“Roses are red, violets are blue, RockShox new season range has just launched and trust us it rides almost too good to be true!”
In what promises to be one of the biggest product launches of the year RockShox has come out absolutely swinging with huge updates to their three key single crown fork models and rear shocks. Practically every single component of these new forks and rear shocks has been redesigned from the ground up. We’re talking a new ‘Debon Air’ air spring, a new ‘Charge 3’ damper, increased bushing overlap internally which means the fork feels even smoother through its travel than in previous years (I know that’s pretty hard to believe, but trust us!) and new lower leg chassis for all forks which feature ‘Pressure Relief Valves’ that enable you to eliminate unwanted air pressure build-up from within the fork. And to match, the rear shock line-up now features a stack of new tech that we haven’t seen before from RockShox including hydraulic bottom out, but we’ll dive deeper into more details about all of that later.
Here in Australia the new RockShox range will comprise of 6 fresh fork models and 4 fresh rear shocks (there are a bunch of other fork and shock models within the new line-up but they’ll exclusively be coming on complete bikes) and in this article we’re going to take a close look at each of the new models and explain their tech details. But before we get into that we have some good news to share with you, unlike a lot of other product launches in recent times where the new stuff won’t actually be available to purchase any time soon, all of the forks and shocks that have been announced today are going to be available at RockShox dealers Australia wide right now, in stock and ready to upgrade onto your bike.
MY23 ‘Key’ Fork Tech
Before we take a look at each of the new Pike, Lyrik and Zeb models individually lets first explore some of the new key features that RockShox have developed and you’ll find showcased across all 3 fork families.
Charger 3 Damper
Perhaps the biggest game-changer that RockShox have developed to turbocharge the trail performance of their new season fork range is the ‘Charger 3’ damper which manages to do something RockShox have never quite delivered before, nor any other brand effectively, and that is to allow the ‘High Speed Compression’ adjustment and the ‘Low Speed Compression’ adjustments to work independently from one another (usually in a fork if you adjust the high speed compression is messes with your low speed compressions settings and vice versa). The all-new Charger 3 damper also features an all-new Internal Floating Piston (IFP) design that offers more consistency through the stroke, and truly independent adjustments that reduce harshness and increase control without any “cross talk”. Featuring High Speed Compression, Low Speed Compression, and a revamped Low Speed Rebound system that keeps your wheel glued to the ground, Charger 3 gives you even more tunability.
FEATURED IN: Pike Ultimate / Lyrik Ultimate / ZEB Ultimate
ButterCups
Another of the significant new additions to the MY23 line-up, in terms of why these forks feel even smoother, or butterier, throughout their travel compared to the previous generation RockShox forks is something they call ‘ButterCups”. Mounted in gold housing to both the damper and air spring shafts, two rubber pucks absorb the high frequency vibrations before they travel through the fork and into the handlebar. It is claimed that ButterCups reduces ‘trail chatter’ by a whopping 20% and therefor with much less overall hand and arm fatigue whilst you’re riding you’re going to feel fresher on the bike for longer each ride.
FEATURED IN: Pike Ultimate / Lyrik Ultimate / ZEB Ultimate
DebonAir+
RockShox have upped the ante of their extremely popluar DebonAir air spring with the all-new DebonAir+. It has been built to strike the perfect balance of what riders really want: butter-like small bump feel, increased support throughout the travel, and higher overall ride height for more confidence when things get steep.
FEATURED IN: Pike Ultimate / Lyrik Ultimate / ZEB Ultimate
Pressure relief valves
Pressure Relief Valves eliminate unwanted air pressure build up in the lower leg caused by variations in altitude or temperature. With the press of a button or two, Pressure Relief Valves restore the lower leg balance for optimum sensitivity and a premium fork feel.
FEATURED IN: Pike Ultimate, Select+* / Lyrik Ultimate, Select+* / ZEB Ultimate, Select+*
Ultimate Bushing Package
A clever design tweak breaths even more performance into the top-end model of each fork. The Ultimate Bushing Package is a new bushing system for Ultimate level forks for the smoothest possible ride. Longer upper and lower bushings maximize bushing overlap and reduce friction.
FEATURED IN: Pike Ultimate / Lyrik Ultimate / ZEB Ultimate
Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube
RockShox have teamed up with Maxima lubes, widely regarded as the best in the business when it comes to producing high performance lubricant for MTB and moto, and they’ve developed a new lube which is utalised inside all MY23 RockShox fork models. The new Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube is claimed to last longer, reduces friction and enhances suspension performance ride after ride.
