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Your complete guide to the 2021 trek mountain bike range.

Trek has had a long-standing presence in the mountain bike world with a vast range of bikes to back it up. The brands offering ranges from featherweight cross country bikes right through to downhill thoroughbreds. If you're in the market for a Trek bike and wondering which will suit you best, read on for our complete guide to their 2021 range.

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• Buyer's guide to mountain bikes - get the best MTB for you

2021 Trek mountain bikes

• Full Stache
• Supercaliber

Understanding Trek's naming system

Trek's naming system follows a similar style to how Canyon names its bikes. Each bike's name is suffixed with a number, with higher value numbers corresponding to pricier and better-kitted bikes. Once we get to 9, Trek adds decimals to the suffix to denote changes in the bike's suspension package. All bikes with a 9 in the name get carbon frames but a 9.7 might get its suspension from Fox's Rhythm range for example, while a 9.8 will get better something from higher in the range. Also, you'll see that a lot of kit on the bikes come from Bontrager, for the uninitiated that's Trek's in-house component brand.

At the '9' level, we also see XT, XO1, and GX finding their way into the names. Yep, you've guessed it, that's the drivetrain the bike comes kitted with.

Another thing that's definitely worth mentioning is that a small selection of Trek's bike range is available through what the brand calls Project One. Project One offers the opportunity to have your bike personalised and custom painted with special, exclusive colours. This will mean you have to part ways with a heap of cash but in return, you'll get a bike that's unique to you.

As with the brand's range of bikes, the price range is vast with bikes starting from £440, right up to £9,200 and that's not even considering the Project One options. There's also a comprehensive range of gravel bikes and e-bikes.

Let's kick things off with the Slash. It's Trek's enduro bike which rolls on 29" wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the rear, paired with 170mm at the front. For 2021 it gets both an aluminium and carbon frame option all of which benefit from Trek's proprietary Knock Block system which saves your top and down tube if your front end spins during a crash. This bike also gets the Mino Link which is a geometry adjusting flip-chip, down tube guards threaded bottom brackets, an Active Braking Pivot, and storage in the downtube. As for the geometry, in the low setting, the Slash sees a 75.6° effective seat tube angle, a 64.1° head tube angle, and a 435mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 486mm reach. If you're after something a little more special, the Slash is available through Project One.

Slash 9.9 XTR

Topping the Slash range is the Slash 9.9 XTR. It gets Trek's OCLV carbon frame with the all-new RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock with an updated ThruShaft damper. At the front, you'll find the RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2 which features chunky 38mm stanchions. As its name suggests there's a full Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with an e*thirteen LG1 Race Carbon crank. The brakes here also come from the XTR lineup and they come with 4-pot calipers for extra stopping power. This bike rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 which are wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.6" Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewall, aramid bead tyre at the front and an SE5 Team Issue with the same spec in 2.4" at the rear. It also gets a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper with Bontrager supplying the 820mm wide carbon bar, 35mm stem along with the rest of the build kit.

Slash 9.9 XO1

The Slash 9.9 XO1 gets all of the same trimmings as the 9.9 XTR but benefits from a SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain and SRAM Code RSC Brakes, along with a slightly friendlier price tag.

Slash 9.8 GX

Shaving a few thousand pounds of the range-topper is the 9.8 GX. This one is still built around Trek's carbon frame but this one gets a slightly downgraded RockShox ZEB Select+ RC with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate. Here we get a SRAM GX drivetrain with a matching crankset and SRAM Code R brakes. As for the rest of the bike, it's the same as the 9.9 XTR.

Slash 9.8 XT

As its name suggests, the Slash 9.8 XT gets a very similar built kit to the 9.8 GX. However, this bike sees a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7120 four-piston brakes.

Dropping a full £1.8k off of the 9.8 models, the Slash 9.7 is still built around a carbon frame and it swaps the RockShox suspension with a Fox Rhythm 36 fork and a Fox Performance DPX2 EVOL shock. The drivetrain is a mix of SRAM GX and NX Eagle and the wheels here are the alloy Bontrager Line Comp 30's. Those come shod with a Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewall, aramid bead 2.6" tyre at the front with a Bontrager XR4 with the same spec and a 2.4" width at the rear. Trek has also swapped the dropper post for a TransX post and there's Bontrager's own alloy finishing kit.

With the Slash 8, we no longer get a carbon frame but we do get a RockShox Lyric Select+ RC fork with a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate at the rear. This bike is driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and there's a pair of SRAM Code R brakes. Everything else is the same as what you would get on the 9.7 model.

The Slash 7 rounds of the range with its alloy frame, RockShox Yari RC fork, RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, and SRAM NX drivetrain. Here we get a pair of SRAM Guide T brakes and the rest of the bike follows suit with the 8.

Trek Remedy

The Remedy is Trek's long-legged trail bike which comes with four models for 2021. It rolls on 650b wheels and gets 160mm of travel at the front, with 150mm at the rear. Much like the Slash, the Remedy benefits from the Knock Block, the Active Braking Pivot, and the Mino Link. Geometry-wise, it gets a 65.6° head angle, a 74.2° effective seat tube angle, and 435mm chainstays in the low position. A large frame gets a 455mm reach, again in that low setting.

The Remedy 9.8 is the only bike in the 2021 line up that gets a carbon frame. It also gets a burly Fox Performance 38 paired with a Fox Performance Float DPX2 EVOL shock at the rear. This bike benefits from a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain matched with SRAM Code R brakes. As for the wheels, they're a pair of carbon Bontrager Line Elite 30's and they're wrapped with a Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls with an aramid bead in 2.6" with a Bontrager SE4 Team Issue with the same specs in the 2.4" width. Bontrager also supplies the dropper post with the Line Elite and the 820mm handlebar along with the 35mm stem.

As suggested by the lack of a '9' in its name, the Slash 8 comes kitted with an alloy frame. As for the fork, it's a RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC and that's paired with a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. This bike is also driven by a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and it gets the same brakes as the 9.8 rig. Differing from the range-topper, this build sees in a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels which get an XR5 Team Issue tyre that's tubeless-ready with Inner Strength sidewalls and an aramid bead in 2.6", also from Bontrager. At the rear, there's an XR4 with the very same specification. The rest of the bike follows suit with the 9.8 model.

Remedy 8 XT

Rather unsurprisingly, the Remedy 8 XT comes with a very similar build to the 8 but gets an XT drivetrain and Deore M6120 four-pot brakes. Everything else on this build matches the Remedy 8.

The Remedy 7 is the cheapest 2021 Remedy on offer. It gets a RockShox Gold RL fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock. There's a SRAM NX drivetrain with SRAM Guide T brakes. Apart from that, everything else is the same as what you'll get on the Remedy 8's.

Trek Fuel EX

The Fuel EX is Trek's do it all trail bike. It gets 130mm of rear travel and 140mm at the front. Just like the Slash, the Fuel EX gets built-in downtube storage and the Active Braking Pivot. It comes with a RE:aktiv shock with Thru Shaft, something that you'll only find on Trek bikes. It promises more grip and control with a shock the reacts to the ground faster than anything else on the market, says Trek. This bike also gets the Mino Link, Knock Block, and Straight Shot downtube. The Fuel EX comes in five sizes with XS getting 650b hoops and M upwards getting 29" wheels. However, size S comes with a choice of either wheel size. As for the geometry in the low setting, the bike gets a 66° head angle, a 75° effective seat tube angle, and a 437mm chain stay. A large frame benefits from a 470mm reach.

Fuel EX 9.9 AXS

Topping the range with a pretty hefty pricetag is the 9.9 AXS. On this model, you'll get a Fox Factory 36 with a GRIP 2 damper, paired with a Fox Factory Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. Of course, we then get wireless shifting from SRAM and the AXS range along with a wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line 30 carbon wheels and they're wrapped with two Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads, measuring in with a 2.6" width at the front and a 2.4" at the rear. Bontrager supplies the finishing kit with a Knock Block stem and a 780mm OCLV carbon handlebar.

Fuel EX 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Fuel EX 9.9 XTR gets all of the bling. It's built around Trek's OCLV carbon frame and gets a Fox Factory 36 fork with a GRIP2 damper. At the back, there's a Fox Factory Float EVOL, RE:aktiv. As its name hints, this bike comes with a Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain with matching XTR M9120 four-piston brakes. There's also an option with a SRAM XO1 drivetrain with SRAM G2 RSC brakes. This one rolls on a pair of Bontrager Line Pro 30 OCLV carbon wheels which are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with the brand's Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid bead. At the front, there's a 2.6" tyre with a 2.4" at the rear on both wheel sizes. Then the bike comes kitted with a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper and the rest of the kit comes from the same brand.

Fuel EX 9.8 XT & GX

Offering a saving of over £2,000 over the top of the range bike is the 9.8 GX and XT. This bike comes with the same carbon frame as the most expensive bike but sees a downgrade in suspension and drivetrain. Here we get a Fox Performance 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL, RE:aktiv shock. This rig comes with a choice of drivetrain with either SRAM's GX groupset or Shimano's XT. The GX build comes with SRAM G2 RS brakes whereas the XT model is stopped with a pair of Shimano SLX M7120 four-piston brakes. Everything else on these builds is the same as what you'll find on the 9.9 XTR model.

Fuel EX 9.7

The 9.7 is Trek's most affordable carbon-framed Fuel EX. It comes kitted with a Fox Rhythm 36 with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock. The drivetrain here is a mix of SRAM NX and GX with the former making up the shifter and the latter handing the mech. Gone are the carbon wheels, unfortunately, but instead we get a set of Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels wrapped in the very same tyres like the rest of the range. The rest of the bike follows suit with the pricier models but there's an alloy bar and stem.

Fuel EX 8 XT & GX

At the sub £3k mark Trek does away with the carbon frames and replaces them with cheaper alloy alternatives. On the priciest alloy option, we get a Fox Rythm 34 Float with a GRIP damper and a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. On this build, there's a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain or a Shimano XT with the former benefitting from SRAM G2 R brakes and the latter receiving a pair of Shimano MT4100 levers mated to MT420 four-piston callipers. This bike gets a pair of Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy wheels and the rest of the build is the same as what you'll get on the 9.7 bike.

Fuel EX 7 NX

On the Fuel EX 7 NX we find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork and a Fox Performance Float EVOL shock, note that this shock doesn't come with that special RE:aktiv tech. You've guessed it, this one comes equipped with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain it gets its brakes from Shimano with a pair of MT4100 levers and MT410 callipers. The rest of the bike, including the wheels and tyres on this bike, is the same as the rest of the alloy range but we see a TransX dropper on this model.

Fuel EX 5 Deore

Rounding off the fairly extensive range is the reasonably priced Fuel EX Deore. It gets a RockShox Recon Silver fork with an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. Then there's the Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of MT201 levers and MT200 callipers. The wheels see a downgrade from the rest of the range with an Alex MD35 rim laced to Bontrager hubs. They're wrapped in a pair of Bontrager XR4 tyres and there's a TransX dropper post. The rest of the finishing kit comes from Bontrager.

Trek Top Fuel

Like it or not, but down-country bikes are becoming more and more prolific. Luckily for those who are on board with the trend Trek has a bike for you. It comes kitted with 120mm travel up front and 115mm at the rear with 29" wheels. In keeping with the rest of Trek's bikes so far the Top Fuel also gets a Straight Shot downtube and Trek's Active Braking Pivot. It's also kitted with the Mino Link and Control Freak cable management system. Moving onto the geometry, the Top Fuel sees a 68° head tube angle, a 75.7° effective seat tube angle and a 434mm chainstay. A large frame gets a 470mm reach and those numbers have been taken with the bike in its low setting. As for frame sizes, there's a choice from XS right up to XXL.

Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS

A few hundred pounds shy of the 10k mark, this bike comes with all of the top tech. It's made around a carbon frame with a RockShox SID Ultimate fork with a Race Day Charger damper and a RockShox SID Luxe Ultimate shock. There's a RockShox TwistLoc Full Sprint lockout remote too. As for the drivetrain, here we get a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 12-speed wireless set up with SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes. The wheels on this bike area pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 Carbon hoops and they're kitted with a pair of Bontrager XR3 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads in a 2.4" width. Finally, there's a RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post, Bontrager OCLV carbon bar with a 750mm width and 35mm clamp and a Bontrager stem.

Top Fuel 9.9 XTR & XO1

Next up, the Top Fuel XTR and XO1 models get the same carbon frame but this time there's a Fox Factory 34 Step Cast with a FIT4 damper paired with a Fox Factory Float shock. This bike also gets the RockShox Twistloc remote lockout. With this model, there's a choice of either a SRAM XO1 drivetrain or the Shimano XTR set up. The XO1 model gets SRAM G2 RSC four-piston brakes while the XTR gets XTR M9100 brakes. Everything else on the bike is the same as the AXS model but the dropper, which is a Bontrager Line Elite.

Top Fuel 9.8 XT & GX

The Top Fuel 9.8 sees a saving of £2.4k and gets its suspension from RockShox with the SID Select+ RL fork and RockShox SID Ultimate RL shock. There's a choice of drivetrain on this bike too between either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed with SRAM G2 RSC brakes or a Shimano XT drivetrain with SLX M7000 brakes. Everything else on this bike is the same as its pricier brethren.

Top Fuel 9.7

The 9.7 model is the cheapest with a carbon frame and it comes with a RockShox Reba RL fork and a Fox Performance Float DPS shock. There's a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes consisting of MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This bike makes a move to Bontrager Kovee Comp 23 alloy wheels and they get the same tyres as the rest of the range. We get an alloy cockpit and a Bontrager Line Dropper.

Top Fuel 8 NX

At this price point, Trek introduces alloy frames into the mix. With the 8 NX there's a RockShox Recon Gold RL Solo Air with a Fox Performance Float DPS. There's still a remote lockout here but it comes from Bontrager in the form of the Drop Lock. As its name suggests, this bike is driven by a SRAM NX drivetrain and it's stopped with a pair of SRAM Level T brakes. The rest of the bike is the same as what you'll find on the 9.7 model.

Top Fuel 7 SX

The Top Fuel 7 SX is the most affordable bike in the range featuring suspension from RockShox with the Judy SL Solo Air fork and the X-Fusion Pro 2 shock. There's a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. This one rolls on the same alloy wheels as the rest of the range with the same tyres. In fact, apart from the TransX dropper post, everything else matches the Top Fuel 8 NX.

Trek Full Stache

While the Full Stache hasn't had an update for 2021, it seems rude not to include it as there aren't an awful lot of full suspension 29+ bikes on the market. Of course, it rolls on 29" wheels with chunky 3" tyres. It also has 130mm of travel at both ends but the frame is compatible with up to a 140mm fork if you fancy some extra lairy riding. There's also the Mino Link, Control Freak cable management and the Knock Block. It's built around an aluminium frame and gets a 67° head tube angle, a 75.5° effective seat tube and a 430mm chainstay in the low setting. A large gets a 480mm reach, again in the low setting.

Full Stache 8

With its aluminium frame, you'll find a RockShox Pike Select Plus RC fork with a Fox Performance Float EVOL RE:aktiv shock. There's a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, aTruvativ Descendant 6k crank and SRAM Guide R brakes. This bike gets a pair of SUNringlé Duroc 40 SL wheels and they're shod with a pair of Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. We get a Bontrager Line Dropper on this bike with a 780mm wide alloy bar, also from Bontrager.

