Fox 34 vs. RockShox Pike - 2020 Edition | Which Fork Wins?

Fox Shox and RockShox still own the market as leading two suppliers for mountain bike suspension in today's world with their Pike and 34, but MTB suspension forks for trail bikes in 2020 are probably the best they have ever been and it is hard to imagine how they can get any better. There are many other contributors to the trail bike suspension market but none are as well known as the titans we call Fox and RockShox. But which one is better? Fox supplying the notorious Float 34 fork in many offerings from boost and non-boost, 27.5" and 29" wheel sizes, a lighter Step-Cast chassis, factory or performance finishings and their proven 3-position FIT4 Damper. RockShox holds their ground with a more modern approach by only offering boost spacing and one aftermarket level, the ultimate series, and allowing an option to use torque caps for more hub stiffness and 2 color options. Jeff goes over the key differences between the two forks so press play and learn what bike requires which fork and hopefully, you can decide which for you should be running.
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[@WorldwideCyclery]

Which fork do you guys have, the RockShox Pike, Fox 34, or something else? Are you planning on purchasing one in the future? Let us know!

[@maxMax-ns9pg]

Worldwide Cyclery Fox easily has it in my opinion but I believe it would be a hitting blow to Rockshox if Fox came out with a Grip2 Fox 34

[@ryanmurtagh4065]

Looking to get a lefty. With fox dpx2 in the rear

[@christophesiegel]

Pike ! Just want an easy tunable and service fork

[@wonderwatch2239]

Why is there no pike RCT3, for sale, that makes it a bit simpler, and more like the 34....? I love my old pike RCT3 with the 2.0....

[@christianholmstedt8770]

I got the MRP Ribbon Air. You did make a video about it several months ago but why did you not put it in this video? It's the same category fork and a contender in this segment.

[@liamwoods5353]

I like all the forks, but I mostly like to spoon after I fork

[@abstraddic0442]

Fork that, it's all dudes in here man!

[@jdavis417]

If I had to use one word to describe the worst fork I ever had, it'd be "fantastic"! ;)

[@ericr7162]

😂🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

[@chickenclips]

FORK OFF MAN

[@cadenpavlovcic4]

What

[@curt5288]

Damn fork more expensive then my whole bike

[@just_T4U]

Its okay, 2021 year...

[@Ethan-vc2vq]

Yeah same

[@Ethan-vc2vq]

Cuz I still ride a kids hard tail cuz I am a kid

[@rajeealidao5296]

Same

[@adamneulander]

Do a vid on the cheapest of the pikes and 34s

[@rosskline]

I love the dynamic between you and your editor lol

[@I-Love-Taylor-Swift]

Great vid. That beginning always gets me!!

[@dylantyrie]

This was super helpful, I was looking to change my forks on my 1994 Marin and this helped me decide

[@Goodbarsix]

Best explanation I have watched yet. Thanks.

[@Ndcent23]

Worldwide has the best and most informative vids. I started riding about a year and a half ago and these are my go to vids that have helped guide me.

[@James-il3tq]

Fox 36 Float on my Rocky Mountain Altitude A50. Beautifully supple over roots and other small/med hits. Not the most adjustable with compression dial on top and rebound on bottom but if you don't need extra adjustments a fantastic fork for trails and some enduro. Handles my 240lb frames very well v

[@adamcvanwinkle]

2019 pike on a 130mm bike. Good call Jeff!

[@175thStreet]

Amazing! I love my Pike but agree that for a lighter build a 34 would be choice.

[@topside2233]

Nice work, well done and very helpful.

[@hollyhustlaah5937]

Solid explaination big thnk you!

[@vetmoto]

You said: "ride them blindfolded...." hahahahahha

[@jdavis417]

I double-dog dare you! :|

[@Sythedijne]

Followed by "that's a really challenging thing to do"

[@shredoverheels2959]

haha have u never ridden a bike blindfolded before?😂😂

[@dylanshen3904]

i just got a santa cruz hightower with the pike!excited

[@BigVanLittleAdventures]

Been riding the pike ultimate and really enjoying it.... Cant speak on the fox 34 but would love to try it.

[@jared_erickson]

I had the 120mm Fox Factory 34 step cast on my SB100 and that thing was freakin awesome. Super light, handled everything that I could throw at it and came back asking for more, although I probably should have run some more volume spacers in it. I do agree the Pike is definitely more for mid travel trail bikes, although you really can't go wrong with either. Kind of like Jeff said, 130/140 I would go Pike up front and 150+ I would go with a Fox 36 with the Grip2. Boom.

