Charger 2 Upgrade -...
 

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[Closed] Charger 2 Upgrade - worth the dosh?

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I've got a A1 Pike RCT and currently I can get a RCT 2.0 damper for £140...
There is nothing really wrong with the current charger (and its just been bled) but wondering what difference the 2.0 will really make in reality.


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 8:23 am
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There were lots of threads on tuning charger dampers on MTBR, but it seemed the conclusion that upgrading was less effective than just getting your shim stack tuned.

That said, I would wager either option would have less impact upon your riding experience than a new set of tyres, a new riding outfit, a new helmet, some lights or petrol to get to a new riding destination.


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 11:34 am
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I didn't notice much difference Changer 1 to 2.0, the Debonair air shaft upgrade was a much bigger improvement.

Charger 2.1 (RC2) was better though, as you can dial the HSC off more IIRC.


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 11:37 am
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There's a reason there was such a small time gap between the charger 2 and the 2.1.

Even now, the RCT3 compromises the compression circuit to provide lockout. RC2 is the better damper unless you really need lockout.

I'd rather spend money tuning a charger 1 than buying a charger 2. There's a reason they're half the price of the 2.1


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 11:40 am
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often wondered this as ive converted my pikes to coil
i have the rct3, i dont use lockout.. but occasionally use pedal.. but im loathe to dial in LSC and leave it as i have lots of nice coily softness.....


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 11:47 am
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R2bike have RCT3 charger 2.1s for ~185. Waiting on mine to turn up today or tomorrow. Can't remember the rc2 price off the tops of my head.


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 12:37 pm
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R2bike have RCT3 charger 2.1s for ~185. Waiting on mine to turn up today or tomorrow. Can’t remember the rc2 price off the tops of my head.

Maybe more interesting ... though there is a point I guess I'd just get the RC2.

There’s a reason there was such a small time gap between the charger 2 and the 2.1.

Even now, the RCT3 compromises the compression circuit to provide lockout. RC2 is the better damper unless you really need lockout.

I’d rather spend money tuning a charger 1 than buying a charger 2. There’s a reason they’re half the price of the 2.1

Yeah, my Lyrics are RC2 but the Pikes are used by the 35kg 11yr old so perhaps worth looking into more tuning.
Ultimately I don't think there is much wrong with his Pikes (other than limited travel) that perhaps some stickers wouldn't sort and he's just got "fork envy"? He's pricing up 36's but I think it's mainly because I got new forks but either way I want to keep the weight down, hence the murdered out Pikes.


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 1:19 pm
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alan1977
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but im loathe to dial in LSC and leave it as i have lots of nice coily softness…..

but the joy of coil is that you can play with damping and still have that lovely feel, you'll just also get more control


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 1:39 pm
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I don’t think there is much wrong with his Pikes (other than limited travel)

Has he got the Debonair air shaft? If not, get that fitted in the first instance.

Should make even more of a difference for an 11 year old.


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 1:53 pm
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Has he got the Debonair air shaft? If not, get that fitted in the first instance

Yep best £35-£40ish upgrade IMHO. If I thought the Charger 2 would give a similar level @£140 I'd be happy... but I'd expect the 2.1 RC2 will be £200 (based on the price from R2bike above .. where incidentally I got the Lyriks)


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 2:09 pm
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Build quality of the RC2 is not as good as the original charger, lots of plastic parts. Just swapped a broken 2019 RC2 for 2016 RCT3 virtually no noticable performance difference.


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 5:36 pm
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I had a charger 1 Pike RC and a charger 2 Lyrik RCT3. The Lyrik had the edge but it wasn’t night and day different I wouldn’t say. Probably not worth the upgrade.

TF Tuned said the Charger 1 is more robust inside - I think there’s a company that do an upgrade kit for the Charger 1 - maybe Fast?

If upgrading from a Pike I’d take a Lyrik over a 36.

But he’s only 11 / 35kgs - why would he need a burlier chassis than a pike?


 
Posted : 01/10/2020 6:22 pm

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