Officially dubbed MY26 (Model Year 2026) but you can get it now, RockShox has a revamped Deluxe inline air shock. Plus, there are ton of new options to get ahold of their top-level suspension forks and rear shocks, now decked out in previously pro-only signature Electric Red colorways. And finally, Flight Attendant gets a big boost and a lot more control.
Like Nino’s own World Cup winning Launch Control…
New RockShox Deluxe shock updates
This newest evolution of the inline Deluxe air shocks (last updated in 2022) delivers all the tuning options you could ever want to maximize ride precision & performance, while staying light and not compromising bottom-out control for hard-charging riding styles.
So what all is new in the latest Deluxe Ultimate?
- NEW Lighter compression tunes let you dial in the perfect balance between efficiency and descending capability for your bike
- Ultimate model features independent Low Speed Compression and Low Speed Rebound adjustments and easy access lever to go from Open to Firm/Lock
- NEW bottom-out system prioritizes a more open compression and air spring feel enhancing control and eliminating unwanted noise
- Maximize testing and tuning efforts with consistent “feel” between Deluxe Ultimate, Deluxe Select+ and Deluxe Select at the same tune
- DebonAir+ Linear XL air can offers all the tuning potential and range in one compact unit
MY26 brings RockShox Electric Red
One more bit of newness for the Deluxe Ultimate is Electric Red…
Signature race-winning Electric Red now comes to the regular RockShox catalog for the next model year. Just like pro mountain bikers, you too can pick up a fork or shock with that pro style.
RockShox’s iconic Electric Red will be available in Rudy, SID, SID SL, Pike, Lyrik, ZEB, and BoXXer Ultimate forks. You also be able to get it in Flight Attendant-equipped SID, SID SL, Pike, Lyrik, and ZEB Ultimate Flight Attendant forks with automated controls. Out back, all new MY26 SIDLuxe, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Vivid, and Vivid Coil Ultimate rear shocks will come with a special Electric Red decal package for a matchy-matchy setup.
MY26 RockShox Flight Attendant Adds Nino’s Launch Control
After the Short Track race in Flight Attendant’s World Cup racing debut on a Friday afternoon in June of 2023, Nino Schurter told the RockShox race support engineers that he wanted something special. An automated Launch Control mode that would keep his Flight Attendant set to fully locked out for the explosive race start, but that would then automatically reset to proper Auto mode controls so he could just focus on racing, not pressing buttons. By Saturday night, RockShox Software Engineer, Grant Rudd had coded the new feature and tested it out in the middle of the night on the empty streets of Lenzerheide. Then, on Sunday afternoon with new firmware uploading his custom Launch control mode to his bike, Schurter sprinted off and won his 34th Cross-Country World Cup.
Now you can be as fast as Nino!
(OK, well, probably not. But at least you can have Launch Control, too.)
What more can Flight Attendant do now?
Launch Control gives each rider control over how their Flight Attendant locks out for race starts. You pick how long you want it locked, then Flight Attendant will stiffen up your bike for maximum pedaling efficiency, and automatically return to Auto after your preset time or when it detects a bump, whichever occurs first. It’s easy to activate holding down either your AXS remote or the + button on the fork. And all five LEDs pulse read to tell you Launch Control is engaged.
There’s also a new Fork-only update that enables the use of Flight Attendant on hardtails so you get the same no-bob pedaling efficiency, no connected rear shock required. (But you do need a pedaling sensor, SRAM/Quarq power meter, or an ANT+ ebike motor to be connected.)
And now RockShox also gives more Auto mode customization via the AXS app. You now get the option to completely bypass Pedal mode if you’d rather cycle directly from Open to Lock. Or you can disable the full lock-out position on either your fork or shock if you prefer.
Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant Upgrade Kit
And since there’s a new Fork-only option, MY26 RockShox now offers a simple Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant Upgrade Kit. For $600 / 650€, hardtail owners who already have a 2021-2024 SID or SID SL fork can easily upgrade to Flight Attendant and get automatic fork controls.
Not a cheap upgrade, but a pretty cool option for the hardtail XC racer or someone with a softail or incompatible integrated rear shock like the latest Specialized Epic World Cup. Or even some ultra-distance gravel adventure racers with a SID fork?
