New RockShox Psylo fork borrows from top-flight Pike and Lyrik – at half the price

RockShox launches new budget-friendly Psylo suspension fork, dampers and DebonAir Spring

RockShox

Published: April 16, 2024 at 2:36 pm

RockShox has released the Psylo, an entry-level mountain bike fork range for trail riders, alongside a host of updated parts.

The Psylo line-up will include two models, with only the top-of-the-range Psylo Gold RC available to buy aftermarket, priced at £580 / $539 / €645.

Despite the relatively low cost, RockShox says the Psylo is inspired by the technology used inside its Pike and Lyrik forks.

The Psylo uses the new Isolator Damper, which is said to take inspiration from the high-end Charger 3 damper, and will also appear on an updated Dominion enduro fork. 

The Rudy Ultimate XPLR gravel suspension fork also receives a damper upgrade in the form of the Charger Race Day 2, which is said to be RockShox’s lightest performance-driven damper to date.

RockShox has also updated its DebonAir spring to be more similar to the DebonAir , with the brand claiming it gives a coil-like feel and is Bottomless-Token ready.

RockShox Psylo

RockShox Psylo with Insulator Damper
The Psylo Gold RC is the only version available aftermarket. - Andy Lloyd / Our Media

The new RockShox Psylo Gold RC is said to be aimed at all-mountain riding. It sits in similar territory to the brand's current Revelation fork – though it’s not confirmed to be a replacement.

Its new 35mm aluminium upper tube platform is said to offer enhanced steering precision and functional stiffness, which should add confidence on more technical descents.

RockShox Psylo on bike with autumn background
The Psylo is only available in black, unlike higher-end RockShox forks. - RockShox

RockShox says the premium bushings lower the breakaway force required to initiate the travel, adding a smooth feel on tough terrain.

The mid-range RockShox Psylo Silver RC uses the brand's current Motion Control damper and Solo Air damper, while the low-end Psylo Silver R uses a coil spring.

We’ll likely see these two mountain bike forks featured on budget mountain bikes soon.

RockShox Isolator Damper

RockShox Isolator Damper
The new damper takes inspiration from RockShox's race-proven dampers. - RockShox

RockShox says the Psylo Gold RC fork offers premium performance thanks to the new Isolator RC Damper, which will also appear on the Dominion enduro fork. 

RockShox says the Isolator Damper takes inspiration from its higher-end Charger 3 damper, giving it a three-position compression adjust.

RockShox Psylo with Insulator Damper
The Insulator Damper offers high-end features at an entry-level price. - Andy Lloyd / Our Media

Open, Pedal and Firm modes can be cycled through using a dial on the fork crown: the Open mode enables oil to pass freely through the damper to absorb big hits; the Pedal mode restricts it to add support; and the Firm mode provides maximum damping force to reduce pedal bob.

A new internal floating-piston design is said to keep oil and air from mixing, while a new Rebound Piston uses a dual-flow rebound circuit similar to the Charger 3 damper.  

Rebound is adjusted using a dial on the bottom-right of the fork.

The Rebound Piston is claimed to manage oil flow on compression and rebound strokes, making the fork more predictable in rough terrain.

RockShox Charger Race Day 2 Damper

RockShox Charge RaceDay 2
RockShox says it has shaved every gram possible from the Charger Race Day 2 Damper. - RockShox

The new Charger Race Day 2 Damper is said to be the brand’s lightest yet and offers a two-position compression adjustment.

An Open setting is said to eat up the lumps and bumps associated with gravel riding, while a “rock solid, sprint-ready lock” should add efficiency and remove any bobbing.

RockShox DebonAir Spring

RockShox says the updated DebonAir Spring offers a smooth and consistent coil-like feel through the stroke and sits high in the travel, making the most of the travel on offer.

The brand claims it has found the perfect blend of positive and negative volumes for taller riders and increased mid-stroke support to keep confidence high.