Shortly after introducing the all new Pike and updating the Monarch Plus, RockShox is introducing even more suspension tech to get the most out of your bike. At this point, most of the Rockshox XC and trail category has received an update with new damping, and the option for a dual lockout through a single lever.
Dig past the break for more.
While the new fork updates are definitely worth mentioning, the new XLoc Sprint is what really is intriguing. Joining the likes of Scott’s TwinLock only with hydraulic, RockShox now offers the ability to lock out both the front and rear suspension simultaneously with the push of a single button. XLoc Sprint will be available on new SID and Relation XX forks and Monarch XX rear shocks. When asked if it was retrofittable, we were told that only the new rear shocks will be compatible, but some of the current SID and Revelation forks could be updated with the lock out cartridge.
The XLoc Full Sprint remote features a compression adjust for the front fork and uses a Connectamajig coupler for bleed-less attaching to the rear shock. If you’ve never ridden a bike with twin lockouts before, it can really change the way you ride the bike as you can be riding full squish and then lock out at the flick of a switch for a quick climb or sprint. Having the controls for both shocks in one lever immediately results in better utilization of your suspension’s lock outs as you no longer have to take your hands off the bar to use them. In addition to XLoc, the Monarch XX has a rebound control knob mounted to the shock body.
After the reintroduction of RockShox’ Pike as a new AM/Enduro fork, SID and Revelation get upgraded adding the 27.5 size as well. Like the Pike, the new forks are available in all wheel sizes meaning 26″ isn’t dead just yet. SID will be offered in 80-120mm travel while the Revelation will come in 120-150mm lengths with both at exceptionally light weights.
Adding Rapid Recovery rebound damping to the forks, the new Dig valve should greatly improve the damping. Dig is short for digressive tuning which basically means there is lower flow rates at lower speeds, though the rate increases as the speed rises. This offers a pedal friendly damping rate at lower speeds and a nice, smooth damping curve on bigger hits.
The Dig valve also builds Rapid Recovery rebound damping into the fork allowing the suspension to recover faster from bigger hits keeping the fork from packing up over continual bumps. If that wasn’t enough, the Dig valve’s shaft is crafted from aluminum rather than the previous Chrome steel offering a 5g weight savings.
Along with the Dig valve, 4 types of Motion Control DNA will be offered on the SID and Revelation:
- XX – Designed for riders looking for more efficiency. The XX Motion Control DNA damper features RockShox’s XLoc hydraulic remote lockout for the lightest, most ergonomic go-fast solution.
- RCT3 – Designed for riders looking for more bump gobbling performance. The new RCT3 damper features three distinct knob positions – Open (with low speed compression adjust.), Threshold and Lock.
- RLT – Designed for riders who are looking for more stable ride. Featuring the adjustments of Motion Control – compression-to-lock with adjustable threshold.
- RL – For riders looking for a more simple approach to suspension set up. The Motion Control DNA spring tube and refined Dual Flow rebound mated to compression-to-lock adjustability with a factory set threshold.
Each of the new forks will have a black hard ano coating with laser etched sag gradients on the stanchions as well as new lower friction wiper seals – which will be seen throughout the line.
Availability for the new forks will begin in June, with pricing starting around $750 for each fork.
Finally, in addition to the updates to the Monarch plus, the standard Monarch range gets updated as well. Like the Monarch Plus, the entire range of Monarchs now receive Rapid Recovery Rebound tune as well as improed compression circuits resulting in smoother and quieter operation. Thanks to ta redesign of the negative air space in the Solo air spring system, the shocks will have an improved small bump compliance. A high volume eyelet option called HV-i allows for a higher volume less progressive shock without the bulk or weight of full HV air cans and will be offered as an option for bikes that need less progressive suspension but don’t need the full HV air can system. Like the forks, the Monarchs also receive new improved seals that reduce friction.
