The RockShox Pike Select+ is a premium suspension fork designed to provide unparalleled performance and comfort for trail riders. It is engineered to handle aggressive trail conditions, offering precision control and a smooth ride over rocky terrain, technical climbs, and fast descents. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Pike Select+, including installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and compatibility.

Installation of the Pike Select+

Installing the RockShox Pike Select+ requires careful attention to detail to ensure that the fork is properly mounted and functioning at its best. Follow these steps to install the fork on your bike:

1. Remove the Existing Fork: Start by removing your old fork from the bike. Use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to loosen the stem bolts and slide the fork out of the headset. Make sure to note the type of headset your bike uses (integrated, press-fit, or external) to ensure compatibility with the new fork.
2. Prepare the Pike Select+ Fork: Before installation, check the fork’s steerer tube length to ensure it matches your bike’s head tube. If the steerer tube is too long, trim it to the desired length using a pipe cutter.
3. Install the Fork: Slide the Pike Select+ fork into the headset. Make sure that the fork is aligned with the front wheel, and tighten the headset race securely.
4. Attach the Stem and Brake Caliper: Place the stem on top of the fork steerer tube and tighten the stem bolts. Attach your front brake caliper to the fork’s mounting points, ensuring that it is aligned correctly for smooth braking performance.
5. Reinstall the Wheel: After installing the fork and tightening all bolts, reinstall the front wheel. Check the axle for proper installation, ensuring that it is securely fastened in the fork dropouts.
6. Set Up the Suspension: Before riding, adjust the air pressure in the fork’s positive and negative chambers to suit your weight and riding style. Refer to RockShox’s recommended settings for optimal performance.

Adjustment and Customization of the Pike Select+

The Pike Select+ comes with a range of adjustability features, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension to your preferences. Key adjustments include compression, rebound, and air pressure settings. Here’s how to adjust each of these:

1. Air Pressure: Adjust the air pressure in the positive and negative air chambers to suit your weight and riding style. This will control the overall feel of the fork, including its sag and responsiveness. Start by setting the fork’s sag to around 25-30% of the total travel, and fine-tune from there.
2. Compression Damping: The Pike Select+ features low-speed compression damping adjustment. Turn the compression dial to adjust the fork’s resistance to compression. Set it to a softer setting for more plushness and comfort on technical terrain or a firmer setting for more control during aggressive descents.
3. Rebound Damping: The rebound damping controls how quickly the fork returns to its original position after compression. To adjust, turn the rebound knob near the bottom of the fork. A slower rebound is ideal for rougher trails, as it prevents the fork from bouncing back too quickly, while a faster rebound works well for smoother trails.

Maintenance of the Pike Select+

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure that the Pike Select+ continues to perform at its best. Here are the key maintenance tasks for the fork:

1. Regular Cleaning: After every ride, wipe down the fork’s stanchions and seals to remove dirt and debris. Use a soft cloth or towel to avoid damaging the fork’s finish.
2. Seal Maintenance: The seals on the Pike Select+ prevent contaminants from entering the fork’s internal components. Over time, they may wear out, so it’s essential to clean and lubricate them regularly. Use RockShox’s recommended seal grease and apply it to the wiper seals.
3. Air Pressure Check: The air chambers on the Pike Select+ can lose pressure over time. Check the air pressure before each ride, ensuring that it matches your weight and the desired sag. Adjust accordingly for optimal performance.
4. Fork Lower Leg Service: Every 50 hours of riding, perform a lower leg service. This involves removing the lower legs, cleaning the internals, and replenishing the lubricant. This step is essential to prevent wear and tear on the fork’s internals and ensure smooth operation.
5. Full Suspension Service: Every 200 hours of riding or once a year, it’s recommended to take the fork in for a full service. This service includes disassembling the fork, inspecting all internal components, and replacing worn-out parts as necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the Pike Select+ is a high-performance fork, you may encounter a few issues during its use. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Fork Bottoming Out: If the fork bottoms out frequently, it may indicate that the air pressure is too low. Check the air pressure in both the positive and negative air chambers and increase it if necessary. You can also adjust the compression damping to make the fork more resistant to bottoming out.
2. Poor Rebound Performance: If the fork rebounds too quickly or too slowly, check the rebound damping setting. Adjust the knob to ensure the fork returns at a suitable rate after compression. If the problem persists, inspect the internal components for wear or damage.
3. Sag Issues: If the fork feels too soft or too firm, adjust the air pressure to achieve the correct sag. A sag range of 25-30% is typically ideal, but you can fine-tune it based on your riding style and terrain.
4. Noise During Operation: If you hear a clunking or knocking sound from the fork, it may be due to inadequate lubrication or air in the system. Check the lubrication levels in the fork’s seals and lower legs, and ensure that the air chambers are properly inflated.

Comparison with Similar Models

The Pike Select+ stands out in the RockShox lineup due to its blend of performance, adjustability, and value. Here’s how it compares to other popular RockShox forks:

• RockShox Lyrik: The Lyrik is designed for more aggressive riding and features more travel than the Pike Select+. While the Lyrik excels in enduro and downhill disciplines, the Pike Select+ is better suited for trail riders who prioritize a balance of performance and weight savings.
• RockShox Revelation: The Revelation fork offers a similar travel range to the Pike Select+, but it is typically lighter and intended for less aggressive trail riding. The Pike Select+ provides more adjustability and is a better choice for riders seeking more control on technical terrain.
• RockShox Yari: The Yari is a more affordable option with similar features to the Pike Select+. While it offers solid performance, the Pike Select+ benefits from the advanced DebonAir+ spring and more precise adjustability, making it a top choice for serious trail riders.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Pike Select+ is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of other drivetrain components, including those from both RockShox and other brands. It is compatible with 110mm and 150mm boost spacing and can be paired with most 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels. When selecting a rear shock or drivetrain components, ensure that they match the fork’s travel and geometry for optimal performance.

The fork is also designed to be compatible with most modern disc brake systems, including SRAM and Shimano brakes. Make sure that the brake calipers align with the fork’s mounting points, and that the rotor size is within the recommended range for your riding style.

Conclusion

The RockShox Pike Select+ is a top-tier suspension fork that offers an impressive balance of performance, adjustability, and durability for trail riders. Its advanced features, such as the DebonAir+ air spring and precise damping adjustments, provide a smooth and controlled ride over a wide variety of terrain. By following the installation, adjustment, maintenance, and troubleshooting tips outlined above, you can ensure that your Pike Select+ continues to elevate your riding experience for years to come.