RockShox Updates dampers, springs, & offsets

Can our shocks get any better? Ask any suspension marketing department, and the answer will be a resounding "You betcha!" Will those changes be noticeable to us mere mortals who aren't pushing modern-day superbikes to their limits? We will have to wait until we ride one to find out for ourselves. But when we asked the RockShox suspension marketing department about their new goodies, here is what they told us is better. All updated suspension will be available in April, with the exception of the Revelation, which will be available in May.

The Lyrik RC2

The Lyrik RC2 maintains its 35-millimeter stanchions, but has a new damper and a new air spring inside them. The Charger has been replaced by the Charger 2 RC2, which offers high and low speed compression adjustment. The DebonAir air spring also got an update inside the fork and is said to reduce friction in every part of the fork that moves, resulting in improved bump absorption and better response under load. A smoother fork will also reduce rider fatigue, so you can rider harder for longer.

Perhaps most interestingly, the new Lyrik is going to be available in multiple offset options—37 millimeters or 46 millimeters for 27.5 forks and 42 millimeter or 51 millimeter for 29er forks. That means RockShox suspension can start working on the new Transition bikes, the Orbea Rallon and any other bike company makes the switch to a smaller-offset fork.

A few other features worth mentioning include the fork only being compatible with boosted wheels, it weighs 2,013 to 2,058 grams depending on size and has a post mount for 180-millimeter rotors. The fork will come in 10-millimeter travel increments starting at 150 and topping out at 180. And if all-black isn't your thing, there is a new option for red lowers. The fork is available for $1,000.

The more affordable Yari also received the new air spring, multiple offsets and is outfitted with the Motion Control damper for $700. The Pike received all the same updates as the Lyrik, except for high-speed compression damping adjustment. The Pike's travel ranges from 120 millimeters to 160 millimeters and retails for $880 to $950. If you are interested in the Pike, but want to save some money, the budget Revelation has the same chassis as the Pike and the new DebonAir spring, but is outfitted with the Motion Control damper. The Revelation retails from $650 to $720.

If you already have one of these RockShox forks and just want the new Charger 2 damper, that will be available from $245 to $320, depending on the fork. You will also be able to buy the new DebonAir air spring aftermarket for $42.

The Super Deluxe

Like fork like shock, the new Super Deluxe RC3 is also outfitted with fresh DebonAir updates, including changes to the interior surface that result in reduced friction and improved traction. The rebound has also seen an update with expanded range for slower slows and faster fasts. The new shock has a 3-position compression adjustment (open, pedal and locked) compared to the 2-position found on the RCT. The RC3 retails for $530, while the RCT goes for $580. The RCT is more expensive due to its low-speed compression adjustment in open mode, which the RC3 does not have.

If a coil is more in line with what you like riding, Rockshox has also updated the Super Deluxe Coil RCT and Coil RT Remote. The RCT has an external rebound damping adjustment and open and pedal modes. Similar to the air-sprung RCT, the Coil RCT also has low-speed compression adjustment in open mode. The RT Remote, is, you guessed it, remote operated when switching between open and locked positions. The RCT retails for $550, and the RT Remote is $600.

The light-trail-oriented Deluxe RT3 is also updated, with the same features given to the Super Deluxe RC3, but without a piggy back reservoir. The Deluxe RT3 will be $410.