The Lyrik Ultimate MY25 from RockShox is a high-performance suspension fork designed to meet the demands of serious mountain bikers. Known for its precise handling and versatility, the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 excels in both aggressive trail riding and technical descents. This article will dive deep into why riders love this fork, highlighting its installation, adjustment, maintenance, and performance optimization.

Features and Benefits of the Lyrik Ultimate MY25

The Lyrik Ultimate MY25 features several advanced technologies that elevate the riding experience. Riders appreciate its robust design, offering a blend of durability, responsiveness, and tunability that can be customized for a wide range of riding styles.

• DebonAir Spring System: The Lyrik MY25 features the DebonAir spring, which provides a smooth and consistent feel throughout the travel. This system is designed to absorb impacts efficiently, offering a plush ride on rugged terrain while maintaining excellent control.
• Charger 3 Damper: Equipped with the new Charger 3 damper, the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 delivers improved damping control, providing exceptional stability and confidence on both climbs and descents. The damper’s adjustments allow for fine-tuning, making it adaptable to various riding conditions.
• Advanced Materials and Design: The fork’s stanchions are made from high-quality materials that ensure longevity and performance. Its 35mm diameter gives it a sturdy structure without compromising the overall weight, ensuring balance and strength.
• High Adjustability: The Lyrik Ultimate MY25 offers a range of adjustments, including rebound, compression, and air spring pressure. These adjustments allow riders to fine-tune the fork to match their weight, riding style, and trail conditions.

Installation and Set-Up of the Lyrik Ultimate MY25

Installing the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 requires precision to ensure optimal performance. Here are the necessary steps for a correct installation:

1. Tools Required
   • 8mm and 10mm wrenches
   • Torque wrench [paid link]
   • T25 driver
   • Suspension fork oil
   • 5mm Allen key
   • 15mm through-axle
   • Brake adapters (if necessary)
2. Preparation
   • Begin by removing the old fork from the bike frame, if applicable. Use the appropriate size wrenches to loosen the headset and axle components.
   • Make sure the frame is clean and free of any debris before installing the new fork.
3. Install the Fork
   • Slide the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 into the bike’s headset and secure it with the necessary tools. Ensure that the fork is aligned correctly before tightening the headset components.
   • If your bike requires a specific brake adapter for your disc brakes, install it before attaching the wheel.
4. Attach the Wheel
   • Install the wheel using the 15mm through-axle or quick release, ensuring it is correctly centered in the fork dropouts.
   • Check that the brake rotor aligns with the caliper. Adjust if necessary.
5. Recheck and Final Adjustments
   • Tighten all bolts to the recommended torque specifications using a torque wrench [paid link] to avoid over-tightening.
   • Perform a final check to ensure that the fork operates smoothly and that no parts are loose.

Adjusting the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 Suspension Fork

Once the fork is installed, you’ll need to adjust its settings to suit your riding style and conditions. The Lyrik Ultimate MY25 is highly tunable, allowing you to modify various aspects of the suspension to improve comfort and performance.

Air Spring Pressure

The Lyrik Ultimate MY25 uses an air spring, and setting the correct air pressure is crucial for optimal performance.

• Start with your weight: Refer to the recommended air pressure chart provided by RockShox. This will give you a good starting point.
• Adjust for sag: Aim for around 25-30% sag based on your weight and riding style. To measure sag, compress the fork and measure how much it moves relative to the stanchions.

Rebound and Compression Damping

The fork features separate rebound and compression adjustments. Here’s how to fine-tune each:

• Rebound: Adjust the rebound setting to control how quickly the fork returns to its original position after compressing. If you find the fork bouncing back too quickly, slow it down; if it feels too sluggish, speed it up.
• Compression: The Lyrik Ultimate MY25 offers adjustable low-speed compression damping. This allows you to control how the fork responds to smaller bumps or heavy landings. Set it stiffer for aggressive riding or softer for smoother rides.

Fine-Tuning the Charger 3 Damper

The Charger 3 damper in the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 provides exceptional adjustability for various trail conditions. Adjust the low-speed and high-speed compression to better suit your needs:

• Low-speed compression: Adjust this for general terrain, such as trail riding and moderate drops. A firmer setting will offer more support on climbs.
• High-speed compression: Adjust this to handle larger impacts, such as big drops and high-speed hits. This will prevent the fork from diving too deep into its travel.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 is a high-end suspension fork, there are a few common issues riders might encounter. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

Fork Not Compressing Smoothly

• Possible Cause: Insufficient air pressure or low suspension oil.
• Solution: Check the air pressure and adjust it according to the rider’s weight and recommended sag. Ensure that the suspension fork oil is at the proper level and in good condition.

Fork Bottoming Out

• Possible Cause: Incorrect air pressure or damping settings.
• Solution: Increase the air pressure slightly or adjust the compression damping to better control fork travel. Reassess the rebound settings to prevent too much compression.

Excessive Brake Judder

• Possible Cause: Misaligned brake rotor or caliper.
• Solution: Check the alignment of the brake rotor with the caliper. Ensure the rotor is not bent, and the caliper is securely mounted.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

Riders can further optimize the performance of the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 by customizing its settings based on specific needs.

• Upgrade to a different damper: If you are looking for an even more refined experience, consider upgrading to a higher-end damper or adding external volume reducers to tailor the fork’s response to aggressive riding.
• Change the spring: Riders who frequently encounter steep climbs or technical terrain can experiment with different spring configurations to further enhance the fork’s responsiveness and efficiency.
• Fine-tune for specific trails: Spend time testing and adjusting the fork settings based on the trails you ride. If you’re tackling technical descents, increase the compression damping. For smooth, fast trails, adjust the rebound for a quicker return.

Comparison with Similar Models

While the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 is a top-tier choice for aggressive trail riders, there are a few other forks worth considering. These models may offer some differences in weight, adjustability, and price:

RockShox Pike Ultimate MY25

• Key Differences: The Pike is a slightly lighter fork and more suited to trail and enduro riding with a focus on responsive performance. The Lyrik, on the other hand, offers more aggressive handling and is better for riders who frequently encounter rough, technical terrain.

Fox 36 Factory

• Key Differences: The Fox 36 is known for its stiffness and precision. While the Lyrik provides smoother travel with its DebonAir spring, the Fox 36 offers a more aggressive, race-oriented feel with enhanced performance on high-speed descents.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Lyrik Ultimate MY25 is compatible with most modern mountain bike drivetrains, including both 1x and 2x setups. However, it’s important to ensure that your bike’s head tube and axle system match the Lyrik’s specifications for seamless integration.

• Axle Compatibility: The Lyrik uses a 15mm or 20mm through-axle system, making it compatible with a wide range of modern wheels. Ensure that your wheelset is compatible with this axle system.
• Brake Compatibility: The fork is designed to work with standard 6-bolt disc brake rotors. Some riders may need to install specific brake adapters depending on their frame and rotor size.

The Lyrik Ultimate MY25 is one of the most highly regarded suspension forks in its category. Riders love its responsiveness, adjustability, and high level of customization, making it a top choice for aggressive mountain bikers seeking peak performance. With proper setup, regular maintenance, and adjustments tailored to your riding style, the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 will consistently deliver an outstanding riding experience.