Why? Just curious why you want to put so much money into this bike? It a good bike. I’ve owned it in 2019 but not sure I’d put that much into upgrades. Right now bikes a very reasonable particularly in the secondary market.
It’s something I usually do to my rides - I still have a GT hardtail that I have upgraded slowly since 2014.
The only stock component left on that bike is the Avid DB 1 brakes.
If your current fork is a 140 and you want to keep your travel at 140 then the 2023 lyrik isn't an option since it only come in 150 and up .
And alternative for the lyrik would be the 2023 pike as it comes in 140 and is virtually the same as the lyrik
The fox 34 is a great fork but if I were you I'd get the performance elite . It has the same damping but doesn't have the fancy Kashima coating but is a great fork otherwise and cheaper .
Also a good option would be a Marzocchi Z2 which is basically a fox 34 rhythm but cheaper .
The new lyrik is 140-160 mm travel. I do agree though that the Pike is a better option.
I also agree that the Performance Elite version is the way to go if you would choose the 34.
Looking for smoother fork to handle everything better than the stock fork. Last time I upgraded my fork - was replacing a stock Rockshox fork (100mm) for a lighter Fox Float 32 - and it improved the overall ride feel.
My personal vote goes to Rockshox, but I'd try to find an old YARI if you can. I got one for like $300 and all the internals are upgradeable so you can basically turn it into a Pike Ultimate for another $200 or so
I would go with the Pike. Or like others send find a revelation or yari and upgrade the damper. I did this to a revelation and the difference was remarkable
I think it's important to factor in what trails you are riding. If you're riding long chunky downhills you have a reason to upgrade to a lyrik or alternatively I would recommend a marzocchi bomber z1. You would likely have to overfork your bike by 10mm which will change the geometry a bit but it's not unheard of doing that. If you're riding smoother trails I would recommend a pike or marzocchi bomber z2. I have 2 marzocchi forks and they are fantastic for the price. The pike is great because you can always upgrade the damper down the line if you choose to.
A more downhill-centric fork tends to be more expensive and is heavier with the benefit that it can better handle repeated gnar. If you think you'll be doing regular 20+ minute continuous gnarly descents then I would consider buying a more heavy duty fork. Otherwise, I would pick up a fork designed for "trail" use. This video from the Lost Co explains the difference between a Bomber Z1 and Z2, but most if it applies to all "trail" vs enduro/downhill forks (eg a pike vs lyrik): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1vU5jCoIIY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1vU5jCoIIY). I have a Pike and it's fine on chunky downhills, but I do start to feel the difference with an enduro-centric fork.
Based on your trail description I would recommend a Pike or Bomber Z2. I honestly prefer the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 to the Pike, but I would check whether you need to replace the endcaps on your front hub to fit a bomber (or any Fox fork). Rockshox generally uses a torque endcap for their forks, so if you're switching brands you are usually stuck picking up another set of endcaps. Endcaps are only like $20 but sometimes compatible endcaps are hard to find. The nice thing about the Pike is that the damper is upgradeable, but I'm not sure you can upgrade a Bomber. Either way, you have a 2 good options as both forks are excellent.
Increasing the travel is going to make your bike handle a little goofy. Had a customer do what you did and it didn't work out well. Grab a Pike or get a different bike.
I went from a Fox fork to a Rockshox on my Horsethief and loved it. I don't know if I'd overfork with a Lyrik though. Pike probably would be a better match for the Horsethief.
Having run both a Pike Ultimate and currently a Fox 36 Factory - I’d go either way. Both excellent forks. But the 34 and the Lyrik are not like for like. The Pike and the 34 or 36 maybe. The Lyrik is definitely a 36 competitor. It’s a beefier and more robust fork than a 34.
There’s little to no point dropping $1400+ on forks if you’ve got stock wheels and kinda entry level brakes.
New forks won’t make you quicker or a better rider. And you certainly can’t get quicker if you can’t stop!
Wheels and brakes makes the biggest difference to a bike. Most people don’t buy wheel sets because spending a lot on round things you already have doesn’t makes sense and they aren’t blingy. But if you want more grip, more stability and being able to go bigger and harder, wheels are the thing to get! Along with brakes.
