Great video Mike, thanks. My wife's Trance X 29 has this fork, it's been good until now, fork seals were grabbing a lot. I have the low tension seals on order for her bike, and my Fox 36 now. FWIW, wife's fork seals were packed with grease, but the grease was all dried out. I cleaned em' out and put new honey butter in there, so much better and that's with the stock seals for now. Next service gets the low tension seals.
My compression are 6 clicks but the last 2 are basically lock out and the remaining clicks are noticeable. What you said about the rebound was true. 13 clicks of rebound and I don’t see any difference. Thankfully I don’t have stiction issues unlike my 2018 Revelation. I actually replaced the Revelation with this one and I’m much happier .
i have a zeb on my mtb , great fork , and i also got a 35 gold for my cheap electric [giant talon bike to replace the stock coil fork , everything this guy said is 100% correct, from the no/low noise clicks , to the sticky uppers and useless rebound , if you need a low budget fork then this is great but i wouldnt use it on hard core riding , you can pick these forks up cheap from people who replace them on new bikes , i wouldnt pay more than $200 for this fork
You told me everything I need to know, but yet, I’ll still probably purchase something like this 35 Gold because it’s slightly better than a Recon pogo stick. Well informed video. Thanks!
@@tonym6633 that's great to hear! I know a lot of people were upset with the fork initially, like myself. Still can't get replacement parts for it though.
I have this fork set at 130mm on 29er aggressive-ish hardtail. I hit bridge jumps and gaps. Jumps lines etc.. I feel the forks is more than enough for what I need it for I may even up it to 140mm when I give it, its first service and change the seals. This forks has held up well and hasn't budget one bit I have had mine almost 1 year now I clean the stanctions with muc off silicone shine before every ride. I have the fork set to 100psi with less rebound I prefer the feedback it gives .
@@michaelderrick8709 thanks so much! I was definitely not lucky with all the headaches of the previous series fork. Really glad to hear it's working properly and it sounds like a lot better as well!
Thank you, these videos are like gold to me. I want to put a 130mm fork to my 29+ fully Surly Krampus for trail riding and a friend offered my a 35 gold 150mm which I could reduce to 130 thanks to your videos. However, you also recommend to get a Yari but I guess you had a full sus in mind, because with a hardtail is going to be harsh anyway, I guess.. I don't know whether to buy a 130mm Yari or the shorten the 150mm 35 gold to 130mm... THANK YOU FOR YOUR CHANNEL!!
Thank you for the kind comments. I will say I ride pretty hard on the 35 gold and it is still working. In your case if the price is right maybe get the 35? It's not a great fork but it does work. I know some of the online retailers are having sales now on forks etc. Maybe look into worldwide cyclery and lost co. Have a great day!
I bought my bike used,in april. It is a 2020 model merida.i had the exact same problem. Now its better but still not what you would expect. Kind of disappointed but im going to keep trying to solve it. Nice video!
I recently purchased my first ebike, the Merida E-ONE Sixty 500, it comes with this fork. I'll lower my expectations, as long as it works and lasts, that's enough for now, in about 4 more years I'll see if it's worth upgrading.
@@javierRC82857 after 2 years and like 3 services its still holding up really well! except it blew up one time but that was my fault lol. i replaced the damaged parts and now its all good. i can recommend this as a low end fork, you wont have problems with it.
Nice video, I have the same fork, but I’m having trouble adjusting the rebound. The problem is that I can’t feel any difference no matter which way I turn the knob, and I don’t hear any clicks.
Hi there. You are correct, this fork has little to no difference in rebound no matter how many times you turn the knob. There are also no clicks. Everyone that has this fork is experiencing the same issue as you. It's just how the fork is made. I would consider that normal for the fork
@@mikemtbs Thanks for the video! I just picked up a new Rocky Mountain Instinct and have the same issue with no clicks on the rebound adjustment. Rockshox wants to take a look at it because it's under warranty. I don't know if I should deal with the hassle of sending it back even though they'll pay for shipping.
The fact SRAM doesn’t put the debonair logo and sag markings on the stanchion tells you all you need to know…this isn’t a serious mtb fork. The bare minimum of an acceptable fork in the RockShox range is the Yari.
