RockShox Announces New $549 Domain Fork

Apr 22, 2021
by Mike Kazimer  

The Domain has returned to RockShox's lineup, this time as a more affordable version of the Zeb that was launched last year. Like the Zeb, it has 38mm aluminum stanchions, up to 180mm of travel, and is aimed at aggressive riders looking for a burly single crown fork, a category that includes the eMTB crowd.

At $549 it costs $450 USD less than the highest end Zeb, a price difference that's achieved via the use of different materials and a simpler damper. The lower cost also comes with a weight penalty of around 300 grams compared to the Zeb.
Domain RC Details

Wheel Size: 27.5", 29"
Travel: 150, 160, 170, 180mm
Offset: 44mm
Stanchions: 38mm aluminum
Damper: Motion Control RC
Claimed weight: 2,540g / 5.6lb
Price: $549 USD
Available: July 2021
More info: rockshox.com



Details

While the Domain shares the same stanchion diameter with the Zeb, its stanchions are constructed from 6000 series aluminum instead of the 7000 series aluminum used on the Zeb. That means the internal diameters are slightly different, and as such each fork requires its own specific air spring.

The Domain uses a 15 x 110mm bolt on thru-axle, and has a direct mount 200mm brake mount – no tiny cross-country rotors allowed here. Aftermarket versions have 1.5” tapered steerer tubes, but RockShox does offer a 1.8” tapered option to their OEM customers.

The Domain uses RockShox's Motion Control damper



A Motion Control RC damper resides in the right leg of the fork, with an external dial on the top that's used to adjust the amount of low speed compression, and a rebound dial on the bottom. On the air spring side, the amount of end stroke ramp up is adjustable with up to three Bottomless Tokens.

The Domain will accept RockShox's higher end Charger 2.1 damper, and riders who decide to take that route will be able to purchase an upgrade kit for $330 USD. There's also an $42 upgrade kit that can be used to upgrade the base model Domain R to the RC version, which adds external low speed compression adjustment. The Domain will ship with a flexible fender that can be zip-tied on, and it's also compatible with the bolt-on fender used on the Zeb that can be purchased separately.

Given its pricepoint and features list, I'd expect to see the Domain becoming a common sight on more budget oriented e-bikes and some enduro / freeride machines in the coming months. One is on the way for testing, and we'll report back once we see how it stacks up.




Pond Beaver 2021


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Pond Beaver 2021 Forks RockShox Rockshox Domain


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267 Comments

  • 253 4
 At about $600 with the upgraded RC system is about all the fork most "set it and forget it" riders should ever need. Nice pricepoint RockShox, nice.
  • 90 2
 This screams to me "the new Yari". Set it and forget, reasonable price point, durable spec. I agree, nice job.
  • 34 1
 This will be great for bike shop e-bike rentals! Set the air, done!
  • 103 53
 I think it's a terrible damper and not appropriate for terrain a 180mm fork is suited for. The MoCo damper spikes terribly as soon as you get into anything choppy, I can't imagine how bad it would be at the bike park.
  • 21 1
 @tankthegladiator: The Yari is a full pound lighter, so I would assume many riders would still prefer it.
  • 10 1
 @jeremy3220: I agree, the Yari's main redeemable factor was that you could upgrade the damper or turn it into a coil. If Push released a coil upgrade for the Zeb, this would be totally worth it.
  • 51 6
 @jeremy3220: methinks you exaggerate. I own a 180 mm Yari and Pike RCT3 160. The difference is like day and day.
  • 15 12
 @headshot: well I'm not. The Pike RC2 is leagues better than the Revelation.
  • 2 3
 @thustlewhumber:
I second the push coil upgrade. I asked months ago, they said no...i need to ask again.
  • 9 3
 @jeremy3220: well the same cannot be said of the Yari. The reviews echo my experience.
  • 3 0
 @thustlewhumber: vorsprung has a very good one for the zeb
  • 10 8
 @headshot: The largely popular upgrade people make to their Yari echoes my experience.
  • 9 0
 RS tends to come out with new standards, but in this case, I salute them for continuing to support the 27.5 option.
  • 1 25
flag lehott (Apr 22, 2021 at 9:00) (Below Threshold)
 @jeremy3220: DeBon Air damper VS Motion Control damper
  • 21 1
 @lehott: Debonair is the air spring, not a type of damper.
  • 7 1
 @jeremy3220: ah, thanks for the clarification!
  • 22 1
 My DH bike came with a Motion Control damped Boxxer. Truly awful. I’d factor in $300 for an upgrade if I was pricing this fork.
  • 15 5
 That damper is junk. I've seen those things completely disassembled inside the fork.
  • 9 2
 @jeremy3220: I very much agree with your points, I myself upgraded an older bike from moco to charger. However, "largely popular" still only includes 0.1% of the mountain bikers out there, if even that. This is going to be a huge hit with the market and will be completely adequate for 99.5% of riders.
  • 9 1
 I'm a huge fan of the Pike and Lyrik with Charger damper, but the MC is not very good. It has a very on/off feel either overdamped or underdamped and never "just right". IMO you're better off buying a Marz or Manitou if you're looking to save money.
  • 9 0
 @JohnnyVV: Yeah. the Motion Control damper is not horrible, but definitely the Charger line of dampers is better. You can upgrade this Domain fork to the Charger 2.1 damper which is a plus, however at that price it is better to just get the Zeb if you plan to go with the Charger damper in the future. The Zeb will have also the Debonair air spring and the Domain does not.
  • 5 19
flag mknott9 (Apr 22, 2021 at 10:20) (Below Threshold)
 Why does Rockshox bother making this marginally cheaper budget shit. Leave that to Suntour. Invest your engineers’ time into making something awesome.
  • 4 0
 @lehott: Charger vs motioncontrol
  • 19 0
 @mknott9: because that's how they make their money, OEM entry-level. Not niche high-end stuff. The high end generates less volume and revenue, however, it helps to increase the perceived quality of their offering. The engineering trickle down from high-end to entry-level. It's a business model that works.
It would be smarter to suggest Suntour to really double down on high-end so their product perception improves.
  • 11 0
 @jeremy3220: I wouldn't call it terrible. It's just not the current best. It suits what this fork is aiming for - the budget enthusiast. If someone wanted an upper tier RS fork, they'd buy a ZEB or a bike spec'd with one.