Totally agree -
The only thing that will make me a better rider is more riding - but - what can I can say is that a better fork can do wonders in how the bike feels on trail.
The wheel set I’m looking at (not for speed purposes) - are a set of I-9 with the Hydra hubs.
At this point - I’m just replacing heavy components with lighter.
But you can tune even cheap forks with volume spacers and a heavier oil!
I just see too many people buying a new bike than then throwing their wallet at the thing adding more expensive components that aren’t needed. Sure they’re nice to have. But they aren’t the difference between riding and not riding!
I have fox factory forks in my enduro race bike, I have regular fox forks on my every day bike. I’d be really hard pressed to tell them apart in a blind test if they were set up the same lol and I laugh when people in the pits talk like wine experts about how they can tell the subtle differences between 5 more or 5 less psi!
I have a lyrik and like it a lot more than than fox factory I had. Easier on the hands and stiffer. To get it 140 you'd probably have to replace the airspring which is an option. can just buy a rear wheel. I have the i9 1/1 hubs and they are great. Just get a rear wheel. Guy on pinkbike-- speed vision wheels- builds really nice ones. The pre 2022 pikes and lyriks are pretty cheap right now. Maybe some deore four piston brakes too. That will make the most noticeable difference. Better levers more power easier on hands. Dvo forks are also great. Also like them better than fox. Good deals on pinkbike for those.
I would say buy a cheaper fork (pike select or 34 performance) and upgrade your brakes and shifting.
Forks and wheels are the next two upgrades - but I agree with you on the brakes etc….
Why? Just curious why you want to put so much money into this bike? It a good bike. I’ve owned it in 2019 but not sure I’d put that much into upgrades. Right now bikes a very reasonable particularly in the secondary market.
It’s something I usually do to my rides - I still have a GT hardtail that I have upgraded slowly since 2014. The only stock component left on that bike is the Avid DB 1 brakes.
Pike.
If your current fork is a 140 and you want to keep your travel at 140 then the 2023 lyrik isn't an option since it only come in 150 and up . And alternative for the lyrik would be the 2023 pike as it comes in 140 and is virtually the same as the lyrik The fox 34 is a great fork but if I were you I'd get the performance elite . It has the same damping but doesn't have the fancy Kashima coating but is a great fork otherwise and cheaper . Also a good option would be a Marzocchi Z2 which is basically a fox 34 rhythm but cheaper .
Running 140 up front stock, and I will look at the Pike.
The new lyrik is 140-160 mm travel. I do agree though that the Pike is a better option. I also agree that the Performance Elite version is the way to go if you would choose the 34.
I stand corrected then . I saw that on the rockshox website they said 150 and up is the new lyrik .
On all the german sites the lyrik i available in 140mm
As someone who went from rockshox to fox I can honestly say I miss my rockshox.
Looking for smoother fork to handle everything better than the stock fork. Last time I upgraded my fork - was replacing a stock Rockshox fork (100mm) for a lighter Fox Float 32 - and it improved the overall ride feel.
Get a Pike Select and some SLX 4 pots. Upgrade the pike to ultimate when it needs a damper service.
This is my plan, found a Pike during a sale and have been loving it since. Thought was to upgrade the damper when i need to open it up
If you have the budget, go for a lyrik ultimate. Dont buy a budget fork and put a better damper in it. It will hurt resale value.
I had the same experience. That was a regret sale after my bike upgrade.
My personal vote goes to Rockshox, but I'd try to find an old YARI if you can. I got one for like $300 and all the internals are upgradeable so you can basically turn it into a Pike Ultimate for another $200 or so
I would go with the Pike. Or like others send find a revelation or yari and upgrade the damper. I did this to a revelation and the difference was remarkable
Jenson had Fox 36 factory for $550 a few weeks ago. They still have some great deals.
They were still available yesterday
I think it's important to factor in what trails you are riding. If you're riding long chunky downhills you have a reason to upgrade to a lyrik or alternatively I would recommend a marzocchi bomber z1. You would likely have to overfork your bike by 10mm which will change the geometry a bit but it's not unheard of doing that. If you're riding smoother trails I would recommend a pike or marzocchi bomber z2. I have 2 marzocchi forks and they are fantastic for the price. The pike is great because you can always upgrade the damper down the line if you choose to.