Agreed, when I purchased the bike from giant the fork spec listed said it was debonair. Then I was able to talk to a sram district manager and was told they were calling it debonair because it worked the same as a debonair. That was not true, there is a top out valve that equalizes when the travel reverts to its top position as opposed to part way thru the travel. Spoke to district manager after writing lots of letters, was trying to call out false advertising and pay the difference to send back the 35 for an exchange for the yari. False advertising on giant and scams part in 2020.
Hello. Thanks for a great video. I have a question. Is there a fork that would work or feel a decent amount better and still be somewhat affordable? I have a Roscoe 9 hardtail.
nice clip man, I just bought the Voodoo Bizango Pro that comes with a rocshox 35 gold RL fork, and this is a bit of disappointing but quite helpful info. I can't find skf seals nowhere near me, would you recommend some other brands also? Also im gonna pop up my travel 10 mil's more and replace the oil because i don't really trust stock has right amount of it inside. Keep it going :)
I haven't ridden the trek so I can't really say for sure. What I can say is the specialized surprised me and had a lot of playfulness to it. If their similar specd I would go with the one you got a good deal price wise.
I just got a trance x 29 2 (100+ hrs now) with that fork, It's not exactly the same inside the debonair piston part and seals look different from the illustrations I've seen, I didnt have any of the issues you had with it I just wanted to install low friction seals but I had the wrong parts so I slapped it back together. I have to say it works better since, placebo? 😂
I don't know. I think I got one of the first versions of the fork and had all those problems with it. It's definitely not a debonair spring as there's no dimple in the stantion, and it's not upgradeable as the threads are different. Glad the fork is working well for you!
I've had issues since 😂 As you might remember from other comments I switched it for a RST stitch then a Cane Creek helm mk2, I currently have the RL 35 disassembled and ready for a damper 2.1 but the part I had from eBay had a dried out bladder, seller refunded me but I'm still pushing back the rebuild and bladder change 😮 I painted the lowers sparkle purple I got to get this back together 😅
This fork came stock on my Trek Rail 5. It seems fair my last bike was a Lyrik and i loved it. I wanted one model up on the Rail with a Domain fork. Do you think upgrading to the Domain is worth it or do i need to go all the way to the Zeb kind of $$$.
Are your mud guard bolt ons or the zip tie ones? I have been looking for bolt ons for these forks and I can’t find one that fits the pre drilled holes. Plz help 🙏🏼
ua-cam.com/video/oGEg2XTcrew/v-deo.html The kit is listed in the bio section of the video. I got it from worldwide cyclery. If you have doubts give them a call. They were very helpful when I didn't know which seals to get.
Count clicks from fully slow or closed position. You probably won't hear a click sound so just count quarter turns. Turn the knob clockwise til it stops, then turn counter clockwise 13 quarter turns (clicks).
my rockshok35 gold rl 2020 has a Little play on the left side seal but oil not outblowing also fork performance is good as new is there any problem for this play? plz reply
If you're not using the Fork to jump then I would say it's not an issue if you are riding hard jumping doing drops.Then take that fork in to your bike shop and mention about the play in the wiper seal
Yes this fork can be 100mm to 160mm. You have to add or remove travel spacers and change the level of the compression oil in the opposite leg to match the level required. Download the service manual from SRAM.com
hello, I had to play between the plungers and the sheaths of La Fourche rockshox 35 gold. you feel this play when you brake with the front brake and when you push the bike forward and when you put your hand on the wiper seals. what is the solution? please
Check to see if your stem is loose and the fork is fully seated in your headset. If that is ok then take the bike to your shop, it could be issues with the bushings inside the fork. Either way it could cause a bad crash if not fixed and safe to ride.
On my previous fully (26'") was a Rockshox Sector (150 mm travel), I liked it. Now, my new one (27.5") has a Suntour Raidon (120 mm travel), I don't like it. It's very hard, with any air pressure. I would like to change it to a light fork with 150 mm travel, which is the best one?
