Turbo Levo 2020 fork problem

[Choc3]

I just bought my Turbo Levo, one month ago the basic model and have some issues with the fork.
RockShox 35 29, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, 51mm offset, 15x110mm thru-axle


I will try to describe the problem:

1) The rebound adjustment does not work. Turn the knob and nothing happens and fork is stuck in the fast rebound, I think

2) The fork is not smooth when compressing and decompressing. As you compress, more noticeable when doing it slower, the stanchions compress like in two stages and feels sticky/stuck. the same happens when decompressing, the stanchions recover part of the travel but then there is still part of the travel that extends/recovers after a second or so or when pulling handlebars . It is not a smooth up and down motion. When riding faster/harder I do not notice this too much.

I have taken all the air out cycled pumped up again cycled the fork, several times but no change.

I have contacted the bike shop where I bought the bike form for the warranty but they are closed at the moment and will open once the lockdown is lifted.

Any help appreciated

 

[Mcharza]

Sorry when I ask. Have you tried the knob at the bottom right?

 

[Choc3]

Yes I have tried the knob at bottom and that is the other thing the knob came off very easily when adjusting. I put back on again and is on.

 

[aarfeldt]

Others has made the fork work, by doing a lower leg service.

 

[Choc3]

Ok thanks for the reply.

This fork is new less than a month since I got the bike. This is what is annoying it should not need a service.

 

[Mikerb]

Assuming your rebound adjuster knob is the type with a grub screw make sure it is properly [email protected] in the attached if you need help.
In terms of the smoothness etc of your fork one problem you may have is not equaling the pos and neg air chambers. Deflate the fork, then reinflate in stages cycling the fork travel at each stage. I suggest 5 cycles every 10 psi. Note that the fork will always sit about 10mm into its travel under just the weight of the bike ( this has been modified with the latest 2021 debonair air spring but all the forks 2020 and previous have that amount of sag under bike weight only). You can also try turning the bike upside down and leaving it like that for 15 minutes. That allows the fork oil to soak the wiper sponges which may have dried out. Having done all of that set your sag at a bout 30% and then ride the bike bouncing the suspension to nearly full travel. Re check your pressure and sag.
One thing I think can cause problems is the amount of time the fork has been sitting unused since first assembly. Depending on the temperature/humidity conditions during that time both grease and oil can cause blockages but they should clear with use.
If all else fails, try the lower leg service as below.

 

[ebikerider]

Definitely do a lower leg service but also be realistic of the capabilities of this very low end fork.

 

[Mat_Ron]

I just bought my Turbo Levo, one month ago the basic model and have some issues with the fork.
RockShox 35 29, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, 51mm offset, 15x110mm thru-axle


I will try to describe the problem:

1) The rebound adjustment does not work. Turn the knob and nothing happens and fork is stuck in the fast rebound, I think

2) The fork is not smooth when compressing and decompressing. As you compress, more noticeable when doing it slower, the stanchions compress like in two stages and feels sticky/stuck. the same happens when decompressing, the stanchions recover part of the travel but then there is still part of the travel that extends/recovers after a second or so or when pulling handlebars . It is not a smooth up and down motion. When riding faster/harder I do not notice this too much.

I have taken all the air out cycled pumped up again cycled the fork, several times but no change.

I have contacted the bike shop where I bought the bike form for the warranty but they are closed at the moment and will open once the lockdown is lifted.

Any help appreciated

Rockshox 35 stiction - EMTB Forums

 

[Choc3]

Thanks to everyone. I will start with the easiest suggestions.

Agree ebikerider and understand about having a low end fork and this is my problem the bike was not cheap and would expect components to be better. The brakes are not good at all and will change to Shimano SLX ,XT or other Specialized should do better for the price. I may be looking at spending now the price difference from the Levo comp in upgrading
parts.

Is the Levo basic model worth buying? I'm not too sure now.

 

[Ickle_legs]

Nothing to add to prior suggestions just to say I also have the same base model, maybe I lucked in as the fork works OK - so hopefully Choc3, one of the suggested fixes will work and you'll have a prefectly usable eMTB.

