Wil reviews the RockShox Lyrik vs Fox 36
Regular Flow readers will recall that last year we pitched the RockShox Lyrik against the Fox 36 in a head-to-head review. While both impressed us in their own unique way, ultimately it was the Fox 36 GRIP2 that came out on top thanks to its supple feel, hyperactive performance and nuanced adjustability.
Since then RockShox and Fox have rolled out new versions of the Lyrik and 36, both of which feature significant updates to their dampers and bushings. Back in March we were invited out to Santa Cruz in California for the launch of the 2025 Fox suspension range, where I was provided with a 36 GRIP X fork that I’ve been riding since. A couple of months later RockShox sent us a new Lyrik that’s also made it onto the front of my Pivot Switchblade. In addition to everyday trail riding, I’ve put in several back-to-back test sessions on varying terrain to really dig down into the differences between them.
So how do they compare to the previous versions? And which is the best mountain bike fork out of the two?


The 2025 RockShox Lyrik Ultimate
Alongside the Zeb and Pike, the RockShox Lyrik has been updated for 2025. Not that you can really tell since it looks identical to the previous version. Indeed the chassis, DebonAir+ spring and ButterCups have been carried over into the new fork, and even the compression and rebound adjusters are the same.
Really it’s only the addition of an anodised ‘Charger’ logo on the right side upper tube that hints something is different.
Dive inside and you’ll find new bushings drawn from the latest Boxxer. These feature improved tolerances thanks to changes to both the sizing and reaming processes, the goal being smoother sliding. Whereas the top-end Lyrik Ultimate previously had its own unique bushing package, RockShox has now implemented the same set of bushings across every Lyrik model.
The bigger story with the new Lyrik is the arrival of the Charger 3.1 damper. This takes the existing Charger 3 design and implements a number of key improvements. A new damper seal head is claimed to reduce stiction, allowing the fork to more seamlessly switch direction between compression and rebound. There’s also an updated mid-valve check spring to increase oil flow, which has been matched by a stiffer IFP coil spring that provides more back pressure.
RockShox has also broadened the adjustment range. A new low-speed compression circuit purportedly offers 68% more oil flow when in the fully open position, which should be useful for lighter riders. Conversely, a larger high-speed compression valve stack delivers greater support when the dial is fully closed. The result is a damper that delivers a wider overall tuning range to suit more rider’s preferences.
If the clickers still aren’t to your liking, RockShox offers Shim Tuning Kits aftermarket for $45 AUD each. For compression damping there’s a Stock and Heavy option, while rebound is offered in Light, Stock and Heavy tunes. Also cool is the option of a $129 AUD Charger 3.1 upgrade kit that allows you to convert an existing Charger 3 damper. Alternatively you can purchase a complete Charger 3.1 damper for $615 AUD.

RockShox Lyrik Ultimate Specs
- Travel | 140, 150 & 160mm
- Wheelsize | 27.5in & 29in
- Stanchions | 35mm Tapered Alloy, Black Anodised
- Spring | DebonAir+ w/ButterCups
- Damper | Charger 3.1 RC2 w/ButterCups
- Adjustments | Air Pressure, Air Volume (Spacers), Rebound, High & Low-Speed Compression
- Bushings | Updated Bushing Package
- Axle | 15x110mm Maxle (Torque Cap compatible)
- Rotor size | 180-220mm
- Max tyre clearance | 2.8in
- Confirmed Weight | 2,022g (29in, 160mm)
- Price | $1,890 AUD

