Explaining The Criticism Towards RockShox Gold 35

RockShox Gold 35 = the fork that people love to hate, especially on the Internet.

Why? Keep reading.

1. The Weight Issue

You’ve heard it before: “It’s heavy!”

Sure, the Gold 35 is lighter than its cousins in the Silver line, but compared to the competition, it’s like lugging a sack of bricks.

220g lighter than the Yari?

Great, but what does that really mean when you’re still carrying around a fork that feels like it should come with a gym membership?

Riders looking for performance know that every gram counts.

And the Gold 35? Well, it doesn’t quite cut it.

2. Old Tech, New Price

The biggest gripe? The Gold 35 comes with an outdated damper, one that’s two or three generations behind RockShox’s latest and greatest offerings.

In the bike world, this is the equivalent of buying a 2009 model car in 2025 and calling it “vintage.”

Sure, it works.

But it’s nothing special. Riders who have tasted the nectar of newer suspension tech like the Lyrik or Pike can’t go back to this clunky, underwhelming setup.

3. Not Enough Adjustability

If you want a fork with endless adjustments, the Gold 35 isn’t for you.

Unlike higher-end models, which offer a plethora of tuning options, the Gold 35 leaves you stuck with the bare basics.

For experienced riders looking to dial in their suspension for those gnarly, steep trails, this fork just won’t cut it.

The absence of real adjustability makes it a one-size-fits-all, and for aggressive riders, that’s like wearing a medium-sized shirt when you’re clearly a large.

4. The Stiction Struggle

Stiction = the fork’s worst enemy. While the Gold 35 isn’t the worst offender, it still suffers from it.

Riders have complained that, on smaller bumps, the fork feels almost rigid, transferring every tiny jolt straight to your wrist.

This problem becomes more noticeable when you’re hitting the rougher sections, making every ride a little more painful than it should be.

If you’re not careful, your hands might start begging for a break by the end of your ride.

5. A Fork for Casual Riders

The Gold 35 isn’t for the aggressive, race-ready mountain biker. It’s made for those who want to get on a bike, hit the trails, and enjoy some fun.

It’ll get the job done for casual riders, but if you find yourself progressing in skill and looking to push your bike to its limits, the Gold 35 will hold you back.

It’s like buying a cheap pair of shoes that are comfortable, but then realizing you should’ve spent a little extra for those running sneakers when you start hitting your stride.

6. Not So Supportive on High Speeds

Riders who love high-speed descents quickly realize the Gold 35 can’t keep up.

The fork starts feeling overwhelmed when you push it hard, like a car that sputters at high RPMs.

Sure, it’ll handle easy to moderate trails fine, but take it on a fast, technical descent and you’ll notice the lack of support.

Some riders even report it feels too soft when it shouldn’t, underperforming when it counts the most.

7. The Bike Snobbery Factor

Here’s the kicker: a lot of the hate comes from bike snobs. You know the type—the ones who won’t stop talking about their $1,000 fork like it’s a sacred artifact.

For them, the RockShox Gold 35 is too “basic.”

But let’s be real. For a casual rider who just wants to get out on the trails, this fork will do just fine.

It’s only when you join the high-end suspension club that you start feeling the Gold 35’s shortcomings.

8. Better Alternatives at the Same Price

At the same price point, you can snag forks that are noticeably better. For instance, the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 gets a lot of love in the same price range and delivers a smoother, more enjoyable ride.

While the Gold 35 isn’t awful, it’s certainly not the fork to blow your mind, especially when there are better alternatives in the same category.

9. It’s Not All Bad

Let’s be fair—it’s not a terrible fork. It’s functional, reliable, and perfect for beginners or casual riders who aren’t pushing their bike to the limit.

For someone just starting out, the RockShox Gold 35 is fine. It’s a solid choice that will get you through your first few years of riding without breaking the bank. But the moment you start pushing harder, you’ll quickly feel the limitations. So, it’s not trash; it’s just not gold.

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Conclusion: Let’s Not Overhype This Thing

The RockShox Gold 35 is a fine fork for the average Joe. It won’t win any awards, and it sure as hell won’t blow your mind, but it’ll get you through a ride without killing your bank account.

It’s like a first date with someone nice—but boring. They’ll show up on time, do their thing, and maybe you’ll have a decent time.

But when it’s over, you’ll know there are better options out there, and next time, you’ll aim higher.

The real surprise?

The bike world is filled with forks that, when you get the chance to test them, make you rethink every bad thing you’ve said about the Gold 35.

So go ahead, ride it if it fits your needs. But the second you try something better, it’ll be like the curtain being pulled back. Suddenly, you’re living in a different world.