I myself own a Yari RC 180 MoCo, Fox Factory 38 180 Grip 2, and Zeb R 180. Is the 38 better than the Zeb R? Yes. Is the Zeb R better than the Yari RC? Yes. Consider the price points.

I am completely happy with my Yari RC Moco, for it's intended purpose. For it's intended purpose this Domain is going to be excellent.
  • 10 11
 @tankthegladiator: My real point is that it doesn't make sense on a 180mm fork. If the MoCo is good enough then you don't need 180mm fork. Also, what damper is worse than the MoCo besides maybe low end Suntour? The MoCo is one of the worst dampers currently on the market.
  • 5 0
 @tankthegladiator: While I somewhat agree with you, it would be nice to see better closed cartridge damper, utilizing budget materials and limited damping. The motion control is super dated, and Marzocchi offers a similar price point with much better performance. The chassis is a great upgrade but the damper was terrible when it was the top of RS offerings.
  • 6 1
 @headshot: i’m sure you’re right, but I’m also sure there’s a performance difference, but mostly I’m sure that most people wouldn’t be able to detect that difference. #longlivemoco
  • 1 3
 Ditch the moco. I've broken a few! Hope zeb guts are interchangeable
  • 2 0
 @dthomp325: I've got last year's 150mm revelation with moco damper...two clicks and it's perfect for general trail riding....but I don't do any lengthy fast downhill sections so maybe it goes to crap in these situations?
  • 3 1
 @greener1: yeah it does and the cheap plastic dampers break often
  • 7 2
 @waldog: nah most people won’t know the difference or even care. These are hire bike / teenage shredder forks and the damper isn't that bad. It’s not going to hold anyone back anyway.
  • 12 2
 @jeremy3220: it makes perfect sense on a 180 fork though. MoCo takes single big hits well, it is supple and smooth 95% of the ride. It only loses its composure through repeated medium chunder like heavy braking bumps. And even then with rebound set quickly, its not horrible. For the price point, and fact it is an entry level big travel fork - I just can't fault it. And I'm comparing to a Zeb and 38 Factory in my own fleet....

@jomacba Marzocchi is Fox trickle down tech, and they're trying hard to rebuild the brand. I appreciate that its a great product for the money, but are they running shallow margins to get more product out there? The R&D to create a new MoCo makes no sense either when they have the Charger series. R&D isn't free, driving up the bottom line. You as a rider want something better? Upgrade to Zeb and pay more or buy Marz? The Motion Control in the Yari and *new Domain isn't as bad as everyone says for its intended budget and purpose. I'm definitely not running out to replace mine
  • 2 2
 @tankthegladiator: agreed. I’ve got a yari, pike and a zeb and for the amount you can buy yari and probably domain online you really can’t complain. You’ll get a very good fork for the little you’ve spent.
  • 4 0
 @mknott9: cheaper budget shit? I'm guessing you haven't ridden any high end Suntour. I'll take my Auron over any 34-36mm stanchion fork from the big guys.
  • 4 5
 @tankthegladiator: out of two negatives: dive too much or spike on repetetive bumps, I take the latter. I personally prefer Yari RC/Lyrik Select over Fox 36 Grip which is quite vague.

@headshot - Yari 180 vs Pike RCT3 - if you happen to own a Charger 1 Pike then yeah there is little difference. I had a Lyrik RCT3 with the first Charger and it was crap. I believe first gen Lyrik with MiCO DH was better. Had it too...
  • 9 0
 @headshot: Everyone forgets the crap we rode 15 years ago on the same trails.
  • 4 1
 @JohnnyVV: Yeah... when you consider that $300 upgrade, its clearly not worth it. But, if you think about it with the target buyer/rider in mind, it does make sense. The fork market was missing a budget 38mm fork. I see this on entry level e-bikes more than anything. The guy building his next rig isn't choosing this over a ZEB or Fox38... even if they have to by used version of those to keep the budget around $600.
  • 17 0
 @gnarlysipes: Seriously...I owned an elastomer based fork by RST and thought it was awesome in 1998 because I had a bike with suspension...like working shocks man...what's a damper?
  • 2 4
 @mknott9: Margin is generally higher on low end and it's where these companies make money.
  • 5 1
 @jeremy3220: ?? Motion Control was used in Boxxers for years and its certainly more durable than the dampers RockShox was stocking that dont have the expandable bladder that comes with Charger/2?
  • 9 2
 Amazing how we are arguing over a damper that appears largely unchanged from when it was completely acceptable 10 years ago. Then it was on all travel forks from 200mm to XC.

There’s nothing wrong with it... it’s just old and outdated. But it’s also cheap, and as many people said, perfectly adequate for its target audience. Also upgradable to charger in the future.

Also... buy a snob’s takeoff used for half price, drop a charger damper in it and have a really solid charger damped fork for $500.
  • 6 3
 @tkrug: it wasn't good then. And still not good. The top tier back then was the r2c2 before charger came out.
  • 6 1
 Correct, but not a point I made.

