RockShox Domain Fork (New 38mm Enduro Fork Under $600) [Video]

Words by: Reamonn Ryan

Overview

RockShox has held their position as 1 of the top 2 suspension manufacturers in the mountain bike world for decades now and with a new wave of beefy “super-enduro” forks hitting the market, it was only a matter of time before RockShox offered something more affordable. New for 2022 is the 38mm Domain Fork, which in the simplest terms embodies the phrase “Send it. Don’t spend it.”

If you are unfamiliar with the new wave of super-enduro forks like the pricier ZEB fork, I suggest looking into them. As bikes become more and more capable, riders are only getting more comfortable. It doesn’t take a DH bike to ride gnarly trails anymore and as we start to see enduro bikes designed around 170mm-180mm of travel, it only makes sense that a beefy single-crown fork like the Domain and ZEB would become such an essential item for many riders. The question now is, do you need something like the Domain on your bike?

Who Needs the Domain and What Type of Riding is it Meant For?

The RockShox Domain fork is designed to offer a stiff and durable 38mm chassis that helps riders who are often riding very aggressive trails. Enduro riding has proven to be the most popular style of riding in recent years and as riders start to test the limits of enduro riding, the equipment needs to keep up. If you fall into this category but don’t want to spend $999 on a ZEB, the Domain might be a great alternative for you. It may also be a great fork for your E-MTB as the increased stiffness and burly chassis can withstand the weight of an e-bike, no problem.

What’s Rad with the Domain?

1. 38mm aluminum chassis increases the overall stiffness of the fork
2. The Motion Control RC Damper features a low-speed compression adjust with an external adjustable dual flow rebound
3. The DebonAir Air Spring offers a consistent feel throughout the travel
4. Maxima plush damping fluid reduces friction and quiets damper noise
5. Fits up to a 2.8” tire
6. Bolt-on fender compatible
7. Available in both 27.5” and 29”
8. Available in 150, 160, 170, 180mm travel
9. Has a 44mm offset and 200mm post-mounts
10. Only costs $549 USD with free US Shipping from us 😊
11. Only weighs 2540g or 5.6 lbs
12. Torque cap compatible

The Domain is also compatible with the Charger2.1 RC2 ZEB Damper which runs for $330 USD if you want to upgrade down the line.

How Does It Ride?

The RockShox Domain RC Fork rides surprisingly well! For being such a “cheap” fork in comparison to what we are normally riding, it’s hard to tell that this fork is supposed to be a lower-end fork. Coming off of a Lyrik Ultimate, I was expecting to see a drastic drop in performance right off the bat considering how different the categories are cost wise.

Riding more aggressive lines definitely calls for something with a stiffer chassis like the domain. Whether I was casing jumps, nose diving drops, or just being a total sketch ball, at no point did I lose faith in the integrity of the fork. I can easily tell the difference in the stanchion diameter going from 35mm to 38mm and I wouldn’t consider it to be a negative thing although this does lead me to the weight. Coming in at 5.6lbs or 2,540 grams, you can imagine how this isn’t the lightest fork on the market and although the added weight upfront felt great while riding downhill, it was a contributing factor into what I believe made the bike feel more sluggish on every other part of the trails. The added weight also made the front end of the bike less agile which was a bit disappointing for me being someone that likes to jump around. I don’t see this as a big negative overall though as I believe most people won’t notice.

You want somethings big and tough to handle those gnarly trails. Something that keeps you planted and secure. I think the added weight helps the Domain achieve the goal of “sending it” down just about anything you want. If weight is something you are super cautious about, I don’t think you should be looking at 38mm forks, or forks around this price range all together. Maybe checkout the Lyrik or Pike!

Pros

• Affordable high-performing suspension fork
• Very sturdy, stiff, durable
• Compatible with Charger2.1 RC2 Damper

Cons

• Heavy
• Overkill for most trails/bikes
• Motion Control RC Damper doesn’t have a lot of tunability

Conclusion

“For riders that can’t afford the top tier ZEB from RockShox, I would consider the Domain to be the next best option. Although there are a few features that do not compare to the ZEB, the Domain sits in a category of its own when looking at the other options on the market and I do believe it is helping the enduro scene. With bikes becoming so capable today, the domain helps push what is capable on a single crown bike even further and if you are coming off anything lower than an ultimate level fork, I believe the Domain would be a great upgrade for you to consider. I enjoyed the Domain enough to get one for myself and put it on my second bike.” - Reamonn

This article was written / authored by Reamonn Ryan. Reamonn has worked in the bicycle industry for 7 years now and currently runs our Instagram account along with testing products, editing video content, and writing blogs like this one you just read. Reamonn was a die hard BMX kid for over 10 years and once he started at Worldwide Cyclery made the switch to mountain bikes where he can send stuff better than most guys at the shop. If you like any of our Instagram posts or have gotten any responses from your DM's it was most likely from Reamonn, so give him a thanks. As with all of our employees, Reamonn is a key part of making Worldwide Cyclery the "Best Damn Bike Shop in the World".