Trek Supercaliber

Filling the role of the full suspension cross country bike is the rather unique looking Supercaliber. The standout feature of this bike is its IsoStrut suspension platform. It offers 60mm of fully tunable travel and what makes it special is that it does away with a rocker link thus saving a chunk of weight. The IsoStrut is also a structural feature of the frame which Trek says prevents twisting, flex and deflection which the brand claims offers a more direct power transfer. The whole range of Supercalibers feature carbon frames rolling on 29" hoops, Straight Shot downtube and the Knock Block. The geometry on this bike sees a 69° head angle, 74° seat tube angle and a 430mm chainstay. The reach of a large frame measures in at 455mm. There are six sizes from S to XXL and an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. Up front there's 100mm of travel.

Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS

The Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS takes the crown as Trek's most expensive mountain bike. It comes dripping with top-shelf kit such as the RockShox SID SL Ultimate with a Charger Race Day damper and a Fox Factory IsoStrut shock. This bike gets SRAMs XX1 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain with the carbon crank and SRAM Level Ultimate brakes. It rolls on a pair of Bontrager Kovee XXX OCLV carbon wheels and they're wrapped with a set of 2.2" Bontrager XR2 Team Issue, tubeless ready tyres with Inner Strength Sidewalls and aramid beads. Then the finishing kit also comes from Bontrager and the line of carbon components, including a 720mm wide handlebar.

Supercaliber XX1 & XTR

Next up the Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 and XTR get all of the same kit as the priciest model but they drop the fancy wireless shifting. Instead, there's a choice of either a SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain with SRAM Level Ultimate brakes or a Shimano XTR drivetrain with XTR M9100 brakes.

Supercaliber XT & GX

Seeing a considerable saving from the rest of the range, the Supercaliber 9.8 GX and XT models get a downgraded Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP2 damper. There's also that IsoStrut suspension also provided by Fox but this model doesn't get that sleek Kashima coating, coming from the brands Performance line-up. These models come with a choice of either a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed groupset with both choices coming kitted with Shimano Deore XT M8100 brakes. Here we get a pair of Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon wheels, then the rest of the kit is the same as what you would get on the other bikes.

Supercaliber 9.7

The Supercaliber 9.7 is the most budget-friendly option in the range. It's still built around that OCLV carbon frame and the Performance level IsoStrut shock but gets a RockShox Reba RL fork. This one is driven by a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and it's stopped by brakes from Shimano with the MT501 levers and MT500 calipers. This model gets slightly narrower Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon wheels with the same XR2 tyres but the rest of the bike comes from Bontrager's alloy line of kit.

Trek Procaliber

The Procaliber is Trek's lightweight cross country hardtail. Compared to the Supercaliber it presents a mighty cash saving if you're looking for a race-ready XC bike. That doesn't mean that it's not without some cool tech, however. The Supercaliber benefits from what Trek calls the IsoSpeed decoupler which allows the set tube to rotate independently from the top tube to seatstay junction which Trek says offers some vertical compliance without sacrificing pedalling efficiency. As with the rest of the range, this bike gets the Straight Shot downtube and Knock Block too. Each bike in the Supercaliber line up comes with a carbon frame which rolls on 29" wheels and can fit up to 2.4" rubber. Here we see a 68.8° head angle, a 73.8° seat tube angle and 432mm a chainstay. A large frame benefits from a 450mm reach and there are six sizes, from S up to XL, including an ML size which gets a longer top tube than the M. The Procaliber gets 100mm of suspension.

Procaliber 9.8

Built around an OCLV carbon frame the Procaliber 9.8 comes with a Fox Performance 32 Step-Cast fork with a GRIP damper. It's driven by a Shimano XT drivetrain with Deore XT M8100 brakes but this one gets an e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon crank. The wheels here are a pair of Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels and there's a pair of Bontrager 2.2" XR2 Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with Inner Strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The rest of the kit comes from Bontrager too, with a 720mm wide carbon handlebar.

Procaliber 9.7

This model comes equipped with a RockShox Reba RL Solo Air and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT501 brake levers hosed to MT500 calipers. This bike gets Bontrager's Kovee Elite 23 wheels, then the rest of the bike matches the 9.8 model.

Procaliber 9.6

On the 9.6 model of the Procaliber you'll get a RockShox Recon Gold RL and a mixture of Shimano kit making up the drivetrain. There's an SLX M7100 shifter and an XT M8100 derailleur. With this model there's the move over to alloy wheels, they come from Bontrager and the Kovee's. Then there are the same tyres as the rest of the range and an all-alloy finishing kit from Bontrager.

Procaliber 9.5

Finally the Procaliber line-up is rounded off with the 9.5. Even as the cheapest bike, it still gets that OCLV carbon frame but sees a RockShox Judy SL fork. There's a full Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano MT200 brakes. Then the rest of the bike features the same kit that you'll find on the 9.6 model.

Trek X-Caliber

If you're looking for a race-ready cross country bike but you're on a budget, the X-Caliber is the bike for you. Accommodating for its affordable price point is an aluminium frame rather than the carbon you'll find on its pricier sibling, the Procaliber. The X-Caliber comes kitted with rack mounts, so it's bike-packing ready, along with a mount for a kickstand. All frames feature internal routing and they all come kitted with Trek's Blendr stem. The X-Caliber comes with either 650b wheels on sizes XS and S with all larger bikes (up to XXL) roll on 29" hoops. As for the geometry, there's a 73° effective seat tube angle on sizes M and up while the smaller two sizes get a 73.5° effective seat tube angle. Then there's a 69.5° head tube angle (S and XSs get a 69.3° HA) and a 438mm chainstay on M and up, and a 425mm chainstay on the smaller bikes. Sizes S to XL get 100mm of travel leaving XS with just 80mm. Although, the frame will accept a maximum of a 120mm fork while the XS can accept a 100mm fork.

X-Caliber 9

Heading up the range, the X-Caliber 9 gets a RockShox Judy Silver Solo Air with a TurnKey remote lockout. This bike gets a Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes made up of an MT401 lever and an MT400 caliper. The wheels on this one are a pair of Bontrager Kovees and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR3s in the 2.3" width on all sizes. The finishing kit comes from Bontrager too with an alloy bar, stem, and seat post.

X-Caliber 8

The middle of the range X-Caliber 8 comes with a RockShox Judy SL Solo Air fork with a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain. Stopping the bike is a pair of MT200 brakes from Shimano. As for the wheels, the rims come from Bontrager with a pair of kovees and they're laced to Formula DCL-141Q hubs. Then the rest of the bike is the same as the X-Caliber 9.

X-Caliber 7

The X-Caliber 7 gets much of the same kit as the X-Caliber 8 with the only difference in spec being its Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain.

Trek Roscoe

If you're looking for a trail orientated hardtail, the Roscoe fits the bill. Each build comes properly sorted with dropper posts, 120mm of travel (size S gets 100mm), 1x drivetrains and alloy frames. The bike also rolls on 650b+ wheels and tyres. They all feature internal cable routing, rack and kickstand mounts too. Onto the geometry, the Roscoe sees a 67.3° head angle, a 70.8° effective seat tube angle (with the medium frame getting a 70.7° effective seat angle and the S and XS getting 71.2° and 71.1° angles respectively), and a large frame gets a 428mm reach. As a 650b+ bike, it can run either 27.5x2.8" or 29x2.4" rubber.

On the Roscoe 8, you'll find a RockShox 35 Gold RL fork with a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain with Shimano brakes in the form of the MT501 lever paired with an MT500 caliper. It's worth noting that the fork comes with a flexy QR axle. The wheels here are made of rims from Bontrager and the Line 40s with a Bontrager hub at the front and a Formula hub at the rear. This bike gets a pair of Maxxis Rekon tubeless tyres with a 2.8" width and then the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager and the alloy range apart from the dropper post, which comes from TranzX with the JD-YSP18.

The Roscoe 7 benefits from most of the same kit as the 8, but this one gets a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 brakes.

On the cheapest Roscoe 6 you'll get an SR Suntour XCM 32 coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and MT200 brakes. This bike then rolls on Alex MD35 rims and Formula DC hubs which get a pair of Kenda Havok, wire beaded, 2.8" tyres. As for the rest of the build, that's just the same as the rest of the range.

Trek Marlin

If a sub £1k cross country, everyday bike is more your speed then it's worth checking out the Trek Marlin. Each bike in the range comes with an alloy frame and a fork with 100mm of travel (XS frames get 80mm). There are also rack and stand mounts, the Blendr stem, and internal cable routing. XS and S sizes roll on 650b wheels while sizes M to XXL get 29" hoops. On the Marlin, you'll get an effective seat tube angle of 73.5° on the XS and S frame while everything else benefits from a 71.9° effective seat tube angle. As for the head angle, on the smaller sizes it'll measure in at 69.3° and from M upwards it's a couple of degrees steeper at 69.5°. All frame sizes share a 438mm chainstay length and a large frame gets a 451mm reach.

The Marlin 7 comes kitted with a RockShox Judy coil sprung fork with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 disc brakes. The wheels are made of Bontrager Kovee rims laced to Formula DC hubs and they're wrapped with a pair of Bontrager XR2 Comp 2.2" tyres with wire beads. The rest of the bike comes with Bontrager's own finishing kit.

Trek Farley

Perhaps fat bikes are more your things. Allow me to introduce the Farley. There are two in the 2021 range with an alloy and a carbon option which, of course, roll on 4.5" tyres. Both bikes come with a dropper post, horizontal sliding dropouts, ideal for single speed setups and tubeless-ready tyres. As for the geometry, the Farley gets a 69° head angle, a 73° effective seat tube angle and a 455mm chainstay. The reach on a large is 441mm and there are four sizes available, from S to XL. 

The Farley 9.6 gets an OCLV carbon frame with a Bontrager Haru OCLV fork. The drivetrain on this bike comes from SRAM and the GX Eagle 12-speed shifting. As for wheels, they're Sunringle Mulefut 80 SL rims laced to Bontrager alloy hubs. Those are wrapped in a pair of Bontrager Barbegazi Team Issue, tubeless-ready tyres with inner strength sidewalls and aramid beads. The dropper kitted here is a TransX JD-YSP18 and the rest of the kit comes from Bontrager with a 750mm wide bar.

The Farley 5 is Trek's best value fat bike and it's built around an alloy frame. It gets a Shimano Deore M4100 10-speed drivetrain with SRAM Level brakes and there's a Race Face crank. It gets the same wheels as the 9.6 but the tyres here are a pair of Bontrager Gnarwhals. The rest of the kit is the same as the 9.6. It's worth mentioning that while the Farley 5 comes with a rigid fork, it'll happily accommodate a 100mm travel suspension fork.

Trek Session

The Session needs no introduction, but it's the brand's 650b downhill bike. There's only one model in the 2021 range which is built around an alloy frame. It gets Trek's Active Braking Pivot and the geometry adjusting Mino-Link. Up front, there's 200mm of travel and at the rear, there's 210mm. In the low setting, the Session gets a 63.6° head angle, a 445mm chainstay and a large frame gets a 426mm reach. There are four sizes, from S to XL and the 8 27.5 model will set you back £4,200

Trek Ticket

Finally, rounding off the Trek range of mountain bike is the Ticket. It's available as the full suspension, Ticket S (pictured) with 100mm of travel and the Ticket DJ, which is the hardtail version. Both come as a frame only with prices starting from £725, up to £1,400.

• www.trekbikes.com

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Liam Mercer

Tech Editor here at off.road.cc Liam can also be found photographing bikes as well as revelling in cycling's intricacies. Whether it's gravel, mountain, or e-MTB as long as it's a bike on dirt, he's happy.

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Suspension Tech: Closer look at Trek’s new Thru Shaft shocks

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Trek’s introduction of a thru shaft shock design for mountain bikes seems like it could solve a real problem with suspension. Have you ever hit a section with so many rapid fire bumps that your rear wheel seems like it just can’t keep track and starts bouncing or skipping over the terrain? The claimed benefit of the Thru Shaft design is that it can react quicker than a traditional IFP-backed shock because it’s not pushing oil against that secondary internal piston. It might help to start with our post about how an IFP works .

We covered much of the new Thru Shaft design tech in the original launch post , but we still had questions. So, to more fully explain how the Thru Shaft works, we got answers from Trek and Fox…

Because the piston shaft runs all the way through the damping chamber, oil volume remains constant. So, Trek’s Travis Ott says “no backfill or recirculation is needed as the volume remains the same. In a traditional shock, when the damper shaft enters the oil it changes the volume forcing the IFP to compress. With a thru shaft there amount of damper shaft in the oil remains constant so no need for volume compensation.

Fox’s Mark Jordan adds “In our thru-shaft design, oil flows through the main piston during compression and rebound. A thru-shaft design is not displacing oil like a standard shock – oil just flows through the piston and back. Because it does not have increasing volume from a shaft during compression, a thru-shaft shock doesn’t require an IFP design to compensate for added volume. However, there are other things to consider like internal pressures and heat expansion.”

OK, so how do you deal with fluid expansion from heat?

“That’s a great question,” says Ott. “On the FOX shock found on the Fuel EX there is less oil than on the larger volume (Rockshox shocks used on the) Remedy and Slash. So thermal compensation on the FOX shock takes place within the damper shaft. On the Rock Shox execution of Thru Shaft there is a small external piggy back unit that deals with oil expansion.”

Indeed, Jordan confirmed there is a tiny spring-backed (as opposed to nitrogen pressure) IFP inside the thru shaft to deal with pressure changes and oil expansion caused by heat.

The fun never ends. Stay tuned for a new post each week that explores one small suspension tech, tuning or product topic. Check out past posts here . Got a question you want answered? Email us . Want your brand or product featured? We can do that, too .

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com . He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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They claim it’s simpler but it now needs shaft seals at both ends of the shock, and still needs to deal with thermal volume change. Longer shaft probably makes it heavier too. All engineering involves trade-offs.

With massive reference/credit to Horst Leitner’s 25-year-old AMP shocks…

Horst used, but did not “invent” thru-shaft shocks. His were supremely simple and were good/bad because of it.

The Trek/Fox/RockShox versions are conceptually the same, but far more advanced.

Any chance we could see a side by side pic of a Thru Shaft shock and a conventional sock with the same stroke length? I am curious how much bigger the Thru Shaft shock is.

I always use test tubes when Overhauling a shock. Makes me look super smart

If this is so much better why haven’t Fox or Rock Shox developed it on their own without Trek paying them to do so?

You don’t know how the supplier process works huh? Trek is a powerhouse in the industry and is responsible for many of the incremental changes we’ve seen in the past few years. They dictate changes to parts suppliers, not the other way around. They have an agreement with Fox to produce certain rear shocks that only can be sold to Trek because they are based on Trek design features. I’m sure Specialized has the same agreement.

You don’t know how advertising works huh? You say powerhouse Trek is responsible for many incremental changes? Name one that is currently used today. How about the DCRV? Yeah, that was a keeper. Completely revolutionized the industry. Or how about Specialized Brain? Yep, another keeper. There are exactly zero brands who have adopted either technology and made their own versions of it. This “thru-shaft” is the same as everything else; marketing fluff which will be gone in a few years.

Boost Spacing?

DRCV…..just saying. Not to mention patents expire slower than technology evolves. This one will probably be adapted because there’s only a 2 year embargo on it which tells us that someone Fox, Rockshox, or Penskie thinks that it will actually take hold. Not saying there isn’t fluff but there are some details in this one that seem a little more solid.

There is only a 2 year embargo because it cannot be patented.