I typed another response about 5 times before I realized I don’t care.

Enjoy the dumpster fires.
  • 4 1
 Made with recycled plastic parts from Elixir brakes and Reverb posts.
  • 3 1
 @PocoBoho: I literally broke the plastic damper parts 4 times from regular downhill riding. I was either forced to go to a charger or a different fork. Pretty disappointed they are still using the exact same crappy plastic damper.
  • 3 3
 @Crampagnolo: it's one of the worst dampers you can currently buy. 10 years ago doesn't matter.
  • 3 0
 @jeremy3220: Turnkey?
  • 8 0
 @jeremy3220: Hmm. Not disagreeing with you.But not sure if the average rider would know the difference. I won a packed field 40+ Pro GRT on that damper in a Boxxer. Now a 100% fox guy AND bike shop owner. So kinda see both sides.
  • 3 1
 @pappas717: U sure that wasn't just a flex? Lol
  • 1 1
 @pappas717: what track and what year?
  • 1 0
 @jeremy3220: I agree the damper is not great. I do appreciate the initial lower cost and ability to upgrade the damper. We upgraded my sons revelation to the rc2 damper when the motion control started making stange noises.
  • 2 4
 @makripper: Moco is not perfect. But ok for the price. Then it is much better than CTD. I will never forget CTD. It had three settings: Open nothing, RS Lock Key, and Manitou Fluid flow. Factory version upgraded RS Lock Key to RS Moco and Manitou Fluid Flow to Manitou SPV. Fox Grip isn't a star either.
  • 5 0
 @headshot: I've had a Yari, multiple Pikes and a Revelation 35mm. And the Pike performs SO much better. The MoCo damper is a disappointment in my opinion. It is much more harsh on smaller chatter and spikes like crazy on fast hard impacts.
  • 3 0
 @tkrug: I think everyone is missing the obvious upgrade path. Wait for Avvy to create a damper for the new Domain and blam done. would likey be in the same cost neighborhood of the charger upgrade from the sounds of it.
I was close to doing the Yari/avvy damper for a bike build that totally evaporated. the only thing you loose out on is weight of the chassis over the top end fork, and have a damn good damper, plug in any air spring upgrades and swanky fork for less money.
  • 1 0
 @bergsteiger: this. In a few months to year these will creep up on sale for 350-400 used. Talk the price down a smidge, toss in a Avvy Damper and boom. You’ve got one of the best performing long travel forks available for roughly $800
  • 3 1
 @jeremy3220: Destroyed 3 of those dampers in a boxxer years ago. Plastic junk
  • 1 0
 @justwaki: I had ctd and prefer it. Better than 2008 rc3 lmao
  • 3 1
 @Crampagnolo: Motion control was shit when it first came out and looks like it still is. Nothing like opening up your fork and finding a smashed piece of plastic .
  • 3 0
 Why doesn't Rockshox just use a simple plunger type piston with shimmed valves for the budget forks and call it a day?
Screws on top same as the MoCo, simple piston with a mushroom shim stack, and you got a damper that performs excellent and R&D should be peanuts
  • 2 0
 @gnarlysipes: over even before that we had elastomers... They were fun.
  • 1 2
 @jeremy3220: you obviously don't know how to properly set up suspension
  • 2 0
 @jeremy3220:
True that Jeremy! Yari RC that cane on my recent complete ebike is pretty decent/good in most situations for what it is, but high speed chop or rough, not so great. Can feel the damper getting overwhelmed to some degree. Slower speeds, and even jump flow lines, fork is good to go. Just installed Zeb Ult tonight after +2 month wait so can’t wait to rally after my hands heals
  • 3 0
 @justwaki: there’s hundreds of kids who’d be over the moon to be able to afford one of these second hand in a few years. People forget how insanely expensive this sport is to kids. Especially kids who’s parents aren’t into mountain biking. Do you have any idea how insane spending $100 on a tyre sounds to a parent who doesn’t mountain bike? Those kids are hoovering up the yari’s and the revs online. There’s some spoilt brats on here.
  • 2 2
 @thenotoriousmic: That is a very good argument I must say... one of best things I read on the subject of affordable components... slow clap!

As a student in Poland I had no more than 6-10$ per week for bike stuff. I remember that every time I destroyed the tube beyond patch repair I knew I wouldn't be partying that week... I also remember feeling like a boss when I got Manitou Axel...
  • 3 0
 @justwaki: all my sons friends are are desperately saving up for second hand gold 35’s and things like that. There parents aren’t going to spend £1000 on some zebs. If they ever got their hands on a second hand take off domain the’ll feel like they landed a pro contract.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Too true! I've been privileged to have a few decent bikes and forks like a Boxxer World Cup and Dorado Expert that I really liked. However, I would consider using this fork for a fun weekend build, simply because my mortgage is a little more important than the gain in performance for me. Also, as kids we cobbled together all kinds of stuff that this Domain would blow away any day of the week. Everyone needs to keep in mind that this is a budget option for people that need it or want it.
  • 102 0
 Can't wait to see it spec'ed on 4.000€ bikes in 2022.
  • 10 0
 The Rail that its on is a 8k CAD bike so we'll see if its just a tester or if it's coming for 2022 spec hahaha
  • 12 12
 You could build a Propain spindrift carbon via their builder on site with ZEB Ultimate and Vivid Ultimate and RSC Codes for like 4200€. At least as long as you stuck to chepest wheels and drivetrain. Alu would go for 3800€. So with this one you'd be probably looking at a decent complete for 3500€,
  • 26 0
 @j-t-g: , Trek be like,"Passing the savings on to us"
  • 11 8
 I knew that someone would be able to complain about a likely well performing fork at a great price. Way to be.
  • 5 7
 @Phaethon85: To be fair, the Slash is actually decently priced at $6k considering you get XT components, Zeb Select + fork, and carbon wheels.

