Pike - difference between the models

Can anyone help me out with a thorough explanation of the difference between the various models of Pike?

I have searched this on NSMB and several other forums and I still don't have a decent understanding.

Firstly, what is the difference between 409, 426 [HTML_REMOVED] 454? The Rock-shox site is not clear.

Then, am I right that each model is available in coil or air? And if so, what is people's experience with each?

Cheers
Gral

There are 3 spring types which I believe are available for all models. The spring types are: Coil U-turn, Dual Air, and Air U-turn.

If I recall correctly, the main difference between the 409 and the 426 is the adjstability of the damping. The 426 probably has all the adjustments available with its motion control cartridge, where the 409 may only have rebound and a single compression adjustment. The 454 is fully loaded in regards to adjustments, and features a hollow crown (and maybe other differences over the 426) to make it lighter… The Rock shox site does have all this information, try poking around there a bit more, and checking out all the tabs.

9 different models - 409/426/454 as mentioned each with three different spring types.

The difference between 409/426/454 is in internal/external floodgate adjustment, steerer material and crown. All the adjustments are the same, just some versions need tools, others don't.

9 different models - 409/426/454 as mentioned each with three different spring types.

The difference between 409/426/454 is in internal/external floodgate adjustment, steerer material and crown. All the adjustments are the same, just some versions need tools, others don't.

Thanks for the correction! Oh and out of curiousity I looked it up, the 409 has an internal floodgate adjustment, whereas the others have external floodgate adjustments. The rebound and external compression adjustments are shared across the range. http://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/allmountain/pike/

All Pikes have motion control damper (from Boxxer) and forged hollow crown:

*Pike 426 U-turn (weight 5.4lb), 4130 cromoly steel steerer

2 versions of 426 available, 1 with U-Turn (95-140mm)and 1 with U-Turn (95-140mm)and Pop-Loc

*Pike 454 Coil U-Turn (weight 5.0lb), butted aluminium steerer

only 1 version of 454 available with U-Turn (95-140mm)

*Pike 454 Dual Air U-Turn (weight 4.5lb), butted aluminium steerer

2 versions of 454 available, 1 with U-Turn (110-140mm) and 1 with 140mm fixed travel and Pop-Loc

confusing, eh!!

I don't think Norco (who distributes RS in Canada) carries all 9 models of the Pike, I think just 2 or 3. But I have no idea where you live so maybe it doesn't matter. Ask your lbs which models they can get and that might narrow your choices

Thanks for the info people.

Yeah I did check out the Rockshox website but it doesn't really explain anything properly.

As for where I live, I'm actually an aussie living in London. But I use the Canadian forum coz the info is the best and the responses are the most helpful (plus my bike and me spent 4 weeks in Whistler a coupla years back).

Anyway, can anyone give feedback on the following:

- I guess the alu steerer is lighter but does that means its weaker? And if so is the trade-off worth it? Obviously if I can get a lighter fork great, but I dont want to compromise strength too much.

- Coil vs air - any feedback on this? I assume air is good for the adjustability and to save weight. But how is the ride feel? And is it less durable? Air shocks always seem to leak in my experience.

- I still dont understand the difference between Air U-Turn and Dual Air.

Thanks again.

I guess the alu steerer is lighter but does that means its weaker? And if so is the trade-off worth it? Obviously if I can get a lighter fork great, but I dont want to compromise strength too much.

both aluminium alloy and steel steerers have to be made strong enough with regards to fork safety, so both are rated at same strength

the aluminium alloy is lighter, but uses thicker wall to attain the same strength, but overall little lighter than the cromoly steel steerer.

Coil vs air - any feedback on this? I assume air is good for the adjustability and to save weight. But how is the ride feel? And is it less durable? Air shocks always seem to leak in my experience.

personal choice, air is infinitely adjustable so easier to get it "spot on" for your body weight, riding style and as your body weight changes across the season…

coil can feel better on smaller bumps, unless you have a big air volume on forks like Totems (internal air space is larger so runs at lower pressure)

Pikes with coil or air feel damn good, so make your choice, i have not found / seen the air fork to be less durable….all forks need loving!

I run the cheapest of the Pike line, the 409 and so far have not used the (internal = need an allen key) floodgate adjust, it was fine out of the box. The floodgate however will only affect your fork if you run it locked out. I only do that if i'm on very steep trails with hairpins to keep the fork from diving too much. Overall, the Pike feels solid, I never thought that could happen with a RockShox fork.

Hey all believe it or not I

But what is the difference between the Dual Air and Air U-Turn?

Hover over the icons below the pics of the forks on the SRAM site. It will tell you what each of the features does.