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I’ve never been a fan of the Rockshox Revelation (150mm 29) I’m running on my full sus. The time has probably come to replace. Was thinking of a Fox 36, but they don’t seem to do a 150 (is that right?). Is a Lyrik a significant upgrade from a Rev?Recommendations…? Thanks
I'm pretty sure the 36 Factory and Performance models do come in 150mm.
I have a 36 (the basic Rhythm OEM version) and the RS Pike Ultimate, Manitou Mezzer or even a Marzocchi Z1 Coil would be my choices if I were to upgrade.
The Lyrik should be a noticeable upgrade too though, depending on the model (I had an older 26" U-Turn Mission Control model and it was great, if a little heavy).
What spec/how old is the revelation and what is it doing that you don't like? They're not identical but there's a lot of similarities across the whole rockshox range now so frinstance if you're not getting on with a charger damper in one, it's not going to be so different in another.
I am 100% sure you can adapt a 36 to 150mm but I don't know if you can buy them that way. It's about £55 for an air shaft IIRC, quite annoyingly expensive.
I think every fork above xc use can be improved with a coil personally but it's a lot to spend on a fork you don't like, in the event it doesn't fix the issues you're having.
You can change any of the 36 to be 150mm with an airspring swap. Right up to latest model. Well, except for the SL version, which is max 140mm.
Pike would be an upgrade.
Cane creek helm? I reduced mine to 150 (very easy) and I think it's great.
I had two bikes with revs and then bought lyrik ultimate and it was night and day better. But my x fusion mcqueens were also significantly better.
I’m very much a fit and forget kinda guy with suspension, so don’t want to be messing around with adjusting travel etc. could somebody explain the various Lyrik models please?
Standard STW recommend that hat you have, manitou Mezzer
What's the bike? And what is it that you dislike about the Revelation? If it's damping etc then you can have pretty much the same chassis/stiffness with a Pike, but with better damping, control or whatever. If you want more stiffness and better damping, a higher end Lyrik would make sense. I don't know about Fox mind, I've not ridden one for longer than an hour or two for ages. As a leftfield, Pike alternative option, the Manitou Mattoc Pro is fab ime, but fiddly to set up and way more niche, not even sure if they have a UK distributor currently.
But basically, Lyrik if you want more stiffness and better damping, but more weight. Pike if you want better damping at similar weight and stiffness would be my rough take.
A few basic questions, what's your budget, what bike is it going on, how much do you weigh and what kind of riding do you do?
Coric Jeht, built up relatively heavy duty. Trail and up duties, i.e. not xc. I’m a bit over twelve stone. The rev doesn’t soak up little stuff but also doesn’t feel good on big hits…
Realistically you're looking at a Lyrik or 36 then, I'm a big fan of the 36 and the Performance version is a very good set and forget fork (minimal adjustments). I think the Select+ or Ultimate is the Lyrik to go for, similar to Fox you get more adjustment the higher tier you go. Although I really like Manitou, it's much harder to get service parts for or even find at a reasonable price so unless you find a bargain, probably not worth it.
Merlin did have some very good deals recently but not sure what they've got at the moment. You can get some good 2nd hand deals as a lot of people are "upgrading" to a Zeb or 38
Thanks dc. Confirmed my thoughts.
I've had recent-ish Fox 36 and RS Pike, both of which were miles better than my old Yari (that had the same damper as the Revelation) so well worth the upgrade. Just watch out for the Select model of the Lyrik or Pike as the damper isn't a Charger. Weirdly Select+ is fine.
If I were buying I'd go for the Fox is there's not much price difference. I just prefer how they ride, seem smoother than RS.
If you don't want to spend hours fiddling with settings I believe the "Select+" version on current Rockshox forks is essentially the Ultimate damper etc. but with less adjustment (designed primarily to go on OEM full builds, but often found on Merlin etc.) so that's probably what I'd look for.
I changed from a regular Lyrik to an Ultimate on my Jeht and it was a massive difference even as a fairly amateur rider but I haven't changed a setting since, so if the Select+ had existed at the time that would have been perfect I think!
What's your budget? New or used?
Shame you missed the latest batch of £250 Fox 36s at Merlin, but they do have some for £350 still.
Would need a new air shaft but you could try it at 160mm first, might be good.