I'm still debating whether the base model was worth it - I did upgrade the brakes to get 4 pot front & back. Drivetrain is low rent but it works, and the fork I'll run for while to see if my abilities/riding style warrant an upgrade - will have to wait for the lockdown to end before riding features to challenge the fork (and me!).

Just need to balance the seduction of the bling/rep. factor and actual need/benefit - but then if bling makes us feel good that's good for our mental health right?
The plus for the Levo was that even unsponsored reviews were good and I can take it back to my LBS if issues arise.

 

[drdaveboy]

my lads levo with rockshox 35 has just lost the oil from the rebound adjuster , is this common as he's only been off road once only few months old

 

[aarfeldt]

The base version can be upgraded with the parts you want...not what's on the next level Levo.
So you can upgrade in your own tempo...moneywise and parts wise.

I also got the base version, and after 1 ride I knew exactly what I wanted to replace.
So I've upgraded the suspension and the brakes, so it's now perfect to my need.

So the base model is a good idea, especially if you can get it at a good price.

 

[Choc3]

The base version can be upgraded with the parts you want...not what's on the next level Levo.
So you can upgrade in your own tempo...moneywise and parts wise.

I also got the base version, and after 1 ride I knew exactly what I wanted to replace.
So I've upgraded the suspension and the brakes, so it's now perfect to my need.

So the base model is a good idea, especially if you can get it at a good price.

What suspension did you get?

 

[Choc3]

Update of what I have down to the fork

1) Put the bike upside down and left for around 30 minutes. Did this twice

2) a) Deflated the fork completly.
b) Cycled the fork up and down, vigorously and did this every 10psi to
100psi.
Did a and b three times.

The fork now feels more natural and is not sticking like it was. Also, which I forgot to mention, it had a terrible vibration/clunk sound, like headset lose. You could really feel this going over holes and rocks when going slow. Now this is much better.

There is a huge difference on how the fork feels now. Tomorrow I will set sag and will go for a test ride, I also received today a longer 2.5 mm hex key, so I will check the rebound.

 

[aarfeldt]

What suspension did you get?

Lyrik Ultimate and DPX2.

 

[Choc3]

I'm looking at forks for the Levo

Is this the correct diameter: Steerer: Tapered 1.5" to 1 1/8"

 

[DTZ]

My 2019 Lyrics had a similar issue, and also when the air was let out they also "sucked down". Apparently there is a pretty well known issue with Rockshox forms where too much grease was used in the shocks when they were originally built and a transfer hole for the air can get blocked on the leg that has the air. This can cause the problem with the leg not fully extending and also with the suck down. A fix to try is high pressure and dropping the bike on the front wheel a few times, but mine didn't clear with this.

My local Specialised store returned them to Rockshox (even though I didn;t buy the bike from them) and they came back a few days later with the air side fixed , but the compression adjustment still did nothing on the other leg - they were sent back to Rockshox again and a few days later I got a call to say they had sent a brand new set of forks for me. When I collected from the shop I had a nice treat as they had replaced the Lyrics with Pikes, these worked perfectly and were a nice free upgrade.

 

[Choc3]

After I did the suggestions to the suspension they have been working better but still they have a slight knocking vibration like headset loose, when ridding slow which is very annoying.

I have been in contact with the shop I bought the bike and they will have a look at the suspension and or send to supplier for warranty.

I'm at the point i just hate these forks and the Level T brakes.

So now I have made two upgrades, not installed yet, I bought the Lyrik Select RC , hopefully I will not have problems like you DTZ, with the option of upgrades in the future and the 4 piston SLX brakes. Both products on sale.

