RockShox Lyrik RC2 DH Dual Position Air Review

Feb 27, 2013
by Mike Kazimer  
RockShox Lyric RC2 DH

The RockShox Lyrik RC2 DH utilizes stout 35mm stanchions and offers 160mm of air sprung travel.


RockShox Lyrik RC2 DH Dual Position Air fork overview:
• Intended for all-mountain riding
• Air sprung
• Travel: Dual Position, 160 or 130mm
• Mission Control DH damper
• Adjustable rebound, high, low speed compression
• Colors: Black, White, Diffusion Black
• Weight: 2211 grams as tested w/ 8.25" steerer and Maxle Lite
• MSRP: $1060 USD

RockShox's Lyrik fork has become a mainstay in the all-mountain category. With up to 170mm of travel and a sub-5 pound fighting weight, the Lyrik is a fitting addition to today's crop of light-but-tough all-mountain bikes. The Lyrik is available in a number of different configurations and damper options. We tested the 160mm, RC2 DH Dual Position Air version, which has RockShox's Mission Control DH damper, technology that is also found in their dual crown Boxxer forks.

The Details

Construction
The Lyrik's lowers are constructed of magnesium, and have plenty of clearance for running wide tires - we ran 2.5" Maxxis Minions in muddy conditions with no issues. The 35mm stanchions are constructed of 7000 series aluminum, with an anodized coating designed to reduce friction. Printed on the stanchions are indicators showing 15% and 25% of the fork's travel, in order to make dialing in the right setup as hassle-free as possible. In addition, the suggested air pressures for different rider weights are printed on the non-drive side fork leg, just above the post disc brake mount. The Lyrik also has what RockShox calls a Power Bulge, an oversized portion of the fork lowers that houses the bushings and seals. When purchased aftermarket, a spare set of oil seals are included with the fork, likely an attempt to encourage the purchaser to perform regular, preventative maintenance, rather than waiting until their fork is oozing black sludge before thinking about giving it some TLC.

Adjustments
Four adjustments are necessary to make sure the Lyrik is properly set up for a rider's weight and riding style. The air pressure is adjusted via a Schrader valve on the left of the fork. Once the proper sag is achieved by adjusting the air pressure, the fork's behavior can be changed via the external rebound and separate low and high speed compression settings. Rebound is adjusted at the lower right side of the fork, while the compression adjustments share real estate on the top right side.

photo

Reducing the Lyrik's travel is as easy as turning the dial on the left side of the fork. Low and high speed compression are adjustable individually on the top right side of the fork.


Damping
The fork we tested uses the Mission Control DH damper unit. The main difference between the Mission Control DH and the standard Mission Control is the absence of the Floodgate feature. Removing the Floodgate allows for a wider range of compression settings - there is less of a platform at the beginning of the fork's travel. As the name implies, the DH damper is intended for riders who are more focused on the downhill performance of their fork, and don't mind not having a way to lock out or firm up the fork for climbing.

Dual Position
On forks with RockShox's Dual Position feature, the travel can be reduced by 30mm by turning the knob on the top left side. This isn't a lockout feature, but rather a way to adjust the height of the bike’s front end - even at the lower travel setting the fork is still full active. When it comes time to return the fork to its full travel setting, turning the knob and slightly unweighting the front end will extend the fork back to its original position. Reducing the fork's travel shifts the rider's center of gravity, and makes it easier to keep a bike's front wheel from wandering on steep climbs.

photo

Rebound is adjusted on the lower right leg, while a Maxle Lite 20mm thru-axle makes for easy front wheel installation and removal. Sag gradients printed on the stanchions facilitate proper fork setup.



Performance

Out of the box, the Lyrik's lack of stiction was impressive – there wasn't the break in period some other forks seem to have. Following RockShox's suggested air pressure settings put us at 20% sag, which ended up being our preferred setting. Setup will vary between riders depending on weight and riding style, but three clicks of high speed compression and two clicks of low speed worked well for us on the terrain we were riding, which was a mix of rooty, technical trails interspersed with faster, flowy jump lines. In the past, the compression adjustment knobs drew criticism for being hard to turn, but RockShox has since redesigned them and fixed this issue. Even with gloves on making adjustments is hassle-free, with a positive click at each rotation.

We made use of the Dual Position feature on long climbs to keep the front end of the bike from wandering. The 30mm drop in travel made a noticeable difference on steep uphills, making it easier to get enough weight over the front wheel. Reaching down to turn the dial into the short travel position was a simple affair, although we did find it easy to forget we'd lowered the travel until partway into a descent. Luckily, the fork feels the same in both the short and long travel positions, so it was the bike's handling that alerted us of our forgetfulness, not the wrist jarring impact that happens when you start a descent with a full locked out fork. Once the dial was returned to the long travel position, lifting up slightly on the front end would bring it back into fully extended position.

Our Lyrik was trounced through the full gamut of trail conditions - it was ridden on everything from perfectly tacky trails offering hero traction to trails coated with a soggy snow and mud cocktail. It endured it all without complaint, and without any oil leaks or air loss. Compared to a fork with 32mm stanchions, the stiffness of the Lyrik's 35mm stanchions was apparent. Even on steep switchback filled descents there wasn't any noticeable flex or twisting. The fork went through its travel smoothly, with a subtle ramp up towards the end of its travel to help with the absorption of big impacts. We bottomed out the fork off a particularly harsh drop, but again, it kept on charging ahead without any change in performance. The feeling when the fork reached the end of its stroke was very muted – there were no clanging sounds to be heard or metal on metal impacts to be felt. Air sprung suspension is notorious for not being able to compare to the plush, linear feel of a coil spring, but with the Lyrik, RockShox has come incredibly close.

