RockShox Lyrik RC2 DH Dual Position Air Review
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.
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.
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:
 | The 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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
(BTW is readible kind of like edible?)
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)
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!
...If you try...
Plus isn't there a half lb difference in favor of the lyrik?
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
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.
fresno.areaconnect.com/crime/compare.htm?c1=Fresno&s1=CA&c2=oakland&s2=CA
oaklandca.areaconnect.com/crime/compare.htm?c1=Oakland&s1=CA&c2=Sacramento&s2=CA
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.
In terms of seals? i want red ones!!!
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.
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?
www.magura.com/en/bicyclecomp/products/suspension-forks/ts8-r-150-fix-26.html
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
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)
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.
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)
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)
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
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.
Starts off plush and at the bottom I can hardly cycle the travel sans strong pressure.
Xfusion slant..yes please!