers
Rockshox Pike Review
[amazon box=”B0877DPZW7″ template=”horizontal” ]This fork features a Charger 2 RCT3 damper which allows for multiple adjustability to accommodate varied preferences and ability to ride any terrain.
It uses the debonair Spring which smooths out trails and minimizes need for hard gripping providing plush and comfortable riding.
Fit with 35mm stanchions, the fork is stiff enough to give stable rides to users as heavy as 250 pounds or more.
The RockShox Pike was built for boost spacing which enables addition or removal of material to make the fork more or less rigid.
Finally, it accepts 180mm rotors directly mounted on the caliper which eliminates the need for adaptors.
Pros
- Great riding experience
- Multi-adjustable
- Lock out functions well in climbing
- Stiff fork
Cons
- Expensive maintenance
Conclusion
Lyric 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.
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 – Rockshox Lyrik or Pike?
RockShox Pikefork is better than Lyrik’s. This is because Pike offers users the ability absorb any hard hits while maximizing on the entire length of travel. Pike, allows you to more easily adjust preferential settings which limits the depth of travel available.
FAQ
What makes Lyrik’s air spring option so beneficial today?
In the air spring set up, Lyrik uses an alloyed seal head which is lighter and stronger than the plastic used before. These properties make the fork more resilient and minimize the friction that results from the squeeze of the o-ring.
How do we set up the spring system?
In the air spring set up, Lyrik uses an alloyed seal head which is lighter and stronger than the plastic used before. These properties make the fork more resilient and minimize the friction that results from the squeeze of the o-ring.