FEATURED IN: SID / Pike / Lyrik / ZEB / BoXXer / Domain / Revelation / Yari / (All Models)
MY23 Rear Shock Tech
RC2T Damper
An all-new damper featuring more fine-tuning adjustments that meaningfully improve suspension performance. Externally adjustable High and Low Speed compression adjustments that are completely independent of one another. Intuitive design and easy to understand, riders have the ability to fine-tune High and Low Speed Compression by adding or decreasing damping based on ride style and what the trail demands.
FEATURED IN: Super Deluxe Ultimate / Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate
Hydraulic Bottom-out
The Hydraulic Bottom-Out tuning feature provides a set amount of bottom-out resistance for the last 25% of travel, giving the shock a bottomless feel when hitting large impacts or sudden drops. Gone are the days of relying on air spring tuning alone to eliminate that clack sound at bottom-out.
FEATURED IN: Super Deluxe Ultimate, Select+, Select
DEBONAIR+
The new DebonAir+ air spring system features expanded tuning options that allow for positive and negative tokens to find the perfect tune for every bike. Two new air can options: Progressive and Linear. 0 or 1 Negative tokens; 0 to 4 Positive tokens. A new castled bottom-out bumper reduces harsh bottom-outs and allows the rider the ability to fine tune the air spring to maximize grip, comfort, and control.
FEATURED IN: Super Deluxe Ultimate, Deluxe Ultimate, Select+, Select
Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom-out
Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom-Out tuning provides an adjustable amount (5 positions) of bottom-out resistance in the last 20% of travel, allowing you to find the perfect amount of resistance for your ride style. Tunability is the name of the game.
FEATURED IN: Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate, Select+, Select
MY23 Fork Line-up
ZEB ULTIMATE
Aus RRP: $ 1,747.00
Long on travel, short on excuses, ZEB Ultimate is a whole new breed of fork, designed to challenge the limits and take on the world’s toughest enduro tracks. Going Ultimate has its advantages; featuring a stiff 38mm chassis including the new Charger 3 RC2 damper with vibration-killing ButterCup technology, and the new DebonAir+ air spring (included in all levels of ZEB). The highest performing, athlete-proven technologies matched with premium style plays.
FEATURES
- 150-190mm travel.
- 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence on every critical line.
- Already proving itself on the podium with multiple wins during the 2021 season, Charger 3 is ready to meet the masses. Charger 3 features an all-new Internal Floating Piston (IFP) design that offers more consistency through the stroke, and truly independent adjustments that reduce harshness and increase control without any “cross-talk”. Featuring High Speed Compression, Low Speed Compression, and a revamped Low Speed Rebound, every click is exact and meaningful. Dial in your perfect ride experience without a second guess. No sacrifices and no hesitation. This is Charger 3.
- ButterCups block 20% of high frequency “trail chatter”. Limiting these vibrations massively reduces hand and arm fatigue leaving you feeling fresh with more control.
- DebonAir+ air spring is built to strike the perfect balance of what riders really want: a butterlike small bump feel, increased air volume to add support throughout the travel, and higher overall ride height for more confidence when things get steep.
- Ultimate Bushing Package maximizes bushing overlap, reducing friction and creating the smoothest ride possible.
- Pressure Relief Valves eliminate unwanted air pressure build-up in the lower leg caused by variations in altitude or temperature. With the press of a button, Pressure Relief Valves restore that premium fork feel.
- Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube reduces friction, lasts longer, and enhances suspension performance ride after ride.
- Bolt-in torque cap adapters now included for use with standard hub end caps.
- Lightweight machined and anodized crown for premium looks and durability.
- RockShox premium short fender compatibility. (RockShox bolt-on fender sold separately)
- Available in the Signature colorway Slab Grey or Ultimate High Gloss Black.
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise.
ZEB SELECT
Aus RRP: $ 1,349.00
ZEB is a whole new breed of fork designed to challenge the limits. ZEB Select is performance-packed, featuring an updated 38mm chassis, now compatible with new Pressure Relief Valves. We packed in the Charger RC damper, and the latest confidence-inspiring DebonAir+. ZEB’s the rider’s choice for the new generation of long-travel mountain machines.
FEATURES
- 150-190mm travel.
- 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence on every critical line.
