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Evidently, the suspension is among the biggest factors for ride quality. This is when you are talking about bikes and what affects a good ride.
In this case, an air-sprung fork can help to enhance the delivery of your bike.
If you have a bike with a coil-sprung fork, you might want to opt for the air-sprung fork.
Rockshox Forks are among the best units out there, and you can be sure of having a reliable fork that makes your bike rides smooth enough.
In this article, we will be exploring the Rockshox Forks best to worst for helping you to know which one to go for first.
Even the least-favorite Rockshox Fork still delivers better than most units out there.
Best Rockshox Forks Comparison 2020
Last update on 2020-11-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
RockShox Forks Best to Worst Review 2020
There are several forks from Rockshox out there. Nevertheless, these five make the cut in our review today.
Keep in mind that the ranking is based on our experiences. They may not be as per your expectations.
RockShox Judy Gold RL Suspension Fork
The best Rockshox Fork is this Lucy Gold RL, which comes in two versions for you to pick the one that suits you or your bike best.
You get the Gold SL and the Silver TK. With the Judy Silver TK fork, it is OEM only, and it is made of cheap steel upper tubes, along with a Turnkey damper.
On the other hand, the Gold SL comes with a lightweight alloy stanchion that is anodized black.
This anodized black color gives the fork a nice mini-Pike theme. Besides that, there is a motion control RL damper with lockout, along with a rebound and an adjustable compression.
The fork comes with 80mm to 120mm travel, and it’s also compatible with wide tires of up to 2.8 inches.
You can get them in both 27.5 and 29 inches options. There are also some wider and stronger boost-specific chassis that helps to better the overall ride.
Plus, there is the Solo Air spring inside the left-hand fork leg, which allows you to make quick and easy spring pressure adjustment for different rider weights. The right-hand fork leg then comes with the Motion Control RL damper.
It comes with a blue lever on the crown that allows you to adjust the compression to a full lockout.
On the other hand, rebound damping will be controlled at the base of the same fork leg.
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CONS
Latest Guide: Rigid Fork Vs Suspension Fork
Rockshox Lyrix Ultimate Boost Fork
This 29-inch boost fork claims second place, and it truly is among the best out there.
It comes with the Maxima Plush oil that helps to cut down the friction. In turn, this enhances the smoothness of the stroke.
This is an improvement of the oil used previously. Generally, the Maxima Plush oil will better seal lubrication.
The fork comes with 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, and 180mm travel options. It is made of a stanchion material of fast-black coated aluminum.
The lower is made of magnesium, while the crown is made of forged hollow 7050 aluminum.
This one comes with an updated damper. The Charger 2.1 damper features advancements in its high-speed compression damping.
With this, you can be sure of reduced harshness and change in the low-speed compression settings.
In other words, you can run the highest compression amount and feel the benefits of an agile fork.
It comes with a rebound circuit that is updated to let the fork ride higher in its travel, especially when you are rolling across brake bumps and rocky terrains.
Thanks to the 42mm and 51mm available offsets, you can pair up the fork with your steed for better compatibility on the trail.
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Rockshox Yari RC B3 Suspension Fork
Yari RC B3 is the third-best suspension fork in our experience. It delivers decently, the price tag is not too high, and you can be sure of enjoying working with it.
In terms of the looks, this fork combines the Pike’s and Lyrik’s look that is quite classy.
There is the Motion Control damper that comes with the Rapid Recovery rebound.
Along with that, there is a high-speed compression circuit that is tweaked to match the Charger damper feeling.
You also get a fast black coating on the upper tubes, which helps to enhance the durability of the fork.
Besides that, this coating helps to cut down the friction. This fork also comes with a stiff 35mm like Lyrik, and it features the Debonair spring as well.
With the Motion Control damper and wiper seals, you will have an easy time when setting it up.
The fork pushes the O-ring to the top of the stanchion. As a result, this makes it easier to see how much travel is used.
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CONS
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RockShox Pike Ultimate Boost Fork
If we were ranking these suspension forks based on their looks, this one would be possible the first product.
It comes with a glossy silver and black finish that makes it look cool on your bike. We have to acknowledge the fresh graphics that it comes with.
Besides that, this is a super-accurate fork that delivers maximum feedback and consistent geometry as well.