Issues

We didn't run into any performance issues with the Lyrik – it performed its task admirably. However, there are a couple of items on our wish list. The option to reduce the Lyrik’s travel to 150mm would be at the top of this list. This was achievable on earlier versions of the Lyrik by adding a spacer, but this changed in 2012, and is no longer possible (at least not in a way endorsed by RockShox). A 150mm fork with 35mm stanchions would be a perfect match for many of the bikes currently on the market. RockShox does reportedly have several new products on the horizon that may fulfill this wish; we'll just have to wait and see what they have up their sleeve.

Another feature we wouldn't mind having is a compression adjuster similar to Fox's CTD, or even a version of RockShox's own RCT3 damper. This would allow for quick switching between compression settings. As it is now, the Lyrik is more of a set and forget fork – it would be cumbersome to continually adjust the compression settings during a ride.


Pinkbike's take:
bigquotesThe Lyrik is a worthy contender in the battle for all-mountain dominance. Stiff, easily adjustable, and at a competitive weight, the Lyrik holds its own when the terrain turns treacherous. There's a reason this fork is popular among enduro racers - it works well in all conditions, and can handle whatever punishment its rider dishes out. The fact that it was able to survive the nasty conditions we rode it through without any leaks or creaks is a testament to its durability. There are a few little refinements on our wish list, like a shorter travel version and a three position compression dial, but even without these, the Lyrik RC2 DH earns top marks. -Mike Kazimer

www.rockshox.com

Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,719 articles

152 Comments
  • 102 1
 Seriously you want a three position low speed compression adjustment. So you could never dial in your compression adjustment properly? I hate the fact that a lot of forks don't have proper adjustments available, I.E. fox CTD.
  • 19 4
 I think it's an unfortunate reality that a lot of riders (myself included, to a certain extent) can find the fine points of high/low speed compression and suspension tuning in general quite confusing and unless directed properly can potentially ruin how a fork feels without knowing it. So I guess what RS have done is tried to retain some/most of the adjustability whilst simplifying it for those that may not fully understand/be able to appreciate it at a finer level. I'll agree that if I was really fast and could properly test the minute differences that the older mission control system offered then I'd probably be a bit pissed off though
  • 6 0
 I think if that's where you stand on adjusters, it's better to have a fork like this one and let someone else set it up. That way you'll get a properly set up fork as opposed to CTD's three settings, all of them wrong approach. Even preset compression assemblies like in RS Sektors are better, since it's always about right. . Always remember to ask whoever sets the fork up to write the settings down...
  • 2 0
 My apologies, seems I read the article wrong, but I guess my point still kinda stands, despite not being relevant to this haha
  • 15 4
 I believe everyone can learn to adjust their own suspension to their preferences, everyone can learn to feel the differences. Reading about it isnt going to help you whatsoever if you cannot translate it to reality, get your own feel, your own opinion, your own reference. The trick is to start off making BIG adjustments on the SAME type of terrain; better still, the same stretch of trail. You WILL feel the difference, if you dont, just make a bigger adjustment. This is the key, if you dont feel the difference on the same terrain: you still need to learn to feel it, so go ahead and make crazy big adjustments. Chances are you will delight in finally being able to feel a difference, and you will be engaged by the prospect of being able to adjust your suspension to your likings, and will want to learn more. Change back and forth, and make smaller adjustments, until you get a feeling for what's happening and for what you like and what you dont like for that type of terrain. Now you can start to learn what happens to that particular setting when the terrain changes. Best is to start after not changing anything for 2-3 rides with as much of a 'neutral' setup as you know of (manufacturers recommendations?), riding as much different terrain and conditions as you can. Now dont be shy to make some bigger adjustments to get the feeling back when you havent ridden (certain conditions/terrain) for a while, or when you sort of forgot what that other setting did, or start mixing them up! Note that adjusters often have 'dead' regions, where clicks dont make any noticeable difference, and regions where one click may make a massive difference.
  • 16 1
 I just love the fact that basically what theyre saying is they want a rev with 35 mm stanchions when reviewing a DH orientated fork. Would have thought itd have been better to try the standard lyrik for that purpose ?
  • 2 5
 i can definetely feel the diff on the 160 34 CTD fork...C ..stiff, Trail - pretty nice and lively, Descend - damn open....wish there was way to adjus all three settings some more....overall i liked the CTD 160mm Talas 34...prob shoulda got the float CTD 34 160--
  • 31 0
 Its kinda weird, when ever they use a CTD fork or shock they bash it for not having enough compression adjustment control. Then when they review a fork with plenty of adjustment they say they want 3 position adjustments. Make up your mind!! I personally think CTD sucks
  • 3 2
 yeay, personally, i think the CTD forks are good for most of the genpop! Including me. if you think about it, if you are not an advanced rider or semipro, you gonna sit there and dial adjustments every time you hit a diff sectioin of the trail? because most trails that I ride do vary, and they lack the massive drops and tabletops, so you really just need slow speed compression and rebound for most stuff...fox addressed this in the CTD..IMO.
  • 2 1
 I don't want Fox's CTD, but I wouldn't mind something similar. I agree that with the three position compression adjusters it can be hard to find the perfect setting, and that on Fox's CTD system the full open position needs refinement. I'm envisioning something like a 6 position dial - quicker than the 18 clicks currently available, but with more options than a simple Low-Med-High lever.
  • 1 0
 wanting or not, it aint that bad, but more adjustments woudl be alittle better.
  • 1 0
 My tupence on this would be that they need to drop the full high/low/floodgate settings from the standard lyrik as (i can only go by my original 2007 lyrik so apologies if they have addressed this by now) the floodgate was always nothing until about the last turn and a half and then too much all at once, and replace it with a scaled up version of the RLT damper from the rev. Its not 3 settings like its more expensive RCT3 sibling but it has about 6/7 clicks on the compression dial and you tune the floodgate in to give you the desired range.