The 2025 Fox 36 GRIP X
Fox Racing Shox has also updated its fork lineup for 2025 and, as with RockShox, the primary focus has been on the damper. In the case of the new 36 it’s available with the 4-way adjustable GRIP X2 damper or the 3-way adjustable GRIP X damper. It’s the latter option that Fox provided us for testing, so it’s the fork that we’ll be focussing on in this head-to-head review.
Whereas the GRIP X2 damper is built for maximum gravity-focussed performance and is primarily used in the bigger travel 38 and 40 forks, GRIP X is lighter, simpler and mostly spec’d in the 34 and 36 to suit bikes in the 130-160mm travel bracket. It effectively replaces the old FIT4 damper, though it also represents an evolution of the venerable GRIP2 design.
Compared to GRIP2, GRIP X features a larger base valve diameter (24 vs 20mm) and more shims (16 vs 7). Fox claims the reworked design improves oil flow while offering a more usable tuning range for the high and low-speed compression adjusters. The high-speed dial also incorporates a firm climbing mode, which you can access when cranking it around to its stop. At the bottom end of the GRIP X damper is a single rebound dial, making setup a little easier.
The rest of the 2025 Fox 36 is otherwise much the same as the previous version. The chassis is identical, including the magnesium lower legs that incorporate air bleeders and a floating axle system. You’ll also find oil bypass channels that ensure lubrication oil is able to make its way around to all the sliding surfaces. Thanks to the effectiveness of the oil channels, Fox has ditched the split bushings of old in favour of a solid bushing that’s claimed to significantly reduce friction.

Fox 36 Factory Series GRIP X Specs
- Travel | 150 & 160mm
- Wheelsize | 27.5in & 29in
- Stanchions | 36mm Tapered Alloy, Kashima Coated
- Spring | Float EVOL
- Damper | GRIP X
- Adjustments | Air Pressure, Air Volume (Spacers), Rebound, High & Low-Speed Compression
- Lowers | Magnesium Lowers w/Bypass Channels & Bleeders
- Axle | Floating 15x110mm Kabolt X
- Rotor size | 180-230mm
- Max tyre clearance | 2.8in
- Confirmed Weight | 1,971g (29in, 160mm)
- Price | $1,999 AUD

Price | RockShox Lyrik vs Fox 36
Both the RockShox Lyrik and Fox 36 are available at several different price points that see varying levels of adjustability.
All four versions of the 36 feature an identical chassis and EVOL air spring. As the cheapest option, the Performance Series fork is equipped with a simpler GRIP damper. The Performance Elite then upgrades to the GRIP X damper and comes standard with air bleeders. The top-end Factory Series version of the 36 gets the gold Kashima-coated upper tubes and is available with either the GRIP X or GRIP X2 damper.
- Fox 36 GRIP X Factory Series – $1,999 AUD
- Fox 36 GRIP X2 Factory Series – $1,999 AUD
- Fox 36 GRIP X Performance Elite – $1,799 AUD
- Fox 36 GRIP Performance Series – $1,199 AUD
RockShox also offers four versions of the Lyrik, but only the Select and Ultimate models are available to purchase aftermarket. The Lyrik Ultimate gets all the bells and whistles including the Charger 3.1 damper, ButterCups and additional machining around the crown. Dropping the price by over $400, the Lyrik Select features the same chassis and DebonAir+ spring, albeit without the ButterCups and with the existing Charger RC damper.
- RockShox Lyrik Ultimate – $1,890 AUD
- RockShox Lyrik Select+ – N/A
- RockShox Lyrik Select – $1,449 AUD
- RockShox Lyrik Base – N/A

