Long-term Review: RockShox Pike RCT3
There can be no doubt that the current most requested trail fork is the new RockShox Pike. We rode the new incarnation of the RockShox classic fork for more than six months using several test bikes, different sizes and different versions. It’s time to give a first summary!
On paper the Pike ticks a lot of boxes: solid 35mm stanchions, asymmetric castings and a clean black look, similar to the Blackbox models, all details sure to catch the riders eye. The fork is available for all three wheelsizes and with travel between 140 and 160 millimeters. The buyer can choose between the “Solo Air” cartridge and the “Dual Position Air”-system, which lets you easily reduce the travel up to 30 millimeters.
Inside the Pike RockShox is taking a new approach with its “Charger” damping system: After running through the shimstack, the oil flows into an elastic bladder, rather than the fixed cylinder used before. This has allowed RockShox to completely eliminate air from the damping system, resulting in a very consistent action.
The RCT3 feature allows the rider to switch between three different damping settings: open, pedal and climb. In most conditions we went with the open setting – through long steep climbs and downhills we could not have wished for more damping than the open mode provided.
When riding with the Pike, the most striking factor is how high in travel the fork generally sits, without being uncomfortable. Its responsiveness to even the smallest bumps is great! Fast and high-frequent bumps aren’t a problem for the fork either – thanks to the “Rapid Recovery” technology. This feature is part of the rebound damping and keeps the fork supportive and high in travel even when the terrain gets really rough. In consequence, you get more feedback, more control and more traction. Also, the geometry of the bike is preserved, even in steep, rocky downhills.
And what about the long-term durability? Well, after six months of heavy use, none of the tested Pikes show any signs of fatigue or wear. Even after countless bad weather rides all forks perform as well as they did on their first day.
Conclusion
RockShox has achieved a huge success with the Pike. Its clean look, low weight and outstanding performance on all kinds of trails make the Pike the new Benchmark for trail forks. Any issues? – negative!
Words: Aaron Steinke / Christoph Bayer | Photos: Robin Schmitt, Christoph Bayer
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