What Makes the Pike Select+ a Top Pick for Mountain Bikers

Posted on
in Uncategorized

The RockShox Pike Select+ is a high-performance fork that has earned a strong reputation among mountain bikers for its advanced technology, durability, and excellent ride quality. Whether you’re hitting rough trails, tackling steep descents, or navigating technical terrain, the Pike Select+ provides an ideal combination of responsiveness and control. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Pike Select+, including its installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization to ensure peak [paid link] performance on your bike.

Installation of the Pike Select+

The installation of the RockShox Pike Select+ fork is a straightforward process, but it does require careful attention to detail. Follow these steps for proper installation:

1. Prepare the Bike

  • Ensure your bike’s head tube is clean and free from debris.
  • If necessary, remove the existing fork by loosening the stem bolts and headset compression bolt.

2. Remove the Old Fork

  • Slide the old fork out of the head tube.
  • If reusing the same headset, remove it carefully from the old fork and clean it before installation on the Pike Select+.

3. Install the Pike Select+ Fork

  • Slide the Pike Select+ fork into the head tube, ensuring it is properly aligned with the frame.
  • Apply a small amount of grease to the headset bearings before reassembling the headset.
  • Tighten the headset compression bolt to the specified torque settings.

4. Install the Stem and Handlebar

  • Reattach the stem to the steerer tube of the fork.
  • Position the handlebar and tighten the stem bolts evenly to avoid misalignment.

5. Final Checks

  • Ensure the fork is properly centered in the frame.
  • Test the headset movement and make sure the fork moves smoothly.

By following these steps, your Pike Select+ fork will be securely installed and ready to go.

Adjusting the Pike Select+

The Pike Select+ offers a range of adjustments to fine-tune the performance of your suspension. These adjustments allow you to customize the ride to suit your style, terrain, and preferences. Here’s how to adjust the various settings:

Air Pressure Adjustment

  • Use the recommended air pressure as a starting point based on your weight and riding style. The air pressure should be adjusted to achieve about 25-30% sag for optimal performance.
  • To adjust, use a shock pump to increase or decrease the air pressure in the fork’s positive air chamber. A higher air pressure will result in a firmer fork, while a lower pressure will give a more plush feel.

Rebound Adjustment

  • The rebound adjustment controls how quickly the fork returns to its original position after compressing. Turn the rebound knob (usually located at the bottom of the right leg) to the right to slow down rebound and to the left to increase it.
  • Adjust the rebound setting to ensure the fork returns smoothly without bouncing excessively after compression.

Compression Adjustment

  • The Pike Select+ features both low-speed and high-speed compression settings, which allow you to adjust the fork’s response to different types of terrain.
  • The low-speed compression controls how the fork responds to larger, slower impacts (such as landings from jumps), while the high-speed compression deals with quick, sharp hits.
  • Turn the compression knobs to find the balance that suits your riding style, from more plush for aggressive riding to firmer for cross-country.

Maintenance of the Pike Select+

Routine maintenance is crucial for keeping your RockShox Pike Select+ fork performing at its best. Here’s how to care for it:

Regular Cleaning

  • Clean the fork stanchions after every ride. Dirt and debris can cause wear on the seals and reduce the fork’s performance.
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent to wipe down the fork. Avoid using high-pressure water, as it can damage the seals.

Lubricating Seals

  • Periodically, lubricate the fork’s dust seals with suspension-specific grease or oil to prevent dirt from entering the fork and ensure smooth operation.
  • RockShox recommends lubricating the seals at regular intervals, depending on the riding conditions.

Lower Leg Service

  • Every 50-100 hours of riding, or at least once a season, perform a lower leg service. This involves draining the old oil and replacing it with fresh suspension oil.
  • This step helps maintain the damping and ensures that the fork performs consistently over time.

Air Spring Maintenance

  • The air spring should be checked regularly for any loss of air pressure, as this affects suspension performance.
  • If you notice a significant loss of air pressure, it may be time to replace the seals or perform an air spring overhaul.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the RockShox Pike Select+ is designed for durability, it’s important to address issues quickly to avoid further damage. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Fork Not Returning Properly

  • Cause: Incorrect rebound settings or insufficient air pressure.
  • Solution: Adjust the rebound knob to the correct setting. If the fork still doesn’t return properly, check and adjust the air pressure to the recommended level.

Noisy Fork

  • Cause: Dirt or debris in the suspension system or lack of lubrication on the stanchions.
  • Solution: Clean the fork thoroughly and lubricate the seals and stanchions. If noise persists, inspect the seals for wear and replace them if necessary.

Loss of Air Pressure

  • Cause: Leaking seals or valve issues.
  • Solution: Check the air valve for any signs of damage or leakage. If necessary, replace the air spring seals or get the fork serviced at a RockShox-authorized service center.

Customizing the Pike Select+ for Better Performance

The Pike Select+ offers a range of customization options that allow you to tailor the fork to your specific riding style and conditions. Here’s how you can optimize the fork for peak [paid link] performance:

Fine-Tuning Suspension Settings

  • By adjusting the air pressure, rebound, and compression settings, you can create a suspension setup that suits your style. If you’re riding in more technical terrain, you might prefer a slightly softer fork with more rebound damping. For faster, smoother trails, a firmer setup with quicker rebound might be ideal.

Upgrading the Damper

  • If you want more precise control, consider upgrading the damper cartridge in the Pike Select+ to a higher-end model, such as the Charger 2.1. This will provide better damping performance and increased adjustability.

Customizing the Travel

  • The Pike Select+ comes with adjustable travel options, allowing you to fine-tune the fork’s travel to match your riding preferences. By adjusting the travel, you can optimize the fork’s performance for either climbing efficiency or downhill stability.

Comparison with Other RockShox Forks

When comparing the Pike Select+ to other RockShox forks, such as the Yari or the Lyrik, the Pike Select+ stands out as a versatile [paid link], mid-range option. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Pike Select+ vs Yari: The Yari is a more affordable fork with similar travel, but it lacks the high-end damper and adjustments found in the Pike Select+. The Pike Select+ offers more tunability, making it a better choice for riders who want a higher level of performance.
  • Pike Select+ vs Lyrik: The Lyrik is designed for aggressive riders who need a more rugged [paid link] fork for enduro racing and heavy-duty trail riding. The Pike Select+, while still very capable, is more suited for riders who want a balance of performance and weight for all-mountain riding.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The RockShox Pike Select+ is highly compatible with a range of other drivetrain components, including Shimano and SRAM drivetrains. However, it’s important to ensure that the fork’s axle and travel are suitable for your frame and riding style. Additionally, the fork works seamlessly with different types of wheelsets, as long as the axle type and hub spacing match the specifications of the fork.