I think this criticism applies more to Santa Cruz.
  • 5 1
 @HB208: its funny you say this because in Canada santacruz are priced lower than treks and specialized's
  • 3 1
 @bikertrash: WTF, really? That's kind of crazy. Maybe I'll drive to Canada if I want to buy a SC.
  • 3 1
 @bikertrash: Lol, I take that back. With the exchange rate they are still significantly more expensive in Canada.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: a Hamptons summer rental just went for $2m. Drive there for a Santa, where it's the equivalent of a bathrobe
  • 2 0
 @bikertrash: where about are you located?? Santa Cruz bikes here in Edmonton are hella pricey. Pretty much top dollar compared to many other brands.
  • 3 0
 @HB208: and the Slash 8 is phenomenal value for a bike shop brand especially when is was 4000 which is when I got mine
  • 2 0
 Don't give them ideas. Lol. The Zeb needs to be on $4000€ bikes in 2022.
  • 2 0
 @bikertrash: where? Lol I have never seen that before. Santa Cruz is always more pricy than spec or trek
  • 39 1
 Affordable, upgradable(in multiple ways) with plenty of proven tech. Dig it
  • 7 10
 Indeed. Compared to how Fox has gone the complete opposite way with the Bomber line, this is a great move by Rockshox indeed.
  • 19 2
 @matadorCE: how has Fox gone the opposite way? Marzocchi is essentially Fox's more affordable brand with legacy tech. I'd buy a Bomber fork over a lower end Fox fork any day of the week.
  • 13 4
 @HB208: Legacy tech? which cheap plastic internal parts? They don't even put in foam rings in the Bomber forks due to 'cost savings'. What RS is doing is actually using legacy tech and making it affordable.
  • 3 7
flag OneTrustMan (Apr 22, 2021 at 8:46) (Below Threshold)
 @HB208:
My shitty Fox 36 Rhythm ( same as a Z1 Bomber ) disagrees.
The Grip 1 damper feels not as good as a Rock Shox MoCo damper.
  • 12 1
 @OneTrustMan: Then there is something wrong with your fork or you are way to heavy for stock valving. The Grip 1 is highly tunable and the Chassis is capable, same goes for the air spring. If a MoCo equipped fork outperforms your 36, shit has hit the fan.
  • 2 2
 @matadorCE: You also have zero idea of the quality of internals on this fork until people get their hands on it and start riding it.
  • 3 1
 @Helmchentuned:
I think it's the bushings, but the damper feels massively overdamped as well.
The only reaction that fork does to smaller bumbs is bending the lowers back and fort. Looks weird and funny observing that on the trail.
That fork is brand new and I made already a grease and oil service which only helped on middle to bigger bumbs.
It's the shittiest fork I have ever ridden.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: Fair point but the upgradability factor is a big one and it points to at least some of this new fork shares the same characteristics as the more expensive forks otherwise it wouldn't be backwards compatible. Can you even upgrade a Bomber Z2 damper from a kit like you can the RS forks?
  • 4 1
 @HB208:
I don't know about the level of quality, but the Z1 is just a redesigned Fox Rhythm. Every review of this fork admits it.
Quote Bike Radar
"Die-hard Marzocchi fans will be disappointed that the rebooted version is basically a Fox 36 Rhythm in disguise"
  • 3 0
 @matadorCE:

You can put a VVC grip2 in a Z1. You can even buy the upperVVC basevalve and upgrade a non VVC grip2 to a VVC for less than half the price of an entire damper assembly.

Fox is the king of cross-compatibility. Don't even get me started on all the possibilities. Grip 1.5 is even a thing.
  • 3 0
 Even though it's upgradable, if you're even thinking of the charger upgrade you might as well just spend the money on the higher models. After all, by the time you've upgraded the thing, you're still on a cheap chassis with a top-spec price.
  • 1 0
 @nickfranko: The one nice thing about the upgradable damper on this fork is someone could buy a $4k bike that is specced with it and then upgrade it if you don't get along with it. I imagine this will mostly be an OEM fork. If people are building a bike or swapping out forks, I doubt this is what they would go with.
  • 2 1
 @matadorCE: Rock shox legacy tech? Are you kidding me. Their legacy is producing overpriced and over hyped garbage. The mission control damper is a proven piece of shit. I personally destroyed 3 of them .
  • 1 0
 @BeerGuzlinFool: So you'd rather get the bottom of the barrel Fox stuff that's also easy to break? And if you broke a damper on the second time why didn't you change to something else instead of breaking it a third time?
  • 2 1
 @OneTrustMan:
Send her to a good mechanic, have bushings replaced / sized correctly and the rebound shimstack sorted and you won´t be looking for another fork anytime soon.

Find someone in your area who can do it, if you do not find one shoot me a mail and I will fix the fork for you.
  • 1 1
 @matadorCE:

Keep in mind Fox's service interval is 120 hours while RockShox is 50.

Fox parts are actually serviceable where as right now if you blow a seal on a $500 charger 2 damper you need to buy and entirely new $500 damper. Half the charger 2 is plastic as well and the rebound rod flexes so much it's hard to count the clicks properly.