[@mikebrewer1346]

Does anyone actually hang onto their SB100's? Seems to be the bike everyone used to ride

[@jared_erickson]

@@mikebrewer1346 I wish I did, one of my favorite bikes! On an SB115 now :)

[@LeecMTB]

I have the pike 2019 rct3 it’s awesome loads of mid range support , pike all the way !!!

[@travelblogger7102]

Thanks for the video! Pretty useful information! But what about Charger RC damper? It's used in Pike Select fork for instance. There is no info in your article about it.

[@Ztah7]

IMO low speed comp makes more of a difference than most people realize Wasn’t a fan of the pike on my 2015 Tracer but the pike on my 2019 Jeffsy feels great, supple and bottomless. Both RCT3 must’ve just found the right setup this time around

[@19redmiata94]

I have a Cane Creek Helm coil on my 5010 and chameleon. 130mm on both and the Helm has 35mm stanchions and is super stiff. The coil also provides a nice plush ride.

[@yipyipyip]

Thanks Jeff I agree with your assessment of the forks for my riding anything over 130 mm should be Pike for trail riding

[@clstile]

My bike came with a Pike DJ and I was planning on upgrading to a FOX .. but now that I’ve had my ride for over a month I just don’t see the need .. the RS Pike DJ has been amazing to me and easy to adjust, and I’m a big fan of the “maxle” that came with it as well 🤙🏻

[@Pienimusta]

Like the simplicity of 34 Fit Grip's free adjusted 3-position damper. You can change it freely between the range of dampening, not just from full open to medium, but to somewhere middle if you want to. Easy to change on the fly depending on the changing terrain. For sure something like 36 Grip2 or Fit4 will be amazing, if you want to play with different settings, but perhaps sometimes less is more.

[@th_js]

In my opinion the Grip damper is better than Fit4.

[@Pienimusta]

@@th_js Especially the Grip2 for sure.

[@th_js]

@@Pienimusta Especially Grip2

[@DustyRiderTrailSeries]

I always watch your tech tips videos. Can u review some 2019 fox 34 rhythm 150mm.. Will. Appreciate it much hopefully 😊

[@abstraddic0442]

This video is very informative. I need to possibly get a new fork better fork rather I'm currently running a Rock Shock 29er SID. I have a question is it possible to get 29er Fox, Rock Shocks or any fork with 34 or 35 mm stanchions with straight 1 1/8 non- tapered Streer tube? I know that it may just be time to get a new bike with a tapered steer tube. Thank you and Keep up the good work!

[@sgibby8817]

Nice video. Question though which one of the two would you put onto a 27.5 trail hardtail that calls for a 130-150mm travel

[@AlanP1TO10WORLD]

Fox 34 is a great fork straight out of the box very responsive easy to set up. I also had the Pike for 2 years had to muck around a lot to get them right with tokens etc, and then I blew the seals. But then again most forks perform best with a rider weight around the 85 kg. Not sure what would be a good fork for a heavier rider

[@igypop.]

fantastic explanations

[@hardmtnbiker]

Great review and I agree with the way you would spec these forks to the bike. It nice that Fox still supports non boost. Not that a front hub cost that much but what if you have a couple front wheels that you like to exchange, say a 27.5 and 29er front wheel.

[@SLAMTRON]

Hey Jeff, I noticed you show a Revel as your current bike, so I'm just curious what you thought of the Pivot Switchblade if you've ridden it? And was it 27.5" or 29"? Thanks Bruv

[@craigmckinnon242]

My 2020 RockShox Pike ultimate direct mount holes for caliper are very soft metal magnesium. When you go to put on your brakes make sure you've used the longest bolts with washers or whatever it takes to get them all the way in. If not the standard Shimano short bolts May and will start the strip out the Magnesium thread and then you'll start to be into some s***.

[@boyuap]

i just love fox kashima.. im paying for the kashima coat and orange color..

[@Sirjames9699]

Awesome video, what are your thoughts on the DVO forks?

[@jonathanangieri153]

I have a 2019 pike rct3. I've been hearing a lot lately about coil conversions from companies like Push. I think you should do a review on something like that. Anyone have experience with this type of setup on their pikes? Would love to hear it

[@m1chaelsc]

Jonathan Angieri they did a review on the acs3 from push a little while ago

[@kevinfromsales6842]

I believe Matt Jones rides a push converted fork on his Marin.

[@jonathanangieri153]

@@m1chaelsc yes I saw that pretty much right after I posted that 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@wheeler3339]

@@jonathanangieri153 I have push acs3 in my fox 36 feels amazing

[@jonathanangieri153]

@@wheeler3339 thanks for sharing!