Probably due to patents Trek and Specialized have on their shock designs that prevents other manufacturers from using the tech.

before, shock manufacturers were trying to fit the most stroke in the shortest eye to eye, per manufacturers requests. Most recently, suspension and bike manufacturers talked it over and came out with “metric” shocks, which really was about reducing the stroke/length ratio so they could fit more tech in the damper. I think this is what allowed the possibility of going thru shaft. There’s no way around it – thru shaft shocks are longer overall.

Looks like there are a bunch of Haters and keyboard engineers in here already.

So hard to know if shocks work for your bike or not before dropping $500+. I really wish there was some type of try-before-you-buy demo program for shocks. Send me a shock in the mail and let me ride it for a couple days. Let me try a couple before I make my purchase decision.

What other industry does anything like this? What’s in it for the manufacture? Won’t they just be sitting on a bunch of used shocks at the end of the process, with less sales?

That’s lose/lose.

Rockshox did this for their Ride Experience Sprinter vans one year. Loaded up the vans with all different sizes of shocks and forks and would install them on your bike.

Isn’t a lefty damper Thru shaft?

STOP TRYING TO MAKE THINGS BETTER AND LEARN FROM IT. Lets just all ride 1990s tech for the rest of ever.

Yeah! I don’t want the tech to change because then I have to use my brain to figure out whats different! Plus, learning about new tech makes my existing bike worse!

Please ramp up the marketing and try to sell me the same stuff but in a new way. Why can’t things just stay the same?!

to Josh and the other Big Co worshipers on here, do you really think that since Trek et al is huge then the readers/writers here are somehow less intelligent? I would wager that there are many peoples on here every day that are every bit as smart in legal or eng or business as anyone at Trek, Specialized etc. One place that the readers of this fine forum are mere babes in the woods though is marketing, including myself who has typed Treks name 2X whilst trying to make a point! THEY WIN, pretty funny shit huh?

I went to college to find where all the ‘smart people’ were hiding. What I found out, was that I was already pretty smart, and college only validated that. If you thought college was going to teach you something you didn’t already know, then you probably were as disappointed as I was. I could’ve learned all that shit by reading a book. Although, I will admit, I wouldn’t have taken as many tests if I hadn’t of taken on an Engineering Degree. So you can say, that somebody that graduates has taken a lot of tests. Hopefully, they didn’t cheat, like a lot of my compatriots did (they were usually younger and under pressure from their parents to ‘succeed’.)

jon wants people talking about thru-shaft shocks (and I suspect, other people, too) to know what he thinks about… universities. Connection? You got me.

Oh, and some Professors really don’t know what they are talking about. And, some do. But, certainly not all.

I’m sure there are plenty of people reading BR that are smarter than any one single person as personnel at a big bike manufacturer–the size of its reader base almost certainly ensures it. Unfortunately, that is irrelevant. Engineering is fundamentally about applying resources, diligence, and work to solve problems. GB2 worshipping Nikola Tesla.

dustytires never said readers are less intelligent. I just get tired of all the bashing of new tech before you have even rode the product. And this is for all product on bikerumor, not just trek. so don’t assume i am a “big co worshipper” because you know what that makes you.

sick head shock from the 90’s technology

This tech is the best concept in MTB rear suspension in quite some time, though the tech has been around for a while. A couple of people around here have the new shock and say it’s amazing. They are seasoned riders that have been through a lot of gear so I have a trust in their assessments. I’ve been tinkering with 4×4 suspensions on various trucks I’ve owned over the years and since I got into MTB about 18 years ago; seen the progression of FS tech within the last decade and wondered why the IFP was even being used since F1 kinematics are vary similar to MTB FS kinematics and F1 does not use IFP variants. I guess maybe enough people were having the conversation about F1 Kinematics in MTB shocks that someone decided to drop a dime a discover if F1 suspension design benefits MTB shock design. The multi-valve damper with IFP is more of a heavy truck and/or 4×4 concept that works better when scaled up and loads(weight) are dramatically more.

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RockShox Unveils its 2023 Trail/Enduro Forks and Shocks

More Adjustable, Smoother, and Quieter Than Ever

The Takeaway: RockShox ups its game with a swath of refinements to its premier forks and shocks.

Fork updates

• New Charger 3 damper promises reduced harshness
• Buttercups vibration-damping pucks claimed to cut high-frequency vibrations by 20-percent
• Pressure relief valves are standard on Ultimate and Select+ models. Select and Base models can be upgraded with valves later.

Fork Price (as tested): $1,054 (Pike Ultimate) Fork Weight: 1860g (Pike Ultimate 29, 44mm offset, 130mm travel)

Shock Updates

• The New RC2T damper for shocks claimed to be more adjustable
• Retuned air spring with adjustable positive and negative volumes
• Some coil shocks gain adjustable hydraulic bottom out
• New Deluxe Coil with inline design.

Shock Price (as tested): $599 (Super Deluxe Ultimate) Shock Weight: 470g (Super Deluxe Ultimate trunnion, 165x45mm)

As we roll into the summer of 2022 so begins another product launch cycle. On today’s menu: The release of RockShox’s 2023 trail and enduro forks and shocks. There are all-new Pike and Lyrik forks, while the Zeb (which launched in mid-2020) gets a new damper and air spring. On the shock side, everything is new. The big theme of this launch is increased adjustability which should lead to a more dialed ride for the rider.

As for fork weights, I was only able to weigh my sample fork (Pike 29" Ultimate, 130mm travel, 44mm offset). Surprisingly, it came in 10 grams lighter than my 2020 Pike Ultimate model with the same specs. Based on claimed weights, however, the 2023 forks should weigh a handful of grams (20 to 60) more than their 2022 counterparts. Claimed weights for the 2023 shocks were not available but based on a 2022 Super Deluxe Ultimate in my collection of similar (but not identical) dimensions to my 2023 Super Deluxe Ultimate sample shock, the 2023 shocks are slightly heavier as well.

Prices for the 2023 products have increased compared to 2022 models with Ultimate models seeing about a $140 bump. Shock prices are also up, with the new Super Deluxe Ultimate priced $90 more than the 2022 version.

Below are my ride impressions of the new RockShox suspension units, followed by a deep dive into all the new features and technology.

2023 RockShox Ride Impressions

I received a 130mm Pike Ultimate fork and a Super Deluxe Ultimate (165mm by 45mm) trunnion shock to fit into my Evil Following. At first glance, the 2023 stuff doesn’t look markedly different than 2022 (or 2021, or 2020) RockShox products. But placed side by side, one can see that the new fork has a more muscular appearance, with more substantial lowers and crown, and bigger adjuster knobs. Meanwhile, the new low-speed clicker situated perpendicular to the piggyback is the biggest clue that you’re looking at a 2023 shock.

Of the two, the fork struck me as having changed the most from previous generations. If I had to summarize it in one word, that word would be “smoother.” I intentionally sought out my chatteriest and least buff trails, and the new Pike delivered impressively. It offers a healthy step forward in sensitivity and traction compared to the previous generation fork.

I will admit my hands still stung and I needed to shake them out, but the onset was noticeably later than when I last rode the trail on the previous generation Pike. I was also impressed with how well the fork behaved when braking on steep and traction challenged sections of trail. It controlled dive very well and stayed high in its travel, yet remained supple and provided good front tire bite.

It was also mightily impressed with its smoothness on nose-first touchdowns, which this fork sucked up with glee. I also felt like the claims of improved stiffness are real. The previous Pike felt just a bit stiffer than a Fox 34, while the new bike feels almost as stiff as a Fox 36. It’s a small distinction, but, overall, the new Pike feels like “more” fork than it was before.

Already the quietest forks around, the 2023 RockShox stuff is even more hushed. While I appreciate a quiet bike, it is also a smart move for RockShox because audible cues influence rider impressions. Quieter sounds smoother, so we perceive it as smoother. I came back from my rides with the genuine impression that the 2023 Pike offers actually-superior performance, but I will also admit that a small bit of my overall impression might have been influenced by the fork’s nearly silent operation.

The shock, meanwhile, didn’t feel as distinctly different from its previous generation. But shocks are harder to feel out in general because—unlike the direct interaction you have with a fork—you experience a shock through the frame’s kinematics. And, ideally, brands custom-tune the shocks to harmonize with those kinematics.

This 2023 shock replaced a 2022 RockShox shock on my Following, and the character was very similar. Overall, I have a slight preference for RockShox over Fox shocks because I find the former smoother and more sensitive; mid-stroke support and mid/big hit control are similarly good between brands, but RockShox seems to offer better small bump compliance and traction, and a more “comfortable” ride.

I found those same qualities in the 2023 Super Deluxe. What stood out to me was that the additional and refined tuning and adjustment options gave me more tools to dial in my preferred feel. I can now muck about with high-speed compression and negative spring volume. Honestly, it will take me quite a while to test all the potential tune permutations available and I don’t even know if I’ll wind up settling on something different than the baseline I was sent. But the new shock allows tinkers the ability to fine-tune the shock in a way not possible with previous RockShox shocks.

If you’re not a tinkerer, I found the baseline setting of the shock to be very good, with a good balance of support, sensitivity, and control. Plus it was so, so, quiet; which I absolutely love.

The low-speed clicker seemed more effective, with more distinct differences from click to click than the 2022’s low-speed adjuster. After a handful of rides, I’ve backed off the low-speed setting by two clicks—it’s now in its lightest setting—but left the high-speed clicker in the middle position. Overall, the 2023 shock made the bike feel “plusher” without sacrificing control yet didn’t make it feel duller—it’s slightly more planted, without taking away any of the bike’s pop.

Based on the samples I rode, the updates to RockShox’s 2023 trail and enduro products further elevate the performance of already very good suspension components. On-trail performance is smoother, and they offer usable and effective adjustment tools without overcomplicating set up or overwhelming the user with options.

2023 RockShox Pike, Lyrik, and Zeb Updates

Charger 3 Damper

The major story of the new Charger 3 damper, RockShox claims, is a reduction in harshness. Less harshness should improve traction and reduce fatigue in the rider’s hands and arms on long and rough sections of trail, letting them ride harder and longer.

RockShox says the goal of reducing harshness led them to a new damper design that eliminates the expanding bladder that was the signature of the Charger since its debut in 2013. In place of the bladder is a coil-spring supported independent floating piston (IFP) which is more reactive and consistent than a bladder design, and also easier to service.

RockShox also claims they “decoupled” high and low-speed compression damping, which means adjusting high-speed compression does not influence low-speed compression (or the opposite). If this claim is true, it is noteworthy because damping circuits are usually marginally coupled so adjusting one circuit can make a small and potentially unwanted change to a different circuit.

RockShox also updated its baseline tune to make the forks easier for people to set up. “We did some difficult engineering work making the adjusters function as they do,” said Chris Mandell, RockShox’s North American PR person, “They have a middle position. We selected the amount of damping for that middle position based on rider feedback, and it being a good baseline for people to start from. From that position, people are able to increase or decrease their high-speed or low-speed damping based on their personal preference. The whole reason that fork adjusters require you to dial them all the way in and then count clicks out is that is the easiest way to design an adjuster. But that’s not user-friendly and it doesn’t help the consumer get to the window of happiness on their suspension setup. So we’ve done the hard engineering work of making that adjuster more intuitive and starting from a baseline where they’re able to add or subtract from that baseline.”

RockShox forks were already quiet, and for 2023 they’ve made further gains. Mandell says these improvements are due to updates on the rebound assembly.,“What you’re hearing are eddies and currents as the oil moves from a relatively high-pressure zone to a relatively low-pressure zone. What we’ve done with Charger 3.0 is created the right environment to slow down without creating eddies and currents.”

Externally, the new Charger 3 announces itself with larger and easier to turn knurled aluminum knobs.

ButterCups are like the rubber isolators found in power equipment and between the engine and body of a vehicle. Inside an anodized gold aluminum cylinder, at the bottoms of the spring and damper rods, is a rubber puck with about four millimeters of displacement. Placing these bumpers between the rods and the fork’s lowers results in a 20 percent, or better, vibration reduction. RockShox claims they’ve verified these results with sensor data.

ButterCups add about 40 grams of weight to the fork, and RockShox recommends replacing the bumpers during a fork’s 200-hour service. As they take up space in the lowers, they cannot be added to any fork not designed to accommodate them, however, riders can add them to lower-end versions of the 2023 Pike, Lyrik, and Zeb that do not come with the cups. Riders can also remove one, or both, to increase feedback or save weight.

New Air Springs

The 2023 Pike, Lyrik, and Zeb get the all-new air spring that first debuted in the Flight Attendant forks. RockShox reps were reticent to offer much in the way of detailed information about how the new spring compares to the old—such comparisons are of little use because of all the other changes to the forks, they said—only saying that everything is different and, of course, better. “By focusing on refining the shape of the spring curve, we created an air spring that’s plusher off-the-top, with a supremely supportive mid-stroke and improved end-stroke ramp up,” says the press pack. There is a new positive spring volume, negative spring volume, a new position for the bypass dimple that equalizes the positive and negative springs, and a new top-out bumper. There’s even a new air-valve cap. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the air volume tuning tokens.

Other updates

• Pressure Relief Valves Much like the valves found on Fox’s 36 and 38, and MRP’s Ribbon, RockShox added buttons to the back of the lowers that let the rider equalize the pressure in the lowers with ambient pressure. This gives the fork a more consistent feel if you change elevation, or if weather moves in.

• Hub End Cap Adapters RockShox continues to make its dropouts compatible with Torque Caps—which increases the surface area between the hub and fork for improved steering precision—but now (and finally) offers bolt-on half-moon adapters for wheels with standard hub caps. With the adapters in place, standard hub caps automatically align with the dropout openings making the thru-axle easier to install.

• Ultimate Bushings While all 2023 forks get increased bushing overlap, the top-of-the-line Ultimate-level forks get 53-percent longer lower bushings claimed to reduce friction, especially when the fork is under load.

• N ew Lower Design for Pike and Lyrik The updated lower design improves stiffness, claims RockShox. The new lowers give the Pike a 13.5 percent bump in torsional stiffness, while the Lyrik’s is up 20 percent.

• Lower Leg Lubrication Co-developed with Maxima (who also makes RockShox’s damper oil), the new Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube “Light” replaces the 0W30 lubricating bath RockShox previously recommended in its lowers. Mandell stated that RockShox found in testing that some lower-leg lubes produce “quite a bit” of damping. This isn’t ideal, because they want the Charger 3 they spent a great deal of time and money on to dial in doing all the damping. So, a new lower leg lube was mixed up specifically to offer excellent friction reduction and long-lasting lubrication (RockShox recommends refreshing the lower leg oil every 50 hours) with the least amount of added damping. There’s also a “heavy” version to lubricate the air spring seal head and main piston.

• No More Sag Gradients RockShox no longer engraves sag markings on the fork’s upper tubes. “We saw huge drop in the perceived value of sag gradients on the fork once we came out with our Trailhead web app,” said Mandell. With Trailhead—accessible as a webpage or smartphone app —the rider can enter in their fork and body weight and the app spits out an exact pressure and damper tune recommendation.

Fork Lineup**

Pike Prices - Ultimate- $1,054, €1,139, £ 1,017, Select*- $790, €855, £763 Travels- 120, 130, 140mm Wheelsizes- 27.5, 29 Offsets- 37mm (27.5), 44mm (27.5, 29) Claimed weight- 1,887g (140mm travel, 44mm offset)

Lyrik Prices- Ultimate- $1,107 (€1,196, £1,069), Select*- $843 (€912, £813) Travels- 140, 150, 160mm Wheelsizes- 27.5", 29" Offsets- 37mm (27.5), 44mm (27.5, 29) Claimed weight- 2,028g (160mm travel, 44mm offset)

Zeb Prices- Ultimate- $1,159 (€1,253, £1,119), Select*- $896 (€968, £864) Travels- 160, 170, 180, 190mm Wheelsizes- 27.5", 29" Offsets- 38mm (27.5), 44mm (27.5, 29) Claimed weight- 2,341g (180mm travel, 44mm offset)

* Select models do not have ButterCups, pressure relief valves, Ultimate bushings, and use the Charger RC damper.