Fox's low end is miles ahead of RS's. Same goes for their entire lineup.
  • 2 0
 @z-man: Can't speak for the Charger 2, but on the previous Charger everything was serviceable and easy to take apart, bleed, etc. Can't really say the on the RLC or CTD Fox forks from someone that does mostly their own suspension service; same thing with their rear shocks.
  • 1 0
 @matadorCE: The previous charger was much more serviceable and tunable.
  • 1 0
 @OneTrustMan: Rhythm's are great forks! Have you ridden one?
  • 33 1
 Really happy to see more high quality, lower cost item on the market. There is such a premium sometimes to have good components in this sport and I really hope companies (mainly bike manufacturers) can work on bridging that gap! Very excited to hear how this rides
  • 18 2
 Do people generally regard Yari forks positively? I had one on a Transition Sentinel last year (didn't get on with the bike), and was not a fan, even though I really like the Pike forks I've ridden before.
  • 9 2
 Yari seemed great until things got rough, then it quickly seemed out of its depth
  • 4 0
 I had one on a Slash 9.7 a couple years back. I couldn’t afford the 9.8 so I figured worse case I’d upgrade the damper right away. It ran perfectly fine. I did the Charger damper and Debonair spring updates about a year later when it was time for maintenance and I’m still running that fork today on a ‘21 Slash.
  • 17 1
 The Pike runs the Charger Damper like the Lyric and Zeb. Revelation, Yari, and now Domain, are the down market partners of those three, and all run the Motion Control damper. All of the MoCo fork get overwhelmed when things get rowdy. I think people generally prefer the Marzocchi forks from Fox that fill the same rolls.
  • 5 0
 I've got 800 miles on a Yari attached to a YT Decoy. The small bump compliance has been great and it holds traction well on rough, moderately steep terrain. When things get really bouncy and steep, fork dive becomes a problem and the damper just can't seem to keep up. Opening rebound and increasing spring rate helps but then you sacrifice the small bump compliance that's other wise pretty good. Overall, it has been a good fork, but to really push things it needs tweaking for every track. I'll probably upgrade to a Zeb or Fox 38 on the Decoy when finances allow. I wouldn't purchase a Yari for myself in the future, but I also wouldn't advise against one. 155 lb rider, 75PSI, rebound is 4 clicks in from wide-open, no LSC damping.
  • 5 0
 Yari on the hardtail where the speeds are a bit lower, Lyrik on the full suss. Works for me.
  • 1 0
 It is not bad, pike/lityk will be buttery smooth over high speed bumps and berms, however for majority of cases you will be totally fine. I have 180 version - nothing to complain about; charger damped was a nice upgrade tho
  • 2 0
 Vorsprung luftkappe in my Yari calms it down a lot. When I feel the need to upgrade, I can put in a custom Avalanche damper. Will cost me less than a top end fork all in (fork came with complete bike) and will be miles better than anything you can get stock.
  • 2 1
 Well, since im living in germany and can purchase the mst suspension upgrade for the yari, i think it‘s the best fork if you can get it cheap ;-)
  • 4 0
 @sourmix: I do the same. Lyrik blows the Yari out of the water, but the Yari is serviceable and cost half as much. No complaints.
  • 20 4
 For 500€ you will get a brand new Suntour Durolux RC2 fork which

A. Has a way better damper

B. Weights less

I know what I would choose, as Im really satisfied with my Auron RC2 fork.
  • 6 8
 And the shittiest axle system ever
  • 6 0
 It is a great fork. Axle works fine for me.
  • 19 1
 A bargain in Europe for only €1549 (possibly)
  • 6 0
 it's €604 on bike-discount
  • 15 4
 RS used to have great prices in Europe. Lyrik Ultimates went for 850-900€. If you then hit a sale on a German site, you'd get Lyrik Ultimate for 600-650€. it was usually some weird travel option so you'd just get a piston fo 45€ and off you go. You could get 2 in price of one Fox Factory which rarely gets discounted. I think best prices I've seen for 36 were 950€ and it was always some dodgy site.
  • 1 0
 @justwaki: Exactly what I did for both my Lyric and Pike. Even with the model changes of the 36 my Lyric Ultimate was several hundred eurones cheaper than the old Fox. Not even talking about the money one saves because of easy servicability.
  • 2 0
 @justwaki: I got grip 2 factory 36 2020 fork last year brand new from a reputable website (CRC) for £799
  • 4 1
 @SimonVD: I never said it is impossible. Just very hard to find one at that price point while RS All over the place at good prices
  • 14 0
 I mean, a Marzocchi 380 C2R2 single crown must be up next.
  • 9 0
 More like the next gen Marzocchi 66, yes please
  • 3 0
 I believe the Domain started as a single crown. Had one on a 2009 Banshee.
  • 13 0
 Great Domain revival, but i'll never forget that the ZEB is not called TOTEM.
  • 13 1
 20 x 110 next year
  • 30 4
 15mm axles remain to this day one of the biggest loads of bs the industry pulled on us
  • 7 0
 Super boost 15x119?
  • 4 0
 I think you’re right but it’ll be the newer 20x110 boost. Same but different so everyone has to buy new crap.
  • 1 0
 @russthedog: I could not agree more on this point.
  • 6 3
 @russthedog: not really. They helped industry to sell thru axles to XC crowd who would never accept 20mm ones since it was a standard synonymous with Downhill. Thanks to 15x100 the QRs are virtually dead now on anything else than cheapest bikes.

Imho boost was one of the dumbest, but I give the main prize to 20x110 Boost and Super Boost + where they moved out the NDS flange of 157 hub all the way to the brake tabs making the most unbalanced wheel ever created.