[@colbybowers7205]

I wish you would do tire videos and reviews like this. Comparison of similar tread design but different brands. You know, as opposed to riding the maxis D

[@peaohvee1784]

Colby Bowers Onza is the best IMO. Too much Maxxis these days

[@aliikane]

Good overview. It is hilarious how you guys glaringly poke fun at your mistakes in the videos. Lmao.

[@myfukinarmhurts]

hey, how do you think the revelation vcompares to the pike? im looking at builds and i cant choose between the two.

[@isaks3243]

I have ridden both fox and rockshox, although one step down in price. And in the forks I have tried are all of them great forks but I slightly prefer the feel of a fox, but I can't really pin down what feels better.

[@stephenlord599]

Service intervals and serviceability are also different. I have a 36 rather than 34 and 2 Pikes and travel change on the Fox is much easier, at least going down within airshaft limits it’s just removing spacers and changing a bolt (unless your running a MRP then no bolt change). On the other hand the Fox takes 2x crush washer sizes and it’s far more preferable to have $100 of tools just to get the legs off. The RS you can just use the bolt and a 6” extension with the hex bit fitted (and reverse onto torque wrench to put back) .. but you need to do this less often with the Fox. Going past a lowers service also takes more specific tools on the Fox ...

[@ImpulseAudioSpeakers]

Stephen Lord yes this information is gold.

[@carlhulston7157]

I'm considering both of these forks for a new Ibis Ripley V4 build, but also throwing DVO Sapphire 34 into the mix - any thoughts on which one I should pull the trigger on?

[@adamfricska9438]

killer intro

[@RPSimPoSand]

Great and very interesting video! I would love to see a review on the new Boxxer Ultimate, maybe even a comparison to the Fox 40 Grip2? Greetings from germany!

[@DM-hw4cr]

Well, the boxer is 35mm and the fox is 40mm stanctions

[@tylersoucy6812]

what I have learned from this video: Suspension gets higher than 2x the price of my whole bike...

[@gpearce11]

And both Rockshox and Fox offer forks costing more than double what these cost, so you don't even need a particularly cheap bike for that to be true.

[@russellparker4568]

The fox forks design and kashima coatings look so much better..... but, ive just ordered the pike ultimate cos its a bit cheaper and better small bump

[@fpainchaud350]

I ran a Manitou Mattoc Pro this year. Next year, I will run the Mezzer (in 160mm for the stanchions) and my son will run the Mattoc. How does the Mattoc compare to the Pike and the Fox? I personnaly loved it.

[@magruderable]

I ride a Spectral with a Pike and I really like it. I always wondered if there was a huge difference. Good to know they are that close.

[@alexanderlowe4236]

I've been curious about what the differences are in the different Fox 34 forks. Float vs Factory vs Performance vs Elite.

[@craig3576]

I’ve used the factory, performance and performance elite (all in 34) on my bikes for about 400 miles each. The elite and factory feel very close if not the same, but as you would expect based on the price, the performances lacks a little in quality and doesn’t feel as solid. All that being said they are great forks.

[@themiddleagemasher8108]

I ride the fox 34. Bumped it to 150mm on your smuggler errrrr my blue smuggy. Great fork then I paired it with a fox DPX2 that I picked up from WWC

[@marcowalther7867]

Smuggler almost needs a 36 when running a DPX2 on the back. I just upgraded to those and damn, how does it transform the bike

[@themiddleagemasher8108]

Marco Walther 36 or 34. It all depends on what you’re looking for. I have no problem with the lighter 34. The Dpx2 is just better than the DPS.

[@certainperfectratio]

I might be bad at tuning but Pike has seemed more supple off the top for me too.

[@RomanE_____]

Don't know about fit4, but fox grip damper has unlimited number of compression settings, despite the fact that there are only 3 "positions". You can rotate the knob in between those positions and compression will change.

[@derrickrides6530]

Nice to see the Orange Seal on the shelf there.

[@YoNeilBiking]

Hey I know this is irrelevant, but is it true that you can make a fork more supple off the top if you add volume spacers and decrease air pressure? I’ve got a fox 36 fit 4 and was wondering if I could make it more supple.

[@g496r500t]

YoNeilGaming wondering the same

[@g.donuts3551]

Worked on my Pike.

[@michael_the_chef]

ive got a Pike 160mm rc3 on my Canyon spectral and a fox 34 120mm on my cube stereo ebike, for some reason the fox is easier to dial in and gives me a smoother ride, maybe its because the Pike is running on carbon rims and 650b,the cube is a 29 with aluminium rims. or maybe the extra weight of the ebike but the fox does more flexing and doesnt feel as stiff as the rockshox

[@lorenz9956]

The e bike also effeks to way the fork work....

