The RockShox Pike Select+ is a high-performance suspension fork designed for trail and all-mountain riding. Offering a range of customizable features, it provides riders with excellent control and comfort. This guide will walk you through the process of installing, adjusting, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Pike Select+ fork to ensure it performs optimally.

Installation of the Pike Select+ Suspension Fork

The installation of the Pike Select+ fork requires careful attention to detail to ensure safety and peak performance. It’s important to install the fork correctly to maximize its potential.

1. Remove the Old Fork: If replacing an existing fork, first remove the front wheel, brake calipers, and any cables or hoses connected to the old fork. Then, remove the headset cap and unscrew the fork from the steerer tube.
2. Prepare the New Fork: Ensure the Pike Select+ fork is properly sized for your bike’s frame. The steerer tube must be cut to the correct length, and the fork should be aligned with the bike’s geometry.
3. Install the Fork: Slide the Pike Select+ fork into the head tube of the frame. Ensure it’s aligned correctly and press down until it sits flush with the headset. Reattach the headset cap, tightening it to the recommended torque specification.
4. Reconnect Brake and Wheel: Attach your front brake caliper, reassemble the front wheel, and tighten all components as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Set the Correct Headset Tension: Check the headset tension by turning the fork. If there’s any play, tighten the headset until the fork rotates smoothly but without any movement.

Once installed, the fork is ready for initial adjustments.

Adjusting the Pike Select+ Fork

The Pike Select+ offers several adjustments to fine-tune the suspension for different riding styles and terrain. The main settings you should focus on include air pressure, rebound, and compression damping.

Air Pressure

The air spring on the Pike Select+ can be adjusted using a shock pump. The correct air pressure depends on your weight, riding style, and preferences.

1. Determine Your Ideal Air Pressure: Use the recommended pressure chart provided by RockShox or consult online resources specific to your weight and riding style. You can also adjust based on your feel during a ride.
2. Set the Air Pressure: Attach the shock pump to the air valve and adjust the pressure. Ensure that you are within the recommended range for your weight. If you prefer a firmer ride, increase the pressure; for a plusher ride, decrease the pressure.

Rebound Adjustment

Rebound damping controls how quickly the fork extends after compressing. It can be fine-tuned to match riding conditions.

1. Locate the Rebound Knob: The rebound adjustment knob is typically located at the bottom of one of the fork legs.
2. Adjust Rebound Speed: Turn the knob to the left for faster rebound or to the right for slower rebound. A slower rebound helps maintain control on rough terrain, while faster rebound is suited for smoother trails.

Compression Adjustment

Compression damping affects how the fork reacts to impacts. The Pike Select+ has a low-speed compression adjustment that can be dialed in for optimal performance.

1. Find the Compression Dial: This is usually located on the top of the fork leg, marked with ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols.
2. Adjust Compression: Turning the dial clockwise adds more compression, making the fork stiffer, while turning it counterclockwise softens the compression, making the fork more sensitive to smaller bumps. Start with a medium setting and fine-tune based on the terrain.

Maintaining the Pike Select+ Fork

Routine maintenance is crucial for keeping your Pike Select+ fork performing at its best. Here are key maintenance tasks to perform:

Regular Cleaning

Keep your fork clean to ensure smooth performance.

1. Clean the Fork Legs: After every ride, use a damp cloth to wipe down the fork legs and remove any dirt or debris. Pay special attention to the seals at the bottom of the fork legs.
2. Lubricate the Stanchions: Apply a small amount of suspension-specific lubricant to the stanchions. This will ensure smooth movement and protect against wear.

Suspension Service

RockShox recommends servicing the Pike Select+ fork every 50 hours of riding or once a year, whichever comes first.

1. Lower Leg Service: This includes draining the old oil, cleaning the internals, and replacing the oil. It helps maintain the fork’s smoothness and performance.
2. Full Service: A full service involves disassembling the fork, inspecting all components, replacing worn parts, and refilling oil. It is advisable to have a professional mechanic handle this unless you are experienced with suspension systems.

Troubleshooting Common Pike Select+ Fork Issues

Even the best suspension forks can experience issues from time to time. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them.

Fork Not Returning Properly

If the fork is not rebounding as expected:

1. Check Rebound Settings: If the rebound is set too slow, the fork may struggle to extend. Increase the rebound speed by turning the knob counterclockwise.
2. Low Air Pressure: Insufficient air pressure can also cause poor rebound. Check and adjust the air pressure according to your weight and riding style.

Sag Issues

If you notice that the fork is sagging too much or too little, it may be due to incorrect air pressure or improper rebound settings.

1. Adjust Air Pressure: If there’s too much sag, increase the air pressure. Conversely, if the fork is too stiff, lower the air pressure.
2. Recheck Rebound: Slow rebound can make the fork feel like it’s sagging too much. Try speeding up the rebound to resolve this.

Noise or Sticking

If your Pike Select+ fork is making unusual noises or feels like it’s sticking:

1. Clean and Lubricate: Dirty or dry fork stanchions can cause noise or sticking. Clean the fork legs and apply fresh lubrication to the stanchions.
2. Check for Damaged Seals: Worn or damaged seals can lead to leaking oil, causing poor performance and noise. If this is the case, replace the seals.

Customizing and Optimizing the Pike Select+

Customization allows you to fine-tune the performance of your Pike Select+ fork to match your riding style and preferences.

Adjusting the Volume Spacers

The Pike Select+ fork allows you to adjust the volume of air in the fork using volume spacers. By adding or removing spacers, you can change the fork’s progression.

• Add Spacers: Adding volume spacers increases the fork’s mid-stroke support and reduces bottom-out.
• Remove Spacers: Removing spacers makes the fork more linear, allowing for more travel in the early stroke.

Spring Tuning

The Pike Select+ uses an air spring, which you can fine-tune to optimize performance. Adjusting the air pressure and adding/removing spacers can help you achieve the desired feel, whether you want a plush ride or more support for aggressive riding.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

When tuning your Pike Select+ fork, ensure that it is compatible with the rest of your drivetrain components. The fork is designed to work seamlessly with modern trail and enduro bike frames. The geometry of your bike will influence how the fork behaves, so it is crucial to ensure your bike’s head tube angle and fork travel match the requirements of your ride.