Now im no suspension expert but i can notice the difference in the main compression settings (although the floodgate has too many clicks still) and you can get pretty much everything you want once you have the floodgate set right. i.e full open to full lock out or a nice bit of compression to stop the fork just blowing through.

*Note here for any body that does have a Rev RLT: be very careful on your oil volumes they really do need to be quite precise, 5mm too much and the whole thing goes out the window but once setup right and you know the volume you need (SRAMs recommendation is pretty damn spot on) its awesome.
  • 4 0
 In CTD's defense it is NOT a 3 position adjustment on the factory level forks it is a 6 position adjustment...
  • 2 0
 C,T,D 1,2,3...and what Rebound 1,2,3?
  • 1 0
 3 or 4 presets each with its own adjustable level of hi+lo speed compression and rebound, maybe even travel setting... great in theory but application??? you need one ring to rule them all
  • 3 1
 Yeah stop trying to dumb everything down and use the tuning guides RockShox provides, they are spot on and you can get your fork to ride like a dream using them. Maybe it's a downhillers mentality, but tuning your fork to the conditions perfectly is so much better than any 3 way adjuster. Who runs their fork full open on a downhill anyways?!?! Some squid I'm sure.
  • 1 0
 Simple lever to ramp up LSC a few clicks is all that is needed. You select your base, than increase it a half turn on a long climb. Right now I have to compromise it a bit, so it does not wallow when pedaling uphill out of saddle and does not dive much.

SImilar thing for CCDBA. It was interesting to see the new Enduro outfitted with CCDBA with a LSC lever. It would only move it 3 or 4 clicks, but that is noticeable enough. I do actually change it from 5 up to 8 depending on the trail.

I have Lyrik with old stuyle knobs, need to get new ones. Easy to see visually where it is, and add/remove a few clicks on some rides.
  • 3 1
 the maddderfaakrkinig fox 34 aint got no LSC and HSC adjustments! dumdums!
  • 2 0
 Indeed. That is why it is not nearly as good as Lyrik DH.
  • 45 6
 "Another feature we wouldn't mind having is a compression adjuster similar to Fox's CTD, or even a version of RockShox's own RCT3 damper. This would allow for quick switching between compression settings. As it is now, the Lyrik is more of a set and forget fork – it would be cumbersome to continually adjust the compression settings during a ride."

Honestly this is one of the stupidest statements I have seen from pinbike in a while! As stated this is the MC DH fork If you wanted "floodgate" purchase that fork. CTD is one of the worst ideas ever turns good forks into garbage! I owned one and I never turned the knob off the "Trail" setting as that is the only piss poor setting that worked of the three. Why do you need to continually adjust your fork? Once you have your base settings you should be no more then a click or two ever. If you can't do that then maybe cup stacking is your sport.
  • 4 0
 Meant to pos prop. I agree that forks should have full low and high speed adjustment and not a lever. I change my adjustments all the time for different terrain. Exactly why I like the full adjustability so that I can dial exactly how I want my fork to behave.
  • 6 0
 completely agree. at $1K I expect the adjustability out of a dh oriented fork.
  • 3 1
 @Nissmo127 and the others. Including what you thought might be able to improve the product; it's part of a review. And just because Mike thinks that might be good, doesn't mean you have to think it's good. Just because he thinks that, doesn't mean it's gonna happen. Chill out people !
  • 19 3
 @Nissmo127 - I wrote that I'd like something "similar" to CTD or RCT3, meaning that I'd like the ability to quickly change my compression settings instead of turning a knob that has 18 clicks. Why do I need to adjust my fork? Well, I'm not sure where you ride, but my trails are hugely varied. Technical, slow speed trails require different fork settings than faster, smoother trails with jumps, and it would take more than a click or two to get the fork set properly. Around here, you can encounter both types of trail in one ride, and that's why it'd be nice to have a lever to firm up the compression. I'm fully aware that they make a non-DH version of this fork with a Floodgate, but I like the suppleness of the DH cartridge. That's why I included my thoughts on possible refinements. They're opinions, which is what a review is in the first place. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some cups to stack.
  • 13 0
 Man! The aggression towards reviewers is getting out of hand. Stoked to see this fork up for review, thanks. I wasn't sure on a few details and now I am. Cheers.
  • 6 2
 @ mikekazimer - I ride in Oregon and Washington everything from the crappiest Ridgline trail sytem here in Eugene that is nothing but XC climbing trail to lift access DH trails. In Oregon I ride.... going south to Mt Ashland which is DH Enduro and XC. The Oakridge trail system to my east with eula ridge/eagles rest being my favorite stomps lots of climbing with epic single track decents with clay/loam roots and swithbacks on ass off the back decents! Black Rock to my north east which is freeride bike park. Sandy ridge which is everything from DH Enduro to XC with lots of square edge rock. Hood River which I would say XC to Enduro and Bend which is mostly XC Enduro and sand. Out of all the trails I mentioned I am never more then a 2 clicks from my base settings except Black rock bike park type runs I increase the air pressure rebound and compression.

