The Rock Shox lexicon for abbreviations and technologies

If you’ve ever navigated the jungle of suspension technologies, you know it’s riddled with more acronyms than there are gravel paths in the foothills of the Alps. Rock Shox, a leading name in the suspension biz, boasts an impressive lineup of forks, shocks, and dropper posts. We’re putting an end to the guessing game and illuminating the shadowy realm of product names!

Join us on a journey through the Rock Shox universe. Ever since the biking community had its first ‘Woah!’ moment with a Judy fork a long time ago, Rock Shox’s portfolio has evolved into a veritable smorgasbord of travel options. From entry-level models to the legendary Boxxer, from the sensitive SIDluxe to the sturdy Super Deluxe shock – Rock Shox offers something for every category, from Cross-Country to Downhill. As a part of the SRAM clan, the company cleverly leverages resources and market position. We’re going to dig deeper into the tech talk, decode the acronyms hidden behind the names. Let’s unveil the secrets behind Debon Air, Charger, dampers, and what “TK” stands for, and discover what makes their forks and shocks stand out.

For seasoned riders, the classification of quality levels in Rock Shox’s suspension forks and shocks is much more than a guideline: it’s a critical factor in the decision-making process when purchasing a new bike. Rock Shox consistently divides the high-end segment into three well-defined classes, instantly signaling to the rider where each product ranks in the performance spectrum.

Starting with the Select series, Rock Shox establishes a foundation in the high-end sector. The Select models come equipped with advanced technologies and robust performance, setting the stage for entry into the realm of serious mountain biking. These provide the aspiring cyclist with base gear that’s noticeably above average, yet still leaves room for future upgrades.

A notch above sits the Select Plus series. Riders here can enjoy additional tuning options, such as a more finely adjustable compression setting. The benefits are not just theoretical but are immediately felt on the trails. These models do precisely what experienced pilots desire: they offer practical adjustability and, most importantly, a well-chosen range of settings to accommodate individual preferences.

The ultimate benchmark in technological advancement and performance is embodied by the Ultimate models. Rock Shox has poured the currently conceivable peak of technology into material form. Ultimate products represent the absolute pinnacle of tech, with extremely precise adjustability and materials that set the standard in weight efficiency. Moreover, the manufacturing variance in tolerances for individual components is significantly less in the high-caliber Ultimate forks and shocks compared to the Select products.

The discerning rider is well aware of the subtleties an Ultimate suspension system offers and values them. Those unwilling to compromise on performance and quality should invest in Ultimate. However, it must be made clear that even a Select+ suspension operates at an incredibly high level.

Rock Shox has thus succeeded in creating a well-thought-out hierarchy for demanding riders that leaves no question as to which performance and quality category a product belongs.

In the more affordable range, quality can’t always be identified by an added model designation. A key insight here is that some models don’t even exist in the high-end tier. Instead of offering a super budget-friendly SID cross-country fork, RockShox covers the affordable XC bracket with the Judy fork. The same goes for the models Reba, Domain, 35. All of these forks, as well as the Monarch shocks, sit below the flagship products, regardless of the suffix they carry.

At first glance, it seems that the mountain bike market makes a clear distinction in affordable forks with the labels “Gold” and “Silver”. But is it really gold that glitters, or do these shiny names conceal an artificial polarization that says little about technical differences? In fact, at the entry-level, RockShox often uses such simplistic categories to grade their forks, blurring the lines between material quality, craftsmanship, and performance.

Beyond the fancy nomenclature, the thicket of product diversity is further compacted by distinctive feature abbreviations. Abbreviations like “RL” for “Rebound Adjustment and Lockout” or “TK” for “TurnKey” might just seem like gibberish to the untrained eye. These letter combinations signify crucial technical features that significantly influence a fork’s functionality and handling. But without specialized knowledge, consumers may struggle to decipher what these abbreviations actually mean for the performance and reliability of their ride.

To cut to the chase: In the realm of more budget-friendly Rock Shox forks, there’s a slight obfuscation of product quality through series names and feature shorthand, which can be particularly challenging for novices. As a rider on the trails, you need gear you can count on – and that requires clear understanding of what you’re getting for your hard-earned cash. It’s vital to keep your eyes peeled, gain knowledge, and ask probing questions before committing to what seems like a bargain. Those who grasp the nuances of each model and their technical specs can make informed choices and pick out the right fork for their riding level and specific needs.

Those venturing into the depths of the Rock Shox realm will quickly encounter an array of acronyms and technical terms that might baffle the uninitiated. But for the hardcore rider, these terms unveil the versatility and adaptability of components that define the riding experience on the trails.

