Specialized Rockshox Judy Silver TK // Premium Features Budget Price!

[@05silverem2]

Purchased this shock for my GF bike for Christmas. Just had it installed and go for the first ride tomorrow. She rode it from the shop to the car and could already tell a difference. Thanks for making this series defiantly full of great info.

[@TheBikeSauce]

enjoy the ride!

[@dongardner4606]

I decided to upgrade the fork on my 2018 Rockhopper Comp about a month ago. I Googled best fork upgrades for the Rockhopper and found your video. Based on your recommendation, I purchased the Judy. I installed it last weekend and have three rides on it so far, and I love it! Thank you The Bike Sauce for the great video and recommendation! I also previously watched your video on the best upgrades for the Rockhopper. Fortunately, I had already added a dropper post and upgraded to clipless pedals.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice! Incremental upgrades are the way to go! Maximize your appreciation 😆

[@maxredburn6610]

Dang, that wheelie was the real deal! Saucy!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha you caught that eh?

[@There_N_back_Again]

Good honest review. This is the fork that comes on the rockhopper Expert. I've done some pretty fast desert riding with it and no problems. And You are right about the steerer, it's straight. Luckily the head tube has a 44 mm depth, which means if you get a headset with a 44 mm bottom cup you can use a tapered fork, which is the direction I'll eventually go 👍

[@TheBikeSauce]

Great to know, thanks

[@iankozielec3864]

where can you get a headset that will allow you to use a tapered fork? I want to upgrade mine but i’m not sure what to get.

[@FunThunder_clips]

@@iankozielec3864I think CaneCreek makes an adapter.

[@jameswarren2045]

Same fork I put on my 2015 rockhopper a year or so ago. Totally agree, coming from the stock suntour xcm the judy is a hell of a budget friendly upgrade. Not to mention with the QR and straight steerer you don't have many options to go with.

[@theMF69]

Yeah they're great for the price just ordered some, can't wait to fit it, I couldn't find a 1-1/8" 120mm QR air fork anywhere but I found these and they fit the bill perfectly, I was tempted by the cheap bucklos forks but I want to keep my teeth.

[@core-i7413]

This is an amazing fork, it's not only about the performance from how budget this is, but it can take hard hits and is really versatile. Instead of spending money on something like a SID Ultimate or Fox 32/34, use this.

[@RADkate]

yeah and its not like you can even get those in 9mm qr and straight steerer :P

[@francoisrdt]

Super interesting. I've been looking for a suspension fork for my steel singlespeed (now fully rigid), and the options with a non-tapered steerer are really few. Mostly budget forks, which are oftentimes overlooked by reviewers. Thanks for this!

[@TheBikeSauce]

It’s a pretty decent option, especially for the price. Thx

[@johnchristopher5075]

I’ve been riding a Judy (that sounds dirty but hey ho) for three years now, as it was the 2nd major upgrade I did on my entry level Giant E-MTB HT 29er which also came shipped with Suntour Spring forks. Just like you said, the difference in ride quality between these two forks are night and day. I’m a 58 year old man and for the kind of fast flowing stuff that I do, the Judy have been nigh on perfect. Now my bike is considerably heavier that your analogue Rockhopper HT and maybe that’s the reason the rebound works so well on my bike as opposed to yours, as mine is in it’s middle setting and is so predictable it’s a joke. Apart from the lockout knob snapping off (a quick call to Rock Shox parts dept by my LBS sorted out a metal one), my copy of this budget fork has been an absolute blessing. We were even able to increase it’s travel from 120mm to 130mm and those extra 10mm really did make a huge difference to front end comfort and controllability. Best of all was the price. £179 all in. Bang per buck, it was way up there along with my Tannus Armour inserts and a absolute no brainer! Note: The steering tube on my copy was tapered as opposed to straight. I dunno if that also made a difference but either way, I’m not complaining.

[@bigbadbenjamin1215]

This guy is so under rated

[@allocke9446]

Cannot agree with you enough on that one!!!

[@greengelacid2061]

I got a 2023 Rockhopper Elite, this is the factory front end…I love it…

[@kyboy9730]

I’ve been thinking about getting one. This was helpful. Thanks

[@richrider5884]

Just had the Judy installed on my Rockhopper FSR XC replacing an old RS DART2. Big difference so far. Getting ready to install the lockout switch that came with it.

[@dadude415]

It's here!!! Been waiting for this

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha nice

[@sammer28]

Oh this is perfect. I'm putting it on a 2020 Rockhopper comp. Gonna build a sweet little entry level hardtail mullet.

