Full Review: Lyrik Select+ Suspension Fork Performance and Durability

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The Lyrik Select+ from RockShox is a top-tier suspension fork designed for aggressive trail riding and enduro disciplines. Offering advanced features, smooth performance, and exceptional durability, the Lyrik Select+ is built to withstand the toughest conditions while providing riders with optimal control and comfort. This detailed review covers everything you need to know about the Lyrik Select+, including installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and customization to ensure you get the most out of your fork.

Key Features of the Lyrik Select+

The Lyrik Select+ stands out in the market with several key features that enhance its performance and make it suitable for various types of mountain biking:

  • DebonAir+ Spring: Known for its plush feel and consistent performance, the DebonAir+ spring helps deliver smooth travel throughout the fork’s stroke, improving comfort and control on rough terrain.
  • Motion Control RC Damper: The Motion Control RC damper offers adjustable compression settings, providing greater control over the fork’s responsiveness based on rider preference and terrain.
  • Torque Cap: This feature increases stiffness and ensures better front-end control by improving the interface between the fork and the wheel hub.
  • Charge 2.1 Damper: The latest generation of the Charge Damper offers superior performance, providing high-speed control and an impressive amount of sensitivity for enhanced handling.
  • Maxima Plush Fluid: The use of Maxima Plush Fluid reduces friction and enhances the fork’s overall performance, ensuring smooth movement during your rides.

These features combine to make the Lyrik Select+ an excellent choice for riders seeking a fork that balances comfort and performance under demanding conditions.

Installation of the Lyrik Select+ Suspension Fork

Proper installation of the Lyrik Select+ suspension fork is crucial to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage to the fork or the bike frame. Follow these steps to install the fork:

Tools Required:

  • 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm Allen wrenches[paid link]
  • Torque wrench[paid link] (for precise tightening)
  • 10mm and 15mm open-end wrenches
  • Suspension fork oil (for maintenance)
  • Fork fluid syringe (optional for precise maintenance)

Installation Steps:

  1. Remove the Old Fork: Begin by removing the front wheel, brake caliper, and the old suspension fork. If your bike has a headset with spacers, note the placement of each spacer for reinstallation.
  2. Install the Crown Race: If the Lyrik Select+ is replacing a fork, install the appropriate crown race onto the new fork’s steerer tube. This is crucial for smooth headset movement.
  3. Adjust the Steerer Tube Length: If necessary, trim the steerer tube to the correct length for your frame. Use a pipe cutter for clean cuts.
  4. Install the Fork: Insert the fork into the head tube of the frame, ensuring the fork is seated properly. Align the fork with the head tube and tighten the stem bolts to secure the fork in place.
  5. Reinstall the Front Wheel: Attach the front wheel to the fork dropouts, ensuring that it is properly aligned.
  6. Reinstall the Brake Caliper: Attach your brake caliper, ensuring proper alignment with the rotor and secure it tightly to prevent any movement during braking.

Once installed, check for smooth fork movement and ensure that there is no play in the headset.

Adjusting the Lyrik Select+ Fork for Optimal Performance

The Lyrik Select+ features multiple adjustable settings that allow riders to customize the fork’s performance based on their riding style and terrain. The key adjustments are for the air spring and damper:

Air Spring Adjustment:

  • Preload Adjustment: Use the air valve on the top of the fork to add or release air pressure. The ideal pressure depends on your weight and riding preferences. A general guideline is to set the pressure so that the fork uses around 30-40% of its travel under your normal riding conditions.
  • Sag Setting: Adjust the air pressure until you achieve the desired sag. Sag is the amount the fork compresses under the rider’s weight, typically around 20-30% of the total travel for optimal performance.

Damper Adjustment:

  • Compression Settings: The Motion Control RC damper features external compression adjustment for low-speed and high-speed compression settings. Fine-tune the settings based on the trail conditions and your riding style. For aggressive trail riding, a firmer setting is recommended, while a softer setting works well for smoother trails.
  • Rebound Settings: Adjust the rebound damping to control how quickly the fork returns after compression. A slower rebound setting is ideal for rough trails to prevent the fork from bouncing too much.

Test the fork on your preferred terrain and make small adjustments as needed to refine the feel.

Maintenance and Durability of the Lyrik Select+

Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your Lyrik Select+ fork performs at its best throughout its lifespan. Regular service will prevent premature wear and ensure the longevity of the fork.

Regular Maintenance:

  • Air Spring Maintenance: Periodically check the air spring for leaks or loss of air pressure. Top up the air pressure if necessary.
  • Fork Cleaning: After each ride, clean the fork using a mild soap solution and a soft cloth to remove dirt, mud, and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the fork’s seals.
  • Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the fork’s upper tubes with suspension-specific oils to reduce friction and maintain smooth performance.
  • Damper Service: Every 50-100 hours of riding, consider servicing the damper to maintain smooth operation. This can involve draining and replacing the damper fluid or completely disassembling the fork for a full service.

Full Service:

  • Every 200-300 hours of riding or annually, perform a complete overhaul. This involves disassembling the fork, inspecting seals, bushings, and other components for wear, and replacing any damaged parts. It’s recommended to have this service done by a professional mechanic to ensure the fork’s longevity and performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Lyrik Select+

While the Lyrik Select+ is built for durability, riders may encounter a few common issues. Below are solutions to address these problems:

1. Fork Not Rebounding Properly

  • Cause: This may be due to low oil levels or improper rebound settings.
  • Solution: Check the rebound settings and adjust them if necessary. If the issue persists, perform a full service on the damper to check for low oil levels or internal damage.

2. Unusual Noises Coming from the Fork

  • Cause: Noise could be caused by dirt or debris in the fork’s seals or bushings.
  • Solution: Clean the fork thoroughly and inspect the seals. If the noise persists, check the bushings for wear and consider replacing them.

3. Loss of Travel

  • Cause: A decrease in travel may indicate air spring issues, such as a loss of air pressure.
  • Solution: Check the air pressure and ensure it is within the recommended range for your weight. If the issue persists, check for air spring leaks or damaged seals.

Customizing the Lyrik Select+ for Better Performance

To fully optimize the Lyrik Select+ fork for your riding style, several upgrades and adjustments can be made:

  • Upgrade to a DebonAir+ Spring: The DebonAir+ spring offers enhanced sensitivity and a smoother ride, improving the overall comfort and control of the fork.
  • Install a Charger 2.1 Damper: If you want even more fine-tuned control over compression and rebound, upgrading to the Charger 2.1 Damper can significantly improve high-speed control and reduce fatigue on long rides.
  • Tune Your Suspension for Specific Terrain: Adjust the air spring and damper settings to match specific riding conditions, such as adding more pressure for aggressive descents or reducing pressure for smoother trail rides.

Comparison with Other Fork Models

When comparing the Lyrik Select+ to other suspension forks in the same category, such as the Fox 36 Performance Elite[paid link] or the Marzocchi Bomber Z1[paid link], the Lyrik Select+ stands out for its smooth, adjustable damper, easy maintenance, and value for money. While the Fox 36 offers slightly more customization options, the Lyrik Select+ delivers excellent performance and durability at a more affordable price point.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Lyrik Select+ is compatible with most modern mountain bike drivetrains. It works well with a wide range of wheels, including 27.5″ and 29″, and can be used with bikes featuring a Boost or Super Boost axle configuration. Ensure that your bike’s head tube and axle standards match those of the fork for easy integration.