I to ride very technical trails however rather then adjusting the fork I adjust the way I ride the fork. I understand that when I hit a tree rock or root on a climb the fork is going to react like a DH fork, giving and wanting to push me around so I compensate for that. The same goes for steep/low speed sections were you have to adjust front braking and body position when hitting roots, rocks and drops

I am glad you like the feel of the DH dampening however one of the reasons they feel so good is not having all the bells and whistles that effect the way the internals work. I am no suspension expert or engineer however talking to them I have been told it is very hard to do both that is why you have one with bells and another without.

So if you want to do things that this fork was not meant to excel at adjust your riding because if they change the fork to have adjustable this and that it will probably not have that feel you say you like.
  • 19 1
 Nice review. Simple, concise, and very readible. Thanks.
  • 7 1
 Agreed, one of the best yet!
(BTW is readible kind of like edible?)
  • 11 0
 Only if you eat with your eyes...
  • 3 0
 Cannibals!
  • 20 0
 cann-eyeballs?
  • 2 0
 I wish I could prop you more ^ hahahah
  • 1 0
 ^ Haha, awesome comment thread guys
  • 11 0
 The new Lyriks just need a different baseplate for the Solo Air kit to be passed into a different travel setting (from I guess as low as you like up to 180mm).

And the Lyriks are brilliant forks, above most other forks in the market (Fox 36s to name one) and very easy to tune to suit every rider. Just wished they had perfected the SoloAir curve (but I hadn't had a look at the Dual Position curve though, so it might be better)
  • 7 0
 I have to say, I own this fork because of the adjust-ability. I have a 2011 version, and couldn't be happier with its performance. I think CTD has it's place on XC and trail bikes, but Enduro and DH bikes should have proper 12 or more clicks of adjustment. Fox does this by offering the 34 to the trail crowd and the 36 to the Enduro crowd. Suspension is the most important upgrade to go faster when going down hill, spend your money wisely.
  • 11 2
 nothiing its better then a Big Totem
  • 38 1
 That's what she said...
  • 20 4
 Those big stanchions suffer from stiction and need planty of lubrication... nothing better than keeping the box of lube close to where she sleeps - aye?

Just kidding... I never met Mr Seal Stiction, but heard that those who can see him, are also notoriously nagged by visions of two other gentlemen: Pedal Bob and Brake Jack.