[@NonLegitNation2]

I purchased this forks brother the 120mm Recon Silver RL, for my GT Aggressor Pro. It was the first time I'd owned a RockShox air fork. I remember when i was a teen (early 2000s) looking at mountain biking magazines and dreaming of owning a bike with a RockShox fork. The RS fork was a huge upgrade to the 80mm of travel Suntour coil fork that came stock with the GT. I just recently did a custom Poseidon Norton build and snatched up a 160mm RockShox Domain RC and that thing is an absolute beast compared to the Recon RL.

[@muslkatbmx3166]

I got one for 120$ on sale. Has worked amazing so far.

[@downtoridemtb]

Thanks for the video. Just installed one on my Giant Talon and am very excited to get it out for a ride!

[@elwoodkotil2538]

Good job! Just bought a set and your information was much appreciated!

[@technodrone313]

I just bought a rh elite. pretty much bought what you spent the time upgrading. love the handling so much.

[@jones5145]

Do you have a part number/link for the one you used on the bike? I have the same bike and want to switch out the fork to this one.

[@witkidone]

You might wanna look into the Recon Silver RL as well. It’s just a few bucks more but has better compression adjustment options. Fits exactly the same as this one but just slightly bigger and beefier.

[@insanetaco98]

This series is making me give my rockhopper life. The stock fork has just been clunky and has left me washing out in corners before. My Judy TK is on its way as well as some contact point upgrades like pedals and grips I think next I'll do the 1x and bottom bracket and eventually a dropper

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice!

[@Smettli]

Thanks for the review! I'm definitely getting a one of those for my bike.

[@MrJesusfreeek777]

Wonder if this would fit a 2022 base model rockhopper? Hope so cause I just ordered one! Lol

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

Great video, eyeballin one to replace the crappy SR Suntour fork on my Norco.

[@SargesAdventures]

How many psi are you guys running in these?

[@mtblifeb2ng]

By far best upgrade i did for my talon2, have you adjust travel to 120mm?

[@papabearxl]

I see many different Judy's....what are the exact specs I'm looking for when choosing one for my 2021?

[@nikkeijin-man7025]

I suppose a year has already passed since this video was made, and so does the Judy Silver TK reviewed in this video. Could you please let me know if there are any changes after a year of using the fork? Thanks!

[@MichaelLeiBarrientos]

Hi friend, quick question... Do you also experience oil coming out from this forks? I have read reviews that it happens to some of Judy Silver models. Thank you

[@ryanswatchworld]

Great video, I upgraded from a suntour xc30

[@k9kayaks]

I wonder if I could use the shock to switch out 27.5” Suntour XCM on my Rockhopper Comp and go with a 29” up front and 27.5” in the back ? Any advice thanks?

[@halnogaies1256]

I upgraded from this fork to a Marzocchi z2 on my fuse 27.5. I used to take the fork into rock gardens. No problem.

[@schnittigeschnitte3609]

How much it cost

[@halnogaies1256]

@@schnittigeschnitte3609 Around 450.

[@COLLECTIONCONNECTION]

Fullerton loop. Nice spot. There's a whole world opening out there if you know where to look

[@TheBikeSauce]

All the extra credit

[@carlosandrade7439]

Hi, Sorry if I missed the answer to my question, is the Rockshox aluminum upper tube or steel? thanks

[@historiclp4577]

Thank you for the review…so if i wanted to say…get myself a bit better of a fork for my 2012 Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29? Are there any options today?

[@manosgrampsas4914]

If i put this suspension do I have to use only disc brakes or can I use classic calipers (I mean the V-Brakes) as well?

[@GNT-00QanT]

i'm going to buy the new Cube Aim SL 2022 with the RockShox Judy Silver TK Coil 100mm, it got a manual lockout can i upgrade it it to remote? nice video by the way

[@Brotha_J619]

Can you send a part number so i can swap mine with the right one because my local bike shop doesn’t seem to sale after market parts and install them so i have to order on Amazon. I have 29in rock hopper and the seat number also

[@jockata1]

Did you took out the rebound knob 1:10, and why? Can it drop by itself during riding?

[@TheBikeSauce]

It’s not a knob, it’s more of a key that you use to make adjustments

[@jockata1]

What you are saying adjust it and then store it for when you need it next time. Does it happen to fall off during riding and lose it in the trails?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yea you might lose it if you leave it in. It’s a tool, not part of the fork

[@deanmanvell3045]

Hey, just purchased this bike in the 2002 sport version, could you tell me if these forks would work RockShox Judy Silver TK Remote Adjust 29" 9QR 100mm Solo Air Fork thanks

[@ПетърМинков-у9к]

Do you know if the Judy will withstand a 203mm rotor with 4 piston brake for rough ridding?