Weight | RockShox Lyrik vs Fox 36
There is very little that separates the Fox 36 GRIP X and RockShox Lyrik Ultimate in terms of weight. With both steerer tubes cut to 180mm and with a star nut installed, there is just 51g between them with the 36 coming out marginally lighter;
- Fox 36 GRIP X – 1,971g
- RockShox Lyrik Ultimate – 2,022g
It’s worth noting that the GRIP X2 damper is claimed to weigh 120g more than the GRIP X version. As such, you can expect a Fox 36 GRIP X2 to come in at around 2,091g, which would see the advantage tip back in favour of RockShox.
Setup & adjustability
Setting up the 2025 Fox 36 and RockShox Lyrik isn’t too far different from their predecessors.
To assist with setup the RockShox Trailhead app provides you with recommended pressure and rebound settings based on your riding weight. At 68kg ready to ride, the app suggested the same 65psi of pressure and 12/20 clicks of rebound as the previous version. Also unchanged, the Lyrik comes with no Bottomless Tokens fitted from the factory, though it’s possible to fit up to five of them for riders who are after more support.
The main difference when it comes to setup is the ability to run more compression damping. Whereas I would typically wind both the low and high-speed dials fully open with a Charger 3 fork, I’ve trended towards leaving the dials in their neutral position with Charger 3.1 damper. I like this approach as it encourages riders to start in that middle setting and tune from there. The low-speed dial provides you with seven clicks on either side of neutral while the high-speed dial gives two clicks in either direction.
In comparison, Fox does without an app and instead sticks a setup guide on the back of the fork lowers with suggested air pressure and rebound settings. Initially I started out with 74psi but found the 36 GRIP X to be too firm and difficult to access all the travel. Removing the single volume spacer helped free up the end of the stroke, and over the course of several rides I gradually lowered the pressure until I ended up at 68psi, which is what Fox recommends for a rider nearly 10kg lighter than me. This isn’t exactly a surprise given I’m no World Cup level rider, nor am I regularly plonking big dirty hucks-to-flat. Still, if you too are struggling to use all of your travel with the Fox 36 I’d suggest dropping down one or two levels on the weight chart.
Based on the lower pressure, I sped up the rebound to 13/17 clicks. Up top, Fox recommends starting out with both the high and low-speed compression dials wound 10 clicks out from fully closed. Despite this being more compression damping than I would have run on the old GRIP2 damper, I found this worked well with the GRIP X fork.

On the trail with the Fox 36 GRIP X
Having had lots of experience with the previous 36 GRIP2, I was eager to see how this new 36 GRIP X would compare.
Of course the 136g weight reduction (1,971g vs 2,107g confirmed) is nice, and it’s worth acknowledging that sub-2kg is bloody impressive for a long travel fork with big 36mm diameter stanchions.
I also like the simplicity of the single rebound adjuster, and being able to crank the HSC dial all the way to achieve a firm platform has been welcome on my road commute to and from the trailhead. Initially the Firm mode wasn’t working on our test fork, which turned out to be a clocking issue. Removing and reorienting the dial helped sort it out, and while it isn’t a full lockout, the Firm mode still offers a properly solid platform for out-of-the-saddle sprinting.

In terms of performance, the 36 GRIP X is pretty close to the previous GRIP2 version. Both are smooth operators that offer a sporty and active ride quality that encourages you to push hard and really engage with the trail. The EVOL air spring, which is unchanged for 2025, offers excellent mid-stroke support and consistency with no perceptible wallowing when compressing beyond the sag point.
The biggest difference with the 36 GRIP X is that it’s possible to run more compression damping without suffering from a tonne of harshness. While the fork is totally rideable with the damping set at either extreme, having the dials set halfway through their range does a lot to hold up the front of the bike on steep descents while still maintaining grip. This taller ride height will suit racer types and anyone that favours a centre-forward riding style.
On the flip side, I haven’t found the 36 GRIP X to be the gooiest fork out there. Even with the compression damping wound fully open, it isn’t always willing to make use of all its travel, which is more apparent if you’re riding conservatively and further over the rear wheel. During back-to-back testing, I noticed more feedback from the terrain compared to the RockShox Lyrik. Also noticeable was the noise from the GRIP X damper, which exhibits a loud squelch whenever it rebounds from a deep-stroke impact. This will bother some riders more than others, though I found I mostly forgot about it when riding the 36 GRIP X in isolation.

Is it worth upgrading from a 36 GRIP2?
The 36 GRIP2 is already an excellent and well-proven fork, making it a difficult task for Fox to improve on. The lower weight of the 36 GRIP X is nice for sure, and the firm climbing mode will be appreciated by anyone who spends a lot of their ride time on the road or regularly faces long smooth climbs. I tend to stay seated a lot more on a longer travel trail bike, which does make the Firm mode more of a luxury than a necessity, but it’s still handy.
Indeed the 36 GRIP X will tick a lot of boxes for many riders, and I would be totally happy buying a bike with this on the front of it. However, given the on-trail performance isn’t hugely different, I’d find it difficult to justify spending the money to buy a brand new 36 GRIP X if I already owned a 36 GRIP2. Personally, I think most riders would be better off making sure their existing fork is regularly maintained and serviced at the recommended intervals. Speak to any bike shop and the mechanics will tell you that most customers don’t service their suspension anywhere near enough, leading to poor performance and an increased chance of causing premature wear. A freshly serviced fork is likely to offer a greater benefit to most riders compared to spending two grand on a whole new one.