Sticky, Bob and Jack - They exist! Pssst - If you just ride slow, set suspension too soft and brake on roots, they will appear!
  • 2 0
 ^^^ @WAKI, if you try, you show some wit! Hilarious!
...If you try...
  • 6 2
 The RC2 DH Lyrics are indeed awesome. Only thing I'd like on mine is a lock out for climbing. I know this isn't possible due to the DH damper, which in turn makes the fork so good, but I do miss the ability to lock out every now and then. I do think they're being a bit picky over the request for 10mm less though!
  • 9 0
 Agree that they are being picky with the desire for a 10 mm travel difference. Also thought asking for a CTD style setting was pretty wrong headed when every review if the CTD shocks and forks I've read either says that they put it in Trail and left it there or complains that none of the settings where right
  • 3 0
 Exactly. It's sort of like dropper posts, a lot of riders prefer the infinite adjust options to the three position options. With a finite amount of adjustment options (CTD) there is always going to be z compromise on some level. Also very few CTD forks will have DH in the name...
  • 3 0
 Seriously? 10mm? I could understand wanting more travel options, but to really reach out there and gripe about 10mm seems trivial.
  • 1 0
 agreed. they will just have to wait for the new "Pike" rockshox is going to relaunch. cant wait!
  • 3 0
 I have the 2010 170mm fixed length coil version of this fork, it's not the lightest or most adjustable in terms of travel, but that doesn't really bother me as it's put up with a year and a bit of being absolutely hammered and still feels plush as. All I've done is change the seals and perform a lower leg service.
  • 1 0
 Air spring conversion if you like the feel of an air spring, did this to mine as it was £400 for a brand new coil version vs £750 for solo air. Feels great and you can set it with whatever travel you want (allbeit with a strip down of the air spring but that doesnt take long when you already have the lowers off)
  • 1 0
 I've thought about doing this, but it seems like unnecessary hassle, the bike feels a bit front end heavy when stationary, but when it's moving, it handles like a dream. I don't think dropping a couple of hundred grams off the front would make too much difference to me. The whole point of my hardtail is simplicity anyway.
  • 3 0
 I'm totally in love with my Lyric DH, I got it for 3 years, i rode everything with it from Whistler bike park, gnarly DH, So Cal trail, epic XC and everything in the middle, it performs like my Boxxer, there is almost nothing I would not hit with this fork...
  • 4 1
 I just put a marzocchi 55 cr dropped to 150 on my endorphin. It was a toss up with the lyrik. He didn't write anything in this article that makes me wish I went the lyrik route.
  • 1 0
 good on ya, marzo rules
  • 1 1
 Except for the ten mm reduction i would think everything he said would make you wish you'd gone the lyrik route.
Plus isn't there a half lb difference in favor of the lyrik?
  • 2 0
 No because the marz does all he says the lyrik does. Weight would be the only factor, but I'm no weenie
  • 3 2
 Is marzocchi even going to be in business for much longer? seems they're on the out with all the key design and technical staffers leaving to do DVO - i wouldnt be investing in marzo myself these days and if i WAS a marzo fan id be supporting bryson and co since they are people i can believe in not some faceless autoparts manufacturer *tenneco
  • 2 0
 Many travel adjust systems work when new but fail over time. A long-term test would be worth a lot more. However in the absence of having durability info, knowing whether DPA matched the feel of Solo air would be useful. Overall I don't find this review brings much new information to the table.
  • 2 0
 BEWARE OF DP AIR!!
I am a big fan of RS suspension and have been on a Lyrik of some configuration for at least few years now and love my Monarch RC3+ (much more so then Fox, of course Wink . BUT, despite RS claiming the DP air-adjust feature is fail-proof design, unlike their former very failure prone 2-Step, the DP air is still not the answer. I blew a couple 2-Steps in the past, RS was always on it with replacement, even eventually with a brand new solo air DH fork as a result (amazing custy care). I ran it this way for a while, but missed travel adjust for the steep climbs at least on my pretty slack AM bike with sub-66 front and 71 rear angles and purchased a DP air cartridge to add to my fork that came available on it's own last year. Loved the on-the fly geo change for climbing and would even use it while descending mellow or flatter sections of trail, when not needed the slacker angles and wanted lower BB for more trail hugging prowess. Well, after about 6 months of use, it failed. RS did send replacement to LBS, but I have been off of DP and back to solo air with great success! I have to work little harder to get up the long, steep grinds (make due by just raising my post a little higher), but suspension is more active, plush while still controlled when needed by adding a tad of HSC/LSC. I have found the solo DH to have overall better performance jamming thru the rough and rocks. RS does state the spring rate changes some with DP vs solo with more progressivity through travel, which I have noticed to affect the small bump and rough terrain performance. Overall, I would only run DP air if you absolutely have to as the solo DH does perform a bit better in the rough at least and more reliable for sure.
  • 2 0
 Just buy coil.
  • 3 0
 I dont think anyone has the travel adjust air spring down yet tbh. every single one has an issue somewhere. Coil Uturn is stil the best in these situations end of.
  • 2 0
 yeah i bought the Domain 318IS with U-turn, wanted the Lyrik but pricey, and even though I'm a light weight, the extra 700g isn't an issue for me. i'm quite happy with the U-turn, the adjustments happen in 5mm increments so being able to set up from anywher between 110 and 160mm is awesome for all types of situations. the U-turn does feel like the ramp up at the bottom of the stroke is very quick and harsh though, when at its lowest super chuffed with mine, nearly 3 years of proper trail abuse, 1 full proper service and never had an issue.
  • 5 2
 Nice fork for sure! The only negative point is the price! Look at the SR Suntours line-up... Works great as well and is way cheaper!
  • 1 0
 The Suntours look interesting for the price/specs ratio, but personnaly having a Lyric now, I never had a single problem with it, how do the Suntours do over time and use nowadays ? They had issues getting some play over time on the guiding seals, plus the stanchions coating used to wear out quite fast on the Duro for example.
  • 5 0
 They reworked everything for 2012. Got myself a 2013 Durolux TA RC2 and the travel adust system is easily the best on the market. Switched from grease-lubrication to oil (somehow suntour doesn't have a patent for that) and the fork is buttery smooth from the get-go. It's a little heavier than the lyrik but also stiffer like almost totem-stiff and it was half the price of the lyrik.
  • 6 3
 personally i will never buy a suntour again after having an xcm. they may well make good forks. but once a chef serves you steaming dogshit on a plate your not interested in anything else they have to offer
  • 1 0
 I briefly tried the xcm also because I got one for free, bushings wore out immediately. The Dura lux of a few years ago was bad but maybe the new ones are better. Good luck getting any parts or customer service from Suntour.
  • 2 1
 I agree. I'd rather sell myself on the streets of Oakland then let a Suntour fork touch my bike
  • 2 2
 Oakland isn't that bad...If you would of said SacTown or Fresno, maybe it would of been valid.
  • 3 1
 That's like saying you'd never run this Lyric because you tried a Rockshox Dart.

When Suntour gets a better set up in North America I'd definitely consider their products, because like Protour said, at present you'll have trouble getting help if you need it. Though from those I've messaged on this site, they are very reliable and easy to maintain on your own.

They also need to make their line up less confusing. This is their Epicon series with EIGHT different 26in. versions, with very confusing names: www.srsuntour-cycling.com/dstore/products/Forks/3485/EPICON.html?intendenduse=AM

To compare, Rockshox has a maximum of 6 different versions for any given fork, and each are easy to differentiate. Fox has 5 different versions of the 26in. Float 32 100mm, and Marocchi has a maximum of 4 across all forks models.
  • 3 0
 Suntour is the largest manufacturer of mtb-suspesion. They have huge resources and if they want they will build the best forks. MIght actually come true when the rux or the dvo hits the market.
  • 2 0
 Thus, I meant the line-up for the upcoming year 2013. The Epicon, Durolux, and Axon (especially the full carbon version which is just sick). PS: Please dont compare a low-budget product from the past with a top-notch product from nowadays. Anyways RS, FOX, SRS, and Marzocchi all improved their products and many of them seem to be at one level today, in my opinion the only factors are indeed the service (SRS is market leader considering this), the positioning of the brands through their pricing and marketing. Cheers
  • 1 0
 Jhou, Oakland consistently has the worst crime rate of any California city and is currently the worst for auto-theft in the country. The murder rate is like 400 a year, that's more than one a day. Fresno is not bad, Sacramento is the capital, and just the fact that you called it "sac-town" shows you've never been in it or lived near it. Suprise, suprise, you're from Colorado...
  • 1 0
 400? It was was actually 131 for the year. Get your facts right before you put someone on blast. And I'm from California and grew up there at a teenager......http://www.oaklandmofo.com/blog/oakland-homicide-count-is-rising/
  • 1 0
 what 'valtra' says is true; That's like saying you'd never run this Lyric because you tried a Rockshox Dart.