[@nevs4181]

Hello, i have trek dual sport that has suntour nex on it 63mm and wanna put judy on it but its 30mm longer.. do u think it is a worthy investment since i want to ridemore gravel trails J

[@chuckvalix5669]

Which would you prefer, Suntour Epixon vs this fork?

[@paulhartcraft830]

Could anyone tell me what size crow race i need for my 2023 rockhopper comp? I bought a rockshox recon to replace factoey coil fork but i cant find any info on what size crown race ro get

[@FatherandSonTandem]

Thank you for sharing!

[@lukemathena2462]

Awesome can u comment a link to purchase

[@WeekendWarriors87]

bit of a dumb question, but I cant find the answer online and maybe someone has experience with this fork and can help. My rebound adjuster doesnt really move, and seems like I am going to break it if I force it any harder. No clicking to different adjustments, no real rotation, nothing. Even with what I would consider way more than enough pressure. I tried pushing in a bit on it with the turn, and tried pulling out a bit, but cant seem to get it to go. I dont want to break it, is there something wrong with mine or is there a trick to it? I have a recon TK, but seems like the same rebound adjuster.

[@speedikat6822]

Sounds like a worthwhile change/upgrade. Especially for the price. Also, how is RS product support these days ie availability of replacement seals? I had a '98 short-travel SID that I just loved. But when I wanted to rebuild it I was told parts were no longer made for it. SID hit the trash can and I went Marzocchi shortly there after. Caviat emptor.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx for your input. I can’t speak to rs customer support and product support. Will cross that bridge when I get there, fingers crossed

[@dimaereb]

Guys a question about this fork who has it: the fork is new, drove only 150 miles. After each trip, a little oil remains on both legs is this the norm? Or marriage? The fork is inflated, there were no breakdowns and hard blows.

[@adambartlett2780]

Did you notice a difference in the offset? Stock is 46mm Judy is a 51mm

[@therealkers]

Do you think a Rockshox Reba RL 120mm will work well on this bike or will it be overkill?

[@thehalfnavajo]

I bought a stock rockhopper a few years back and have hydraulic brakes and noticed newer ones don't in a stock version.

[@2dblefistn265]

Depends on the model. I bought a 2022 comp that came with tektro hd m275's. They're hyrdaulic and stop really well with some multi metallic pads i've installed.

[@grbchh]

Nice vid, thanks!

[@rasmusriemann6557]

Are you sure about the weight, it sound very 'light'?

[@ozzysgarage]

I have a 2020 Rockhopper, was this a easy install? I've never done this before lol, and I also assume the factory brakes just bolt right up?? Thanks for the video!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Tricky bit is transferring the crown race to the new fork without damaging it. That, and cutting the steerer to length and installing a new star nut

[@inteliagencia4717]

That's why I love Rockhopper: No boost axles, no tapered headset, no tubeless, no presta valve. Just reliability and durability instead. Mine is 2016 and came with mechanic (cable) SHimano brakes that are actually more powerfull than most of the current budget hidraulic ones.

[@Juno_Beach]

Can this upgrade be applied to the Marin Palisades Trail 2?

[@mtb_saxon13]

I have the same bike will I need to buy a new axle I have a rockhopper sport 27.5 pls help I want 120 mm roxkshox Judy tk sliver air fork will they fit

[@gusmgm]

Rock shox judy silver tk, vs Sr suntour epixos, vs manitou markhor? Hope you can help me, greetings

[@aaronbehindbars]

Full Turtle! Got a nice ring to it! Did you happen to go a full bike weight comparison stock vs upgraded? I'm guessing if you did, that'll be in the upgrade series summary video. Thanks!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha #nevergofullturtle I have the numbers somewhere, but wasn’t super careful since it’s a budget build. Close to 1kg weight savings overall, mostly from the 600g savings on the fork

[@josemiguelolim]

Hi - this is a great review, could you help to give exact model? Quite hard to get parts in the Philippines, so exact model name would be appreciated! Thanks meng

[@chad38007]

hi just bought the rockhopper. would love links to buy these upgrades! maybe theyre here and im just missing something? help a new rider out!!! please? lol

[@maxlarock8788]

Can I install a 120mm Judy on my rockhopper 27.5? Do you know if there might be any major concerns?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Too much travel will affect the geo, but 120 would probably be fine

[@williamotheking1451]

can i fit a rockshox recon on my xs rockhopper?

[@wilsontejeda8797]

I would like to know cause I bought the same bike but the very basic one and I would like to upgrade my brakes please can you guide me to a good set of brakes

[@TheBikeSauce]

Can’t go wrong with deore 6100.