[@SteveSUX2BU]

Was on the 34s for a long time and bought a bike with pikes, thinking I'd swap them out. I don't know if it's my riding style, but the pikes feel bottomless and supple off the top. I'm converted.

[@kenjohnson4423]

Just upgraded to 2020 Pike, my riding partner has the previous pike, not sure of that's 2018 or 19. But my 2020 pike feels way smoother and buttery,

[@JenkinsB]

I currently have neither (Sektor Debonair). Pike sounds more my type, however I'm not going to constantly adjust my settings (or ever). I'd run whatever came on the bike!!!

[@flyingnorseman]

I have both of these forks. I agree completely with the Fox 34 SC being best choice for my Gen 3 Tallboy (29er) and it is easier to set up. I weight 200 lbs and ride a XL frame but still ended up removing a factory spec token to get the compliance needed. The Pike is a great fork but Ive spent 2x as much time dialing it over the Fox and still dont have it "perfect". Another advantage is the travel can also be adjusted on the Pike with a different air shaft.

[@rideitmtb]

Im tempted by the pike ultimate 2021 for my stumpjumper alloy. I currently have the stock fox rhythm 34 with 150mm of travel and basic grip damper but the RS fork im looking at are the 140mm model. Is this a sensible upgrade? Everything iv read leads me to believe that the pike ult is a much better trail fork and loosing 10mm of travel is no big deal if it improves the ride quality??!

[@EricaMTB]

Unfortunately most of us still remember plastic leaking cartridges in Judys.

[@MaddBaggins]

2019 Pike Ultimate 130mm on my Fuse hardtail. Like buttah!

[@wesleyburk7421]

I ride both and I like Rockshox more. I ride more free ride/enduro and I feel like they do much better in that area

[@alvindiazmarquez]

How do you feel the Fox SC 34 compares to the fox 34 in regards to stiffness?

[@tdspov9951]

I ride fox 40 it's just magic FOX for life:)

[@Stickybutton]

When you turn the HSC the LSC turns as well. Does that mean you’d have to reset the LSC again?

[@JP-mp5st]

Sorry to be off topic but what trail are you riding from 8:58 - 9:07 or so? I live in Thousand Oaks and would like to know where that is.

[@jared_erickson]

Looks like Suicide Trail :)

[@sim0n2k38]

What is the difference of the RS rc2 models and the rtc3 models? Both are called "ultimate" (i think)

[@TheLelol]

I prefer the pike because its stiffer and more durable, and if you service them, the dust wipers are cheaper.

[@keithrobinson870]

Pike for me, I always prefer a hardtail bike have three mountain bikes a conanunu runs Manitou micro lubes my Kona Lanai runs marasashi dirt jam comps and my carbon fiber nine runs my rock shocks Pike have to say of all the shocks I've ever tried I like the Pikes the best but I've never had a set of fox shocks yet still looking to try some out I would love to get my hands on the 34 the 36th and be able to compare them directly to these but I don't have the money to have both man so I'll have to say I like the fight better but it's also because I like the additional adjustability that it offers I find when you run a hardtail bike the more suspension tuning options you get in the front the better it is

[@tayruot]

I like your eyes in this video. Fell in love.

[@Vffr1]

Taylor has one subscriber, it's Jeff. Jeff and Taylor sitting in a tree.....

[@jayesh5131]

@@Vffr1 You have more likes than Taylor's comment lol

[@Montblanc1986]

Bro we loves some Rockshox

[@williamdavis9471]

Doesn’t the pike ultimate 2020 also have a RCT3 version?

[@stephbm6]

I have the fox 34 (130mm) but I just ordered the Fox 36 (160mm) for more travel and a shit load of adjustments.

[@paulsewell9849]

I have been riding a Fox 34 for the last 2 years. But my Christmas bike comes with a Lyrik Ultimate. What kind of difference should I expect??

[@tl924]

I think it would have been more beneficial to use wheel rate to explain the high and low speed compression adjustment.

[@Black_Onyx]

Could you make a VS with the new 34 2021 version

[@janjacques489]

i am wondering, i checked the pike on the website, the drop out of the fork (where the rebound damper placed) isn't tilted while the one in the video is. Can someone tell me the difference? Or is it just an update? thx

[@mikdaddario6257]

which one would you say would be better on a super agressive ht (64deg. head angle)

[@POVMTB1]

what about grip2 damper?

[@paulcananzi2583]

What Quick Release axle is available for the Pike Ulitmate, if any?

