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Suspension

RockShox Lyrik RCT3 Solo Air

One for the big hitting mid travel bikes

The RockShox Lyrik RCT3 Solo Air was a fork that really needed to deliver longer travel and performance to match. Especially once Fox had launched their new 36 at 180mm travel for enduro style riding, comprising big days on big occasion trails, that demand a little more than what forks such as the RockShox Pike and Fox 34 were able to offer.

Obviously it’s a big question knowing when to reach for the Lyrik over the Pike because the latter is a stellar performer and well capable for a huge range of trail/enduro style bikes. The Lyrik however, is one for the likes of the YT Capra, Nicolai custom, Orange Alpine, GT Sanction or Mondraker Dune, the bikes pushing 170mm rear travel. We’d also love to bolt a 160mm Lyrik to the Specialized Enduro to try and get some parity with the big hitting Ohlins damper.

“it’s a big question knowing when to reach for the Lyrik over the Pike”

What RockShox are offering here is 160/170/180 in 27.5” and 150/160 for 29” wheels and there is also a Boost (110mm axle spacing) option in 27.5” and 29”/27.5” + which will be of very, very serious interest over the coming years. In fact it would be interesting getting the Boost Lyrik on the Specialized Enduro and comparing the 29” and 27.5”+ with the both wheel sizes.

With Dual Position and Solo Air options and bottomless tokens (to aid tuning), one of the key selling points of the Lyrik might well be the real time prices the forks will be for sale at. Already we are seeing the Lyrik down to around the £600 mark whereas the Fox 36 is difficult to get at these lower prices. 

Performance wise the Lyrik has a rounder, slightly less sensitive feeling compared to the Fox, whereas the 36 is clean, crisp and marvellously fluid. The Fox has more detailed adjustment; a range of axle options and is the better fork. But it slightly more expensive and the Lyrik is not a million miles off the 36.

For many riders it will come down to which brand they prefer and if they can get used to the faff of dealing with allen keys to get the front wheel in and out. A step up from the Pike, with an ability to ride on higher pressures with increased suppleness on the initial part of the travel, the Lyrik is a fork for the big event.

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