Keeping Your Pike Select+ Suspension Fork in Top Shape at Home

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The RockShox Pike Select+ is a high-performance suspension fork designed for riders who demand precision, comfort, and control on aggressive trails. Whether you’re an experienced mechanic or a rider looking to maintain your own gear, keeping your Pike Select+ in top condition is essential for optimal performance. This guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to install, adjust, maintain, and troubleshoot your Pike Select+ suspension fork, ensuring it continues to perform at its best.

Tools Required

  • 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Suspension oil (RockShox 15wt or 5wt as per specifications)
  • Grease (for moving parts)
  • Rags for cleaning
  • Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning)
  • Soft brush
  • Syringe (for oil change)
  • Shock pump
  • Dust seals or foam rings (for maintenance)
  • RockShox suspension fluid (recommended by the manufacturer)

Installation of the Pike Select+ Suspension Fork

Proper installation of your Pike Select+ suspension fork ensures it functions efficiently and reliably on the trails. Follow these steps carefully to install the fork correctly.

Step 1: Remove the Old Fork (if applicable)

  • Detach the front wheel by unscrewing the quick release or through-axle, depending on your bike’s setup.
  • Use a 6mm Allen wrench [paid link] to loosen the headset top cap, then remove the stem and handlebars from the fork’s steerer tube.
  • Loosen the lower headset bearings with the 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] and slide the fork out of the head tube.

Step 2: Prepare the New Fork

  • Before installing the Pike Select+, make sure that the steerer tube is cut to the correct length. If needed, trim the tube with a saw or pipe cutter.
  • Clean the inside of the head tube and apply a light coat of grease to the bearings and surfaces that will be in contact with the fork.

Step 3: Install the Fork

  • Insert the Pike Select+ into the head tube, ensuring the fork’s lower headset bearing sits correctly.
  • Slide the stem over the steerer tube, and reattach the handlebars.
  • Tighten the stem bolts to the manufacturer’s torque specification using a torque wrench [paid link].
  • Reattach the top cap and tighten to the recommended torque to pre-load the headset.

Step 4: Reinstall the Front Wheel

  • Insert the front wheel and secure the axle (either quick release or through-axle) tightly.
  • Check the wheel alignment and make sure the fork is centered.

Adjusting Your Pike Select+ Suspension Fork

To get the most out of your Pike Select+, adjustments must be made to suit your riding style, weight, and terrain. Here are the key adjustments you’ll need to make:

Step 1: Adjust the Air Spring Pressure

  • Attach a shock pump to the Schrader valve on the fork’s air spring.
  • Check your rider weight and adjust the air pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. For example, lighter riders will need less pressure, while heavier riders will need more.
  • Start with a baseline pressure and adjust based on your riding preference and terrain conditions.

Step 2: Adjust the Rebound Damping

  • The Pike Select+ features a rebound adjuster at the bottom of the right fork leg.
  • Turn the adjuster knob clockwise to slow down the rebound or counterclockwise to speed it up. Slower rebound is recommended for rougher terrain to help control the fork’s return after compression.
  • Test ride your bike and make small adjustments until you feel the ideal response.

Step 3: Adjust the Compression Damping

  • Compression damping controls how the fork reacts to small and large impacts.
  • The Pike Select+ has a three-position compression knob on the left fork leg, which allows you to adjust the compression setting to Open, Medium, or Firm.
  • Open mode is best for downhill riding or rough trails, Medium for trail riding, and Firm for smooth climbs or road riding.

Step 4: Fine-tune the DebonAir Spring (Optional)

  • The Pike Select+ uses RockShox’s DebonAir spring, which provides a more linear air spring curve for improved small-bump sensitivity.
  • Fine-tuning this spring involves adjusting the air volume spacer inside the fork to either increase or decrease the progression.
  • To make adjustments, remove the air spring assembly and install more or fewer spacers as needed.

Maintenance and Servicing

Routine maintenance will keep your Pike Select+ suspension fork performing optimally. Here’s how to maintain it at home:

Step 1: Clean the Fork Regularly

  • After every ride, use a soft brush and isopropyl alcohol to clean the fork’s stanchions.
  • Ensure that no dirt or debris accumulates on the seals, as this can cause premature wear or leaks.

Step 2: Service the Fork Every 50-100 Hours of Riding

  • Lubricate the Dust Seals: Apply a light layer of suspension oil around the fork’s dust seals every 50 hours of use.
  • Oil Change: Every 100 hours or at least once per year, it’s important to change the suspension fluid. Drain the old fluid, clean the internals, and refill with fresh oil, ensuring the correct oil viscosity for your riding style.
  • Re-grease the Axle: Periodically remove the front axle and reapply grease to ensure smooth operation and prevent rusting.

Step 3: Replace Worn Seals

  • Over time, seals can wear down and allow oil to leak or dirt to enter the fork. When you notice signs of oil leakage or reduced performance, it’s time to replace the seals. Make sure to use RockShox-recommended seals for compatibility.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter with your Pike Select+ suspension fork and how to address them:

Issue 1: Fork Not Holding Air Pressure

  • Cause: This can be due to a leak in the air spring or seals.
  • Solution: Inspect the air spring assembly for damage. If there is no visible damage, check the seals for wear. If the seals are damaged, replace them with the correct RockShox parts.

Issue 2: Fork Too Soft or Too Firm

  • Cause: Incorrect air pressure or improper compression settings.
  • Solution: Check your air pressure settings and adjust them according to your weight and riding conditions. Adjust the compression damping to find the right balance for your terrain.

Issue 3: Poor Rebound Control

  • Cause: The rebound knob may be set incorrectly or the fork may need an oil change.
  • Solution: Adjust the rebound settings and perform an oil change if necessary. Over time, oils can degrade, affecting damping performance.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

The Pike Select+ offers several ways to optimize and customize its performance:

  • Upgrade to a DebonAir+ Air Spring: For smoother, more responsive handling, consider upgrading to the DebonAir+ spring for enhanced small bump compliance.
  • Install Volume Spacers: If you find the fork bottoming out too frequently, adding volume spacers will increase the air spring’s progression and prevent bottoming out.
  • Fork Offset Adjustment: If you want to tweak the fork’s steering geometry, adjusting the offset can change how your bike handles at higher speeds or in tight corners.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Pike Select+ is designed to be compatible with a wide range of modern drivetrains and wheel sizes. However, it’s important to ensure that the fork’s axle, steerer tube length, and travel match your bike’s frame specifications. When upgrading your fork, always verify the following:

  • Axle Type: The Pike Select+ comes with either a quick-release or through-axle. Make sure that your wheel hub matches the type of axle your fork uses.
  • Wheel Size: The fork is compatible with 27.5” and 29” wheels, so verify your wheel size before installation.
  • Frame Compatibility: Ensure the fork’s travel (150mm-160mm) is suitable for your frame’s geometry.