New RockShox Charger 3.1 damper (yes, it’s retrofittable)

RockShox has revealed its new Charger 3.1 damper platform, which will be added to a selection of 2025 (MY25) forks.

It’s also revealed updates to shocks, and an extensive revision to the Trailhead App that helps you manage your SRAM and RockShox products. You’ll be pleased to know that many of the updates can be fitted to existing RockShox products.

(We have a new RockShox Pike but we’ve not had anywhere near enough time on it to spew forth anything worthwhile about its performance. It’ll be another couple of weeks yet. Stay tuned!)

MY25 Pike, Lyrik, and ZEB forks with Charger 3.1 damper

“Building on the proven Charger 3 platform, we worked with our riders to make Charger 3.1 an even more capable fork damper. While decreasing overall damping throughout the system, clever internal improvements have broadened the adjustment range of Low Speed Compression (LSC) and High Speed Compression (HSC). A broader adjustment range means more room to find your sweet spot and perfect ride feel. No matter where you ride, you can find your perfect settings. With the new Shim Tune Kits, you can customize your damper just the way you like. The updated forks also feature an updated bushing package, resulting in the lowest possible friction for an overall improved system.“

If you’re already got a fork, you can upgrade a Pike, Lyrik or Zeb using the new 3.1 RC2 damper, at £350, to bring you up to date. Or, if you’ve got the most recent Charger 3 system, you can just update the piston for £75, bringing your Charger 3 up to 3.1 standards.

The shim tuning kits cost £29 for the tool and kit. The standard shim set up that comes as stock is a ‘light’ compression and rebound tune, and these can be swapped for ‘medium’ or ‘heavy’. These shim tune upgrades will work on Chager 3, 3,1 and Flight Attendant units.

Oh, and there’s a new red Zeb too. Zeb’s Red, baby.

MY25 SuperDeluxe rear shock

“Taking an award-winning product to the next level, the updated Super Deluxe is focused on damping refinements to provide meaningful performance benefits. We’ve redesigned the main piston and reservoir to allow for optimized oil flow to give you less compression damping for better traction, whether you’re flowing through berms or smashing through rock gardens. Built for the rides that go anywhere and include everything, we’ve updated the damping range controlled by the external compression adjusters to a more usable range, complementing more bikes, more rider’s needs, and more terrain.“

SRAM says the new high flow piston allows double the oil flow on the Super Deluxe, giving smoother rebound, plus an optional hydraulic bottom out to cushion the end of the stroke.

There’s also a new DebonAir+ Linear XL air can. With an increase in positive air volume, Linear XL offers riders super supple action at the top of the travel – coil-like performance in an air shock.

As with the forks, a selection of upgrades are available to bring some existing shocks up to date.

MY25 Vivid Coil rear shock

“Vivid Coil builds upon the supple performance that is the hallmark of a coil spring with advanced technology and features. The basic coil spring isn’t novel, but the damping system, design, and architecture of Vivid Coil brings all of RockShox’s technology to bear for a fine-tuned suspension component that allows riders to tackle increasingly challenging terrain. Designed to match any course, Vivid Coil features TouchDown technology—a position-sensitive damping system that’s forgiving at the beginning of travel while staying composed through the middle and end of the stroke—and Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out to fine-tune your compression damping within the last 20% of travel“

As well as the adjustable hydraulic bottom out, you also get stroke specific bumpers, making sure you get the most out of the shock on every bike.

Updated TrailHead app

“Mountain bike suspension offers riders a wide range of tunability and personalization, which can be daunting for anyone. Where do you begin? TrailHead is all about educating and empowering riders to get the most out of their suspension. TrailHead has been rebuilt under the hood and comes with an updated look, beautiful imagery, better flow, video support, and an improved rider journey. A series of new features make TrailHead more powerful than ever.“

The new TrailHead app provides useful stuff like tuning recommendations, helps you find your serial numbers, and adds a journal feature so you can keep track of setting used and adjustments made.

That’s your brief summary. If you really want to go deep into each of the products and all the various compatible upgrades, here you go:

NEW CHARGER 3.1

We updated the plumbing through the Low Speed Compression circuit to make the oil’s easy-flow path even easier, allowing more oil to flow through the LSC when the adjuster is set to Open. 68% more oil flow, to be exact. This means less compression damping, so you can hold onto traction and control to mute low-speed trail noise.

During testing, our World Cup racers requested more high-speed damping for an even more supportive ride on the fastest tracks. We increased the size of the High Speed Compression pyramid, to create more damping when the HSC adjuster is closed, so you can add the exact amount of support you need.