** Only aftermarket fork options are listed. RockShox offers numerous custom configurations of their forks to aftermarket customers.

2023 RockShox Shock Updates

RC2T Damper

For 2023, RockShox’s high-end shocks gain an additional external adjustment: high-speed compression. This gives its air and coil shocks externally adjustable high and low-speed compression adjustment, though they continue to stick with a single rebound adjustment (Fox, Cane Creek, and other shock brands offer adjustable high and low-speed rebound in addition to high and low-speed compression adjustment).

Like the new Charger 3 in the forks, RockShox claims they decoupled high-speed compression and low-speed compression cross-talk in the new RC2T shock damper. Also like the Charger 3, the middle position of high and low-speed compression clickers are the baselines. Both adjusters feature five clicks, allowing the rider two clicks more (or two clicks) less damping based on their preferences.

Hydraulic Bottom Out

RockShox coil and air shocks with piggyback reservoirs can be equipped with a hydraulic bottom-out circuit that cushions the last 20 percent of the shock’s travel. Described as “a needle that blocks the flow of oil as the piston moves through the stroke” this is an additional level of bottom-out control that supplements suspension kinematics, bottom-out bumpers, and (in the case of air springs) air volume. This is an optional feature—fixed in air shocks, adjustable in coil shocks—intended to help some bikes and some riders who can’t otherwise achieve enough bottoming resistance. It is possible to add the feature to 2023 Super Deluxe shocks without hydraulic bottom out.

New DebonAir+ Spring

Air shocks feature a revised air spring system with two air can options: Progressive and Linear. With either can, the rider may use tokens to adjust and tune the shock’s positive and negative air spring volumes (tunable negative volume was previously only available in the RockShox MegNeg air can).

(Note: the new tokens are not compatible with previous generation shocks and vice versa.)

Additionally, RockShox increased bushing overlap in the Deluxe shock (no piggyback) to improve sensitivity.

New Deluxe Coil Select Shock

This little inline coil spring shock isn’t offered aftermarket (it is an OE-only option), but it’s still pretty cool and you’re likely to see it on a variety of value-priced gravity- and electric- bikes.

Shock Lineup**

Deluxe Ultimate RockShox’s inline (no piggyback) air shock. It gets the new Debonair+ air spring but continues with the less adjustable RCT damper. Price: $399 (€431, £385)

Super Deluxe Ultimate Piggyback air shock with RC2T damper and Debonair+. Hydraulic bottom out is optional Price: $599 (€648, £578)

Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate and Coil Ultimate DH Piggyback coil-over shocks with the new RC2 damper featuring adjustable low- and high-speed compression. The Coil Ultimate has two position threshold (AKA lockout) lever, while the Coil Ultimate DH does not. Hydraulic bottom out is optional. Price: Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate- $549 (€594, £530), Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate DH- $499 (€539, £482)

** Only aftermarket shock options are listed. RockShox offers numerous custom configurations of their forks to aftermarket customers.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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The Updated 2023 RockShox Lineup

RockShox just announced a massively revised lineup for their 2023 offerings. As far as forks are concerned the Pike and Lyrik see complete chassis and internal updates while the Zeb sees a slight chassis tweak and internal revisions as well. Additionally, after many years on the same rear shock architecture, we finally see an all new Super Deluxe in both Coil and Air as well as a new Deluxe. For the most part, the new forks and shocks are available in RockShox’ standard breakdowns of Ultimate, Select+, Select and Standard. After touching on new technologies, you can find pricing and product breakdowns below. Read on for the full story…

New Technology and Updates

While there are a host of updates with the all new fork cartridge, the big story here is that the Charger 3 damper uses an internal floating piston, rather than a bladder in the case of the Charger and Charger 2. The piston is backed by a coil spring, which is said to improve responsiveness. This is likely because it should make the breakaway force on the piston’s seal less noticeable. Additionally, the high and low speed compression circuits are truly independent, which should make for easier tuning and optimized ride quality.

Debonair + / Buttercups

The all new Debonair + air spring sees subtle tweaks to the dimple and spring volumes and top out bumpers but the real story is Buttercups. These are borrowed from other industries and work sort of like a motor mount in a car. Small rubber pucks are located on the ends of the damper and air spring shafts to help reducer chatter. Nifty.

Updated Bushings

RockShox has tweaked their bushing approach with a better spread between the upper and lower bushings as well as lower bushings that are 53% longer. This should help combat friction under flex and improve the fork’s suppleness throughout its travel.

Pressure Relief Valves

Much like Fox’s 2021 roll out, the Pike, Lyrik and Zeb all feature pressure relief valves to bleed trapped air out of the lower legs. This helps optimize performance at varying altitudes.

Dual Air Can Design

Both Deluxe and Super Deluxe rear shocks are now available with two different air cans. The progressive can is suited toward bikes with more linear rear suspension and the linear can is better suited to bikes with more progressive rear suspension kinematics.

Negative Tokens

In addition to the standard 0-4 stackable positive air volume reducers, RockShox now offers a negative air spring token. This would be used if you wanted to make your rear suspension a bit more linear and firmer off the top.

Hydraulic Bottom Out / Adjustable HBO

Super Deluxe

Super Deluxe Coil

www.rockshox.com

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RockShox Lyrik vs Fox 36 Review | Battle of the All Mountain forks

Wil reviews the fox 36 vs rockshox lyrik.

A common sight on the front of trail bikes in the 140-160mm travel bracket, the Fox 36 and RockShox Lyrik are undoubtedly two of the most popular forks on the market.

These big-hitters were first introduced to the world back in the mid-2000s, and soon found favour thanks to their ability to pack DH-level performance into a lighter single crown chassis. Indeed their versatility has seen the Lyrik and 36 covering quite the spectrum of travel, wheelsizes, axle and steerer tube standards throughout their lifespan. However, with the bigger 38 and Zeb forks now covering the enduro and freeride end of the spectrum, the 36 and Lyrik no longer need to cover such a broad range.

With that in mind, the latest versions are now optimised around a narrower 140-160mm travel window, featuring updated designs that are lighter and stiffer than their predecessors.

We’ve been spending a load of time on multiple examples of each fork, and decided it was time for a closer look at how the new 36 and Lyrik compare directly to one another.

RockShox Lyrik Ultimate

The RockShox Lyrik was rebuilt from the ground up for 2023, having arrived alongside the latest Pike, Zeb and Super Deluxe as part of a massive suspension overhaul .

The Lyrik still features 35mm diameter upper tubes, though the chassis is all-new including the beautifully machined crown. The magnesium lowers incorporate pressure relief valves, updated bushings and the much-talked-about Buttercups. More significant is the new DebonAir+ spring, as well as the Charger 3 damper that moves to a coil-backed IFP design.

In addition to the four standard models (Base, Select, Select+ and Ultimate), RockShox also offers the Lyrik in a high-tech Flight Attendant version. Each is offered in 27.5in and 29in sizes with 140, 150 or 160mm of travel. It is possible to change the travel by purchasing a separate air shaft, and the procedure is relatively straightforward for any competent home mechanic.

It’s the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate that we’ve spent the most time on, having ridden it both at 150 and 160mm of travel on a Specialized Stumpjumper ,  Levo SL and a Trek Fuel EXe .

RockShox Lyrik Specs

• Travel   |  140, 150 & 160mm
• Wheelsize   |  27.5in & 29in
• Stanchions   | 35mm Tapered alloy
• Spring   | DebonAir+
• Damper   | Charger 3 RC2 (Lyrik Ultimate & Select+), Charger RC (Lyrik Select), Rush RC (Lyrik)
• Lowers   | Magnesium lowers w/Pressure Relief Valves (Ultimate & Select+) & ButterCups (Ultimate)
• Bushings |  Ultimate Bushing Package (Ultimate), Standard Bushings (Select+, Select & Lyrik)
• Axle   | 15x110mm Maxle (Torque Cap compatible)
• Rotor size   |  180-220mm
• Max tyre clearance  | 2.8in
• Offset   |  37mm (27.5in) – 44mm (27.5 & 29in)

Fox 36 GRIP2

In the orange corner is the Fox 36, which is the US brand’s premium All Mountain fork that’s offered with 140, 150 and 160mm of travel.

Just like the original that launched way back in 2005, the latest 36 utilises 36mm diameter stanchions. That’s about the only similarity however. The chassis received a complete overhaul for the 2021 model year, adopting the rounded arch that has become a signature design feature of Fox’s current fork lineup. It also incorporates lower leg oil bypass channels, bleeder valves, a floating axle design and an optional bolt-on mudguard. It was updated again for 2023 with a new crown and steerer that claimed to increase strength and stiffness while silencing the creaking that had plagued some of the previous versions.

Inside the 36 you’ll find an updated Float EVOL air spring with a large volume negative chamber. As with the Lyrik, the 36 is available in numerous models and damper options. The Performance Series fork comes with the simpler GRIP damper, while the Performance Elite and Factory Series models get the high-end GRIP2 damper.

Fox also offers the 36 with a lightweight FIT4 damper. This can be synced up to a handlebar remote, which is a setup found on the latest Scott Genius . There’s even an electronically-controlled Live Valve version, like the one we tested on the Giant Trance X .

It’s the top-end 36 Factory Series GRIP2 fork that we’ve been back-to-back testing against the Lyrik Ultimate. This fork has been switched up between 150 and 160mm of travel as it’s moved between the Stumpjumper, Levo SL and Fuel EXe. In addition to our test fork, we’ve also spent a tonne of time on several other examples of the latest 36, including on the Canyon Spectral 125 , Trek Fuel EX , and Orbea Rise .

Fox 36 Specs

• Stanchions   | 36mm Tapered alloy
• Spring   | Float EVOL
• Damper   | GRIP2 (Factory Series & Performance Elite), GRIP (Performance Series), FIT4 (Factory Series & Performance Elite)
• Lowers   | Magnesium lowers w/Bypass Channels & Bleeders (Factory Series & Performance Elite)
• Axle   | Floating 15x110mm Kabolt X or QR15
• Rotor size   | 180-230mm
• Offset   | 37mm (27.5in), 44mm (27.5 & 29in) & 51mm (29in)

Price | RockShox Lyrik vs Fox 36

The RockShox Lyrik and Fox 36 are premium forks that come with price tags to match. In their top-end trim each fork costs close to two grand, which is a lot . We’ve also listed the RRP for the cheaper Select/Performance Series models, which come in at nearly $500 AUD cheaper;

• Fox 36 Factory Series GRIP2 – $1,945 AUD
• RockShox Lyrik Ultimate – $1,903 AUD
• Fox 36 Performance Series – $1,499 AUD
• RockShox Lyrik Select – $1,449 AUD

As you can see, pricing is pretty much a wash between the two brands with RockShox being marginally less expensive. Even the Select and Performance Series models will be a significant investment for most riders.

For those who are on a tighter budget, it’s worth noting that there are cheaper alternatives. RockShox offers the Yari as a lower-spec version of the Lyrik, which sells for $923 AUD thanks to its heavier chassis and Motion Control damper.

In the case of Fox, it’s actually sister brand Marzocchi that provides the entry-point. You’ll be looking at $1,179 AUD for the Marzocchi Z1, which draws on similar tech from the 36 including its GRIP damper.

Weight | RockShox Lyrik vs Fox 36

Weight is pretty comparable between the Fox 36 and RockShox Lyrik, with the Lyrik just edging ahead by about 80g;

• RockShox Lyrik Ultimate – 2,028g
• Fox 36 Factory Series GRIP2 – 2,107g

The weight listed above is for each fork with the steerer trimmed to 180mm, a starnut installed, and the axle. However, it’s worth noting that our Fox 36 came with a QR15 axle that is a bit heavier than the Kabolt X bolt-up axle. Fit one of those, and the gap to the Lyrik narrows.

On the topic of mass, both forks are considerably lighter than the 38 and Zeb by around 300g. Given that all these forks crossover at 160mm of travel, that gives riders the option of a healthy weight reduction by picking the smaller 36 or Lyrik.

Installation & finish

Both our Fox 36 and RockShox Lyrik test forks are designed for 29in wheels and feature a 44mm offset. They utilise a 1.5in tapered steerer, a 180mm brake mount, and Boost hub spacing.

The Lyrik adds a trick with its oversized dropouts that can accommodate standard front hubs as well as those with Torque Caps. Bolt-in adapters are included for use with the former to provide a neater fit. We love the look of the machined alloy crown and the bolt-on hose clamp for the front brake, while the chunky knurled adjusters lend a quality feel.

Although the finishing details may not be quite as nice on the 36, the floating axle offers a potential advantage. This sees a sleeve in the drive-side dropout that can move side-to-side to accommodate small variations in hub width. Once the wheel is installed and the axle is locked in place, tightening down the main pinch bolt sets the sleeve against the hub. The idea is to prevent the lower legs (and therefore internal bushings) from having to bend around an over or undersized hub. Given the tight tolerances required in high-end suspension forks, the floating axle offers a nice level of insurance to help achieve optimum alignment of the sliding components.

As far as aesthetics go, the orange and green lowers don’t always provide a great match to the frames they’re bolted to. Of course colours are personal preference, and so too is the Kashima coating on the 36. Thankfully each fork is also available in black.

Setup & adjustability

I’m always harping on about suspension setup guides, so it’s great to see both Fox and RockShox providing several resources to help riders get their forks dialled in.

There’s a stick-on guide at the back of the lowers that lists suggested air pressures based on your riding weight. Fox then complements this with recommended high and low-speed rebound settings. You can also access a detailed online manual that walks you through the high and low-speed compression adjusters, and why you would add or subtract volume spacers.

In practice we’ve found Fox’s recommendations to be very close to our preferred settings, with only a click or two required to dial in the compression and rebound speed to suit the terrain and the bike we’ve been riding.

On the Levo SL for example, I’ll typically run 75-78psi to suit my 67kg riding weight. I set rebound damping on the quicker side (6/8 clicks for HSR and 8/14 clicks for LSR), and compression is close to halfway in the range (5/8 clicks for HSC and 8/16 clicks for LSC). Side note: if you’re after a deeper dive into what all the adjustments do, see our Fox fork setup guide .

Setting up the Lyrik is arguably simpler thanks to its single rebound dial. And we like that RockShox has developed the Trailhead app , which provides a recommended air pressure and rebound setting based on your riding weight. It’s worth noting that these recommendations have changed since the Lyrik was introduced last year, with RockShox now suggesting lower pressures and faster rebound settings. We’ve found these to be a lot better.

As for the compression dials, the approach is a little different with the Charger 3 damper. RockShox recommends starting with both the high and low-speed adjusters in the middle before tuning from there. The high-speed dial gives you two clicks in either direction (-2 through to +2), and the low-speed dial offers seven clicks each way (-7 through to +7). Each dial is clocked against the other, and once you understand the markings it’s easy to eyeball where you are in the tuning range — something that isn’t possible with Fox’s GRIP2 damper.

For the Levo SL I’m running the Lyrik with 70psi and the rebound set a little quicker than halfway (12/20 clicks). I tend to run compression damping on the lighter side for both the HSC (-1 click) and LSC (-3 clicks) dials, but because they’re quite effective I’ll often tweak these depending on the trail conditions.