- Charger RC damper featuring Low Speed Compression and Rebound adjust.
- DebonAir+ air spring is built to strike the perfect balance of what riders really want: a butterlike small bump feel, increased air volume to add support throughout the travel, and higher overall ride height for more confidence when things get steep.
- Upgradeable to new Pressure Relief Valves. Eliminate unwanted air pressure build-up in the lower leg caused by variations in altitude or temperature. With the press of a button, Pressure Relief Valves restore premium fork feel. See your retailer for details on upgrade kits.
- Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube reduces friction, lasts longer, and enhances suspension performance ride after ride.
- Bolt-in torque cap adapters now included for use with standard hub end caps.
- RockShox premium short fender compatibility. (RockShox bolt-on fender sold separately)
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise.
LYRIK ULTIMATE
Aus RRP: $ 1,668.00
Faster. Stronger. Ruthlessly efficient. The new Lyrik is up for anything and down for it all. The most versatile fork in our lineup features a hyper-focused new chassis that’s lighter while still critically stiff for Lyrik’s legendary performance and party attitude. Lyrik Ultimate features the new Charger 3 RC2 damper with vibration-killing ButterCup technology and the latest DebonAir+ air spring. Equipped with the ultimate package of new technologies and a fresh new signature colorway we call “Heavy Meadow”, inspired by our favorite alpine sufferfests. The new Lyrik Ultimate is here.
FEATURES
- 140-160mm travel.
- 35mm chassis with a focused all-mountain mindset – satisfyingly stiff, efficient, and designed to eliminate as much weight as possible.
- Already proving itself on the podium with multiple wins during the 2021 season, Charger 3 is ready to meet the masses. Charger 3 features an all-new Internal Floating Piston (IFP) design that offers more consistency through the stroke and truly independent adjustments that reduce harshness and increase control without any “cross-talk”. Featuring High Speed Compression, Low Speed Compression, and a revamped Low Speed Rebound, every click is exact and meaningful. Dial in your perfect ride experience without a second guess. No sacrifices and no hesitation. This is Charger 3.
- ButterCups block 20% of high frequency “trail chatter”. Limiting these vibrations massively reduces hand and arm fatigue leaving you feeling fresh with more control.
- DebonAir+ air spring is built to strike the perfect balance of what riders really want: a butterlike small bump feel, increased air volume to add support throughout the travel, and higher overall ride height for more confidence when things get steep.
- Ultimate Bushing Package maximizes bushing overlap, reducing friction and creating the smoothest ride possible.
- Pressure Relief Valves eliminate unwanted air pressure build-up in the lower leg caused by variations in altitude or temperature. With the press of a button, Pressure Relief Valves restore that premium fork feel.
- Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube reduces friction, lasts longer, and enhances suspension performance ride after ride.
- Bolt-in torque cap adapters now included for use with standard hub end caps.
- Lightweight machined and anodized crown for premium looks and durability.
- Available in Ultimate High Gloss Black or new “Heavy Meadow” Signature colorway, inspired by our favorite alpine sufferfests.
- RockShox premium short fender compatibility. (RockShox bolt-on fender sold separately)
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise.
LYRIK SELECT
RRP: $ 1,270.00
The new Lyrik is the most versatile fork in our lineup. Lyrik Select features an all-new 35mm chassis with the Charger RC damper and the new confidence-inspiring DebonAir+ air spring.
FEATURES
- 140-160mm travel.
- 35mm chassis with a focused all-mountain mindset – satisfyingly stiff, efficient, and designed to eliminate as much weight as possible.
- Charger RC damper featuring Low Speed Compression and Rebound adjust.
- DebonAir+ air spring is built to strike the perfect balance of what riders really want: a butterlike small bump feel, increased air volume to add support throughout the travel and higher overall ride height for more confidence when things get steep.
- Upgradeable to new Pressure Relief Valves. Eliminate unwanted air pressure build-up in the lower leg caused by variations in altitude or temperature. With the press of a button, Pressure Relief Valves restore premium fork feel. See your retailer for details on upgrade kits.
- Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube reduces friction, lasts longer, and enhances suspension performance ride after ride.
- Bolt-in torque cap adapters now included for use with standard hub end caps.