Right now we have 1.8” steerers emerging. As if they couldn’t go 2” or 2.2” right away and finally make a good chassis for a long travel single crown fork.
  • 7 5
 Sigh, the bane of PB is back. Can we just ban it, again?
  • 1 0
 @Kptzbik: 14.99 you imbecile.
  • 3 6
 @nickfranko: I wasn't banned, I killed my former self personally
  • 2 2
 @justwaki: if you had a nickel.....
  • 7 0
 Go one step farther . Put in a simple yet very reliable open bath damper. No one will care about the weight. Every one will rejoice with jubilation at the silky smooth action with out failure. And rebuilds every second year instead of every 50 hours .
  • 2 2
 Other options: 1) buy a Yari or Revelation and upgrade it for $200 with a DSD Runt. 2) Buy a used Z1 or Fox 36 Rhythm and drop in the Z1 coil upgrade.
  • 1 0
 @enurjetik: i believe only z2 is open bath, my z1 is a grip.
  • 1 0
 @enurjetik: you have a good point. Older forks and some new forks are a good platform for an Avalanche damper which is open batch.
I want Fox/ Zhochi or Sram to make a simple open bath.
  • 2 0
 @ruggedmaine: The only real open bath forks are open at the top. Take off the top cap , add oil which decreases air volume to increase spring ramp . Lots of oil constantly coating the bushings keeps the fork feeling very sensitive to small frequencies. The weight weenie race is over from the cries of the creaky CSUs . A modern 66 would be the tits.
  • 6 0
 Having riden the motion control rc damper, it is not very good. Switched the charger 2.0 after a few rides and the difference was insane. But as others have said, with the upgrade of the damper, it is cheaper than the ZEB. So good job rockshox!
  • 9 0
 Pay $200 extra ($150 street) for a Mezzer Expert and safe half a kilo and get way superior damping.
  • 9 0
 I wonder if they’ll hobble the damper like they did on the MoCo Yari?
  • 9 0
 I'm the master of my domain
  • 3 0
 old joke, still funny
  • 5 0
 Motion Control? Really? After 7 years (or more of the charger) they're still spec'ing this thing? Should come with a Charger 1 IMO (like my 2014 Pike), but at least it's upgradeable I guess...
  • 2 0
 That'll be reserved for the Domain ++
  • 7 3
 This is the bigger brother to the RS 35 gold. Exact same internals on a larger diameter tube. RS is not listening to the consumer, they are listening to the manufacturer that wants to spec the cheapest crap they can get their hands on with a big brand name on the sticker.
  • 7 5
 This domain r has no price tag on RS site so it will be probably available as OEM only.
It also has no motion control so we are back in times when forks were set by factory and you couldn’t do anything about it.
Be prepaired for 4k$ bikes with this “stfu and ride what you got” fork.
  • 2 0
 Got two Yaris in the stable right now. Mocos have been replaced by Fast dampers in both. I prefer the Fast Yari to my previous Lyrik ultimate so if someone makes a drop in damper (to be fair, new Fast dampers require bleeding so not quite drop in) for the domain I think it would be a great fork for the masses. Price wise it should come in a bit lower than the Zeb ultimate still.
  • 4 0
 If I'd be shopping in this price range for sure I'd go with the Mezzer Expert. Might be a bit more in cost but the overall value seems better to me.
  • 6 2
 Nothing to complain about here. More than enough fork for more than enough riders at a great price.
  • 4 1
 Great price, great product... but it does have an e-mtb sticker you need to peel off. Always something to complain about if you look long enough. Best thing I ever did with my new pike was turn my nose up in revulsion and hold the sticker at arms length while I put it in the bin.
  • 5 0
 Perfect donor chassis for an avalanche swap
  • 4 0
 This. Craig's gonna be busy with this one I think. For $1050 (installed yourself) you can have a custom tuned 180mm fork. Even better will be when people hate this fork, ditch it for $400-450, then spend $900 on a Zeb.
  • 3 0
 x 100
  • 5 0
 Cannot wait to buy these as takeoff OEM's for £200 Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Power move
  • 6 5
 Every year I pray that RS finally lets that shitty MoCo Plastic Compression System die but somehow the just cannot do a decent "budget damper" without that heap of garbage. Just look at a similarely priced Manitou budget fork or a Fox grip 1 damper. Valves! Shims! Actually usable, tunable, adjustable damping.

This fork only becomes viable once you put in the Charger 2.1 and then it becomes nothing but slightly cheaper, slightly heavier ZEB.

I am rather disappointed.
  • 2 0
 Unlike Fox, Rockshox actually manages to release something at a nice price point. Sadly you can't turn a Dominion into a Zeb, which was a thing, I really liked about the Yari for example.
  • 3 2
 When will RS re-design their entry level damper to be at least passably functional for an "enthusiast" level rider? The moco damper is barely satisfactory for rental fleet use in my opinion. Not only is the ride terrible, but the build quality/design is on par with kinder-surprise toys. I have personally seen 2 Moco dampers fall apart while inside the fork(a plastic clip mechanism separates, dropping parts into your oil chamber). If you are using a 180mm travel fork, you are most likely going to be disappointed in this damper.
  • 2 1
 It blows my mind mind how everyone on this website bitches about everything. 'Rockshox releases a budget fork which isn't shite.'...Hold my beer....It's a cheap fork that isn't shit. Surely that's great if you want a cheaper fork?
  • 1 0
 Thinking about higher volume forks for my 12 year old, he's too light to set a 34, 36, but how about 38? 90lbs means the volume has to be too high for dampers to work properly at a good spring rate. Anybody else find this to be true? Anyone use a 38 for lightweight riders?
  • 2 0
 Motion Control damper doesn't work for me unless I use almost all the LSC. Otherwise it dives to the point of being dangerous.
  • 3 0
 Now bike companies will spec this fork on $9500 dollar builds and squeeze more profit out of the people.
  • 2 0
 2 years ago Seb regarded the MoCo-equipped Yari RC quite highly: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV6d1LX0SkU

Ahead of Z1.
  • 1 0
 RS making a big push on 38mm stanchions on their forks, wonder how long until we see a new 38mm chassis for the Boxxers? IDGAF, I won't run them, happy with my Marzocchi bouncy bits
  • 2 0
 "category that includes the eMTB crowd."