RockShox Lyrik issues

Now before we dive into the on-trail comparisons, we need to acknowledge that things didn’t get off to the best start with the Lyrik.

Despite all the talk of Buttercups and new bushings, I found it was lacking sensitivity and passing on more feedback than I’d hoped for. This experience was mirrored by another Lyrik Ultimate that came fitted to the Trek Fuel EXe . Both forks felt sticky and over-damped, despite running lower pressures and winding the adjusters fully open.

This was quite a difference to the two Flight Attendant Lyriks we’ve also ridden, which were far smoother on the trail. Given those forks use exactly the same chassis, bushings, DebonAir+ spring and Buttercups as the regular Lyrik Ultimate, this lead us to believe that the Charger 3 damper may be the culprit.

I ended up sending our green Lyrik back to SRAM Australia for a rebuild, and thankfully it came back feeling significantly plusher. I did the same thing with the Pike Ultimate , and the outcome was the same.

I’ve since read reports online from RockShox users who have also encountered some harshness with the new forks. Then again, there are plenty of riders and reviewers who have had overwhelmingly positive experiences too.

We can’t speak to all the variables at play, but it would appear that having the proper amount of lubrication fluid in the lowers can have a big impact on the fork’s behaviour. The Pike and Lyrik also seem to have a noticeable bed-in period. Whether this is from the bushings and seals, or the Charger 3 damper itself, I’m not entirely sure. Either way, our forks have improved noticeably following the first 10-20 hours of ride time.

On the trail

Troubleshooting aside, we’ve now banked a solid amount of ride time on both the RockShox Lyrik and Fox 36. Each has impressed individually out on the trail, but to dig into the finer differences we embarked on several back-to-back test sessions with multiple riders. This began with the Stumpjumper, then the Fuel EXe, the Levo SL and finally the Stumpjumper EVO.

Through these tests it was clear that while the Lyrik has gotten better over time as it’s bedded in, it still can’t match the suppleness and small-bump sensitivity of the 36. This was particularly noticeable when pedalling along undulating singletrack, where you can feel and see the 36 working overtime in the first 30% of the travel.

In comparison, the Lyrik doesn’t slide quite as effortlessly, resulting in more feedback through your hands from small chatter. The harder and faster you push however, the better the Lyrik gets. It is very supportive on the descents, staying high in its travel and refusing to get bogged down. As the riding intensity increases, the Lyrik impresses with its beautiful mid-stroke flutter. We love how quiet it is, with none of the oil-squelching sounds that most forks emit.

It also soaks up big hits incredibly well too. The chassis is sturdy, and the Charger 3 damper absorbs masses of impact energy with minimal fanfare. When landing back on terra firma after boosting a jump, the transition feels effortlessly smooth with a silky ‘touchdown’, as termed by RockShox. However, it’s because of this touchdown suppleness and the Lyrik’s excellent responsive mid-stroke grip that makes the small-bump woodenness all the more apparent.

Air spring tuning

Part of the Lyrik’s hard-hitting support comes from the DebonAir+ spring, which is inherently more progressive than its predecessors. RockShox ships the Lyrik with no Bottomless Tokens fitted, and while there is room for up to five, our 65-82kg testers never found the need to add any. The fork ramps up nicely towards the end of the travel, and we’ve never once fully bottomed it out.

Though the support is great for hard hitters, the fact there are no Tokens to remove may be an issue for lighter riders. Coupled with the robust, support-focussed damping, daintier folks and anyone chasing a more active feel are likely to struggle with the Lyrik.

In comparison, the EVOL air spring in the Fox 36 delivers a more linear spring rate throughout. The 160mm version comes with a single volume spacer fitted, and removing it allows lighter riders to access more of the travel.

As such, we found the 36 to offer more flexibility when it came to tuning the air pressure and volume. I ran as little as 70psi and a single volume spacer in the 36 when fitted to the front of the lightweight Stumpjumper. Bumping pressures up to 78psi and adding a second volume spacer worked a treat for the heavier Levo SL and Fuel EXe. Dan, who weighs 82kg with gear, benefitted from fitting a third volume spacer to suit his aggressive riding style.

There’s also lots of scope for tuning the rebound and compression damping on the 36 GRIP2. Again, this is beneficial for lighter riders who may want to open things up. On the flip-side, you can also crank down on the dials to boost damping stability for harder riding. There’s considerable range to the adjusters, with the high-speed circuits featuring Fox’s patented VVC design that allows you to manipulate the stiffness of the unique leaf spring-shaped shims. The result is a more nuanced level of damping that means heavier riders can get more high-speed support without adding a lot of harshness at slower shaft speeds.

It’s also nice to have adjustable high-speed rebound damping, which works well for improving control for bigger impacts. To me this is the biggest difference to the cheaper GRIP damper. While the 36 GRIP is an awesome fork, it’s true that it can feel a little squirmier and less composed on large, full-travel events. In comparison, the 36 GRIP2 soaks it all up and tracks straighter as a result. It really is an impressively smooth performer, and that sentiment was only reinforced further when back-to-back testing with the Lyrik.

Servicing & warranty

It’s true that both RockShox and Fox have encountered their fair share of problems over the years. You don’t have to search too hard to find reports of forks with creaky crowns, air springs filled with an excessive amount of grease, or lowers that are lacking lubrication oil from the factory. No doubt these issues have been exacerbated over the past couple of years with a pandemic-induced bike boom.

Despite those apparent realities of mass production, we can certainly sympathise with users who expect these forks to work perfectly out of the box. After all, we’re talking about forks that cost close to two grand!

However, anyone serious about suspension performance will think nothing of dropping the lowers to check for proper lubrication levels. It isn’t difficult either, and knowing your way around the internals and being able to regularly service your suspension is arguably the best thing you can do for it.

On that note, RockShox recommends performing a lower-leg service every 50 hours of ride time. It’s worth doing too, as we found it made a noticeable difference to the Lyrik’s performance. A full service, which includes the damper and air spring, is recommended every 200 hours of ride time.

In comparison, Fox recommends just the single service every 125 hours of ride time. That includes servicing the lowers, air spring and damper. We didn’t find the difference in the 36’s post-service performance to be as drastic compared to the Lyrik, which could very well be due to the oil bypass channels that allow the lubrication oil to more easily access the bushings and foam rings where it’s needed.

If you’re still weighing up between the 36 and Lyrik, one other aspect to consider is the warranty. While Fox offers a standard 12-month warranty, RockShox doubles that to two years.

Flow’s Verdict

The Fox 36 and RockShox Lyrik are both excellent All Mountain forks, and it’s true that most riders will likely be perfectly content with either one.

That said, our experience wasn’t exactly flawless with the Lyrik. And while it performed very well after we had it serviced, in back-to-back testing it was clear that the 36 is the smoother and more responsive performer of the two. This was especially the case at slow-to-medium riding speeds, where the 36 offers better comfort and grip, giving us more confidence to push hard on sketchier sections of trail. The EVOL air spring is more linear, and along with the superb GRIP2 damper it can be tuned for a wider range of rider weights.

We do love the control and stability of the Lyrik however, and when you’re giving it the absolute beans it rewards you with incredible mid-stroke sensitivity. It soaks up big hits with ease, and those who prioritise outright support over small-bump comfort will appreciate the control offered by the Charger 3 damper. That will especially be the case for heavier riders that can make the most of the progressive DebonAir+ spring.

As to which of these two forks is the best? Well, it’s the Fox 36 GRIP2 that gets our vote. It’s consistently impressed us over the past few years on every bike we’ve ridden it on, so we have no troubles recommending it and its cheaper siblings.

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Results have arrived, fox vs rockshox: mountain bike forks & rear shocks guide.

FOX and RockShox are the top two brands in the world of mountain bike suspension forks. So how do you choose the right suspension fork for your ride? We go deep on the details so you know what to look for when shopping for your next mountain bike or fork. 

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Jul 19, 2023

Posted in: Guides

We often get asked, "What's the difference between FOX and RockShox forks ?" It's a common question when shopping for a mountain bike , and the answer isn't straightforward. 

We can't definitively answer whether one fork manufacturer is “better” than the other (sorry). Instead, this guide aims to explore the basic about their fork line-ups, the technology they use, what features their forks offer, and a bit of history. It will also consider World Cup race results and the brands' popularity among our customers. 

[button] Shop Suspension Forks [/button]

FOX vs. RockShox Suspension Fork Highlights

• Fox produced its first mountain bike suspension fork in 2001 . RockShox broke ground with one of the first production MTB suspension forks in 1989 .
• Both Fox and RockShox offer a range of suspension forks from lightweight XC race forks to long-travel downhill forks .
• Race results: RockShox dominates World Cup XC , while Fox is tops in World Cup DH racing. 
• TPC sales : We sell slightly more Fox fork-equipped bikes than RockShox bikes.

Fox and RockShox Fork Hierarchies:

The vast majority of mountain bikes  are equipped with a FOX or RockShox fork on the list below. Different forks offer travel anywhere from 100mm to 180mm (measured in 10mm increments) depending on a fork's intended use. With few exceptions, most forks are available in 27.5" and 29" wheel versions. The sections below will explain other specific features in greater detail.

Overview of key FOX and RockShox forks:

Okay, ready for a deep dive on mountain bike forks?

To keep things simple, we'll focus on the most common forks that FOX and RockShox produce. Most later model year bikes offered in our inventory will come equipped with a fork detailed in this guide. 

FOX MTB forks

Rockshox mtb forks.

• Fork performance hierarchy
• Stanchion coatings
• Stanchion diameter
• Signature colors
• Service intervals
• Rear shocks
• World Cup race results
• Final thoughts

[button] Shop Mountain Bikes [/button]  

FOX fork models are named based on stanchion diameter. Forks are available in Rhythm, Performance, Performance Elite, and Factory trims (see the FOX Performance Hierarchy ). Rhythm and Performance level forks use the FIT GRIP damper. Performance Elite and Factory level forks use the FIT4 or FIT GRIP2 dampers. (See FOX Dampers ).

To learn more details about specific models, check out our dedicated Fox Fork Buyer's Guide .

The FOX 32 is FOX’s standard XC fork. It uses 32mm stanchions to keep weight low. Travel: 100-120mm

FOX 32 Step-Cast

The 32 Step-Cast fork is lighter than the standard FOX 32. It has narrower lowers and a notable “step” at the bottom of the lowers to reduce material and weight. Travel: 100mm

The FOX 34 is FOX’s trail fork. It is one of the most popular trail forks on the market. It uses 34mm stanchions. In terms of weight and stiffness, it splits the difference between the FOX 32 and the FOX 36. Travel: 120-140mm

[product-block handle="fox-34-factory-29-130mm-15x110mm-fork-44mm-offset-2023-black-fit4"/]

FOX 34 Step-Cast

The 34 Step-Cast is lighter than the standard FOX 34. It uses a notable “step” at the bottom of the lowers to reduce material and weight. It is comparable in weight to many XC forks but is stiffer due to the 34mm stanchions. Travel: 100-120mm

[product-block handle="fox-2022-34-k-float-sc-29in-f-s-100-fit4-remote-adj-psh-lk-3pos-10pm-cp-shiny-orange-black-clear-logo-kabolt-110-blk-1-5-t-44mm-rake-shiny-blk-am"/]

The FOX 36 is FOX’s trail/enduro fork. It uses 36mm stanchions for greater stiffness.  Travel: 150-160mm

[product-block handle="fox-36-factory-29-160mm-fork-15qrx110mm-51mm-offset-2023-shiny-black-grip2"/]

Introduced in 2021, the FOX 38 is a long travel single-crown fork for enduro applications. It thicker 38mm stanchions and a new elliptical inner shape to the steerer tube to increase stiffness. Travel: 160-180mm 

[product-block handle="fox-38-factory-29-180mm-fork-15qrx110mm-44mm-offset-2023-shiny-black-grip2"/]

The FOX 40 is FOX’s dual crown downhill fork. It uses 40mm stanchions for maximum stiffness. Travel: 180-200mm 

[button] Shop FOX [/button]

For cross country, trail and enduro forks, RockShox offers both a high-end and entry-level option to suit different rider needs and budgets. The main difference is the damper (see RockShox dampers ). Cross country forks are available in RL, RLC, Select, Select+, and Ultimate trims. Trail and enduro forks are available in RC, RCT2, RC2, Select, Select+, and Ultimate trims. (See the RockShox Performance Hierarchy .)

To learn more details about specific models, check out our dedicated  RockShox  Fork Buyer's Guide .

RockShox SID

The SID is RockShox’s high-end lightweight XC fork. In 2021, RockShox released the SID SL and the SID Ultimate. The SID SL is for pure XC with a new crown, steerer, stanchions, and chassis optimized for lighter weight with only 100mm of travel. The SID Ultimate uses stiffer 35mm stanchions and has 120mm of travel. It is designed to be a lightweight trail fork for light trail and aggressive XC.  Travel: 100-120mm

RockShox Reba

The Reba is RockShox’s entry-level XC fork. It has 32mm stanchions and prioritizes light weight.  Travel: 100-120mm

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RockShox RS-1

The RS1 is an “upside-down” XC fork. This means the stanchions are at the bottom, which is opposite most single-crown forks. In theory, this can increase stiffness where the fork mounts to the bike, the point of highest leverage. The RS1 is named after RockShox’s first production fork. It has a full carbon chassis and steerer. It requires a front wheel with a proprietary RS1 specific “Predictive Steering” front hub. Travel: 100-120mm

RockShox Pike

The Pike is RockShox’s high-end trail fork. It uses 35mm stanchions for increased stiffness.  Travel: 120-140mm

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RockShox Revelation

The Revelation is RockShox’s entry-level trail fork. It uses 35mm stanchions for increased stiffness, but reduces cost compared to the Pike with a cheaper damper.  Travel: 120-160mm

RockShox Lyrik

The Lyrik is RockShox’s high-end enduro fork. It uses 35mm stanchions like the Pike, but the stanchion walls are thicker to provide greater stiffness. Travel: 140-160mm

RockShox Yari

The Yari is RockShox’s entry-level enduro fork. It uses the same 35mm stanchion chassis used by the previous generation Lyrik but reduces cost with a cheaper damper. Travel: 150-180mm

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RockShox ZEB

An answer to Fox's 38, the ZEB is a long-travel single-crown enduro fork with thicker and stiffer 38mm stanchions.  Travel: 150-190mm

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RockShox BoXXer

The BoXXer is RockShox’s dual crown downhill fork. It uses 35mm stanchions, but the most recent model has been updated with thicker 38mm stanchions  Travel: 180-200mm

RockShox Bluto

The Bluto is RockShox's fat bike specific fork. It’s based on the 32mm stanchion Reba chassis but widened to accommodate 26" fat bike tires up to 4.8” wide.  Travel: 80-120mm

Note: RockShox offers other budget-oriented forks (e.g., 30, Recon, Sektor, Judy) not described in this list. They are less common in our inventory so they have been omitted.

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FOX vs. RockShox Fork Performance Hierarchy

Both FOX and RockShox have various fork trims and use specific naming conventions to denote the performance these trims offer. Higher-end forks will cost more, but they generally offer lighter weight and/or better damper performance (see more about  dampers ). 

FOX Fork Trim Levels

The trim of FOX forks accompanies the model name to describe its performance level. E.g., the FOX 34 can come as a FOX 34 Rhythm, FOX 34 Performance, FOX  34 Performance Elite, or a FOX 34 Factory. 