 

[besty007]

I just bought my Turbo Levo, one month ago the basic model and have some issues with the fork.
RockShox 35 29, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, 51mm offset, 15x110mm thru-axle


I will try to describe the problem:

1) The rebound adjustment does not work. Turn the knob and nothing happens and fork is stuck in the fast rebound, I think

2) The fork is not smooth when compressing and decompressing. As you compress, more noticeable when doing it slower, the stanchions compress like in two stages and feels sticky/stuck. the same happens when decompressing, the stanchions recover part of the travel but then there is still part of the travel that extends/recovers after a second or so or when pulling handlebars . It is not a smooth up and down motion. When riding faster/harder I do not notice this too much.

I have taken all the air out cycled pumped up again cycled the fork, several times but no change.

I have contacted the bike shop where I bought the bike form for the warranty but they are closed at the moment and will open once the lockdown is lifted.

Any help appreciated

Update of what I have down to the fork

1) Put the bike upside down and left for around 30 minutes. Did this twice

2) a) Deflated the fork completly.
b) Cycled the fork up and down, vigorously and did this every 10psi to
100psi.
Did a and b three times.

The fork now feels more natural and is not sticking like it was. Also, which I forgot to mention, it had a terrible vibration/clunk sound, like headset lose. You could really feel this going over holes and rocks when going slow. Now this is much better.

There is a huge difference on how the fork feels now. Tomorrow I will set sag and will go for a test ride, I also received today a longer 2.5 mm hex key, so I will check the rebound.

Ive had exactly the same issues as you with my base 2020 model,il try this tomorrow and hopefully it will help.

 

[DTZ]

I'm at the point i just hate these forks and the Level T brakes.

I "upgraded" my brakes by swapping to Uberbike race matrix pads. I think they worked out at approx £6 per set (I had a 25% discount code) and the difference is massive at a fraction of the cost of buying a full new brake setup.

So far on my "base" model I've upgraded the forks to Pikes (via the warranty process), added a dropper (standard one from comp model found on ebay), rear mech to to same as comp (because my original snapped and warranty would not help) and brakes via the better pads - With the discount I got on the base model originally I'm still under the standard RRP of what the base model should have been and significantly less than even the discounted price I was offered on a comp.

 

[Choc3]

Update I have not gone for a proper ride but what a difference with the Lyrik and SLX brakes. I can feel both suspension working now. There is a huge difference with the new fork It has transformed the bike completly. Now to get some riding and setup everything correctly, lucky I can ride where I live. Happy with the bike now not happy with extra £ spent.

 

[RodC]

I just bought my Turbo Levo, one month ago the basic model and have some issues with the fork.
RockShox 35 29, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, 51mm offset, 15x110mm thru-axle


I will try to describe the problem:

1) The rebound adjustment does not work. Turn the knob and nothing happens and fork is stuck in the fast rebound, I think

2) The fork is not smooth when compressing and decompressing. As you compress, more noticeable when doing it slower, the stanchions compress like in two stages and feels sticky/stuck. the same happens when decompressing, the stanchions recover part of the travel but then there is still part of the travel that extends/recovers after a second or so or when pulling handlebars . It is not a smooth up and down motion. When riding faster/harder I do not notice this too much.

I have taken all the air out cycled pumped up again cycled the fork, several times but no change.

I have contacted the bike shop where I bought the bike form for the warranty but they are closed at the moment and will open once the lockdown is lifted.

Any help appreciated

exactly the same is happening to my bike. It’s 300km old.
also my hands are getting all the damage. I have some pain after riding.

 

[RodC]

Magura MT7 installed.
Now I need. Fork.

 

[RodC]

Update I have not gone for a proper ride but what a difference with the Lyrik and SLX brakes. I can feel both suspension working now. There is a huge difference with the new fork It has transformed the bike completly. Now to get some riding and setup everything correctly, lucky I can ride where I live. Happy with the bike now not happy with extra £ spent.

did you find. Out about the loose headset? Was it the fork?
I have the same feeling. Exactly what you have described here.

 

[Choc3]

RodC it is not the headset, it is the fork. Sent the fork 35 for warranty, not heard anything back yet. The new Lyric Select has transformed the whole feel of the bike and my ridding confidence. It is a huge difference on how the Lyrik feels and performance

 

[Choc3]

Update received the forks back today minus decals that should have been in the box. Just sent email to complain.