If it's the best fork you've been on I'm sure you will like it. I really made this video to make people aware of how this fork really performs and the issues I had with it so they could be more informed. There was nothing like this when I ordered my bike
I just bought a 2023 Roscoe 8 and this fork comes stock on it. When I adjusted the compression clicker I noticed a big difference with just 2 clicks. Maybe they have improved the newer versions of this fork.
Have this fork on my kids trance 3 Absolutely horrible fork not worth the aggravation of trying to tune it to work right It’s designed and built for a price point in my opinion Not much adjustment on rebound at all
Great video Mike, thanks. My wife's Trance X 29 has this fork, it's been good until now, fork seals were grabbing a lot. I have the low tension seals on order for her bike, and my Fox 36 now. FWIW, wife's fork seals were packed with grease, but the grease was all dried out. I cleaned em' out and put new honey butter in there, so much better and that's with the stock seals for now. Next service gets the low tension seals.
My compression are 6 clicks but the last 2 are basically lock out and the remaining clicks are noticeable. What you said about the rebound was true. 13 clicks of rebound and I don’t see any difference. Thankfully I don’t have stiction issues unlike my 2018 Revelation. I actually replaced the Revelation with this one and I’m much happier .
i have a zeb on my mtb , great fork , and i also got a 35 gold for my cheap electric [giant talon bike to replace the stock coil fork , everything this guy said is 100% correct, from the no/low noise clicks , to the sticky uppers and useless rebound , if you need a low budget fork then this is great but i wouldnt use it on hard core riding , you can pick these forks up cheap from people who replace them on new bikes , i wouldnt pay more than $200 for this fork
You told me everything I need to know, but yet, I’ll still probably purchase something like this 35 Gold because it’s slightly better than a Recon pogo stick. Well informed video. Thanks!
Get the Yari, it's about $50 more than the 35 gold
@@mikemtbs I’ll look into that, thanks!
I have the newer a2gold. No stiction, issues solved and its 95% as good as a yari. Ridden both.
@@tonym6633 that's great to hear! I know a lot of people were upset with the fork initially, like myself. Still can't get replacement parts for it though.
@@tonym6633 and it’s slightly less than the Yari. I wonder what the differences are?
I have this fork set at 130mm on 29er aggressive-ish hardtail. I hit bridge jumps and gaps. Jumps lines etc.. I feel the forks is more than enough for what I need it for I may even up it to 140mm when I give it, its first service and change the seals. This forks has held up well and hasn't budget one bit I have had mine almost 1 year now I clean the stanctions with muc off silicone shine before every ride. I have the fork set to 100psi with less rebound I prefer the feedback it gives .
Sounds like they may have fixed the issues since 2020. Glad it works well for you!
@mikemtbs That may be the case, I am pretty sure I have the 2021 revision. Great video by the way.
@@michaelderrick8709 thanks so much! I was definitely not lucky with all the headaches of the previous series fork. Really glad to hear it's working properly and it sounds like a lot better as well!
Best review of this fork
Thanks for the review. Got my mind off for 35g.
Thank you, these videos are like gold to me. I want to put a 130mm fork to my 29+ fully Surly Krampus for trail riding and a friend offered my a 35 gold 150mm which I could reduce to 130 thanks to your videos. However, you also recommend to get a Yari but I guess you had a full sus in mind, because with a hardtail is going to be harsh anyway, I guess.. I don't know whether to buy a 130mm Yari or the shorten the 150mm 35 gold to 130mm... THANK YOU FOR YOUR CHANNEL!!
Thank you for the kind comments. I will say I ride pretty hard on the 35 gold and it is still working. In your case if the price is right maybe get the 35? It's not a great fork but it does work. I know some of the online retailers are having sales now on forks etc. Maybe look into worldwide cyclery and lost co. Have a great day!
Gold I see what you did there
I bought my bike used,in april. It is a 2020 model merida.i had the exact same problem. Now its better but still not what you would expect. Kind of disappointed but im going to keep trying to solve it. Nice video!
