New Rockshox Charger 2.1 Damper

[Rob180]

I just retrofitted my 2019 turbo levo expert Pike that I had previously converted to 160mm travel, with the new Charger 2.1 damper. Honestly this mod has transformed the bike. On my short (5mi) test loop, previously with 90 psi in the fork, all damper circuits wide open, MRP ramp control at minimum, the bike would use about 80 mm of travel. With the new 2.1 damper cartridge, high-speed and low-speed circuits full open, and ramp control of minimum, it now uses about 140mm of travel. Obviously the fork can be made much stiffer from there, but that is just a representation of how much plusher this setting is.

 

[jcmonty]

I just retrofitted my 2019 turbo levo expert Pike that I had previously converted to 160mm travel, with the new Charger 2.1 damper. Honestly this mod has transformed the bike. On my short (5mi) test loop, previously with 90 psi in the fork, all damper circuits wide open, MRP ramp control at minimum, the bike would use about 80 mm of travel. With the new 2.1 damper cartridge, high-speed and low-speed circuits full open, and ramp control of minimum, it now uses about 140mm of travel. Obviously the fork can be made much stiffer from there, but that is just a representation of how much plusher this setting is.

Curious - did your pike originally come with the Charger 2? Or was it an older Charger 1 model? Reports on the 2.1 have been fairly sparse, and it's interesting to hear that result.

I have modded my 2019 Lyrik RCT3 (with the Charger 2 originally) with the PUSH HC97 mod. Super big difference in a good way. More control, useable LSC and HSC, and more consistent damping overall. Feels more "race-like", but without sacrifice on the suppleness. I have a DSD RUNT (dual air chamber) as well that helps with the mid-stroke via making the curve more linear.

 

[Rob180]

I’m fairly certain it was a Charger 2, as it is a 2019 Pike model. Also, it has the red seal head, which I’ve been told designates it as a Charger 2.