[@michaelsanchez1937]

Wait, just realized the link above is for the RockShox, Recon Silver RL, not the Judy Silver TK. Am I missing something?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Oops! Lemme get the right link. Thanks

[@xtiangayanilo7733]

What is the max tire size for that fork?

[@anyabiong3839]

Hi! I recently installed this kind of rockshox judy tk. Is it normal to hear an air sound when i hit a bump?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Only for the first couple of cycles after sitting for a while. After that it should be pretty quiet

[@piercetheheavens]

Where were you able to find one in socal? Out of stock everywhere I checked.

[@TheBikeSauce]

I used pro bike supply. They’re a shop here in Orange County, CA, but they have an online store too

[@AgentMTB]

Did you use the stock crown race or did you have to buy a new one?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Stock

[@DK-gz6vw]

I have it on my Scott. Can not say it is good, feels like have quite a lot of looseness on rough trail

[@kaotic.11]

Why is this the exact video I was looking for, I have the same bike too lmao

[@cegalleta]

I bought a 2022 suntour werx xc fork for $400 on a warehouse sale. Almost as light as a sid, more reliable and no one buys it because it says suntour on it even though people won medals on it in the panamerican games and olympic games lol. My suggestion is you better avoid budget rockshox forks and buy either a high end suntour or a used fox 34 rhythm/performance which also gets little attention buying 2nd hand since they don't have the fancy kashima coating (at least where I live.).

[@walcottav]

Would be great to have a report from the rider the upgrades are intended for if other than yourself (I may have missed that part of the series).

[@TheBikeSauce]

I wouldn’t call myself an expert rider, and these upgrades made the bike way more enjoyable in almost every instance. Perhaps an absolute beginner might not appreciate some of the more subtle nuances, but overall, this series is intended for beginner / intermediate riders who want to gradually upgrade as their skills progress (rather than splurge on an expensive bike not knowing if they’ll enjoy the hobby)

[@walcottav]

@@TheBikeSauce So nicely done!

[@corski]

I have this fork and when i turn the rebound into the last three clicks approaching "full turtle" the rebound makes a sucking, or squishing noise. Is this normal?

[@TheBikeSauce]

It should be normal for the first one or twice compressions. Then it should stop. It’s the oil traveling through the increasingly restrictive holes that create the damping

[@salspec3381]

Great vid! Did you feel any negative effects going from a 46 to 51mm offset?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I didn't ride the stock fork long enough to notice a big change. The new fork does feel more stable in general though, which could be due to the slight increase in trail

[@salspec3381]

Will do. Though technically from what I've read the higher offset reduces trail. At any rate after looking around extensively then finally emailing Specialized there's really no options in the 46mm offset with a straight steerer tube. Even the Judy that comes on the higher tier Rockhoppers doesn't seem to be commercially available. So I just took a chance and ordered the Recon. It's ability to dampen should more than make up for any added instability brought on by the higher offset.

[@TheBikeSauce]

My mistake, you’re right. The trail would’ve been slightly reduced. I think just having the better damper improved the feel more than any change to the geo. Coincidentally I’ve got the Judy and the recon (on another bike) and I’d say the recon feels notably more plush and precise (although I’m comparing a 100mm Judy to a 140mm recon)

[@salspec3381]

Agreed. The Suntour fork has no damping what so ever. Anything with damping should be a monumental improvement. I took the bike on a dowhill for the first time a couple weeks ago. The fork was awful. At one point it was just pogoing from rock to rock. I had to slow way down and my friends pulled way ahead. At that moment I knew it needed replacement. Glad to hear your thoughts on the Judy vs the Recon. I feel even better about my choice. I went for the Recon because I'm a big guy and figured the extra stiffness wouldn't hurt. Your review helped me make that decision over the Judy so thank you for that. This should be the final piece to bring it all together. I got the bike for a really good deal used so I had no problem throwing some parts at it. It's a Comp so it already had MT-200's. After trying it on a friend's bike I knew I had to have an oval chainring. That meant a new crank assembly. I replaced it with an Aeffect 165mm crank assembly and an Absolute Black 30t oval ring, plus Race Face external BB, and Chester pedals. Added a 1 Up dropper, 35mm stem, higher offset bars, more comfortable touring seat and Diety grips. I also have the Microshift 11-46 9spd cassette on the way. The 10% lower gearing should help a bit more on the steep climbs. Now this bike should be perfect for what I want to do. I don't need wide tires nor am I doing anything extreme. I feel these mods just make it a better all arounder with more potential.