• UPDATED LOW SPEED COMPRESSION (LSC) CIRCUIT – 68% more oil flow means reduced damping when LSC is in the open position for more comfort.
• NEW HIGH SPEED COMPRESSION (HSC) PYRAMID – Increased damping when HSC is in the closed position so you can add the exact amount of support you need.
• NEW SHIM TUNE KITS – With two compression and three rebound tunes available, you can customize your damper just the way you like.
• KNURLED ADJUSTERS – Clear markings so you can see your exact settings.
• NEW INTERNAL FLOATING PISTON (IFP) COIL SPRING – A new, stiffer coil spring matches the increased oil flow throughout the system and boosts consistency and control.
• NEW MID VALVE CHECK SPRING – An updated design means further reduced compression damping for more traction.
• THE STRONG, SILENT TYPE – No distractions, no noise pollution—let’s not forget, the Charger 3 platform is a completely silent damper design. A damper designed to give you the opportunity to get out of your head and tune the exact combination of damping settings for your ride style, and the trail you’re on.
• UPDATED BUSHING PACKAGE  – Our steps to innovate represent the learnings from every development project. During the latest BoXXer development, we fine-tuned our ride testing protocols and enhanced testing in our Colorado Development center. We made improvements at our factory to ensure the highest level of manufacturing quality and consistency, all to ensure riders receive high-performance products right out of the box. The result is an all-new bushing package available on all models of ZEB, Lyrik, and Pike. We’ve developed new production specs for lower leg reaming alongside new bushing sizing requirements, resulting in the lowest possible friction for an overall improved system.
• UPDATED PUSHING TOWARDS PERFECTION – Our never ending push toward perfection led us to refine the shape of Pike’s air spring curve. We added a hollowed-out top cap to maximize the volume of Pike’s negative air chamber. This makes initiating travel even easier, improving overall traction and small-bump sensitivity.

UPDATED ZEB ULTIMATE

Built for the best riders, ridden on the hardest tracks, ZEB Ultimate rules the world’s toughest enduros. Equipped with the new Charger 3.1 RC2 damper, ZEB gives riders exceptional adjustability for the right balance of comfort, control, and speed. Alongside this flagship damper, the 38mm chassis rides on vibration-killing ButterCups and a DebonAir+ spring. The technology you need for the fastest split times, the style you want on the start line: This is ZEB.

*Includes VAT

UPDATED LYRIK ULTIMATE

The most versatile fork in our lineup, Lyrik harmonizes descending power with effortless efficiency. Lyrik’s legendary performance enters a new era with the Charger 3.1 RC2 damper that offers a wider tunable range of adjustments for the perfect suspension action. Lyrik Ultimate packs an orchestra of industry-leading tech like the ButterCups technology and a DebonAir+ air spring in a 35mm chassis. Now better than ever, Lyrik is ready to push your limits.

*Includes VAT 

UPDATED PIKE ULTIMATE

Ultra-versatile, super capable, lightweight on the scales, heavy on the attitude—this is Pike. Not afraid of the rooty chutes. Unintimidated by the calf-crushing climbs. We’ve updated our trail-capable legend with the new Charger 3.1 RC2 damper. Along with vibration-killing ButterCups, this damper offers better traction, comfort, and control. With more tunable range, Charger 3.1 enables riders to set up the perfect suspension action for their preferences. A fork designed to level up your trail game. Experience the legend.

*Includes VAT

NEW CHARGER 3.1 RC2 DAMPER UPGRADE

Built with input from the world’s best riders, Charger 3.1 RC2 is a brilliant evolution of our proven damper platform. With increased damping range and High Speed Compression (HSC), Low Speed Compression (LSC), and Low Speed Rebound adjustments, Charger 3.1 RC2 smooths out the roughest trails.

• Charger 3.1 RC2’s adjustment range is broader—with less compression damping in the LSC open position and additional support in the HSC closed position, this gives you the traction, control, and comfort you need to charge dicey lines all day
• Includes full right-side internals with controls
• Compatible with Pike C1+(2023+), Lyrik D1+(2023+), and ZEB A1+(2021+)
• High Speed Compression, Low Speed Compression, and Low Speed Rebound adjustments
• Featuring completely independent High Speed Compression and Low Speed Compression adjustments, every click is exact and meaningful.
• Includes vibration-fighting ButterCups to block 20% of trail chatter

NEW CHARGER 3.1 RC2 PISTON UPGRADE KIT

The Charger 3.1 RC2 Piston Kit upgrades existing Charger 3 dampers to the NEW Charger 3.1. With increased damping range, