Rimpact originally made a name for itself with its namesake tire inserts, but its product range has grown to include several items catering mostly toward the gravity-riding crowd. The brand also makes a direct-mount chain damping device/chainrings, and it just announced updated versions with more tuning options. Last year, Rimpact added to its list of damping products with the original TMD (Tuned Mass Damper), a vibration-damping system hidden inside the fork’s steerer tube. Now, Rimpact has announced the TMD V2, an updated version that builds on the success of its predecessor and aims to improve upon it.
What Is a Tuned Mass Damper?
In gravity-oriented mountain biking, damping vibration is a problem with many solutions. Our frames, suspension, tires, handlebars, and grips are already working to manage vibrations. Adding to that list is the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). TMDs are among the more recent advancements in vibration-damping technology to capture the attention of professional and amateur riders alike, and they have grown quickly in popularity among downhill and enduro racers.
The oversimplified explanation is that TMDs work by suspending a weight between springs. The sprung mass absorbs vibration, thereby reducing the amount transmitted to the rider. By damping vibration, TMDs reduce rider fatigue, improve comfort and control, and calm the bike’s handling, making it more predictable through rough terrain.
While TMDs are more widely used in other applications, we’re aware of only a couple of TMDs specifically designed for mountain biking currently on the market. The Rimpact TMD and the CounterSycle. The CounterSycle is an externally mounted version that is more obvious, given its visible mounting location outside of the bike’s head tube.
Rimpact TMD V2
Rimpact’s original TMD was arguably a more elegant solution compared to the CounterSycle, given that it was completely hidden from view. Like its predecessor, the TMD V2 remains incognito and is housed discreetly in the empty space within your fork’s steerer tube. It consists of a 250-gram brass weight, which is suspended between two springs. The suspended mass responds to inputs with the goal of counteracting vibration before it reaches the rider’s hands.
With the V2 update, Rimpact states that it has added “end-stroke elastomers to add even more composure and control on the biggest hits.” Additionally, Rimpact chose springs with extended travel to allow the mass to respond to inputs more quickly. While the previous version came with three sets of springs for varying conditions, the aforementioned extended travel apparently combines the best of all three “into a single, carefully tuned spring setup: letting the mass respond faster to trail inputs while maintaining control through the biggest hits — no swapping required.”
According to Rimpact, the TMD V2 requires only a 4mm allen key and a 10mm spanner to install, and it will fit any fork with a 1-⅛” metallic steerer. It is optimized for steerer lengths 180mm or longer, but we’re told it can fit shorter ones using conventional headset spacers. Interestingly, Rimpact states that the TMD V2 is not compatible with gravel bikes, but that a gravel-specific unit is in the works. Color us intrigued.
Rimpact’s TMDs are already widely used, including by athletes on a number of World Cup DH teams. These include Trek Factory Racing, Canyon CLLCTV, Scott Factory DH, Cube Factory Racing, and NukeProof Axess Racing. With that type of acceptance among the fastest gravity riders in the world, it would certainly seem like there’s something to it.
Rimpact TMD V2: Pricing and Availability
If you’re interested in Rimpact’s TMD V2 or any of its other products, head to the Rimpact website to learn more. The TMD V2 is priced at £199.99 and is currently available to preorder, with shipping starting March 16, 2026.