Entry Level: Rhythm

FOX Rhythm forks are original equipment (OEM) forks that only come on complete bikes and are generally not available to be purchased aftermarket. Rhythm forks use a FIT GRIP damper that is slightly less adjustable and less complicated. The lower legs are cast from aluminum to keep costs down.

Entry-Mid Level: Performance

Performance forks use a FIT GRIP damper. The cast lowers are magnesium, the same construction as the higher end forks.

Mid-High End: Performance Elite

Performance Elite forks  use higher-end FIT4 or FIT GRIP 2 dampers . Performance Elite is functionally the same as Factory forks but the stanchions use a black finish instead of the gold Kashima coat used on Factory forks. 

High-End: Factory

Factory is the highest level of FOX fork and it is priced accordingly. All models use higher-end FIT4 or FIT GRIP 2 dampers. Factory forks are recognizable due to the distinctive gold Kashima coating on the stanchions to reduce friction and increase wear life. Factory forks are also available in FOX special signature orange color. 

RockShox Fork Trim Levels

RockShox forks are offered in various trims within high-end and entry-level models. E.g., a RockShox Pike will be available as a Pike RC, Pike RCT3, Pike Select, Pike Select+, or Pike Ultimate.

For 2020 suspension products, RockShox has simplified its naming conventions. New forks are classified as Select, Select+, and Ultimate. Older forks are designated RC/RL or RCT3/RLC, which relates to their damping systems. 

Entry Level: RC / RL / Select

RC forks are generally trail- or enduro-focused. They are OEM forks that only come on complete bikes and are generally not available to be purchased aftermarket. They come with external rebound and low-speed compression adjustment.

RL forks are generally cross-country-focused and offer rebound damping adjustment plus an open or lock compression setting that can be controlled by an optional remote.

Newer Select level forks will feature Charger RC or Charger RL dampers.

Mid-High Level: RCT3 / RLC / Select+

RCT3 forks are generally trail- or enduro-focused. They use the Charger 2 damper with a three-position lock-pedal-open compression adjust lever with low-speed compression adjustment in the open mode.

RLC are generally cross country focused. They add low-speed compression adjustment to the lockout and rebound adjustments.

Newer Select+ level Lyrik and Pike forks use the new Charger 2.1 damper.

High-End: Ultimate

Ultimate is RockShox’s newest top-end option using the new Charger 2.1 damper, as well as new low friction SKF seals and Maxima damping fluid to decrease stiction. Ultimate forks come in either an RCT3 or RLC version with the same adjustments described above, or a new RC2 version with high and low-speed compression damping adjustment as well as rebound. Ultimate forks are also available in various RockShox signature colors. 

High-End: SID Ultimate Carbon / World Cup

The SID is the only model available in Ultimate Carbon (formerly called World Cup) trim. It is the premier cross-country fork in the SID range. It uses the same damper as the SID Ultimate/RLC but uses a carbon fiber crown to further reduce weight.

FOX vs. RockShox Fork Dampers

FIT stands for "Fox Isolated Technology." Here's how the different Fox dampers compare:

The GRIP damper is fitted to more affordable models in the FOX fork range. It has a compression damping adjustment lever on the top cap. It’s based on FIT4 technology, but instead of a bladder, the damper cartridge uses a spring-loaded IFP (Internal Floating Piston) to prevent the mixing of air and oil. It is a simpler design than the FIT4, and it’s a bit heavier.

FIT4 is one of FOX's premium cartridge dampers. It has a three-position compression adjust lever on the top cap with a climb, trail, and open (descend) mode. Low-speed compression can be fine-tuned in the open mode with a black knob in the center of the top cap lever. There is also a two-position remote lockout version available that uses a remote to switch between a climb and open mode. It uses a sealed design with a rubber bladder to compensate for displaced oil as the damper cycles through the travel.

This is the damper used on FOX’s newest gravity forks (FOX 36 / FOX 40 / FOX 49). It’s similar in design to the entry-level FIT GRIP damper but it has much more adjustment. It offers high- and low-speed compression damping adjustment and independent high and low-speed rebound damping adjustment. It uses an IFP instead of a bladder but also has more advanced valve technology and various friction-reducing treatments not seen in the standard GRIP damper.

FOX Live Valve is an electronically controlled suspension system. It uses ultra-fast reacting sensors to automatically control and adjust the fork and shock. Sensors are strategically placed on the frame and wheels and they allow a Live Valve Controller to process data from the terrain to constantly adjust the suspension for maximum efficiency and control. Live Valve's default is closed — the equivalent of you running your shock and fork in the climb mode. The Controller only opens the suspension during an impact, and then switches back to firm after impact. Live Valve is currently only available on a few select, high-end mountain bikes. 

Here's a quick reference guide to compare RockShox's damping platforms:

Motion Control

Motion Control is an entry/mid-level damper that comes with either a compression adjustment lever on the top cap or a remote lockout. Motion Control is an emulsion damper, which means the damping oil isn't separated from the air in the fork by an IFP or bladder. This is simpler and less expensive to produce. It functions well, but it can lead to less precisely controlled damping under more extreme use.

Charger RC / RL

Charger RC / RL is a version of the Charger damper that RockShox describes as 'cartridge-style' rather than a fully sealed cartridge damper. It is intended to split the difference between the Motion Control and Charger 2 damper, offering Charger damper technology in a more affordable package. It has adjustable rebound and adjustable low-speed compression (RC) or a remote lockout (RL).

Charger 2 RC2

Charger 2 is RockShox’s high-end damper. It's a fully sealed cartridge damper unit that uses a bladder to keep the damping oil isolated from the air. It's available in different versions depending on the application.

RC/RL/Select Charger 2 dampers have adjustable rebound and adjustable low-speed compression (RC) or a remote lockout (RL).

RCT3/RLC/Select+ Charger 2 dampers use a three-position compression adjuster with lock, pedal, and open modes (RCT3) or a remote lockout  that uses a remote to switch between a lock and open mode ( RLC). Low-speed compression can be fine-tuned in the open mode with a black knob in the center of the top cap lever.

RC2 Charger 2 dampers have adjustable high and low-speed compression damping plus rebound. This is only used on gravity-oriented forks (ZEB, Lyrik, Pike, and BoXXer).

Charger 2.1 RC2

This is an updated version of the Charger 2 damper found on Ultimate forks and Select+ ZEB, Lyrik, and Pike forks. It changes some of the Charger 2 valving so there is less high-speed compression damping and more low-speed compression damping to make the fork ride higher in its travel and improve downhill performance.

It uses a new piston wear band inside the damper to manage oil flow better and a new rod seal from SKF to reduce friction by over 30% at the rebound shaft.

It is available in RCT3 and RC2 versions, with the same adjusters as the regular Charger 2 range.

Charger 3 RC2

Charger 3 is RockShox's latest and greatest downhill-oriented damper found on the newest generation Pike, Lyrik, ZEB, and BoXXer. It's a departure from the previous Charge 2/2.1 designs. Instead of a rubber bladder, the Charger3 design uses a coil sprung internal floating piston (IFP).

The Charger 3 is designed to be quieter and more consistent regardless of heat build up on long, rough descents, and elevation and pressure changes. 

Another big benefit is that the low-speed damping has no effect on the high-speed damping, and vice versa. RockShox eliminated "cross talk" between the two systems, so you can set your low-speed and high-speed compression adjusters how you see fit without one circuit impeding the performance of the other.

FOX vs. RockShox Fork Stanchion Coatings

Fork stanchions are generally coated using some form of anodizing surface treatment. Stanchion coatings lubricate the stanchions and seals to reduce fork stiction and provide a hard scratch-resistance surface to prevent damage.

FOX Factory forks use a distinctive gold coating on the stanchions called a Kashima Coating. Kashima is a hard-anodized surface treatment created by Miyaka Company of Japan. It uses lubricating molybdenum disulfide deposited via electrical induction into the billions of micropores on the surface of hard-anodized aluminum for better lubrication and less abrasion and wear. 

Many will select factory level forks simply because they enjoy the aesthetics of the gold Kashima coat. All other non-Factory FOX forks currently use a standard black stanchion coating. It is debatable whether Kashima actually improves fork feel or performance enough to be noticeable to the average rider.

All RockShox forks use a black stanchion coating called Fast Black. RockShox Stanchions also have sag gradients printed directly on the stanchions. This is unique to RockShox forks. These sag gradients make it quick and easy to determine sag without using a measuring tool like a ruler.

FOX vs. RockShox Fork Stanchion Diameter

In general, more cross country-oriented forks use narrower diameter stanchions to reduce weight. Most cross country forks use stanchions that are 32mm in diameter. More enduro oriented forks use thicker diameter stanchions that are 35-36mm in diameter to increase stiffness which improves performance in rough terrain. Trail oriented forks try to compromise between weight and stiffness. Most trail focused forks use stanchions that are 34-35mm in diameter.

FOX names its forks based on stanchion diameter (e.g., FOX 32 is a 32mm stanchion cross country fork), so it is easy to discern each FOX fork’s stanchion diameter and intended use. For RockShox forks, refer to the RockShox suspension fork list to determine what diameter stanchions specific fork models use. 

FOX vs. RockShox Fork Signature Colors

Most forks come with black lowers but FOX and RockShox currently offer unique signature colors so riders can personalize the look of their bikes.

FOX’s signature color is called Shiney Orange. It is only available for Factory-level forks. There have also been several limited release "Heritage" colors for the 36, 38, and 40 that are highly desirable: Pistachio, Root Beer, and White.

RockShox currently offers SID Blue for the SID Ultimate, Gloss Silver for the Pike Ultimate, Heavy Meadow Green for the Lyrik Ultimate, Slab Grey for the ZEB Ultimate, and BoXXer Red for the BoXXer Ultimate. Older models may have slightly different color options (e.g., Fluorescent Yellow and BoXXer Red for previous SID and Lyrik models).

FOX vs. RockShox Fork Service Intervals

FOX only has one service interval for its products: after 125 hours of riding or annually, whichever comes first.

RockShox recommends lower leg service on forks after a maximum of 50 hours of riding. It recommends damper and spring service for most modern forks after 200 hours maximum.

RockShox Vs FOX Rear Shocks

As with comparing suspension forks, rear shocks between these 2 brands also have their distinct characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.

RockShox Rear Shocks:

Cost-Effective: RockShox tends to be more affordable than Fox, making it a great choice for riders on a budget.

User-friendly maintenance: RockShox shocks are often easier to service at home. The company provides detailed guides and the shocks generally require fewer special tools.

Great Performance Range: RockShox offers a broad range of shocks, from entry-level to professional-grade, catering to all levels of riders.

Durability: Some riders feel that the durability of RockShox components is not quite as high as that of Fox, particularly for aggressive or high-mileage riding.

Refinement: While RockShox offers great performance, some riders find that Fox shocks have a slightly more refined feel, particularly at the high end.

Fox Rear Shocks:

Superior Performance: Many professional riders and enthusiasts argue that Fox shocks offer top-tier performance, particularly at the high-end level. Fox's shocks are well-regarded for their sensitivity, small bump compliance, and overall smooth ride.

Durability: Fox's rear shocks are known for their robustness and long-term durability, which can often justify the somewhat higher price.

Brand Prestige: Fox has a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation in the mountain biking community.

Cost: Fox shocks are slightly more expensive than RockShox (though this varies), which might put them out of range for some riders.

Maintenance: Fox shocks often require specialized tools and knowledge to service, which can be a drawback for riders who like to perform their own maintenance.

Both RockShox and Fox produce high-quality rear shocks suitable for a range of riders, from beginners to professionals. RockShox may be a better choice for those on a tighter budget or those who want to do their own maintenance, while Fox might be more appealing to riders looking for top-tier performance, a refined feel, and are willing to pay a premium for those qualities. As always, the best choice depends on the individual rider's needs, preferences, and budget.

FOX vs. RockShox History

Fox factory, inc..

FOX came from the world of moto suspension. In the 1970s, long-travel suspension was revolutionizing the motocross industry, but the technology for achieving it was still developing. FOX's founder, Bob Fox, was an amateur motocross racer and a mechanical engineer. He saw a golden opportunity to enter the market. In 1974, he opened a small business distributing suspension components.

Bob Fox had a particular interest in designing an air spring shock that would help prevent bottom-outs and make adjusting spring rates easier. Drawings for his prototype ‘FOX AirShox’ shock were done by hand and he built the first shock in a friend’s garage using a mill and a manual lathe. After a year of development, the first production run of the FOX AirShox was ready in 1975. Fox sold 200 shocks that year.

Racers using the new FOX AirShox went on to win the AMA 500cc National Motocross Championship in 1976 and 1977. After these back to back championships, sales exploded to over 10,000 units and FOX was firmly established as a premier suspension company in the motocross world. FOX Factory, Inc. (often referred to in the industry as ‘Fox Racing Shox’) was incorporated in 1978.

Over the years, FOX has diversified into various other high-performance sports, including off-road racing trucks, road racing cars, road racing motorcycles, and snowmobiles. FOX made its first bicycle shock prototype in 1991 and entered the mountain bike market in 1992 with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) rear shock produced for Cannondale. OEM partnerships with Specialized and Trek followed soon after.

FOX arrived relatively late to the mountain bike fork market and didn’t produce its first suspension fork until 2001. However, this first fork was immediately innovative due to its stiffer 32mm stanchions (other forks at the time were no larger than 30mm). This added rigidity came at the right time. Like motocross in the 1970s, mountain biking was beginning to go through its own long-travel suspension revolution and FOX was at the forefront.

Fox Tail vs. Fox Head

Many mountain bikers may be unaware that FOX (suspension) and Fox (apparel) are different companies. There's a reason the two brands have the same name. Bob Fox, founder of Fox Factory, Inc. (suspension) and Geoff Fox, founder of Fox Head Inc. (apparel) are brothers and both have a history of racing and developing motocross suspension and equipment. They were involved in each other’s businesses in the early years but eventually incorporated separately.

To differentiate between the two brands many will refer to Fox Factory, Inc. the suspension company as Fox Racing Shox or more colloquially, “Fox Tail,” and Fox Head Inc. the action sports apparel company as Fox Racing or “Fox Head.” Products are easy to differentiate by logos which use a foxtail (suspension) and a fox head (apparel).

RockShox Inc.

Like Fox, RockShox founder, Paul Turner got his start with motorcycles, which he raced as a teenager in the 1970s. By the time he was 18, he had started his own company selling aftermarket motorcycle engine parts. Turner quickly advanced to working as a factory mechanic for Honda’s pro motocross team and as a consultant for Honda R&D. He began racing triathlons and mountain bikes after moving to Northern California to work with Honda.

As a motocross rider, Turner was accustomed to plush suspension. Rigid mountain bikes felt harsh and archaic in comparison. He began working on a simple, modified, lightweight motorcycle fork which evolved into the first generation of RockShox products. In 1987, with the help of Keith Bontrager, Turner created a prototype mountain bike with front and rear suspension for an industry trade show.

The other half of Rockshox, Stephen Simons, was an entrepreneur and also a veteran motorcycle racer. In 1974, Simons worked for Moto-X Fox (Geoff Fox's company which originally distributed the FOX AirShox) with Bob and Geoff Fox, and he was involved in the design and testing of the first FOX AirShox. Simons went on to found his own company, Simons Inc., developing suspension modifications and front forks.

After building his first prototype, Paul Turner began building his suspension components in his garage using Simons Inc. parts. In 1989, Turner approached Stephen Simons to lend his manufacturing expertise to a bicycle suspension idea that became the genesis of the RockShox brand. Simons became the president of the new company that year.