The orbea rise light e-mtb crowd? Or trail e-bike crowd? Or the full-on dh dual-crown e-mtb crowd?
  • 2 0
 I love how whenever Fox/Shimano does a new release the very next day Rockshox/Sram is like.... hold my beer.
  • 1 0
 There's blackbox shit running around all over the place. Ready or not, it's coming.
  • 3 0
 Would I need a 3mm spacer to use the 203mm rotors from Shimano?
  • 8 0
 Yes. 1,5mm actually as it is radius difference. Just use washer for M6 bolt. Been there. Works.
  • 3 0
 Makes me think we'll be seeing a Marzocchi with 38mm stanchions here soon.
  • 1 0
 Just slap a charger damper in there and you´re good. I put a charger RC in my Yari and has increased performance significantly .
  • 1 0
 This is really exciting. If ya want to get a cheap bike to upgrade a low end bike this is the one to get. So pumped for this product
  • 1 0
 So buy a a said budget fork to then spend more money on upgrades as a rockshox without a decent damper is shite Just save and get the better models
  • 1 0
 Having mixed feelings about this one. Its cheap, but not cheap enough to really justify getting this over the cheapest models of the Zeb/Lyrik.
  • 2 0
 "I need something butch looking to put on my bike."

How bout dual crown?

"Naw, it needs to be a turd. A BIG BIG TURD"
  • 2 2
 I do like the look of this! An affordable, burly fork. I'll have to wait a few years for it to be on the second hand market though.
  • 2 0
 so no we wait for der Marzocchi 888$ comeback
  • 1 0
 Having never ridden a MoCo, how does it stack against the 2015 Pike Charger RC (aka: stiff as hell) damper?
  • 1 0
 I completely rebuilt my 2015 Pike RC (changed the Charger Damper oil, etc...and didn't screw it up! I'm not sure if there was a slight negative/ positive air chamber imbalance, or it was the newly designed duper seal head (along with some other parts), but it sure smoothed things out big time. In addition, you can change the air shaft to a 2019 Debonair.
  • 1 0
 @woofer2609: Thanks. Mine has shot bushings, so not upgrade-worthy, I'm afraid.
As someone wrote, OEM Domains will be found bloody cheap when people will take them off e-bikes.
I'm a bit put off by the allegedly poor MoCo damper, though.
  • 1 0
 SRAM in on the roll, Big chase yari for fraction of the cost! No brainer except of the weight
  • 1 0
 How about a 26" version with a straight steerer and a 20mm through axel? I need to replace my pike 454.
  • 1 0
 As long as it is less shit than the 35 Gold RL, then it's going to be fine.
  • 1 0
 Think it would be funnier to put the 600 dollar gx eagle axs on a cheap bike instead of upgrading to this fork
  • 2 0
 $549 / €594 RockShox currency exchange rate stronger than FOX
  • 3 4
 little tick logo on top of right stanchion/at the crown... "officially approved for e-mtb"? Is this the new "enduro specific socks"?
  • 2 0
 It's like when computer parts came with stickers that said "Windows __ ready".
  • 4 0
 @Peally: on a monitor
  • 2 0
 So no upgrade chance?
  • 2 0
 @bok-CZ: you can update the damper, but not the air spring
  • 2 0
 @DHhack: aah my bad, but that's fair enough then
  • 1 0
 Probably still be £700 GBP Frown
  • 2 1
 It better not be like the RS 35.
  • 1 0
 The motion control damper is lame!
  • 3 5
 Just when I thought forks couldn't get any heavier. Thank you, keeping my good ole stuff. The forks on my 650b trail and 29er enduro race bike weigh less than 4 kilos combined.
  • 14 3
 "wah wah wah weight too big wah wah xc wah wah carbon wah wah new stuff sucks"
  • 1 0
 With the different stanchions, will this be stiffer than a standard Zeb?
  • 2 1
 nice anchor at the front of the bike.
  • 1 0
 Bravo, this is a big deal.
  • 1 0
 Time for Manitou to bring back the Stance and have a head to head battle!
  • 1 1
 Will consider a single crown fork again once 20mm axles and 1.8 steerers are the default.
  • 1 0
 hmm, why not. Domain was one of my most favorite forks I ever had.
  • 1 2
 Big shout out to all the testers comments here. Where would we be without all you guys that have rode and tested all these forks..Cheers!
  • 1 0
 If it's as good as a Yari, I say HELL YEAH.
  • 1 0
 I liked the old Domain. This'll be a great matchup VS the Durolux RC2.
  • 1 0
 When is the totem coming back?
  • 1 0
 Cool!
  • 1 0
 This is perfect!
  • 4 6
 With the $450 saved I would simply give this the vorsprung treatment and end up with a better fork than the Zeb, and still have $200 leftover.
  • 17 1
 Except with worse dampening and the weight of a dual crown fork.
  • 1 0
 Thank you!
  • 2 2
 Surely just buy a second hand 2020 Fox 36?
  • 4 0
 I guess it depends on what a warrantee is worth to you. I'd get a 2nd hand fork, but some folks don't want to take the chance.
  • 1 2
 @Genewich: I know so many people, myself included who haver bought second hand forks and have never had a problem. If you are buying high end forks chances are they will last a good 4 years with regular services. And if there is little damage in the form of scratches and the stanchions are clean then there shouldn't be a problem.
  • 4 0
 @Jordmackay: I was not disagreeing with you, as I said, I would buy a used fork. Not everyone wants to.
  • 5 0
 Get a Suntour Durolux - still cost less than a 2nd hand Fox 36
  • 4 8
flag Jordmackay (Apr 22, 2021 at 8:18) (Below Threshold)
 @NotNamed: Because its shit.