the suntour xcm is a very entry level fork that allows many people the option to own a bike with suspension who otherwise could not do to budgetary restraints. The Durolux on the other hand is a very high quality fork with all the adjustments of the lyric, comparable weight and a debatably nicer axle system. also, at $650 for the Durolux RC2 you are left with a bunch of extra cash compared to, well, any other manufacturers fork in this category. tapered or non, travel adjust option or internal travel adjust will get you 140, 160 or 180mm of travel. its a sweet fork and is Tippie approved. what more do you want? call suntour, they provide good service and can sell to the north american market. also, they had great results from their riders at the London Olympics (xc gold), World Championships (xc gold and 4X gold) and Red Bull Rampage (6th place overall) on forks for xc right up to FR/DH. just sayin'.

its also true that they have too many options, but that is because they are such a huge OEM supplier and they offer forks to meet manufacturers pricepoints by using differnt crown, steerer tube, stanchion materials, etc. the aftermarket options are not as varied.
  • 3 1
 I will never ride any fork on any of my bikes unless it's a Suntour from now on. I have a Durolux fork and shock on my Reign which I just love and I have a Duro on my STP. The only bike that isn't outfitted with a Suntour fork is my Faith, but I'm waiting for the Rux for that. As far as the customer service goes, They have some of the best I've ever had. They always pick up after the 2nd ring and always help me out with anything I may need. SR Suntour is defiantly getting there name out there and the quality of their products are only getting better.
  • 1 0
 what about those seals? Are they improved? It doesn't take much time to kill them. After the two months I was able to see small cracks around the whole their diameter, similar to broken plastic. Don't know if this affects funcion, probably not, but for grand it makes me worried.
  • 2 1
 Strange if it is dust seals we talk about - I own a 2007 Lyrik and needed to change those only once. That is less often than Fox 36. The only bummer is that they cost the tripple of Fox seals...
  • 1 0
 yes, I ment dust seal. As I said, it probably doesn't affect function, except that they're probably eating more dirt to the lowers. On the other side as you talked about Fox, I have no problem there with seals. But my fork is only the year old and there is not a scratch on dust seals. They're working great. I will change them before season as part of proper maintanance. they seems to be more solid then the rock shox dust seals. But maybe I'm exception on that Lyrik. Frown
  • 1 0
 Odd indeed, 2008 Lyrik here, also only once changed. Did you regularly lube or clean the stanchions/seals with oil or solvent based stuff? Many lubes interact with certain types of rubber and plastic in different ways: making them swell, making them dry and crack, etc. Which is one of the reasons why you use suspension oil for suspension, and suspension lube like Buzzy's Slick Honey to lube your seals and stanchions, and brake grease for brake piston seals, and do not use DOT fluid for oil based brakes, etc.
  • 1 0
 C'mon mate, please..... Smile
  • 1 0
 I have enduro seals. I put them in 2 years ago. No problems since. I recommend the tech tuesday where they do a domain's seals to show you how. I use motorcycle suspension fluid. It is cheaper most of the time. 15w for the lowers, 5w for the uppers.
  • 3 0
 Those blue seals rock. Spot on. Exactly how I do most my forks.
  • 1 0
 don't know if they can compete with SKF seals. But why they have to be in blue??? maybe in black, but like this....no way.
  • 1 0
 People have been saying that forever. I do wonder why they don't make them in other colors, but it isn't a big enough deal to be a deal breaker. Function over form.
  • 2 0
 taletotell: no probs with nice form if it does not compromise function and construction... aaaand vice versa - for instance Gravity dropper have a big problem in that department, probably the only one of those three Big Grin

In terms of seals? i want red ones!!!
  • 1 0
 those blue enduro seals are the best way to scrub the ano off your stanchions i see kids in whis with ruined foxes because of that all the time. buck up and buy the OE seals what are you saving like ten dollars on a service to your 1000 dollar fork peeps are cray
  • 1 0
 I have heard about a lot of fox forks with the ano worn off, but this is the first I've heard it blamed on enduro seals. From what I understand, since the service life on a fox fork is about 3 rides, and most people just never service theirs, the dust in the oil takes all the ano off. Rockshox forks can go a bit longer. I service mine about 3 times a season.
  • 2 0
 Enduro scrapers do not scratch ano. Lack of maintenance and cleaning does. Their internal oil seals are as good as any. Those kids often neglect their fork, then throw a pair of aftermarket seals when it is already full of grime, then complain that it did not fix leaking and abrasion. I have used Enduro seals on several forks for pretty much their lifetime. I have worn bushings out before those seals. But then I clean and lube stanchions on a regular basis, and followed bedding in procedure when installing. A must have, IMO of those forks without a proper oil seal, just that stupid foam ring.
  • 2 1
 how about a review on suntour's duro lux? those with forks are pretty affordable compared to what were used to (fox and rockshox). sadly, not available in north america but who knows?

and oh yeah, i love my '09 solo air lyric. only thing i hate about it is the steps for doing maintenance on it. i find it easier to change the oil on my fox forks than any other fork i've owned.
  • 1 0
 Easiest fork to service - Magura. But I hate that they do not sell many small parts directly, like Rock Shox does.
  • 2 1
 I'm waiting for the 'Lyrik-Lite' or possible 'Revelation Plus' from RockShox. They need something to fill the gap, exactly as the Fox 34 does in their range.

I love RockShox forks, but there isn't currently a fork in the range for me and my Yeti SB66. I want something lighter than a Lyrik, with a 15mm axle, but far stiffer, and longer travel, than a 150mm Revelation.