If you figure something out let me know! Good luck
I recently purchased my first ebike, the Merida E-ONE Sixty 500, it comes with this fork. I'll lower my expectations, as long as it works and lasts, that's enough for now, in about 4 more years I'll see if it's worth upgrading.
@@javierRC82857 after 2 years and like 3 services its still holding up really well! except it blew up one time but that was my fault lol. i replaced the damaged parts and now its all good. i can recommend this as a low end fork, you wont have problems with it.
Great review. I have the exactly same feeling
Thank you!
Nice video, I have the same fork, but I’m having trouble adjusting the rebound. The problem is that I can’t feel any difference no matter which way I turn the knob, and I don’t hear any clicks.
Hi there. You are correct, this fork has little to no difference in rebound no matter how many times you turn the knob. There are also no clicks. Everyone that has this fork is experiencing the same issue as you. It's just how the fork is made. I would consider that normal for the fork
@@mikemtbs Thanks for the video! I just picked up a new Rocky Mountain Instinct and have the same issue with no clicks on the rebound adjustment. Rockshox wants to take a look at it because it's under warranty. I don't know if I should deal with the hassle of sending it back even though they'll pay for shipping.
@aarongingold6656 be ready for a month turnaround and little difference in function. 50 50 chance it might be a little better
The fact SRAM doesn’t put the debonair logo and sag markings on the stanchion tells you all you need to know…this isn’t a serious mtb fork. The bare minimum of an acceptable fork in the RockShox range is the Yari.
Agreed, when I purchased the bike from giant the fork spec listed said it was debonair. Then I was able to talk to a sram district manager and was told they were calling it debonair because it worked the same as a debonair. That was not true, there is a top out valve that equalizes when the travel reverts to its top position as opposed to part way thru the travel. Spoke to district manager after writing lots of letters, was trying to call out false advertising and pay the difference to send back the 35 for an exchange for the yari. False advertising on giant and scams part in 2020.
Hello. Thanks for a great video. I have a question. Is there a fork that would work or feel a decent amount better and still be somewhat affordable? I have a Roscoe 9 hardtail.
Absolutely, check out marzocchi z2
Hi Mike. Can you give the reference of the seals please ? Thx.
nice clip man, I just bought the Voodoo Bizango Pro that comes with a rocshox 35 gold RL fork, and this is a bit of disappointing but quite helpful info. I can't find skf seals nowhere near me, would you recommend some other brands also? Also im gonna pop up my travel 10 mil's more and replace the oil because i don't really trust stock has right amount of it inside. Keep it going :)
You can get them from worldwide cyclery, Jenson USA, etc. They are the standard 35mm flangeless skf wiper seals.
@@mikemtbs Thanks man :)
Im stuck between a specialzed stumpjumper EVO comp alloy and a trek fuel ex7 gen6. In your opion, which one would you get? Thanks👍👊
I haven't ridden the trek so I can't really say for sure. What I can say is the specialized surprised me and had a lot of playfulness to it. If their similar specd I would go with the one you got a good deal price wise.
@@mikemtbs cool. The specialized has the fox float 36 rhytym. I assume its a better quality fork.👍
@c.1211 fox makes great suspension!
I just got a trance x 29 2 (100+ hrs now) with that fork, It's not exactly the same inside the debonair piston part and seals look different from the illustrations I've seen, I didnt have any of the issues you had with it I just wanted to install low friction seals but I had the wrong parts so I slapped it back together.
I have to say it works better since, placebo? 😂
I don't know. I think I got one of the first versions of the fork and had all those problems with it. It's definitely not a debonair spring as there's no dimple in the stantion, and it's not upgradeable as the threads are different. Glad the fork is working well for you!
I've had issues since 😂
As you might remember from other comments I switched it for a RST stitch then a Cane Creek helm mk2, I currently have the RL 35 disassembled and ready for a damper 2.1 but the part I had from eBay had a dried out bladder, seller refunded me but I'm still pushing back the rebuild and bladder change 😮 I painted the lowers sparkle purple I got to get this back together 😅
This fork came stock on my Trek Rail 5. It seems fair my last bike was a Lyrik and i loved it. I wanted one model up on the Rail with a Domain fork. Do you think upgrading to the Domain is worth it or do i need to go all the way to the Zeb kind of $$$.
