1ST IMPRESSION
and more mid-stroke support, while the linear air can is the better option for bikes with progressive linkages. Regardless of type, the air cans can be tuned with Bottomless Tokens and Negative Tokens depending on the level of support and progression you desire.
As with the Charger 3 damper in the new Rockshox forks, only low-speed rebound is user adjustable with the RC2T shocks.
HOW THEY RIDE
The first thing that struck me about the new MY23 Rockshox suspension was its soft initial touch. I’d describe it as akin to fitting softer-compound tyres front and rear, or running slightly lower pressures, so while it’s subtle, it’s also appreciable.
Can credit for this be traced back to Buttercups, or is it a collective symptom of many small improvements throughout the chassis, damper and air spring? That’s really difficult to say as it’s impossible to isolate just one feature at a time, and largely it’s irrelevant too, as it’s the overall effect that’s important. Suffice to say that there is a definite gain in sensitivity with the new Zeb fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate shock.
When it comes to the complex and often confusing task of setting up your suspension, the new Charger 3 and RC2T have really stepped it up.
They offer the ability to transform the performance and behaviour of the bike in a methodical manner, but manage to be straightforward and intuitive at the same time.
For example, adding low-speed damping really stabilises the geometry and adds support, but doesn’t boot you into the weeds over the slightest bump. Alternatively, opening it up generates noticeably more grip. One or two clicks difference can be felt on the trail, but the bike still remains rideable at both extremes of adjustment.
Rockshox has certainly delivered on its promise of reduced harshness. Feedback is filtered, chatter is muted and I started to worry less about small bumps and slim roots bisecting the trail, as there was enough consistency in the grip that only the bigger holes and chunkier tubers disrupted my flow.
Full travel was achievable at the back, although I never registered any of those events thanks to that hydraulic bottom out. Land deep off a jump or drop and the bike feels ready to go immediately – there’s no need to wait for everything to settle down before getting back on the gas or making a change of direction.
Up front I’m still shy of achieving full travel. There’s around 13mm left on the table that I’m yet to unlock, so my to-do-list includes trying it without a Bottomless Token and increasing the pressure slightly. The other option is to keep the token and lower the pressure. I’ll try both and see which feels better.
It’s still early days for the new Rockshox stuff – I’ve only managed to get a few rides in on the new bits – but first impressions are good and this is a significant step up in performance from the previous generation.
The Zeb is now much more in line with the Fox 38 Performance Elite in terms of damping control and tunability, yet it’s still £120 cheaper than its rival.
Likewise, the new rear shocks have been elevated to a level where they can compete with the likes of the Fox Float X2, and they’re £160 less.
More testing is needed to find out which delivers the ultimate performance, but whichever way the verdict falls, there’s no doubt that the result is going to be tighter than ever.
HIGHS
Supple, controlled, usable range of adjustment, simplified tuning
LOWS
Not all models get HSC and LSC control, Buttercups or Pressure Relief Valves
ROCKSHOX ZEB ULTIMATE FORK Travel
ROCKSHOX SUPER DELUXE SHOCK
Air cans