Surely this fork is on the horizon?
  • 2 2
 @brit-100 Fox has shown that such solution is not a good idea. Their 34 series 160 is only a tad lighter than 36 160. 34 Rev is in the making anyways. What they could do is to make Lyrik with carbon crown/steerer combo, just like Rev WCup. That will sky rocket the price, but hell, nothing beats the Cash-ema you need to buy a Fox... I wanted to change Lyrik to 36 Talas 180 to get something more DHish, and no thanks - I can keep my Lyrik, buy Boxxer Team and have some cash left for lift pass.
  • 5 0
 Some say the Pike will be back in a few years ...
  • 1 1
 You're missing the point Waki. The determining factor for me was the Fox 34 having a 15mm axle. I didn't want to have to change my wheels for a 20mm compatible hub, so the Lyrik was a non-starter for me.
  • 1 0
 X-Fusion Slant? Perfect for an SB-66, and a hundred other bikes. 34 stanchions x 160 travel x 15 thru axle, but most likely stiffer and more plush than the Fox version. About the same weight - 4.75 lbs? Travel adjust (160-130) available. Haven't tried one, but definitely going to do so when they hit the market in a couple of weeks. Oh - and you can get it in black OR white and 650b compatible. $200 less too. Too good to be true?
  • 1 2
 brit-100, still with 20mm axle you wouldn't get the 34 lighter than 100g than 36. We'll see what RS does with the new Rev, I'm personaly not a fan of RS air springs paired with MoCo damper. Haven't ridden Rev but Pike and Sector - Great value for money but daemmm pogo sticks... Dunno about fox with RLC but I want Vanilla back. I'd like 100-120 coil sprung quality fork with 15 or 20mm axle and open bath damper, like old 32 Vanilla. A 120mm version of 44 RC3 Ti would really make my trail riding. And stiffness wise, I cared about that before I saw Kirt Voreis vid from Retallack where he shreds Fox 32...
  • 2 0
 @brit-100, I'm going with the slant rl2 dla on my SB. I think this here RS is probably the superior of the two, but i've used a vengeance and really, really liked it (the slant though only has rebound, lockout, travel adjust). I'm willing to give x-fusion a shot for now. (I'd be lying if the fact i can get a ks lev and the slant for the price of the RS had nothing to do with my decision). If money was no object for me, i'd prob get this lyrik rc2dh dp. By the way the slant is pretty damn light, at 4.75lb?
  • 4 3
 WAKI: I really can't work out what you're talking about. I've read that first sentence of yours about 50 times, and I'm lost!

I know I'll get negative props for this, and so be it: I wouldn't touch an X-Fusion fork with a shitty stick. If that makes me a snob, or a brand whore or whatever, then that's fine. It's just my opinion. I see the hierarchy of suspension options as:
1) Rockshox
2) Fox
3) Second hand Rockshox or Fox
4) Marzocchi
5) Rigid
6) Giving up riding
7) X-Fusion
  • 2 0
 brit-100, everything you have said tops the list for strangest things I have heard all day
  • 3 0
 @brit-100 I'm pretty sure Waki is telling you that you only save 100g between the 34 and the 36. more importantly what did x-fusion do to you, your dog or your family? that's some strong hate.
  • 2 0
 brit-100, this is a sack of bollocks.

First, you forget excellent options of Magura and BOS. Also Formula and DT Swiss are not shabby at all. Second, you have no clue how well XFusion is made and how well it rides. Third, Fox is not better then any of those mentioned. In fact it is not better than top end offerings from Suntour (Durolux is a nice fork)
  • 1 1
 Right, I don't need to justify my opinions to anyone, but I will attempt to explain them.

First of all, don't assume that I "have no clue how well XFusion is made". I've had plenty of ride time on forks from ALL the manufacturers you mention, with the exception of Formula.

I wouldn't go near Suntour or X-Fusion primarily because I think there are STILL quality control and sample variation issues, and there is next to no back up for servicing, spares and warranty in the UK. Same for BOS and Magura. DT Swiss don't have the damping control of a RockShox or Fox, and that's a well known fact.

I also couldn't be bothered with constantly having to explain to everyone i met 'Yeah, it's a Suntour fork, but it's actually not bad, as good as a Fox but much cheaper'. For this same reason, I drive an Alfa Romeo, not a Kia.

It's very easy (and quite fashionable!) to sit behind a screen and say how brilliant all these 'other' fork options are, but when it really comes down to facts, would you spend your own hard-earned on an X-Fusion or Suntour fork? I know I wouldn't, and neither would 98% of the mountain bike community.
  • 3 0
 An even bigger sack of bollocks.

Magura's service, in US, is better then Fox. By a lot. Same for XFusion. Fox is not near as good. XFusion quality control is as good as anybody.

You are a brand whore, and so are your friends to whom you are afraid to explain why you would pick a better value and a superior product. Yes, I would absolutely certainly spend my cash on Vengeance HLR or Vector HLR rear shock. Vector is better than any air shock Fox has. CCDBA is the only one I would pick over it. Lyrik DH is the only one I would pick over Vengeance (or BOS for that matter, but I did not have enough time on it to be sure)
  • 2 0
 Every year, I go on a trip to France, and I end up servicing all the Fox forks several times, because they piss oil after 20 hours of riding, never had to service a Zocchi, and only once an RS. X Fusion is on lots of hire bikes in France, and frankly they all seem to just carry on working. Damping from what I've ridden is spot on.