What about the Fox 36 GRIP X2?
While Fox provided us with 36 GRIP X fork for us to review, we have ridden the GRIP X2 version on a couple of stock bikes including the Specialized Stumpjumper 15 and the Amflow PL Carbon Pro.
The 4-way adjustable GRIP X2 damper is heavier than the GRIP X version by 120g, which is partly due to material differences but also because it has double the oil volume. Set up is a little more involved due to the addition of a high-speed rebound adjuster, and it’s worth noting that you don’t get the Firm climb mode.
On the trail the 36 GRIP X2 is considerably quieter. It still offers great support and a tall ride height that suits an aggressive pilot, but overall it does seem to be more reactive. I’d need to spend a lot more time on the 36 GRIP X2 to provide a useful comparison with the RockShox Lyrik, so we’ll see if we can either get a fork or a GRIP X2 damper to drop into our existing 36.

On the trail with the RockShox Lyrik
In our review of the previous RockShox Lyrik, we came away impressed with its build quality, quiet performance and big-hit control. However, we found small-bump sensitivity to be lacking alongside the Fox 36 GRIP2, which led to considerable feedback through the bars.
It seems RockShox was listening, because the updates to the 2025 Lyrik are significant. Indeed from the very first ride it was apparent that the new Lyrik Charger 3.1 is much plusher than its predecessor.
It’s unclear whether this comes from the new damper seal head, the increased oil flow, or the updated bushings, though it’s likely to be a combination of all those factors. Whatever the case the new Lyrik is buttery smooth and considerably more reactive all the way through the stroke.
During back-to-back testing, it also proved to be better at isolating you from the ground than the Fox 36 GRIP X. In comparison, the Lyrik is more willing to make use of the middle of its travel across rocky terrain. It is stupendously supple, hoovering up all manner of trail rubble with impressive comfort without suffering from excessive brake dive.

Sensitivity aside, the Lyrik Charger 3.1 still does everything that we loved about the Charger 3 version. The damper remains silent at all times, which is a real treat when combined with a bike that manages trail noise well. It’s also easy to set up with intuitive and approachable clickers. The HSC dial only has five clicks and presents an obvious change in damping behaviour between each position. In the -2 setting the fork is incredibly plush and more willing to use full travel. At +2 the damper offers huge big-hit support with no ugly recoil on hard landings. Because of its effectiveness, I’d encourage riders to play with the HSC dial before cracking the air spring open to mess with Bottomless Tokens.
On that note, while I’ve found the stock setup to work well for my 68kg riding weight, I expect there may be lighter riders who will struggle to achieve full travel due to the progressive DebonAir+ spring design. The Lyrik comes without any Bottomless Tokens installed, which doesn’t give you any room to make it more linear. Short of fitting a TruTune insert, those riders could try backing off the compression damping to help free up the end of the travel.
There is otherwise plenty of adjustment in the other direction, with the ability to fit up to five Tokens for heavier-hitting riders. Of course you can always switch the Charger 3.1 damper over to the Heavy compression tune if you’re after more support again.
For me personally, I ended up in the middle of the adjustment range and found the Lyrik to offer stellar performance all-round. Indeed it flips the result from our previous head-to-head review, with the Lyrik regaining the top spot against the Fox 36 GRIP X fork.

