RockShox

Lyrik Ultimate 29in Boost Fork - 2020

When it comes to progress, Rockshox has never been one to sit on the sidelines, and they drive that point home by jumping straight into 2020 options well before even summer hits us here at the Competitive office. One example of RockShox's thirst for progress is the new Lyrik Ultimate 29in Boost Fork, which comes from the brand's new Signature Series, and takes the cake as the flagship model, representing the cream-of-the-crop in its offerings. Overall, the changes between the 2019 Lyrik and Lyrik Ultimate may look subtle on paper, but when tossed on the trail you'll find they create a noticeable ride improvement, offering best of breed in off-the-top sensitivity, and mid-stroke support that's damn near impossible to beat. It uses an updated Charger 2.1 damper, paired with the DebonAir spring that you found in previous models to offer a smoother than ever ride, that spends more time higher in its travel for better handling in chunky terrain and lofty hits.

The Lyric Ultimate represents the cream of the crop in RockShox enduro fork offerings, and updates start with the newly engineered Maxima Plush oil that reduces friction and improves smoothness in the stroke over previously used oils, improving seal lubrication. The seals themselves are also new, moving to a lower-friction design that's inspired by the motocross industry. RockShox also went with a new type of grease in the air chamber that lasts longer, and wears better than the grease in years passed.

RockShox made the largest changes on the Lyrik in the damper. Now dubbed the Charger 2.1, the damper features tweaks to its high-speed compression damping to reduce harshness, and altered the low-speed compression settings to make them much more usable — meaning you can run the highest amount of compression, and still feel the benefits of a supple fork. The rebound circuit has been updated, allowing the fork to ride higher in its travel when you're rolling across brake bumps and chattery rock sections. The damper also received a new wear band around the main piston, which is designed to stop oil flowing around the piston to increase rebound damping control when traveling at low shaft speeds, which translates to improved traction.

RockShox crafts the Lyrik Ultimate with travel ranges from 150-to-180-millimeters, and with both 42mm and 51mm offsets, allowing you to pair up with your steed for perfect compatibility on the trail.