The next two years were highly successful for RockShox. Turner brought Greg Herbold aboard as a RockShox test rider and company spokesperson. At the inaugural UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 1990, Herbold became the first downhill world champion on a bike equipped with one of the first RockShox suspension forks and Ned Overend became the first Cross-Country World Champion riding a Specialized-branded RockShox fork. That same year, RockShox released its first production suspension fork called the RS-1.

The world's second-largest component company, SRAM, acquired RockShox in 2002. RockShox is currently part of SRAM Corporation.

FOX vs. RockShox World Cup Race Results

The UCI World Cup is the pinnacle of cross country (XC) and downhill (DH) mountain bike racing. T he best riders in the world compete aboard the best gear.  FOX and RockShox provide equipment and support for several professional riders and teams competing in these two disciplines. This is where suspension manufacturers develop their technology and prove out their designs.

The charts below show the win rate of fork manufacturers in the XC and DH disciplines over the last five years. It takes into account both the men’s and women’s fields and includes world championship races. Five years is far back enough to be relevant to most buyers looking at purchasing mountain bikes today.

XC World Cup wins show that RockShox has been the dominant XC fork manufacturer, winning 54% of races over the last five years. The RockShox SID has been one of the top XC forks since its inception in 1998. It also has the benefit of being the fork equipped on the Specialized Epic, one of the most successful XC race bikes of the modern era. RockShox has been a strong force in top-level XC racing since its first World Championship in 1990 with Ned Overend. 

It is interesting to note that DT Swiss, whose suspension products are uncommon in the U.S., has a higher win rate than FOX. That this can largely be attributed to three riders — Nino Schurter, Yana Belomoina, Jolanda Neff. Nino Schurter is one of the most successful XC racers of all time and has scored numerous wins, World Championships, World Cup overalls, and Olympic Gold while using DT Swiss suspension. He and his team switched to RockShox in 2017 and he has contributed several wins and championships for RockShox as well. Yana Belomoina and Jolanda Neff won several races on DT Swiss forks on the way to their respective 2017 and 2018 World Cup overall wins. 

DH World Cup wins show that FOX has been the dominant DH fork manufacturer, winning 68.2% of races over the last five years. FOX provides a large amount of factory support for many successful downhill racers and teams. Two of their most notable riders are Rachel Atherton and Aaron Gwin. Rachel Atherton has six World Cup overalls, and five World Championships, and Aaron Gwin has five World Cup overall wins. FOX also supports Greg Minaar, the male downhill racer with the most wins ever. 

Recent wins for RockShox and Ohlins have largely come from two dominant young French riders — Amaury Pierron and Loic Bruni. They are the respective winners of the 2018 and 2019 DH World Cup overalls, and Loic Bruni has won four World Championships in the last five years. They will likely increase the win rates for their respective fork brands in future races. 

This data also only accounts for wins and does not factor in podiums or any other results to create a more detailed and nuanced picture. This data also omits Enduro World Series results, another top-level race series. 

For the average rider, pro racing may have little application to their everyday riding. Pros are exceptionally fast and skilled and they are able to push equipment much harder than most riders. Mountain biking is a sport where equipment matters, but riders make the biggest difference in results. Ultimately, the data here should not be taken as definitive evidence that any manufacturer is superior to another. But professional racing does show how products perform at the absolute limit, which can be powerful for influencing fans and inspiring brand loyalty. It is not uncommon for particular brands to enjoy popularity or become desirable due to the success of pro riders. 

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FOX vs. RockShox Fork Popularity

Because The Pro’s Closet is the world leader in buying and selling used bikes , we have substantial data about what bikes are popular and what suspension forks they are equipped with. I dug into our sales for the last 12 months and looked at thousands of different bikes to analyze how FOX and RockShox are performing.

Forks sales by brand shows that we sell more bikes equipped with FOX forks, but the margin isn't exceptional at 9.4%. What we have seen over several years is that FOX and RockShox popularity is relatively even. It will fluctuate slightly, with one pulling ahead of the other from time to time but it will often flip-flop between the two.

It's clear that FOX and RockShox are dominant. The vast majority of other fork brands are only equipped on less than 1% of bikes we sell. The only standouts among this group are Cannondale and Suntour. The Cannondale Lefty has a small cult following and makes up 3.4% of fork sales, while Suntour has carved out a small market share with 2.4% of fork sales.  

Fork sales by model  examine how the most popular forks compare to each other and it shows that the FOX 34 is the most popular mountain bike fork by an overwhelming margin. It enjoys over 10% more sales than RockShox's trail forks, the Pike and Revelation. This also tells us that the trail bike category is by far our best-selling mountain bike category. FOX's enduro offering, the FOX 36, follows in third place. XC forks like the FOX 32, SID, and Reba enjoy fewer sales than trail forks. FOX and RockShox are fairly even in the XC category with the FOX 32 outselling the SID and Reba by only 1.2% 

(Note: F or Fork Sales by Model, certain RockShox models have been combined based on their intended use. This is because FOX offers a wide range of performance specs for the same model based on trim equivalent to the range RockShox covers using two separate models. E.g., a FOX 34 Rhythm is comparable to a  RockShox Revelation RC while a FOX 34 Factory is comparable to a RockShox Pike Ultimate.) 

Final Thoughts

Both FOX and RockShox make quality suspension forks. Though their approach to fork design varies slightly, they both produce forks that will perform well enough for the professional racer. And they have options affordable enough for the novice or recreational rider.

Ask any random rider out on the trail and they'll have their own preferences. This year, I'm riding the FOX 36 Factory fork on my enduro bike and a FOX 34 Step-Cast Factory on my XC/trail bike. 

The year before I rode the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate on my enduro bike and the SID Ultimate on my XC bike. I have swapped between brands several times, fairly seamlessly, and generally always had good results.

I'm riding FOX on my current bikes just because I'm a sucker for gold stanchions. But in my experience, both brands are reliable, high-performing, and easy to service . It's hard to go wrong, and a lot of your decision is going to come down to personal preference. Unless you're an unusually highly skilled and perceptive rider, you likely won't notice too much difference between high-end offerings from either brand. 

Are you a FOX or a RockShox rider? Or do you prefer something else entirely? What's your favorite fork to ride? Let us know in the comments!

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RockShox Rear Shock Fitment Guide

Sizing and specification for 2023+ products

Looking to upgrade your rear shock to a RockShox model? We love to hear it! While swapping your shock should be straightforward, a few essential checks and measurements can ensure a seamless process.  This guide is designed to help you identify compatibility between your frame and our rear shocks: SidLuxe, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Super Deluxe Coil, and Vivid.

First Point Of Contact

Your local bike shop or bicycle manufactuer should be the first place to source information  when considering a shock upgrade.  They can offer valuable insights into which shocks are compatible with your bike model as well as what the eye-to-eye and stroke lengths are to prevent any compatibility issues down the road.

Some brands will even go one step further and suggest suspension settings such as spring rate (air and coil), Compression, and Rebound settings. If you cannot get information from the manufacturer, we have a host of checks and measurements below.

If there is no specific information about which rear shocks will fit, there are a few things to consider before deciding on a new shock.

You've got a choice to make—an inline or reservoir shock

Alright, folks, imagine your mountain bike sitting in the garage, it's a dual suspension and you're looking at upgrading your shock. You've got a choice to make - a inline shock or a reservoir shock. What's the deal, and why should you care?

Inline Shocks:

Think of inline shocks like the ninja of mountain bike suspension—sleek, stealthy, and ready to rock . These bad boys are compact and take up the least amount of space in your frame. They're the go-to choice for XC (cross-country) or trail riders who want a lightweight and efficient shock but you will see these shocks on all kinds of bikes, up to enduro rigs.

Picture it this way: Inline shocks are like a hidden dagger.  They are a compact package that delivers precise performance when you need it most . Perfect for those who want to climb like a mountain goat and descend like a downhill daredevil, all while keeping things lean and mean.

Reservoir Shocks:

Now, let's talk about reservoir shocks. These are the rockstars of the mountain biking world. Imagine a shock with an extra, well, "reservoir" canister attached to it. It's like strapping a nitrous oxide tank onto your bike – extra power, extra show!

Reservoir shocks are all about soaking up the big hits with style. When you're bombing down steep descents or launching off monster jumps, the extra oil volume and cooling capacity in that reservoir canister keep your shock cool and collected. It's like having an extra set of lungs to help you scream down the trail without breaking a sweat.

So, inline vs. reservoir?

It's all about the terrain and your riding style. If you're into long climbs and want to save energy, go inline. If you live for the adrenaline rush and demand top-notch performance on those epic descents, then it's time to reservoir your way to glory.

In the end, it's not about being better or worse; it's about choosing the shock that matches your biking mojo. Inline for precision, reservoir for power – the choice is yours, you two-wheeled trailblazers!

Inline and Reservoir shocks have specific characteristics. IFP = Internal Floating Piston

Space In Your Frame

The first thing to consider is the style of rear shock you want or need for your frame: an in-line air shock, an in-line coil shock, or a reservoir-style system .

Switching from an in-line shock to a reservoir style system, li ke swapping a Deluxe to a Super Deluxe , requires some careful consideration. To assess compatibility, you can release air pressure from your current shock and cycle the suspension. While doing this, pay attention to any potential interference between the shock and objects on the frame, such as water bottles, cages, spare straps, or tubes. The available space around the shock can vary significantly depending on the bike model, as shown in the examples below. This step ensures that the new shock's reservoir design won't face any obstructions during suspension movement. 

Cycling your shock will give you a visual for any clearance issues

Shock measurements, explained.

There are a few key measurements that you will need to know to determine the correct fit for you. These measurements include eye-to-eye, stroke, and mounting hardware.' The best course of action is to visit the manufacturer's website, consult your local bike shop, directly contact the manufacturer for guidance, or measure this yourself. If you are measuring it yourself, please make sure you have an accurate measuring device like digital calipers/verniers, as the stroke lengths change by 2.5mm, which is quite a small margin.

What Is Eye-to-Eye?

The eye-to-eye measurement refers to the total length of the shock from one mounting bolt to the other. It's a critical factor for proper fit and bike performance. Using a shock that is too long or too short can result in irreparable damage to your bike while also significantly altering its geometry. It's essential to ensure the shock's eye-to-eye measurement matches your bike's specifications.

To measure this yourself, take the measurement from the center of the shock mounting points, as illustrated below.

What Is Stroke Length? 

The stroke length differs from the bike's overall travel due to linkages and rear wheel travel, which is measured from the rear axle. For the latest 'metric' shock sizing, each eye-to-eye length generally has four stroke length options. It's crucial to use the stroke length specified by your bike manufacturer.

Many bicycle manufacturers will tell you the shock size on their websites

Friends don't let friends overstroke their shock.  (Unless your bicycle manufacturer states you can.)

Changing the stroke of your shock may sound or seem like you are just getting secret extra travel for your bike and in a sense you may. But there are a huge amount of factors and concerns that come into play if you are using a stroke length that is longer than intended for your bicycle,  which, at a minimum, can void any warranty you have on your bike, and can even cause serious injury or death for riders. Factors that can cause damage may extend to dynamic riding situations as opposed to clearance issues you can see in the workshop, these include but are not limited to:

• Contact between the wheel and seat stay. This can even occur under flex of the frame under High Compression situations. 
• Linkages over-rotate, damaging frames or becoming stuck.
• Excess force put onto linkages or frame mounts causing damage to the frame. 

Trunnion or Standard Eyelets?

Shock eyelets come in two styles: Trunnion and Standard. However, the choice between these two designs is determined by the bicycle manufacturer and cannot be altered by the user. Each style also corresponds to specific eye-to-eye lengths to ensure clarity and compatibility.

Trunnion eyelets are employed to reduce the overall shock length in a bike, enabling frames to have a lower standover height and more mounting options. They typically eliminate the need for mounting hardware, attaching directly to a bearing or using a frame-supplied spacer or washer. 

Not all bicycle manufacturers will state that their bike is 'Standard' or 'Trunnion', however. If you are able to locate their shock sizes, you will find they align with the specific lengths listed above and this will indicate which style of mounting is needed.

Mounting Hardware

Mounting hardware is utilized for standard mounts and is entirely determined by the frame manufacturer. Its purpose is to enable the shock to fit into a frame where the pivots or mounting points are wider than the shock eyelets. When purchasing a new shock it is important to be aware that you may also need to order the appropriate mounting hardware.  Nothing ruins a weekend of riding more than not having the correct hardware to install your new shock

The type and specifications of mounting hardware will be determined by the specific frame design from your bicycle manufacturer. Various options are available, depending on whether the bike employs bushings in the shock, among other factors.

Mounting hardware comes in a host of sizes

Bearing Mounts

Some manufacturers will also opt for bearing mounts instead of utilizing a DU bushing and mounting hardware. This will be specified by the bicycle manufacturer for the most part. The bearing mounts from RockShox fit in the same dimensions as 8x30mm hardware. They are larger than standard mounting hardware, so it is important that this is approved by your bicycle manufacturer.

Coil or air?

There is a lot of debate about Air or Coil and we are not here to convert you either way. When it all boils down to it, your bicycle manufacturer will recommend whether a coil or air shock, will work best with your bike. Some bikes support both and in those instances, it may be trying both to see what suits your riding style.

As the coil on coil shocks are a larger diameter that travels the entire length of the shock they will require more space within a far as to not contact tubes of the frame. There are some specifics when it comes to coil shocks in terms of fitment. For the sake of this article only talking about 2023 product onwards, please review the below:

Bike that need specific coil shocks:

• Commencal Meta TR Power
• Specialized Kenevo

 These two bike models are only compatible with a Super Deluxe Air shock OR a 2023 Super Deluxe Coil shock WITH a steel shaft. 

Coil or Air can be a polarizing topic to talk about at times

Shock Dimensions

Shock dimensions are crucial for a proper fit. Once you've determined your eye-to-eye, stroke, and mounting hardware requirements, you can delve into shock dimensions. These engineering drawings reveal potential clearance problems with your frame. Given our long history, we can't cover every shock we've made. Instead, we'll concentrate on RockShox products from 2023 onwards, as these are current and available in the market. This focus will assist you in ensuring compatibility and a smooth upgrade.

2023 Deluxe C1

Light on ounces and heavy on capability, Deluxe Ultimate adds a touch of luxury to the latest uber-capable trail bikes. From the new DebonAir+ air spring that offers more volume tunability than ever to the damper’s independent Low Speed Compression and Rebound adjustments—every aspect was carefully designed to maximize tunability into a streamlined, minimalist package. The power is in your hands to dial in the perfect-for-you, perfect-for-the-trail-ahead settings. A custom-tailored ride, every time. 

A condensed version of our Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Super Deluxe Coil is pictured below, but we suggest accessing the  RockShox User Specification for Shock Fitment  to confirm sizing in greater detail.

The Deluxe comes in the following models:

• Deluxe Ultimate (Aftermarket & OEM)
• Deluxe Select (OEM Only)**
• Deluxe Select + (OEM Only)**

**OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means that these models of shocks will come specified on key models from bicycle manufacturers, but the shock model itself is not sold as an off-the-shelf solution for riders. The only off-the-shelf options are the 'Aftermarket' designated shocks.**

All measurements are in mm

RC2T Damper

The RockShox RC2T reservoir is used in a few shocks, including the Super Deluxe C1, Super Deluxe Coil B1, and Vivid Ultimate. We have listed The RC2T reservoir for a couple of reasons. Firstly, this reservoir is used on Vivid, Super Deluxe and Super Deluxe Coil. This can be a great first check for fitment to see if your bike will accept a reservoir shock as this damper spreads across numerous shocks. Secondly, the reservoir is sold as a spare part that can be upgraded to the above-listed shocks, so it's important to note if you are upgraded to check that the dimensions will also fit.