- RockShox premium short fender compatibility. (RockShox bolt-on fender sold separately)
PIKE ULTIMATE
Aus RRP: $ 1,588.00
Built for riders not looking to compromise on features or performance. Pike Ultimate has an all-new 35mm chassis designed to be ultra light in weight and playful in nature. Featuring the new Charger 3 RC2 damper with vibration-killing ButterCup technology and all the support from the latest DebonAir+ air spring. With a new look and long list of new technologies, the new Pike Ultimate is here to revolutionize the trail game, again.
FEATURES
- 120-140mm travel.
- 35mm chassis is at home on the trail – satisfyingly stiff, playful, and light.
- Already proving itself on the podium with multiple wins during the 2021 season, Charger 3 is ready to meet the masses. Charger 3 features an all-new Internal Floating Piston (IFP) design that offers more consistency through the stroke and truly independent adjustments that reduce harshness and increase control without any “cross-talk”. Featuring High Speed Compression, Low Speed Compression, and a revamped Low Speed Rebound, every click is exact and meaningful. Dial in your perfect ride experience without a second guess. No sacrifices and no hesitation. This is Charger 3.
- ButterCups block 20% of high frequency “trail chatter”. Limiting these vibrations massively reduces hand and arm fatigue leaving you feeling fresh with more control.
- DebonAir+ air spring is built to strike the perfect balance of what riders really want: a butterlike small bump feel, increased air volume to add support throughout the travel, and higher overall ride height for more confidence when things get steep.
- Ultimate Bushing Package maximizes bushing overlap, reducing friction and creating the smoothest ride possible.
- Pressure Relief Valves eliminate unwanted air pressure build-up in the lower leg caused by variations in altitude or temperature. With the press of a button, Pressure Relief Valves restore that premium fork feel.
- Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube reduces friction, lasts longer, and enhances suspension performance ride after ride.
- Bolt-in torque cap adapters now included for use with standard hub end caps.
- Lightweight machined and anodized crown for premium looks and durability.
- Available in Ultimate High Gloss Black or Signature colorway Gloss Silver.
- RockShox premium short fender compatibility. (RockShox bolt-on fender sold separately)
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise.
PIKE SELECT
Aus RRP: $ 1,191.00
Poppy, playful, and singletrack-minded, the new Pike Select is equipped with an all-new 35mm chassis paired with the Charger RC damper. Matched with the new DebonAir+ air spring and new bolt-on fender compatibility. It’s time to fall in love with Pike, all over again.
FEATURES
- 120-140mm travel.
- 35mm chassis at home on the trail – satisfyingly stiff, playful, and light.
- Charger RC damper featuring Low Speed Compression and Rebound adjust.
- DebonAir+ air spring is built to strike the perfect balance of what riders really want: a butterlike small bump feel, increased air volume to add support throughout the travel, and higher overall ride height for more confidence when things get steep.
- Upgradeable to new Pressure Relief Valves. Eliminate unwanted air pressure build-up in the lower leg caused by variations in altitude or temperature. With the press of a button, Pressure Relief Valves restore premium fork feel. See your retailer for details on upgrade kits.
- Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube reduces friction, lasts longer, and enhances suspension performance ride after ride.
- Bolt-in torque cap adapters now included for use with standard hub end caps.
- RockShox premium short fender compatibility. (RockShox bolt-on fender sold separately)
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise.
MY23 Shock Line-up
DELUXE ULTIMATE
Aus RRP: $601.00
Tailored to the latest lightweight and uber-capable trail bikes, the all-new Deluxe Ultimate offers a fully-checked damper design featuring Low Speed Compression adjustment and optimal traction control tuning. Featuring the new DebonAir+ air spring with new air can options, a wider range of rebound adjustment, more tuning capabilities than ever before, and increased bushing overlap for improved small bump performance and grip.
FEATURES
- DebonAir+ air spring maximizes fine-tuning potential, allowing you to tune both the negative and positive air volume to perfectly match your bike, desired ride feel, and the trail ahead.
- Castled bottom out bumper reduces harsh bottom out, leaving extra room for the bold to go big.
- Independent Low Speed Compression and Rebound adjustments give riders the ability to define exactly how the rear shock responds to the trail.
- Wider range of Rebound adjustment to accommodate more rider types.
- Increased bushing overlap maximizes small bump performance and grip.
- Easy access lever to intuitively go between two compression positions—Open or Threshold (firm or lock).
- Fresh premium graphics package so your bike looks as dialed it feels.
- Top-of-the-line Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube reduces friction to help maintain traction .