The domain will have a very similar compression damper. I would save up and get the zeb.
Or just buy a Marzocchi Z1 and be happy.
Are your mud guard bolt ons or the zip tie ones? I have been looking for bolt ons for these forks and I can’t find one that fits the pre drilled holes. Plz help 🙏🏼
Sure, there are no pre drilled mud guards for this fork on the market. Zip tie only
What SKF seal kit did you use? There are a couple different kits for the 35mm stanchions and I want to make sure I get the correct kit, thanks
ua-cam.com/video/oGEg2XTcrew/v-deo.html
The kit is listed in the bio section of the video. I got it from worldwide cyclery. If you have doubts give them a call. They were very helpful when I didn't know which seals to get.
All the parts needed are listed in the video description.
A negative (-13) clicks on a rebound on tuning recommendation, what direction you have to turn?counter clockwise?
Count clicks from fully slow or closed position. You probably won't hear a click sound so just count quarter turns. Turn the knob clockwise til it stops, then turn counter clockwise 13 quarter turns (clicks).
@@mikemtbs thank you
my rockshok35 gold rl 2020 has a Little play on the left side seal
but oil not outblowing
also fork performance is good as new
is there any problem for this play?
plz reply
If you're not using the Fork to jump then I would say it's not an issue if you are riding hard jumping doing drops.Then take that fork in to your bike shop and mention about the play in the wiper seal
ask sir if this fork can change to 100 or 120mm travel
Yes this fork can be 100mm to 160mm. You have to add or remove travel spacers and change the level of the compression oil in the opposite leg to match the level required. Download the service manual from SRAM.com
Good work, thank you
Thanks for watching:)
hello, I had to play between the plungers and the sheaths of La Fourche rockshox 35 gold. you feel this play when you brake with the front brake and when you push the bike forward and when you put your hand on the wiper seals. what is the solution? please
Check to see if your stem is loose and the fork is fully seated in your headset. If that is ok then take the bike to your shop, it could be issues with the bushings inside the fork. Either way it could cause a bad crash if not fixed and safe to ride.
On my previous fully (26'") was a Rockshox Sector (150 mm travel), I liked it. Now, my new one (27.5") has a Suntour Raidon (120 mm travel), I don't like it. It's very hard, with any air pressure. I would like to change it to a light fork with 150 mm travel, which is the best one?
Any fox fork Marzocchi is a great upgrade
Would rockshox 35 gold rl fit 29" wheels ?or it's only for 27.5"? Thank you in advance
They make a 29er version too
hmm not too excited to be getting this fork on the roscoe I ordered. I think it will be fine cause this will be the most expensive fork I've tried.
If it's the best fork you've been on I'm sure you will like it. I really made this video to make people aware of how this fork really performs and the issues I had with it so they could be more informed. There was nothing like this when I ordered my bike
I just bought a 2023 Roscoe 8 and this fork comes stock on it. When I adjusted the compression clicker I noticed a big difference with just 2 clicks. Maybe they have improved the newer versions of this fork.
That's a great idea, let me know if it works!
I sadly have that fork on my trek and its a very bad fork. I am switching to a marzocchi
I'm in the same boat, I'll get a z1 next season and sell the 35
Im getting a z1 aswell.., maybe if I will find a used 36 factory I’ll consider. Good luck!
Hello Mike,
Did you add some Tokens?
Thanks and Ride Safe 🙏
I tried adding token and it rode much worse. At this point no tokens added.
Psi is the trick
Thanks
Ouch!
I just purchased a new bile fitted with rockshox 35 gold but I noticed the rebound adjustment doesn't click when turned is this normal ?
Yes it is normal, that was the first thing I noticed when I got the bike.
I have the fork on my bike and I hate it
Lol, me too brother
Have this fork on my kids trance 3
Absolutely horrible fork not worth the aggravation of trying to tune it to work right
It’s designed and built for a price point in my opinion
Not much adjustment on rebound at all
I absolutely agree with you!
The worst fork i've had on a bike 🤦🏻
I totally agree