Likewise, if your Select or Select+ shock is being upgraded to the RCT2 head, it is important you measure to see if this reservoir damper system will actually fit your frame. This is available as a spare part for Vivid and Super Deluxe. 

RC2T Damper runs across Super Deluxe, Super Deluxe Coil & Vivid Ultimate rear shocks. All measurements are in mm.

2023 Super Deluxe C1

Super Deluxe Ultimate is the smart bet for the podium. Packed to the hilt with fine-tuning adjustments that meaningfully improve suspension performance, it’s the most advanced shock we’ve ever made. Pioneering one of the most impactful innovations in damper history, the new RC2T damper allows for 100% independent High and Low Speed Compression adjustments. The arsenal of elite technology rounding out Super Deluxe Ultimate is grounded in the philosophy that, at the highest level of capability, the extra ounce of performance and customization is what it takes to capture the crown.  

There are two air can options for these: Linear and Progressive. The Progressive can is the widest can and is pictured in the 2D drawings below. The linear will offer more clearance than the Progressive Aircan.

The Super Deluxe comes in the following models:

• Super Deluxe Ultimate (Aftermarket & OEM)
• Super Deluxe Select (OEM Only) **
• Super Deluxe Select+ (OEM Only) **

Super Deluxe Coil B1

Performance to match the most demanding riders out there. The ground up, all-new Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate is a work of art with no feature spared. Equipped with an entirely new chassis, 100% independent High Speed and Low Speed Compression adjustment, increased bushing overlap for improved small bump performance, and optional Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out to tailor that bottomless feel. It’s the unmistakable feel of coil, evolved. A coil shock packed full of premium technology that gives you a hand in painting the experience of how you ride. 

The Super Deluxe Coil comes in the following models:

• Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate (Aftermarket & OEM)
• Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate Coil DH (Aftermarket & OEM)
• Super Deluxe Coil Select (OEM Only) **
• Super Deluxe Coil Select + (OEM Only) **

Vivid Ultimate C1

Big, bold, and built for pure downhill performance, Vivid Ultimate has unmatched tunability and damping for confidence in technical terrain. With an air spring that acts like a coil, this is the latest chapter in Vivid’s legacy of reliability and rock-smashing suppleness. This premium rear shock is built to push the limits on everything from downhill to E-MTB to enduro bikes. A condensed version of our Vivid fitment is pictured below, but we suggest accessing the RockShox User Specification for Vivid to confirm sizing in greater detail.

Vivid is available in the following models:

• Vivid Ultimate (Aftermarket & OEM)
• Vivid Ultimate DH (Aftermarket & OEM)
• Vivid (OEM) **
• Vivid Select (OEM) **
• Vivid Select + (OEM) **

Measure Twice

When you have your shock it is important to cycle the suspension and make sure that there is no contact with the frame. We do this in the same way that we checked for space in the first few steps. It is important to let the air out of the shock and softly compress the suspension by hand. Below is a video on how to do so:

Hot tip: If there is low clearance, use a piece of paper  between gaps to see if there's contact between the frame and the shock.

Known Fitment Issues

As a leading suspension brand, it's impossible for us to ensure compatibility with every existing frame and size combination.  If you're considering a particular RockShox rear shock, we encourage you to consult your bicycle manufacturer. They may have insights into whether your frame can accommodate the specific shock you're interested in.

While we cannot cover all scenarios, we'd like to highlight that certain frames, particularly in specific sizes, might encounter challenges with certain shocks and potentially other sizes within that same model may not. It's crucial to exercise extra caution in such cases and seek clarification from your bicycle manufacturer for a precise assessment.

RC2T fitment issues: Super Deluxe, Super Deluxe Coil and Vivid Ultimate

• 2020+ Specialized Demo - The reservoir may contact and damage the frame when the suspension is compressed .
• 2020+ Cannondale Jekyll -  Low Speed Compression dial will contact frame in the  suspension cavity.   It is also difficult to inflate the shock. No option is optimal. 
• 2020+ Canyon Strive - Threshold switch contacts frame when compressed. Currently the Canyon will only fit with a Ultimate DH head fitted to a 230x65 Vivid (Part Number: 11.4118.088.009)
• 2020+ Orbea Wild - Low Speed Compression dial and Threshold Switch contacts frame 
• 2022+ Ibis Oso - Threshold Lever can contact frame 

Vivid Specifically

• 2020+ Specialized Kenevo - issues with air can size under bottom out
• 2022+ Transition Relay
• Trek Rail Gen 3 & Gen 4: Air can fitment issue
• 2021+ Forbidden Dreadnought: Air can fitment at 40% + travel
• Transition TR11: We have seen fitment issues on Medium and Large sizes 
• 2023+ Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite: air can contact with the seat tube
• 2018+ Lapierre Spicy - Vivid air can does not fit in the shock tunnel 
• Santa Cruz Hightower 2 and 3: Issues with fitment in shock tunnel
• Santa Cruz Heckler 8: Issues with fitment in shock tunnel
• Transition Patrol Carbon: Issues with fitment in shock tunnel

Advanced Compatibility: Shock Tunes

Shock tunes refer to the High Speed Compression and Rebound circuits within the shock. We won't dive into any 'custom tuning'  but rather we'd like to highlight that there are  internal changes made to the shock by the bicycle manufacturer.

Many aftermarket RockShox rear suspensions come with a standard shock tune that falls in the middle of the range for both Rebound and Compression. If you want to fine-tune your shock to your bike's specific needs, it's advisable to obtain shock tune information from your bicycle manufacturer, as mentioned at the beginning of this article. If you wish to make these adjustments, contact your local bike shop, as it's a job best done by a professional. 

The  Piston Tuning Guide  is an online resource online and instructs riders to customize their shock to their specific requirements from their bicycle manufacturer.

Bike specific Vivid Ultimate shocks

RockShox created a host of Vivid shocks for specific bikes on launch day. These shocks will have specific Compression, Rebound, mounting and air volume specifications to suit their respective bike. These are available and are specifically tuned to the following bikes:

• CANYON SPECTRAL, 2018+, Part number: 00.4118.421.032
• COMMENCAL CLASH 2019+ Part number: 00.4118.421.033
• COMMENCAL META POWER SX 2020+, Part number: 00.4118.421.034
• COMMENCAL  META SX 2022+, Part number: 00.4118.421.035
• GIANT TRANCE 2019-2021, Part number: 00.4118.421.057
• NORCO SIGHT 2017-2019, Part number: 00.4118.421.058
• NUKEPROOF DISSENT 2020+, Part number: 00.4118.421.036
• NUKEPROOF MEGA 2021+, Part number: 00.4118.421.037
• ROCKY MOUNTAIN ALTITUDE L+XL   2021+, Part number: 00.4118.421.060
• SANTA CRUZ BULLIT 2021+, Part number: 00.4118.421.044
• SANTA CRUZ MEGATOWER 2 2022+, Part number: 00.4118.421.045
• SANTA CRUZ NOMA6 2023+, Part number: 00.4118.421.046
• SANTA CRUZ   BRONSON 2023+, Part number: 00.4118.421.062
• SCOR 4060 LT 2023+, Part number: 00.4118.421.061
• SPECIALIZED   ENDURO 2020+, Part number: 00.4118.421.040
• SPECIALIZED   LEVO SL  (S2-S6 ONLY)  2022+, Part number: 00.4118.421.042
• SPECIALIZED   STUMPY EVO CARBON  2021+, Part number: 00.4118.421.043
• SPECIALIZED   LEVO (S2-S6 ONLY)  2020+, Part number: 00.4118.421.041
• SPECIALIZED   KENEVO SL 2021+, Part number: 00.4118.421.063
• TRANSITION REPEATER 2022+, Part number: 00.4118.421.047
• TRANSITION SPIRE 2021+, Part number: 00.4118.421.048
• TREK SESSION 2022+, Part number: 00.4118.421.050
• TREK SLASH 2021 – 2023; Part number: 00.4118.421.051
• YT CAPRA 29 2018+, Part number: 00.4118.421.054
• YT   DECOY 29/MX 2019+, Part number: 00.4118.421.055

If you were not able to find the exact shock part number, refer to the steps above and have the shock tuned for your bike via a suspension professional. We have the Vivid Internal Shock Tunes available publicly. 

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The 6 New Bikes That Have RockShox Flight Attendant

Cool Features

All-New 2025 RockShox Psylo & Domain Forks Channel Pike & Zeb MTB Inspiration for

R ockShox’s all-new Psylo and revamped Domain mountain bike forks find inspiration in the proven Pike, Lyrik & Zeb platforms to bring top-level suspension performance to a wider audience at more reasonable prices. Not every mountain biker can afford Ultimate-level forks, so RockShox reworked some of their most popular tech into the more affordable 35mm Psylo and 38mm Domain platforms.

All-new RockShox Psylo 130-160mm all-mountain trail fork

Every mountain biker can benefit from the development and refinement that has made the Pike and Lyrik forks so popular out on the trail. But at a much more accessible pricing level, the all-new RockShox Psylo might just be the fork a lot of riders have been pining for.

The new RockShox Psylo is a versatile trail bike platform with a wide 130-160mm travel range and 35mm aluminum stanchions. The forks are offered for 27.5 and 29″ wheels, with 37 & 44mm offset options. It effectively replaces the Revelation, Yari & 35-series.

Psylo Tech Details

Three different springs options cover wide ground to hit all levels of spec and performance. The two OEM-only Silver level specs both get a Motion Control Damper and either a Coil or Solo Air Spring.

Then, the aftermarket RockShox Psylo Gold RC steps it up to an updated DebonAir spring, with Bottomless Token air volume adjustability. But it’s an all-new Isolator RC damper that’s the heart of the new Psylo Gold.

It features a premium shim-based, spring-backed Internal Floating Piston design inherited from RockShox’s top-tier Charger 3 damper. Plus, the Isolator features a 3-position (Open, Pedal, Firm) compression adjust knob on the top of its right leg so riders get the same on-the-fly ride adjustment as top-level suspension. And externally tunable rebound to perfectly dial in optimal traction and suspension control.

All three spec levels get new premium bushings that RockShox claims “ offer lower breakaway force and elevate this platform to feel silky smooth in rough terrain “. And they feature Maxima Plush fluid in their damper to reduce friction and quiet oil flow through their travel, plus Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube for longer-lasting, low-friction suspension performance.

RockShox Psylo – Pricing & availability

Only the top-level RockShox Psylo Gold RC air fork is available aftermarket, retailing for $539 / 645€. It comes in at a claimed weight of 2320g, about 200g more than a comparable Lyrik Ultimate.

The OEM-only Psylo Silver RC air fork is a bit heavier at 2786g, and a hundred grams heavier again for the OEM-only RockShox Psylo Silver R coil fork at 2888g. All weight claims for 160mm of travel and a 44mm offset.

Revamped RockShox Domain 150-180mm enduro mountain bike fork

The big travel Zeb made its mark from enduro to freeride, with big 38mm stanchions and mega stiffness to stretch out to travel lengths previously limited to dual-crown forks. Now, RockShox brings a lot of that long travel down to a more affordable pricepoint in their latest Domain. Heavy hitter enduro & eMTB fork travel performance with mega bang for your buck.

You still get 38mm stanchions, but just a bit less travel, here topping out at 180mm. Just like the all-new Psylo, the 2025 RockShox Domain is meant to be a versatile enduro platform with its own wide 150-1680mm travel range. The Domain forks are also offered for 27.5 and 29″ wheels, only with 44mm offset.

Domain Tech Details

For now, only two different air spring options are available in the Domain. The OEM-only spec is a Gold level fork with Solo Air and a Motion Control-based “R” damper.

Then, the aftermarket RockShox Domain Gold RC steps it up to the same updated DebonAir spring (Bottomless Token compatible) and all-new Isolator RC damper that’s in the new Psylo Gold. Again you get 3-position (Open, Pedal, Firm) external compression controls on top, and externally adjustable rebound down below.

Both also get the same quieter Maxima Plush low-friction damper fluid, and long-lasting Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube.

RockShox Domain – Pricing & availability

Only the top-level RockShox Domain Gold RC air fork is available aftermarket, retailing here for $579 / 695€. It comes in at a claimed weight of 2501g, or just 160g more than a Zeb Ultimate. The OEM-only Domain Gold R air fork is just a bit heavier at 2524g. Both weight claims for 180mm, 44mm offset.

The new Isolator RC damper is also available separately as an upgrade for $84 / 96€. So you could always upgrade the OEM Domain Gold R fork, too. But you can’t upgrade an older Domain with an Isolator.

Expect to see the all-new Psylo & revamped Domain popping up this summer on model year 2025 complete bikes, and in the aftermarket.

SRAM.com/RockShox

The post All-New 2025 RockShox Psylo & Domain Forks Channel Pike & Zeb MTB Inspiration for <$600 appeared first on Bikerumor .

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USA Cycling Announces Team Competing at 2024 Pan American Mountain Bike Championships

The Continental Championships will be held in Midway, Utah, USA on May 8-12.

The Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway, Utah will host the 2024 Pan American Mountain Bike Championships from May 8-12, 2024. Athletes from more than 40 countries in North and South America will compete in the Pan American Championships across several Mountain Bike disciplines including Cross-Country Olympic, Short Track, Eliminator and Team Relay. This marks the first time the international competition has been hosted in the United States in over 20 years.

Over 200 racers will be representing the United States at the championships across several age group categories. USA Cycling will be supporting a team in the Elite, U23, and Junior races. The following athletes have been named to USA Cycling’s championship team:

Elite Women

Kate Courtney (Kentfield, Calif.; SCOTT-SRAM Factory Racing)

Haley Batten (Park City, Utah; Specialized Factory Racing)

Kelsey Urban (Kentfield, Calif.; Team 31: Outride)

Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colo.; Specialized Factory Racing)

Bradyn Lange (Fairfax, Calif.)

Madigan Munro (Boulder, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing)

Sofia Waite (Littleton, Colo.; BH Coloma Team)

Bailey Cioppa (Durango, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Makena Kellerman (Escondido, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Riley Amos (Durango, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing)

Brayden Johnson (Littleton, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Carson Beard (Middlesex, Vt.; Team Segment 28)

Robbie Day (Evergreen, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Lasse Konecny (Breckenridge, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Junior Women

Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Bear National Team)

Lucy Hillstrom (Pleasant Grove, Utah; Spry Custom Bicycles)

Alice Hoskins (Charlottesville, Va.; Gravity Collective MTB)

Elisabeth Knight (Moab, Utah; Spry Cycles DRT)

Nicholas Konecny (Breckenridge, Colo.; Bear National Team)

Ezra Caudell (Acworth, Ga.; Gravity Collective MTB)

River Valdez (Sedona, Ariz.; Bear National Team)

Colin Oneil (Franklin Tenn.; Gravity Collective MTB)

*Gwendalyn Gibson and Henry Coote were also selected to the team but declined their nominations.

This Article Updated April 24, 2024 @ 02:02 PM

For more information contact: [email protected]

Rock County to Host the 2024 Para-Cycling Road National Championships

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1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

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5. Museum of Labor Glory

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• Statue of Lenin
• Electrostal History and Art Museum
• Park of Culture and Leisure
• Museum and Exhibition Center
• Museum of Labor Glory