SUPER DELUXE ULTIMATE
Aus RRP: $903.00
If you’re pinned to win, the Super Deluxe Ultimate is the shock of choice for the podium. This is the most advanced shock we’ve ever made, packed to the hilt with more options for fine-tuning adjustments that meaningfully improve suspension performance. Debuting the next revolution in damper technology, our new RC2T damper is only found at the Ultimate level and features externally adjustable, truly independent High and Low Speed Compression along with an increased range of rebound adjustment. Riders can fine-tune damping from the factory base tune for a more personalized feel while factoring in ride style and terrain. Super Deluxe Ultimate sets the new benchmark.
FEATURES
- RC2T Damper, the most tunable shock damper we’ve ever made, offers completely independent High Speed and Low Speed Compression adjustments, eliminating “cross-talk” so you can tune your shock to exactly how you want it to perform.
- DebonAir+ air spring maximizes fine-tuning potential, allowing you to tune both the negative and positive air volume to perfectly match your bike, desired ride feel, and the trail ahead.
- The optional Hydraulic Bottom Out kicks in to restrict the flow of oil within the last 20% of travel, offering a soft hydraulic cushion that reduces harsh bottom out.
- 15 clicks of Rebound adjustment offer a wider range of tunability and accommodate more rider types.
- Castled bottom out bumper reduces harsh bottom-out, leaving extra room for the bold to go big.
- Increased bushing overlap maximizes small bump performance and grip.
- Separate and independent Open and Threshold pistons tuned exactly for your ride.
- Fresh new premium graphics package to flash on the podium or as you blaze past your buddies on the doubletrack.
- Top-of-the-line Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube reduces friction to help maintain traction.
SUPER DELUXE COIL ULTIMATE
Aus RRP: $827.00
The all-new Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate was designed from the ground up, bells and whistles included. Equipped with an entirely new chassis, the new RC2T damper with independent High and Low Speed Compression adjustment externally located for quick access, increased bushing overlap for improved small bump performance, and the HotDog Piston designed to keep your tyres on top of rough terrain. The unmistakable feel of a coil, all packed into RockShox’s Super Deluxe design.
FEATURES
- RC2T Damper, the most tunable shock damper we’ve ever made, offers completely independent High Speed and Low Speed Compression adjustments, eliminating “cross-talk” so you can tune your shock to exactly how you want it to perform.
- The optional Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out offers a convenient dial with five different compression settings to customize the cushioning you experience in the last 20% of travel when facing potential bottom out.
- Redesigned rough-ready chassis is 21% stronger and primed to get rowdy.
- Increased bushing overlap maximizes small bump performance and grip.
- 20 clicks of Rebound adjustment offer wider range of tunability and accommodate more rider types.
- Separate and independent Open and Threshold pistons tuned exactly for your ride.
- External adjustments allow for no-fuss tuning on the fly.
- Fresh signature graphics package to flash on the podium or as you blaze past your buddies on the doubletrack.
- Red hot “BoXXer Red” Signature Coil colorway and Signature Color matching decal options available.
- Maxima plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise.
SUPER DELUXE COIL ULTIMATE DH
Aus RRP: $752
The all-new Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate DH is a work of art with no feature spared. Equipped with an entirely new chassis, the new RC2T damper with independent High and Low Speed Compression, increased bushing overlap for improved small bump performance, and the HotDog Piston designed to keep your tires on top of rough terrain. With the unmistakable feel of a coil, get ready to send your dream lines with pure confidence.
FEATURES
- RC2 Damper’s ultimate adjustability is tailored to the downhill trailblazer and offers completely independent High Speed and Low Speed Compression adjustments, eliminating “cross-talk” so you can tune your shock to exactly how you want it to perform.
- The optional Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out offers a convenient dial with five different compression settings to customize the cushioning you experience in the last 20% of travel when facing potential bottom out.
- Redesigned rough-ready chassis is 21% stronger and primed to get rowdy.
- Increased bushing overlap maximizes small bump performance and grip.
- 20 clicks of Rebound adjustment offer wider range of tunability and accommodate more rider types.
- Separate and independent Open and Threshold pistons tuned exactly for your ride.
- External adjustments allow for no-fuss tuning on the fly.
- Fresh signature graphics package to flash on the podium or as you blaze past your buddies on the doubletrack.
- Red hot “BoXXer Red” Signature Coil colorway and Signature Color matching decal options available.
- Maxima plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise.
