Hi Phile,
Thanks! Apologies for the delayed response. Had to think on this one.
So I wouldn’t directly compare the IRT Pro Mattoc to an RS product. I mean, depending on the model it competes against the top end Pike or Lyrik but the IRT forks are a different setup experience which I’d compare to an Ohlins air fork. Keeping in mind they’re all providing good traction in rough terrain the IRT is much more sophisticated in terms of adjusting it to ride very different ways where the RS forks, for me, all work as I’ve described +/- tokens.
The Manitou IVA Mattoc is a better direct comparison as it does uses volume tokens to the same effect but I do run a bit of preload on the LSC and HSC adjuster.
Where RockShox wins is the rampant availability of parts, tire clearance for a given travel, and regular appearance.
Where the Manitou wins is the better damper, unique appearance, and adjustable hydraulic bottom out.
If it comes down to a 140mm Lyrik RC3 vs. a 140mm Mattoc Pro I give the nod to the Mattoc Pro solely on the hydraulic bottom out system which every aggressive mountain bike fork should have. I use full travel regularly and never feel brutal hard bottoms.
Hope that makes sense!
Feb. 21, 2018, 5:40 p.m. - Andrew Major
Hi Phile, Thanks! Apologies for the delayed response. Had to think on this one. So I wouldn’t directly compare the IRT Pro Mattoc to an RS product. I mean, depending on the model it competes against the top end Pike or Lyrik but the IRT forks are a different setup experience which I’d compare to an Ohlins air fork. Keeping in mind they’re all providing good traction in rough terrain the IRT is much more sophisticated in terms of adjusting it to ride very different ways where the RS forks, for me, all work as I’ve described +/- tokens. The Manitou IVA Mattoc is a better direct comparison as it does uses volume tokens to the same effect but I do run a bit of preload on the LSC and HSC adjuster. Where RockShox wins is the rampant availability of parts, tire clearance for a given travel, and regular appearance. Where the Manitou wins is the better damper, unique appearance, and adjustable hydraulic bottom out. If it comes down to a 140mm Lyrik RC3 vs. a 140mm Mattoc Pro I give the nod to the Mattoc Pro solely on the hydraulic bottom out system which every aggressive mountain bike fork should have. I use full travel regularly and never feel brutal hard bottoms. Hope that makes sense!