It is a mid-weight, mid-travel fork that offers an easy riding experience. The fork comes with overhauled internals that assures you of incredible trail control without excess weight.
You can use a thick tire with this fork, thanks to the wide-arch architecture. There is a 35mm stanchion that gives the fork the ability to track predictably.
It will not bind or flutter, regardless of the riding condition. Even in the rough rides, and if the big brake rotor works hard, it will not bind.
We would recommend this fork to riders that prefer slopestyle or speed, or freeride events.
It might not be the best pick among other RockShox suspension forks, but it outperforms a lot of forks out there.
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RockShox Recon Silver RL D1 Suspension Fork
Recon Silver RL D1 is the least-favorite suspension fork but might still work for some people.
This is just a ranking based on our experience. If you are on a tight budget and you need a moderate suspension fork to fix on your bike, this fella would easily wear those shoes.
This air fork comes with a new design from its predecessors, and the delivery is decent as well.
The fork comes with Reba S venerable crown and lower legs, along with Recon S bombproof steel upper tubes.
In other words, you will be sure of having a long-lasting fork that can take a beating as you cruise those rough terrains.
The Motion Control damping features low-speed compression adjustment. Besides that, the fork comes with forged hollow aluminum corn for extra durability.
This fork comes with shorter upper tubes that make it lighter and speed-friendly.
You get a fork that is supple over rough and rocky terrain, which then offers you precise and easy handling.
There is a 32mm stanchion that makes the fork stiff enough to the front end.
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How to Choose the Best One?
When choosing the best RockShox suspension fork or a fork from a different brand, it is not only about choosing the highest-ranked forks.
Rather, it is important to consider the major factors that make a good suspension fork for your bike. Here are the things to consider;
Travel
Suspension forks out there are designed for every type of bike. Some are suited for cross-country bikes, while others work well for trail bikes.
When it comes to the travel of the fork, you need to consider the type of bike that it is meant for.
Cross-country bikes work well with 80mm to 120mm suspension travel. On the other hand, trail bikes range from 120mm to 140mm travel, while Enduro and mountain bikes come with a 150mm to 170mm travel rating.
Downhill or gravity rigs are rated between 180mm and 210mm. Always choose the fork with the right travel rating.
For the record, travel is the maximum distance that the front or rear suspension of the bike can compress before bottoming out when absorbing force.
Control
A higher journey will always mean that it will be harder to control. That is why you need good damping control.
Ideally, go for adjustable rebound damping to allow the fork to return smoothly to its natural ride height. It will prevent it from bouncing back up with a clang.
Check that the fork comes with a good compression damper that makes the spring to slow down and absorb impacts.
Compatibility
Before you purchase the suspension fork, ensure that it is perfectly compatible with your tire and bike.
Most suspension forks out there come with tapered steerer tubes that measure 1.125 at the stem and 1.5inch at the crown.
Generally, ensure that you choose a fork that is perfectly compatible with the tire you intend to use.
Furthermore, consider the weight or strength of the fork in relation to your riding needs.
Cross-country riders and climbers tend to go for light forks, while progressive envelope pushers would do better with heavy forks.
Above all, check that the price tag matches the value of the fork in general.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pick an air or coil-sprung suspension fork?
Air suspension comes with a chamber of compressed air that offers the suspension, while coil-sprung suspension works around using a spring.
With an air-sprung fork, it can be adjusted to suit the weight of the rider. Nevertheless, coil-sprung forks are best suited to heavier riders.
Are good looking forks always the best?
Not exactly. The delivery of a suspension fork is not only based on its appearance.
Consider the aforementioned factors when finding a good fork.
What brand is the best for a suspension fork?
There are multiple brands out there that make durable and reliable suspension forks.
Nevertheless, RockShox, Bolany, Manitou, and FOX Factory are among the top brands to consider.
When should I change the suspension fork?
If the fork or shock begins to feel harsh and it loses small bumps, it might be time to get a new one.
How much should I pay for a suspension fork?
Suspension forks come with different price tags based on delivery and quality.
Some go for less than $200, but you can get forks that go for way over $900. It is all about your budget and the delivery of the fork.
Final Words
There goes our Rockshox Forks best to worst review. Even with this list, we can’t advise you to directly go for the one we ranked the first and forego the last product. Instead, weigh your options and ensure that the fork works for you perfectly.
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