[@zerovisdiver]

I still cannot decide between these two (also the MY21 Fox 34 Factory is using Grip2, which has a similar LSC and HSC setting to the Pike). Funny because the difference is just 1mm stanchion diameter or a gold (Kashima) coating...

[@topside2233]

What about quality control....which company has less warranty issues? Also, which company has the best warranty response times and coverage for the customer?

[@lukasbormann4830]

Rockshox wins it all especially in Europe 😂

[@acuhealer62]

I like both brands but when I bought my Bronson in 2014 the Fox 34 was less well reviewed at the time so I opted for the PIke. It's been a solid performing fork over all. I had new lowers put on last year (bushings had worn out ) and this year I've upgraded to the new Debonair spring and Charger 2.1 damper and that cost me about 300 bucks (did the conversion myself). The performance improvement has been amazing. Rides higher in it's travel, more supple and has good mid stroke support. No complaints about the Pike.

[@w3stgeorge117]

IMO i think the new rd lyric and silver pike look nicer then the kashiwa coats

[@ozziejim8472]

If they are so similar which one offers better serviceability?

[@stangaciumario115]

Pike is the best trail fork in my opinion! So Pike would be my choise

[@cgsrtkzsytriul]

Which is the best to turn my Fuel EX into an almost enduro bike while keeping it 140mm? My local trails are the gnarliest trails I've ever ridden with tons of rocks, steep downhill, and jumps. Enduro bikes are just too hard to ride uphill on this same terrain, so I love 140.

[@weston7017]

Between these two the Pike is probably slightly better for enduro type terrain. If you want to go a step further get a Fox 36 and throw in a 140mm air shaft like the upper level 2020s come with. Just know the Fuel EX is still a trail bike, sounds like you may be better off on a Slash if you want to get really rowdy. It pedals well for a big travel bike.

[@dcouture79]

Great video as always guys! I’m looking these two forks for a Tallboy CC build. What are your recommendations?

[@JB50713]

Should the fork have the same amount of travel as rear shock? I currently have only 120mm rear travel.

[@michaelstewart9308]

Your fork should be as long as the manufacturer intended for it to be

[@thescandiflick]

and 2 years later I bought an RS Pike 2022 Ultimate RC2 for $400 !

[@roller9567]

im a freerider,but i hava a 170mm fox34,its light,feels awesome but sometimes at bigger jump i feel its not stiff enough

[@benbreshears2812]

which one is the easiest to open up and work on for maintenance purpose???

[@HermanatorIII]

Do something on the new revelation RC. it looks like a really good value

[@mikeytek]

Jeff whats your take on a pike ultimate with the 3 position lever vs the 34?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

The Pike Ultimate actually only comes with the RC2 damper option so you will not find a Pike Ultimate with a 3 position lever now.

[@mikeytek]

@@WorldwideCyclery on your website under the description it says rct3 2.1 option with 3 position lever. it also says it on their web page. I only know because I found a used one online and was "shocked" to see it had rct3. After some searching I noticed that it does say it's an option

[@mikeytek]

@@WorldwideCyclery Charger 2.1 RCT3 damper option featuring 3-position compression adjust (open/pedal/firm) with low speed compression adjust

[@shafhamid83]

Hi guys at Worldwide Cyclery, I wanted to ask if Fox makes a Fox 34 with 150mm of travel these days? Reason I ask is that for my use case, I need a Fox suspension that has the Scott's Twinloc remote attached to the damper and it doesn't need to be anything beefier than a 34. My current bike is a 2016 Scott Genius 740 and it has a Fox 32 Performance Series (from the same year) with a 150mm of travel. I will service the fork regularly to prolong the life of it but when the time comes and it cannot be salvaged anymore, I will need to replace/upgrade it. I know Fox doesn't make a Fox 32 with 150mm of travel anymore but was hoping if that they still make a 150mm travel version for the 34 Thanks

[@kianferre5727]

I have a rockshocks Pike for my trail bike (my only bike)and I wanted to make it more Enduro like, without spending lots of money how con I make it? Btw my bike is a specialized pitch pro 2008

[@steverx4460]

Pike Ultimate, Revelation or Select? Prices?

[@camwells9726]

If you were going for 150-160 mm travel on a trail bike , why would you pick the pike over the lyric ?

[@fasterwheels]

New riddle is: Coming from a basic Fox34 @140mm on an aggressive plus hardtail do we look at a Pike or Lyrik Ultimate at 140-150mm? 🤔🤷‍♂️ anyone? I'm keen for some feedback and looking to try some of the new RockShox in Colorado conditions. Thx WC!

[@koreanmtnbiker2931]

140-150 Pike, 160-170 Lyrik.