I think it's a good bet to look at what forks are put on hire bikes, the guys renting them out know what will cause them the most/least trouble, which ultimately is one of the biggest impacts on their bottom line - a fork is worth nothing if you can't rent it out because it needs rebuilding.

In the alps, Zocchi is the most common, you see Fox on demo bikes, quite a few Boxxers and Domains, and in the past few years, X Fusion. Never seen a DT Swiss, Formula or BOS (I guess they are just rare, bit of an unknown quantity)
  • 3 0
 @brit-100, I dare you to say anything bad about the Durolux to nikoniko.
  • 1 0
 Can someone please tell me the differences between these and solo air? Is it just weight, price and dual position travel adjust. Oh and I see that solo airs are 170.

What about reliability etc?

I'm after some 160 forks to replace my revs and I like rockshox forks for reliability and price reasons plus simple maintenance. Devilles are too pricey, don't fancy 36s and my best mate has 55 and don't wanna rip him off
  • 1 0
 I think people like the CTD idea more than the reality of it. It sounds good to be able to adjust on the fly, but the reality is most people just set it and forget it. I am one of those people. I do like the permanent sag indicators on the lyric.
  • 1 0
 All the suspension companies are killing me with the tapered steerers. I want to upgrade the suspension on my older bike that has a straight 1-1/8 steerer, with fork that goes 120-150(ish), yet all the forks in that travel range are tapered now a days!
  • 1 0
 yeah the lyrik is a blinding fork the coil mission control was well impressive now on my second lyrik as i wore the old ones out .my only gripe is the initial outlay is quite expensive and if you knacker the stanchions up there like 320 pound plus bushings that will probably want changing ,plus fitting, your lucky if ya left with any change from 500 quid..ouch kick the shit oyt of my wallet rs
  • 1 0
 I love my rock shox forks. I have a 170 Lyrik Solo air DH on my firebird, a Revelation on my Mach 5.7.

I love the plushness of them, and consistency throughout the travel. Bottoming out is never harsh.

Isn't the revelation 150mm? so why would you want to adjust the lyrik down to 150? Just so you can have the thicker stantions?

i find the revelation pretty darn competent.
  • 2 0
 The Revelation is competent, but I like the stiffness the bigger stanchion diameter provides. That's the reason I'd like to see the ability to drop the travel below 160 - it would make this fork a viable option for a wider range of bikes.
  • 1 0
 I wonder if these get "ramped up" after sustained dh chatter like my talas does?
Starts off plush and at the bottom I can hardly cycle the travel sans strong pressure.
Xfusion slant..yes please!
  • 1 0
 There wasn't any noticeable air pressure build up, even after extend downhill sections.
  • 1 0
 sounds like your fork is broken, sir.
  • 1 0
 i think rockshox's fork lineup is getting a bit congested, they must have 10 different AM/enduro forks. imo they should take a leaf from fox's book and have only four basic fork models: DJ, XC, AM/enduro/FR, and balls-out DH
  • 2 0
 good review peeps should relax and just absorb as much product knowledge as they can right
  • 3 0
 170mm coil is the way you should get it. Awesome.
  • 1 0
 Mine is at 160 making my bike climb and descend nicely. 170 made mine sticktiony
  • 2 0
 Love my lyrik. Way better price and life span than fox. Not quite as pretty i guess, but a winner in the other categories.
  • 5 2
 Marz 55 micro switch ta kills this fork.
  • 1 0
 nice fork but a bit too pricey. I've been looking at and reading reviews of RST shocks and they seem to offer pretty good stuff for significantly less than a $1000.
  • 2 0
 Multi-click compression adjustment over the dumbing CTD style any day
  • 1 0
 What makes this fork different from the Lyric R Solo air with the dh mission control upgrade and the rebound upgrade?
  • 1 0
 Travel adjust
  • 1 0
 Cant wait to get my Lyrik RC2L on my carbon SB66!! Going to be a perfect match!!
  • 1 0
 Am I wrong, or is the fork here a RC2L, and not a RC2 DH?
  • 2 0
 Nevermind, figured it out.
  • 1 0
 How much are these air forks affected by the temperature change?
  • 1 0
 A bit. As I have noticed, they need readjusting at every ~15 degrees celsius . Set it up at 15, it will be noticeable stiffer at 30, and softer at 0-5.
  • 1 0
 I noticed this too. I don't use mine at sub freezing temps because i think it is hard on the seals.
  • 2 0
 this is something i have really noticed lately both front and rear
  • 1 0
 Yeah my xc bike struggles especially in central europe atm and keeping a bike in a warm flat its a bit of a pain to be 5 mins into a ride and start squishing everywhere before pumping it up to an arbitary amount. I was wondering if a larger air chamber would be affected more or less. Id imagine it to be equal and so just have to live with it until the outside becomes flat temperature
  • 1 0
 The lower the pressure, the more it's affected.
  • 2 0
 The pressure and air quantity both play a role. If you only have a little air a little makes a big difference.
  • 1 0
 would be perfect with U-turn
  • 1 0
 a more quickly adjustable u turn .the 2 stage is well efficiant compared with the old uturn system .liked the choice of the u turn but it was a pain to do while riding but that is being fussy . at these prices why not
  • 1 0
 1000 bucks n change. Isnt that what a Fox 36 float cost?
  • 1 0
 Why don't all forks have a sag print on the leg. It's a great idear
  • 1 0
 rockshox patented it.
  • 1 0
 pretty awesome, probably my next fork !
  • 1 0
 nice fork!!
  • 1 1
 ehhhhhh.......ill take a 36
  • 1 0
 I love my lyrik u turn
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