Is it worth upgrading from the previous RockShox Lyrik?
For riders who value suppleness and sensitivity, the new Lyrik Charger 3.1 is absolutely worth the upgrade. It offers a substantial improvement in comfort while maintaining the ease of setup, big-hit control and quiet performance of its predecessor.
Still, $1,890 AUD is a lot of money to spend. For that reason, it’d be great to see RockShox offering the Select+ version of this fork aftermarket, as it’d likely knock a couple of hundred dollars off the price tag due to the omission of the ButterCups and reduced crown machining.
For those who own the previous Lyrik, it could be worthing getting the Charger 3.1 upgrade kit installed during your next service. That wouldn’t get you the new bushings or updated seal head, but it would get you the increased oil flow as well as more tuning options for the compression and rebound damping.

Servicing & warranty
On the topic of servicing, not a lot has changed with the 2025 versions of the RockShox Lyrik and Fox 36. Indeed the main wiper seals, foam rings and air spring designs are all carried over, and backwards compatibility means you can fit the new dampers into older forks, which is great to see.
It’s worth noting that the new Fox bushings are also backwards compatible with previous versions of the 36 all the way back to 2014. This differs to RockShox forks where the bushings are not replaceable at all, which is apparently due to the way that they’re installed and sized at the factory. This was something I wasn’t aware of prior to conducting research for this review, and it’s an interesting point given you would assume bushings would be a normal wear item. According to SRAM Australia however, they’re seeing fewer flogged-out bushings these days provided that customers undertake routine servicing.
It’s perhaps for this reason that RockShox recommends a lower leg service every 50 hours of ride time, followed by a full rebuild every 200 hours. Fox keeps things simpler with a full service recommended for every 125 hours of ride time. Each brand has online service manuals to guide you through the procedures, though we’ve generally found RockShox to be more user friendly in this regard.
For deeper damper deconstruction, both Fox and RockShox offer the ability to tune the compression and rebound assemblies. It’s less straightforward with Fox as the brand doesn’t offer aftermarket tuning kits to the public, requiring a conversation with your local service centre to determine your options and pricing. In contrast, RockShox is actively promoting its aftermarket tuning kits for the Charger 3.1 damper. The $45 AUD Shim Tune Kits are accessible to consumers, and should go a long way to supporting the lighter and heavier riders who are outside the typical bell curve.
Lastly, and also in favour of RockShox is its 2-year warranty, which is double what Fox offers.

Flow’s Verdict
Over the past few months of in-depth testing, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the performance and consistency of the 2025 Fox 36 and RockShox Lyrik. I’d honestly be happy with either fork on the front of my bike, and I suspect most riders will be able to find their setup sweet spot thanks to the usable range of damping adjustments on offer.
It is kind of interesting that both RockShox and Fox chose to update their flagship forks with new dampers and bushings for this year, while making use of the existing chassis and air spring. Putting that coincidence to one side, it’s worth noting that the resulting performance on the trail is more of an evolution rather than a paradigm shift over previous versions.

That being said, the performance leap is more significant in the Lyrik Ultimate. While remaining quiet and supportive, it is plusher and more effective at absorbing impacts across a wider range of velocities compared to its predecessor. This comes down to the updated Charger 3.1 damper and new bushings, both of which contribute to smoother sliding and better comfort than the 36 GRIP X.
I also like the tuning approach and the simplicity of setup with the Trailhead app. Finishing details are excellent including the alloy brake hose clamp, nicely-textured damping dials and Torque Cap compatible dropouts. Combined with the 2-year warranty and the fact that it’s $100 cheaper than the Factory Series Fox 36 GRIP X, the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate would be my pick out of the two.
Beyond this head-to-head review, I’m eager to spend more time on Fox’s GRIP X2 damper to see how it stacks up. I’d also like to test out the cheaper versions of both forks – the Fox 36 Performance Series with its GRIP damper and the RockShox Lyrik Select with its Charger RC damper – so we’ll see if we can line those up for another detailed comparison.
For those who prefer a little less travel, you’ll be pleased to know that we’re currently pitching the Fox 34 GRIP X against the RockShox Pike. Stay tuned for that head-to-head review coming soon!


ABOUT THE REVIEWER - Wil Barrett
Bendigo, Victoria
175cm
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