The service report says "Lower replaced". Definitely there was a problem with these 35.

Fork seems to be working when you push down.

 

[CheaterMcCheat]

Assuming your rebound adjuster knob is the type with a grub screw make sure it is properly [email protected] in the attached if you need help.
In terms of the smoothness etc of your fork one problem you may have is not equaling the pos and neg air chambers. Deflate the fork, then reinflate in stages cycling the fork travel at each stage. I suggest 5 cycles every 10 psi. Note that the fork will always sit about 10mm into its travel under just the weight of the bike ( this has been modified with the latest 2021 debonair air spring but all the forks 2020 and previous have that amount of sag under bike weight only). You can also try turning the bike upside down and leaving it like that for 15 minutes. That allows the fork oil to soak the wiper sponges which may have dried out. Having done all of that set your sag at a bout 30% and then ride the bike bouncing the suspension to nearly full travel. Re check your pressure and sag.
One thing I think can cause problems is the amount of time the fork has been sitting unused since first assembly. Depending on the temperature/humidity conditions during that time both grease and oil can cause blockages but they should clear with use.
If all else fails, try the lower leg service as below.

I made an account after lurking forever because I wanted to thank you Mikerb! I didn't think anything was necessarily wrong with my fork (Lyrik Select on a 2020 Levo Comp) but a friend recently got a Fox 38 and I was so blown away at the difference. I started researching what could be 'wrong' with my fork and came across this thread and your advice. I did exactly what you said, complete deflate, reinflate in stages while cycling the forks 5 times every 10 psi and brought it back up to the same psi I had before (tuned via RS Trailhead app).

HOLY CRAP!

I immediately could tell there was a major difference and then I went out for my usual ride and set PRs on almost every single downhill segment. It was such a massive difference in how smooth the ride felt compared to before, how I was not getting my teeth rattled loose on rutted downhills and how much better my hands felt. Turning and jumps felt fantastic too. Thank you again, I cannot wait to ride again today and enjoy that buttery smoothness.

 

[Mikerb]

I made an account after lurking forever because I wanted to thank you Mikerb! I didn't think anything was necessarily wrong with my fork (Lyrik Select on a 2020 Levo Comp) but a friend recently got a Fox 38 and I was so blown away at the difference. I started researching what could be 'wrong' with my fork and came across this thread and your advice. I did exactly what you said, complete deflate, reinflate in stages while cycling the forks 5 times every 10 psi and brought it back up to the same psi I had before (tuned via RS Trailhead app).

HOLY CRAP!

I immediately could tell there was a major difference and then I went out for my usual ride and set PRs on almost every single downhill segment. It was such a massive difference in how smooth the ride felt compared to before, how I was not getting my teeth rattled loose on rutted downhills and how much better my hands felt. Turning and jumps felt fantastic too. Thank you again, I cannot wait to ride again today and enjoy that buttery smoothness.

Pleased you sorted it. The process is the same for every fork that uses a 2 chamber air spring because the pressure needs equalising in both chambers. It is often easier when the fork has been used as opposed to left standing for weeks or even months on a new bike because the vent between the chambers is easilly blocked with old or excess grease.

 

[tnull5]

The base version can be upgraded with the parts you want...not what's on the next level Levo.
So you can upgrade in your own tempo...moneywise and parts wise.

I also got the base version, and after 1 ride I knew exactly what I wanted to replace.
So I've upgraded the suspension and the brakes, so it's now perfect to my need.

So the base model is a good idea, especially if you can get it at a good price.

Exactly. I bought the base model. Fox 36 factory fork. DVO rear air shock. XT drivetrain. One up bar and stem. One up dropper post. Specialized Phenom saddle. Wolf Creek alloy chainring. DT handbuilt wheels. Maxxis Tires. XT brakes and rotors. Am currently selling all of the parts I took off on the classifieds. I now have a Levo with exactly the parts I want.