RockShox updates the Super Deluxe and Vivid with LinearXL

RockShox has introduced the new generation of shock absorbers with the models Super Deluxe and Vivid, two revamped platforms that incorporate changes in the air chamber, hydraulic circuit, and end-stroke control. Both models share a common technological base but maintain a specific focus.

The keys to the redesign: more sensitivity and greater control

The new generation adopts the new LinearXL air system from RockShox, aimed at providing a more linear and predictable behavior throughout the travel. This system requires higher pressures and seeks to improve the consistency of the shock absorber under different usage conditions.

RockShox has introduced a new Base Valve, a key component within the hydraulic circuit that regulates how oil flows inside the shock absorber. In this new generation, the brand has managed to reduce internal forces of the IFP by 40% (the internal piston that separates oil from air). This has a direct effect on performance. The shock absorber requires less force to start moving, which clearly improves sensitivity to small impacts, while maintaining stability when the load increases.

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Alongside this, the main compression piston has also been revised, meaning that the adjustment of the main piston responsible for controlling compression has been updated. This change does not aim to stiffen the shock absorber in general but rather to reinforce support in the mid-stroke, where the suspension works most of the time. The result is a bike that stays higher in its travel, with better control during cornering and braking, and with a more consistent behavior with forks that use the Charger 3.2 cartridge.

Regarding adjustments, RockShox incorporates a system that  simply adds a numerical reference to the compression controls. It does not change the operation of the shock absorber, but it greatly facilitates tuning, as it allows you to know exactly what position you are in and repeat adjustments with precision without having to count clicks or do it “by eye”.

The new hydraulic circuits: what changes in the range

In this range of shock absorbers, RockShox includes its new hydraulic circuits at different levels, from the electronic system to the most basic options, all based on the new internal platform.

• At the highest level is the new Flight Attendant RC3. This system automatically manages the compression of the shock absorber in real-time, adapting the behavior of the suspension according to pedaling and terrain, but now it does so supported by the new hydraulic design and the LinearXL air system, which improves the coherence and sensitivity of the whole.
• The RC2T is the most complete hydraulic system in mechanical versions. It allows independent adjustment of low and high-speed compression, as well as rebound, and incorporates a threshold control that improves efficiency without fully locking the shock absorber.
• The RC2 maintains independent adjustment of low and high-speed compression along with rebound but does not focus on pedaling. It is designed for more aggressive use, where control during descents is prioritized.
• The RCT incorporates low-speed compression and rebound adjustment, offering functional control of the shock absorber's support in situations such as braking, cornering, or changes in pace.
• The RT simplifies the system and introduces a threshold lever that stiffens the behavior to improve efficiency during pedaling sections, without fully locking the suspension.
• The R is the most basic option, limited to rebound adjustment as the only regulation.

RockShox Super Deluxe 2027: models and prices

The new Super Deluxe D1 is presented as a shock absorber designed to adapt to a wide variety of bikes, from trail to enduro.

It includes an optional Hydraulic Bottom Out system that acts in the last 20% of the travel, restricting oil flow to increase resistance in that final phase.

The air system allows working up to 400 psi and uses o-ring type tokens with different configurations depending on the travel:

• 6 positions for travels from 57.5 to 65 mm
• 5 positions for travels from 47.5 to 55 mm
• 4 positions for travels from 37.5 to 45 mm

The maintenance interval for the air chamber has been extended from 50 to 100 hours.

Models and prices of the RockShox Super Deluxe

• Super Deluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant - 1,145 €
• Super Deluxe Ultimate - 765 €
• Super Deluxe Select+ Not available aftermarket
• Super Deluxe Select - Not available aftermarket
• Super Deluxe Base - Not available aftermarket

RockShox Vivid 2027: models and prices

The Vivid positions itself as the shock absorber aimed at more aggressive use, including enduro, e-bike, and downhill. It introduces the Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) system, which allows adjusting compression in the last 20% of the travel via an external dial with 5 positions.

The model also incorporates the new Base Valve and the revised main piston compression adjustment. In the higher versions, the shock absorber has independent adjustment of high and low-speed compression, as well as a numbered dial.

Models and prices of the RockShox Vivid

• Vivid Ultimate - 850 €
• Vivid Ultimate DH - 850 €
• Vivid Select+ Not available aftermarket
• Vivid Select - Not available aftermarket
• Vivid Base - Not available aftermarket

More information on the official RockShox website.