Remember the Pike? Sure you do, after all, shortly after it was released in 2005 it was one of the forks to have thanks to its lightweight but stout chassis complete with 20mm thru axle. Originally produced for the developing trail and all-mountain segment, the Pike ended up being lowered and loved by dirt jumpers as well looking for a burly fork without the wieght, which eventually evolved into Pargyles, but I digress. The Pike has been absent for quite a few years, but it’s back and better than ever.
Meet the new Pike – 26, 27.5, and 29 All Mountain/Enduro capability in a package that’s barely over 4 pounds.
The all new Pike promised Lyrik stiffness, with Revelation weight. In order to do so, Rockshox had to create an all new chassis based on 35mm stanchions, a new crown, an asymmetrical lower, and a redesigned, dedicated 15x100mm Maxle Lite.
Controlling the new fork is the new Charger damper with Rapid Recovery which utilizes a rubber bladder similar to that used on the Fox Fit Dampers. Using an extruded bladder design, the system is incredibly robust and allows for a bled damping system keeping any air out. There are 2 different damping models, the RCT3 and the RC with the RCT3 offering external rebound, low speed compression, 3-position compression (Open/Pedal/Lock) adjustment.
Available in tapered steerers only, the Pike will be offered in 150 and 160mm versions for the 26 and 27.5 wheel sizes, with a 140 and 150mm travel version for the 29ers. Weights for the forks start with the 26” at 1835g (4.05 lb), the 27.5” at 1861g (4.10 lb), and the 29” at 1876g (4.14 lb). From the release it sounds like all the forks will be Dual Position Air except for the 140mm 29er fork which will be Solo Air. The Pike will be offered in Black and White and it should be noted that the black coating on the stanchions is still just a cosmetic black annodization, no DLC yet.
As mentioned, the Maxle Lite has been redesigned with an internal cam to keep dirt out and the mechanism working freely. It also looks more sleek and probably lighter weight. MSRP: $980-1085
While not completely new, the Monarch Plus receives many updates that help bring it to the next level.
Built with the same Rapid Recovery rebound as the Pike, the Monarch Plus now has twice the rebound range as well as increased compression flow thanks to the lager 10mm shaft diameter. Because the internal compression circuit is smoother, the new shock is quieter with more control. The new air can offers more negative space for better small bump compliance as well. MSRP: $486
Finally, the Reverb Stealth gets updated with a pretty sweet quick disconnect coupler called the Connectamajig. The coupler allows the hose to be removed and reconnected from the seatpost several times before a bleed of the system is needed. This is not only great news for companies assembling bikes at their factories, but for anyone wishing to pack their bike up to travel as well. There is also a new 150mm travel option and 34.9 seatpost diameters in all travels. MSRP: $384 – $455
