Öhlins Racing recently unveiled new versions of its TTXAir shocks and its heavy-hitting enduro and downhill forks, the RXF38 and DH38. While they aren’t exactly “new”, it appears that Öhlins made notable updates across all models to improve their performance and make them the best versions yet. Let’s see what’s new.
Öhlins TTXAir Shocks
Öhlins’ trail, enduro, and eMTB air shocks, the TTX1Air and TTX2Air, have been around for some time. Both underwent internal and external overhauls and are adding m.2 to the model name to denote the latest version. The primary goal of the update was to reduce friction and enhance sensitivity to give these air-sprung shocks a more coil-like feel. This was achieved by using new seals and introducing a bladder system. Öhlins says, “Riders will experience increased comfort and improved rear-wheel control, thanks to the enhanced ground contact.”
Additionally, Öhlins claims the pedaling platform of the new TTXAir m.2 provides improved support when powering up difficult climbs. If that’s not enough, they also added compatibility with remote lockout systems. According to Öhlins, it is compatible with the Öhlins 3-Mode Remote, Scott TwinLoc, and Orbea Squidlock, as well as any remote that pulls 7.5 mm of cable per click.
Inside, Öhlins says air volume adjustment should be easier than ever thanks to a redesigned spacer system. Likewise, making adjustments to stroke length no longer involves removing the end-eye, which should make it more user-friendly and less time-consuming. Speaking of user-friendly, external updates include a redesigned adjustment knob that aims to make tuning easier and more intuitive. A redesigned end-eye should make it compatible with more frames, and refreshed graphics intend to give it a modern, but still very Öhlins, look.
TTXAir m.2 Details
The TTX1Air m.2 has a single-can design that is best suited to linear linkage designs and more compact frames. The TTX2Air m.2 uses a double can design with positive and negative chambers and a larger air volume. Both versions of the TTXAir shocks retail for $745, although a 4% Tariff surcharge is being added in the US, bringing the total up to $774.80.
- TTX1Air – single-can design
- TTX2Air – double-can design
- TTX compression valve technology
- Adjustable HSC, LSC, and rebound damping
- TTX1Air m.2 is available in 165×45, 185×55, 190×45, and 210×55 mm
- TTX1Air m.2 weight: 390 g (190×45 mm)
- TTX2Air m.2 is available in 185×55, 205×65, 210×55, and 230×65 mm
- TTX2Air m.2 weight: not listed
- Stroke length can be reduced by up to 7.5 mm in 2.5 mm increments
Öhlins RXF38 and DH38
The single-crown RXF38 and the dual-crown DH38 have put in a few years as the beefiest forks in the Öhlins lineup. While they come in different packages, both forks are built around Öhlins’ TTX18 damping cartridge and received similar internal and external updates. Öhlins TTX18 damping technology has already proven itself on the world stage as it was raced by the 2024 Overall World Cup Downhill Champion, Loic Bruni. That’s a strong foundation for both models, which clearly already worked well enough, for SuperBruni anyway.
Rather than complete overhauls, the internal updates to both the RFX38 and DH38 appear to be subtle refinements aimed at improving comfort, sensitivity, and bottom-out control. Öhlins added a bottom-out “spring booster” to add progressiveness, and they claim to have further optimized the system for use with volume spacers. This should make it easier for riders to avoid harsh bottom-outs and to dial in the ride feel through adjustments to air volume.
Externally, the stanchions have been given a slippery new surface treatment which Öhlins claims “improves small-bump sensitivity and overall ride smoothness,” and “reduces wear and enhances long-term performance.” The lowers have been updated with a shiny gloss black finish and similar bold new graphics to the TTXAir shock mentioned above.
RXF38 m.3 Details
The new RXF38 m.3 is Öhlins’ long-travel single-crown fork aimed at enduro, e-MTB, and aggressive trail riders. Retail price is $1,395, plus a 4% Tariff surcharge ($55.80) in the U.S. market.
- Available in 160, 170, and 180 mm lengths
- Air and Coil (170 mm only) options
- 38 mm stanchions
- TTX18 damper
- 29-inch only
- 44 mm offset
- eMTB-approved
- 2,320 g w/ bolts and axle (claimed)
DH38 m.2 Details
The DH38 m.2 is Öhlins’ dedicated dual-crown downhill fork made for lapping your local bike park or winning the World Cup overall. You can pick one up for a cool $1,675, and don’t forget about that 4% Tariff surcharge ($67) if you live in the U.S.
- 200 mm length only
- Air and Coil options
- 38 mm stanchions
- TTX18 damper
- 29-inch and 27.5-inch sizes available
- 46, 50, 54, and 58 mm offset options
- 110 x 20 mm axle
- 2,820 g w/ bolts and axle (claimed)
If you’re interested in learning more or upgrading your suspension, all of the new models are available now through the Öhlins website.
