Review -

M-Suspensiontech RockShox Pike and Monarch Tuning Kit Review

Suspension from the factory is quite good these days, but if you are looking for a specific feel from your bike then a suspension tuning service upgrade may be worth the investment. See how the M-Suspensiontech tuning service for the RockShox Pike fork and Monarch Plus shock worked out on Evan’s long term Nicolai ION-16 test bike.

Why would you want to invest in the MST tuning kits? They say that it can improve traction, responsiveness, travel utilization, reaction, and brake control.
Why would you want to invest in the MST tuning kits? They say that it can improve traction, responsiveness, travel utilization, reaction, and brake control.

Who is MST?

M-Suspensiontech is a German tuning manufacturer based in Bavaria. MST specializes in developing and producing tuning kits for several different brands and models. With the exception of shims and piston rods, all parts are self-made and therefore all come from one source.

The modifications seem simple but make real improvements.
The modifications seem simple but make real improvements.

The Bike

The NICOLAI ION-16 long term test bike has been ridden very hard throughout the season and is a beast on steep and aggressive terrain. Equipped with the Rockshox Pike fork and Monarch Plus shock, it was a perfect bike to test out the tuning kits.

Fahrrad Fahrwerk has taken over the distribution and assembly of the MST tuning kits.
Fahrrad Fahrwerk has taken over the distribution and assembly of the MST tuning kits.

The Tuning Kits

Fahrrad Fahrwerk has taken over the distribution and assembly of the MST tuning kits. They have a strong relationship with MST which enables high quality service of these well appointed tuning kits.

You can’t see the changes from looking at the modified fork.
You can’t see the changes from looking at the modified fork.

The RockShox Pike tuning kit costs 150 Euros for parts and installation. This includes a new rebound piston with optimized ports and a new high-speed shimstack for faster travel recovery. A new compression piston also with optimized ports allow the fork to react better on big hits without using too much travel.

The new parts require a complete tear-down of the suspension.
The new parts require a complete tear-down of the suspension.

The RockShox Monarch Plus also costs € 150 for parts and installation. The oil passages are optimized for compression and rebound which improve rebound and recovery of the stroke and allow for more useable travel and a more active rear end.

The NICOLAI ION-16 was great before, but these changes made it even better.
The NICOLAI ION-16 was great before, but these changes made it even better.

On the trail

The change in the overall feel of the NICOLAI ION-16 was immediately noticeable. Our only complaint about the original setup is that it simply didn’t feel as sensitive to small bumps as we wanted. The initial parking lot test was promising but a proper test at a Trail Trophy Enduro race in Laax, Switzerland was scheduled the following week as well as several days with a guide in Verbier for some high-alpine abuse.

Improved responsiveness adds confidence on the trails.
Improved responsiveness adds confidence on the trails.

Racing the Trail Trophy event is demanding since it is effectively 12 downhill races in three days with no pre-race practice of the tracks. Absolute confidence in your bike is a necessity. Small bump sensitivity was improved over the original setup which helped with fatigue and comfort. There were many surprise large hits and the bike responded well to all of them without the expected sting of bottoming out. As advertised, traction from the front wheel and braking were improved in every respect.

No problem with big hits with the new setup.
No problem with big hits with the new setup.

Next we went to Verbier and rode several days of both the downhill tracks and high-alpine enduro trails. Braking bump sensitivity remained consistent and effective and hucks-to-flat were soaked up without fear of being rebounded over the bars. In fact, even the low-speed nose turns benefitted from the extra confidence in the front end. After the trip we returned the bike to Fahrrad Fahrwerk to have the suspension dismantled and checked for wear. All of the parts had maintained their expected position, form and there was no oil leakage.

Check out the website to see if they have a kit for your suspension.
Check out the website to see if they have a kit for your suspension.

Conclusion

Without hesitation, the MST tuning kit improved the performance of an already outstanding bike. € 300 may seem high but in this case it was well worth the expense. The benefits to small bump compliance as well as increased traction and braking gave the Pike and Monarch that little bit of improvement that they needed to take this bike to the next level.

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