[@TomyyY90]

so, basically you upgraded your specialized to a rockhopper elite / expert ? that's pretty sick! would you say upgrading this yourself is worth it if you don't have that much tools and space?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I mean, it’s a philosophy. Some would rather build up their bike incrementally as their skills progress and learn about bikes along the way. This series was about upgrading a bike bit by bit. The export also still didn’t come with a dropper, and the choices for this build were very particular.

[@danker6659]

Question is the Judy better than the Epixon?

[@WaveDashZoom]

Yes

[@S.Yves12]

Is this rockhopper comparable with a tapered fork or not?

[@TheBikeSauce]

It’s got a straight steerer, so no

[@m.m_cutzz]

Hi should I get this fork because I have the same one but coil?

[@TheBikeSauce]

only if you find the stock fork limiting to your riding.

[@m.m_cutzz]

@@TheBikeSauce I'm not sure if it is or not but I'm not doing anything big yet like small gap jumps trails with rock gardens jumps and berms just normal stuff but I want a better feel to my fork and I have found another fork What do you think is better Rockshox judy silver tk Or Rockshox recon silver rl I think the recon right Ps. Sorry for the long comment

[@TheBikeSauce]

The recon is damped a bit better with more adjustability, but I don’t have direct experience on both

[@cachepilll286]

judy silver tk vs recon rl?

[@marinesr7]

What is best the Judy silver or Reckon silver?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Recon is a higher quality fork

[@jamaynecook5098]

My 2014 rockhopper has a tapered headset

[@scott2228]

Is the Rockshox Recon RL worth the extra $80-$100?

[@TheBikeSauce]

tough, I don't have experience on both

[@ianto8823]

Has anyone fitted a 130mm fork o their rockhopper? I'm considering doing this and wondering what your thoughts are. Thanks

[@TheBikeSauce]

Just keep your axle to crown in check so you don’t affect your geometry to much

[@prodbyconscious]

I have these forks sat in my house I get them fitted tomorrow same exact bike. I had XCMs also, look forward to trying them out

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice! Very impactful upgrade

[@damirjokic1797]

What's the part number for this fork ?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Just put an affiliate link the description. Thanks!

[@damirjokic1797]

Thank you !

[@ceschieber]

Thank you

[@aggelospap4]

Rockshox 2.100 k. is with air or not????

[@TheBikeSauce]

The fork in this video is an air fork

[@aggelospap4]

@@TheBikeSauce My friend ai mean 2.100 is with air insaid or not??? Because with air insaid is more heavy. Thank you for answer!!

[@b3sam]

worldwide cyclery has these right now for 130+ tax!!

[@jorgetortoledo9336]

Did you change out the headset when you put on the Judy fork? Or use the stock headset?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Used the stock headset

[@jorgetortoledo9336]

@@TheBikeSauce Good to know. I have a 2021 rockhopper and thinking of getting the Judy fork as well. The stock headset isn’t sealed bearings? Is it?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Not sealed hs bearings. They do fine for now though

[@RoachDogggJR]

Wicked for skatepark/dj

[@novicemountainbiker9364]

I love this series of yours!! I have a question… I also have a Rockhopper Sport (27.5). Will this fork work “ROCKSHOX JUDY SILVER TK SUSPENSION FORK - 27.5", 120 MM, 9 X 100 MM, 42 MM OFFSET, STRAIGHT, BLACK, A3” (copy-pasted that from the website I intend to get it from). Planning on doing all the upgrades you did to your bike (wife’s bike) on my own. You’re awesome!

[@TheBikeSauce]

It will technically fit and work just fine, but your adding 20-30 mm more travel to the front end. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it will affect the geometry, and ultimately the handling - perhaps not in a favorable way

[@TheBikeSauce]

You’re*

[@novicemountainbiker9364]

@@TheBikeSauce i get it now! I should get this one instead so it wouldn’t affect the geometry too much. ROCKSHOX JUDY SILVER TK SUSPENSION FORK - 27.5", 100 MM, 9 X 100 MM, 42 MM OFFSET, STRAIGHT, BLACK, A3. 100mm of travel instead of 120mm. Did i get it right?

[@TheBikeSauce]

That’s probably a better choice 🤘

[@GrottiGaming]

I wish it was still 170$ 😭

[@agungagumy21]

REBA 💪💪

[@MrStingraybernard]

$370 on Amazon now

[@TheBikeSauce]

😭

[@WaveDashZoom]

No it’s not I bought this exact fork for 210 on Amazon. “Rockshox Judy silver tk 29”

[@iamcyberpunk68]

rice eater has some face hair must be our food.

[@Garik1981]

Хороша вилка,👍

[@yamillopez4623]

Hi, i have this same bike but my frame is xl. I wonder which size or specs should i look for update my fork?