RockShox

Pike RCT3 Solo Air 160 Fork - 27.5in - 2017

There's a reason why the top manufacturers continue to optimize their 27.5in enduro racing frames' geometries for RockShox's Pike RCT3 Solo Air 160 Fork. And that's because, as far as we're concerned, RockShox has optimized the trade-off between all-mountain trail riding and climbing and the big-hit, big-line requirements of a modern enduro race sled. Between details like the stiff interface between the Power Bulge bushings and the Maxle Ultimate axle to the customizable properties of the damper and air spring, the Pike RCT3 continues to set the bar when it comes to holding lines on descents and holding gaps on climbs.

The Solo Air fork ditches the adjustability of the Dual Position Air version in favor of a single 150mm travel position. You lose the ability to drop the front end of your bike by a couple of centimeters to make it more aggressive on the climbs, but for some, the extra weight saved (about 50 grams) and the complexity saved is worth it. While still a comfortable climber, thanks to the Charger damper's adjustability, the Solo Air really shines on the steepest and most technical downhills you can stomach.

Of course, the Pike wouldn't be in the pole position of the six-inch travel game if it were rigidly un-adjustable. Depending on the terrain you're climbing up or dropping in to, the fork's settings can be dialed by the three-position RCT3 switch, which lets you choose discreet amounts of lockout for bigger hits, trail terrain, or cross-country speed. RockShox's Rapid Recovery feature indulges the Pike's terrain-gobbling tendencies by keeping recovery between hits short, so you'll always have that cushion, even during multiple successive bumps.

Please note that the Pike RCT3 Solo Air Fork doesn't include a shock pump.