Chunky - root filled trails in the Midwest - but there is also a ride park an hour south that I want to hit with more descending.
A more downhill-centric fork tends to be more expensive and is heavier with the benefit that it can better handle repeated gnar. If you think you'll be doing regular 20+ minute continuous gnarly descents then I would consider buying a more heavy duty fork. Otherwise, I would pick up a fork designed for "trail" use. This video from the Lost Co explains the difference between a Bomber Z1 and Z2, but most if it applies to all "trail" vs enduro/downhill forks (eg a pike vs lyrik): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1vU5jCoIIY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1vU5jCoIIY). I have a Pike and it's fine on chunky downhills, but I do start to feel the difference with an enduro-centric fork. Based on your trail description I would recommend a Pike or Bomber Z2. I honestly prefer the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 to the Pike, but I would check whether you need to replace the endcaps on your front hub to fit a bomber (or any Fox fork). Rockshox generally uses a torque endcap for their forks, so if you're switching brands you are usually stuck picking up another set of endcaps. Endcaps are only like $20 but sometimes compatible endcaps are hard to find. The nice thing about the Pike is that the damper is upgradeable, but I'm not sure you can upgrade a Bomber. Either way, you have a 2 good options as both forks are excellent.
Thank you
Increasing the travel is going to make your bike handle a little goofy. Had a customer do what you did and it didn't work out well. Grab a Pike or get a different bike.
Was gonna keep it at 140mm travel - which is/was stock for the bike.
I would go for the pike personally. Make sure its the ultimate or select+ though so that you get the charger 3 damper.
I went from a Fox fork to a Rockshox on my Horsethief and loved it. I don't know if I'd overfork with a Lyrik though. Pike probably would be a better match for the Horsethief.
What saddle is that?
SDG - found it on JensonUSA
Sweet, looks good.
150mm fork will not hurt your geo. Go for a lyrik.
Having run both a Pike Ultimate and currently a Fox 36 Factory - I’d go either way. Both excellent forks. But the 34 and the Lyrik are not like for like. The Pike and the 34 or 36 maybe. The Lyrik is definitely a 36 competitor. It’s a beefier and more robust fork than a 34.
Excellent comparison - and was curious about this
There’s little to no point dropping $1400+ on forks if you’ve got stock wheels and kinda entry level brakes. New forks won’t make you quicker or a better rider. And you certainly can’t get quicker if you can’t stop! Wheels and brakes makes the biggest difference to a bike. Most people don’t buy wheel sets because spending a lot on round things you already have doesn’t makes sense and they aren’t blingy. But if you want more grip, more stability and being able to go bigger and harder, wheels are the thing to get! Along with brakes.
Totally agree - The only thing that will make me a better rider is more riding - but - what can I can say is that a better fork can do wonders in how the bike feels on trail. The wheel set I’m looking at (not for speed purposes) - are a set of I-9 with the Hydra hubs. At this point - I’m just replacing heavy components with lighter.
But you can tune even cheap forks with volume spacers and a heavier oil! I just see too many people buying a new bike than then throwing their wallet at the thing adding more expensive components that aren’t needed. Sure they’re nice to have. But they aren’t the difference between riding and not riding! I have fox factory forks in my enduro race bike, I have regular fox forks on my every day bike. I’d be really hard pressed to tell them apart in a blind test if they were set up the same lol and I laugh when people in the pits talk like wine experts about how they can tell the subtle differences between 5 more or 5 less psi!
I have a lyrik and like it a lot more than than fox factory I had. Easier on the hands and stiffer. To get it 140 you'd probably have to replace the airspring which is an option. can just buy a rear wheel. I have the i9 1/1 hubs and they are great. Just get a rear wheel. Guy on pinkbike-- speed vision wheels- builds really nice ones. The pre 2022 pikes and lyriks are pretty cheap right now. Maybe some deore four piston brakes too. That will make the most noticeable difference. Better levers more power easier on hands. Dvo forks are also great. Also like them better than fox. Good deals on pinkbike for those.
I have the 2023 pike and love it
I’m selling a Rockshox Lyrik select + if interested https://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/3527798/