Do I need a Zeb?

[Pieter1]

So... I can already see the logical responses coming but here goes.

My LBS is closing down and they have a 50% off sale. I have a 2019 Lyrik RC2 on my bike and have wanted to upgrade it for some time now.
I would go with another Lyrik but they only have a 29'' one in stock and as luck would have it I need 27.5.
I don't do mal stuff hence I'm wondering if an average Joe like me would benefit from it.

So here is my question. Is it worth it? Does the Zeb feel better, like plusher? Does it actually feel stiffer? Will I eventually be able to manual? 

[Scott roy]

2 hours ago, Pieter1 said:

So... I can already see the logical responses coming but here goes.

My LBS is closing down and they have a 50% off sale. I have a 2019 Lyrik RC2 on my bike and have wanted to upgrade it for some time now.
I would go with another Lyrik but they only have a 29'' one in stock and as luck would have it I need 27.5.
I don't do mal stuff hence I'm wondering if an average Joe like me would benefit from it.

So here is my question. Is it worth it? Does the Zeb feel better, like plusher? Does it actually feel stiffer? Will I eventually be able to manual? 

How much travel does your current fork have and what do you weigh? 

[Guest Mike Dewing]

3 hours ago, Pieter1 said:

So... I can already see the logical responses coming but here goes.

My LBS is closing down and they have a 50% off sale. I have a 2019 Lyrik RC2 on my bike and have wanted to upgrade it for some time now.
I would go with another Lyrik but they only have a 29'' one in stock and as luck would have it I need 27.5.
I don't do mal stuff hence I'm wondering if an average Joe like me would benefit from it.

So here is my question. Is it worth it? Does the Zeb feel better, like plusher? Does it actually feel stiffer? Will I eventually be able to manual? 

How many of us really need the upgrades.? 
 

These things are emotional, are you going to be happier with the upgrade or with the money sat in your account.? 

[NotSoBigBen]

These type of things are not always rational and need logic applied ... Sometimes you just do stuff because you can, assuming you can (have the spare cash 😉)

Will it make you faster or better? Of course it will, I mean you've spend a fair few ZA rondts and you'll have to justify (at least to yourself if no one else!) why you did it so you'll put in more effort!

QED

[SwissVan]

What color is it available in, if RED just do it

Black or white, pass

 

[ALLMTB]

Will it feel more plush? Perhaps not.

Will ot feel stiffer? Unless you're at the sharp end of Enduro racing etc, no.

Will you be able to manual? No

Should you get a Zeb at 50% off? YES! 

Hope this helps...😅

[PhilipV]

A new fork will always feel better than a five year old one. 

I reckon get the Zeb. You might even be able to sell it later and get most of your money back. But you won’t, because you’ll love the Zeb. 

[Slangvel]

What else do they have on the table?

[MORNE]

The rc2 lyrik was a nice fork…but a noodle if you’re heavier or went faster than the average weekend warrior.. You will absolutely feel the stiffness of the zeb coming from a lyrik….for better or worse.
38mm forks are for hard charging lightweights or heavier guys imo. They aren't that much heavier than a 36 either…So don't listen to the people going on about weight…my coil rxf38 weighs nearly 2.5kg and it’s fine. If you want a light fork…ride a xc bike. 
Then, make sure its not a first gen charger 2.1 zeb though…those are basically your lyrik in 38mm. I wouldn't bother then. You want charger 3.0 or up if you want to satisfy your upgrade itch.
The 3.0 is/was notoriously harsh off the top while breaking in…mine took a few weeks too. They also take stupid low pressures due to their huge negative air chambers. Thats also why they dont work great for lighties. Im talking 65psi for a 80-90kg rider low. 

They were over damped. People basically ran them open on all the dails…(why they work better olif you are heavier) The 3.1 fixed this. 

Edited July 5, 2025 by MORNE

[Pieter1]

On 7/5/2025 at 12:26 PM, Scott roy said:

How much travel does your current fork have and what do you weigh? 

170mm, The Zeb has the same. Currently fluctuating between 95 and 100. Need to buckle down and get to 92 tho.

[Pieter1]

On 7/6/2025 at 2:57 AM, MORNE said:

The rc2 lyrik was a nice fork…but a noodle if you’re heavier or went faster than the average weekend warrior.. You will absolutely feel the stiffness of the zeb coming from a lyrik….for better or worse.
38mm forks are for hard charging lightweights or heavier guys imo. They aren't that much heavier than a 36 either…So don't listen to the people going on about weight…my coil rxf38 weighs nearly 2.5kg and it’s fine. If you want a light fork…ride a xc bike. 
Then, make sure its not a first gen charger 2.1 zeb though…those are basically your lyrik in 38mm. I wouldn't bother then. You want charger 3.0 or up if you want to satisfy your upgrade itch.
The 3.0 is/was notoriously harsh off the top while breaking in…mine took a few weeks too. They also take stupid low pressures due to their huge negative air chambers. Thats also why they dont work great for lighties. Im talking 65psi for a 80-90kg rider low. 

They were over damped. People basically ran them open on all the dails…(why they work better olif you are heavier) The 3.1 fixed this. 

Awesome. My bike is poef heavy anyway so weight is not an issue for me at all. From what I have been told it is the 2022 ultimate model and if I understand the internet correctly it has the 3.0 in it. 

[Pieter1]

On 7/5/2025 at 11:26 PM, Slangvel said:

What else do they have on the table?

A 29" Lyric, and a SID. They never carried much stock to start with. Getting anything this side of the world is a pain in the backside.

[Pieter1]

Thanks guys. Now to plan my presentation to my CFO.

[ChrisF]

5 hours ago, Pieter1 said:

Thanks guys. Now to plan my presentation to my CFO.

 

Asking forgiveness is easier than asking permission .... 🫣 

[Scott roy]

5 hours ago, Pieter1 said:

170mm, The Zeb has the same. Currently fluctuating between 95 and 100. Need to buckle down and get to 92 tho.

I would definitely get the zeb. I also am on a 170mm, weigh 70-75kg and went for the fox factory 38 over the 36mm forks. Don’t regret a single bit. 

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

5 hours ago, Pieter1 said:

Thanks guys. Now to plan my presentation to my CFO.

Do what I used to do with my parents. Write a motivational letter then wait for the perfect moment to give it to them and run away.