  • 1 4
 @Genewich: Well they are not the sharpest tools in the shed
  • 6 0
 @Jordmackay: Nope, the RC2 damper from Suntour is really good and reviews also state that.
  • 2 0
 You want mine? It'll cost you the price of a new Zeb used tho...
  • 1 1
 @tgent: Looking for a 38 I'm afraid. Already have 36s fitted.
  • 4 0
 @Jordmackay: I was mostly joking, but my point is a used 38/36 is closer to the price of a new Zeb, especially at the moment... RS is killing Fox on their prices.
  • 1 1
 Does it come in a non boost option
  • 2 0
 No fork will come in non-boost these days. Thankfully front hubs are relatively inexpensive and very simple. A cheap one will do the trick just fine. The value in a fancy hub set is about 95% in the rear hub.
  • 1 0
 love it i have a old one
  • 1 1
 Thats about $400 too much for getting that Damper in 2021.
  • 1 0
 The weight.....
  • 1 0
 no coil version? fail
  • 4 5
 Too bad it doesn't go to 190 like the Zeb.
  • 5 8
 Can't wait to hear people complaining about single crown
  • 19 10
 They should be complaining about the MoCo damper. I think don't think a 180mm fork with that bad of a damper should even exist.
  • 10 8
 @jeremy3220: yari existed for years without anybody compaining
  • 9 1
 @Noeserd: Yari existed for years with everyone saying it got quickly out of it's depth on big hits. However, its like it was deliberately hobbled as my old MoCo Boxxers never spiked like my 10+ year younger Yaris did
  • 6 1
 @Noeserd: I owned one and I complained a lot until I got a better fork. MoCo is terrible at handling repeated hits. Ok if the trail is smooth or the obstacles have a lot of space between them.
  • 4 1
 @jeremy3220: I agree, motion control isn't very good. Any version of the charger is miles ahead.
  • 2 3
 @Noeserd: You must be joking
  • 1 0
 @Noeserd: probably jeremy was complaining too quietly
  • 3 0
 Okay i might have talked a bit too sure, sorry
  • 4 0
 Considering it's just as heavy as a dual crown Boxxer... with less travel. Just go full DH!
  • 2 0
 I wonder how heavy my old 180mm domain coil was back in the day...
  • 3 0
 @hamncheez: I dunno but you've just reminded me of the Argyle.... that was a big 'un
  • 6 3
 @jeremy3220: If you're complaining about the MC damper, pony up for a Zeb... The solution already exists.
  • 2 0
 @tgent: as i've already mentioned though, my old Boxxer MoCo never spiked so why does 15 years of progress mean a new one does? The cynic in me wonders if they've done it deliberately to make sure there's a big enough performance gap between the mid and high end forks
  • 2 1
 @tgent: I bought a Factory 38
  • 1 2
 @tgent: Also, you're making the same point I am. The solution is a better damper.
  • 2 1
 @jeremy3220: True, but my point is this is a great option considering the price point. Everyone's expecting a top end fork, but it costs $550, half the cost of a 38...
  • 2 0
 @tgent: nobody is expecting a top end fork, just pointing out that 15 years ago MoCos didn’t spike but now they do....
Doesn’t have to have the last eat cutting edge damper to keep people happy
  • 4 1
 @tgent: No one is expecting a top end fork. My point is, if you need 180mm of travel this damper isn't going to cut it. The MoCo damper is fine for cheaper mid/short travel bikes. It's sorta like speccing Level brakes and 160mm rotors on a 180mm travel bike, it's not that Level brakes shouldn't exist, it's that they shouldn't exist on 180mm bikes.
  • 2 1
 @jeremy3220: agreed
  • 1 1
 @mashrv1: literally can’t really tell the difference between my yari and pikes if anything i prefer the yari for having a better chassis. There’s definitely not a big performance difference between the two anyway. At this price and especially the price You’l be able to buy domains online you really can’t complain. Even if they have 75% of the performance of my zebs you’ve got a great deal.
  • 3 0
 @thenotoriousmic: we’ll have to agree to disagree on that one. I went Pike (Charger) > Yari (MoCo) > Yari (Charger), felt the difference was considerable. Could be one of those things where being 62kg work against me though
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: I had one too! I think it was over 8 lbs if I recall. Steel stanchions
  • 1 0
 @mashrv1: not strictly true. There were several different versions of MoCo back then; the one used in Boxxers had a different orifice design/relief valve cover thingy at the bottom of the MoCo unit that allowed for a higher oil flow rate vs the standard version. Whilst both versions did still occasionally spike, the higher end one made a noticeable difference with big hits from what I remember. My standard version would spike often even pushed hard on medium sized repeated hits or very large single hits whereas the Boxxer versions I rode seemed to be much better on the same runs. Wasn’t the biggest issue in the world as it was totally acceptable for the time though. Still, I’d give my left nut to ride an old Z1 with beautiful plush af open bath damping again, even though I know I’m probably remembering how good they were with rose tinted specs
  • 1 0
 @arna86: Flood Gate was the name of that feature. 15 years (at least) of progress and still spiking though....? Still cynical that it’s only being held back to create a useful (for RS) performance gap
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