Let’s start with the “Butter Cups”. The name might sound smooth and appealing, but it refers to an elastomer bumper designed to soak up ultra-fine vibrations before the suspension fork’s stiction is overcome between the stationary and sliding tubes. While not a game changer in suspension technology, it does help in sniping those minute vibrations before they reach your wrists.

Talk of “Tokens” really gets the gearheads’ adrenaline pumping, as these tiny volume spacers allow for precise tuning of an air suspension’s spring curve. They do so by reducing the volume of the fork or shock’s air chamber. The more tokens you install, the smaller the chamber becomes, and the more progressive the suspension behaves in the final third of the travel. This enables riders to noticeably tailor the suspension to their individual preferences and the trails they tackle. Each fork requires its specific token, which is usually included with new bikes.

“DebonAir” is another term you’ll often encounter when dealing with RockShox suspension components. It refers to a larger air spring chamber that comes factory-installed. This technology allows for a plusher initial stroke of the suspension while also affording the rider the ability to increase end-stroke progression. Aside from the standard air pressure adjustments that you’d make with any air spring, DebonAir chambers don’t have any “tuning” settings. Forks either come with it, or they don’t.

The letters “R”, “RL”, and “RC” designate different spec variants of shocks and forks. “R” indicates the base setup with adjustable rebound damping, “RL” adds the option for a lockout feature, and “RC” further includes compression damping adjustability. This variety exemplifies the customizable nature of suspension components.

The “Charger Damper” refers to a sealed damper system that allows for more precise control of both compression and rebound phases, resulting in a consistently responsive and smooth ride.

“LSC” and “HSC” stand for “Low-Speed Compression” and “High-Speed Compression”. These adjustments allows riders to fine-tune how the suspension reacts to small bumps and big hits, maximizing traction and comfort.

“Rebound”, often abbreviated as “R”, measures how quickly the suspension returns to its original position after being compressed – a return that’s too quick can make the bike feel twitchy, too slow and it becomes sluggish in response to successive hits.

“LSR” stands for “Low-Speed Rebound,” which is the fine-tuning of the rebound in the last quarter of the suspension travel, allowing precise control of the spring-back during technical sections or when rolling over roots and rocks.

“Coil” refers to a steel spring and provides a linear spring rate that excels in its unmatched sensitivity and reliability during hard impacts and rough terrain.

The world of mountain biking is always pushing the technological envelope, and at the forefront of this innovation is undoubtedly the Flight Attendant system from Rock Shox. This sophisticated electronic aid relies on a network of sensors that enable the suspension to automatically lock out or open up. The goal is to maximize traction while simultaneously minimizing unwanted pedal kickback, or the annoying bobbing of the bike – a response that’s as quick as a sprinter’s heartbeat on the trails. The power for this state-of-the-art system comes from batteries that supply enough watt-hours to keep the sensors and electronic actuators running at all times.

Currently, the domain of the Flight Attendant System remains exclusive to full-suspension bikes with plenty of travel. This makes sense, as it is precisely in this context that the technology shines, responding instantaneously to changing terrain and optimizing the use of travel. The increased complexity and the additional weight of the system are justified in this context by a noticeable boost in performance.

Nonetheless, Flight Attendant has already proven its mettle within the elite circle of the Cross-Country World Cup. Riders like Nino Schurter, a titan of cross-country racing, have demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in World Cup events. This clearly signals that Flight Attendant isn’t just relevant for enduro riders, but also has the potential to revolutionize the cross-country racing scene.

As you navigate through the thicket of Rock Shox technologies, you’re bound to encounter the mechanical lockout systems that can significantly shape your trail riding experience. Rock Shox offers two options in its arsenal. One Loc and Twist Loc – both can lock out the fork and shock at the push of a button.

Let’s start with the One Loc lever. It allows you to lock or unlock your suspension unit with a simple thumb press. This is ideal for cross-country riders looking to convert every ounce of energy into forward momentum on fast, open sections of trail without fork or shock absorption wasting any precious power. The clearly defined lever position provides instant feedback – you’ll immediately know which mode you’re in.

The Twist Loc, on the other hand, offers a different ergonomic approach – it requires a twisting action, similar to a Grip-Shift on your handlebars. A simple twist locks or releases the suspension. This feature is especially beneficial during long climbs or when sprinting through the race’s final leg and every second counts. Integration into existing cockpit setups is often seamless, as the Twist Loc intuitively finds its spot right next to your shift levers.

The choice between One Loc and Twist Loc should not only be based on personal preference but should also complement the other components you have installed on your handlebars.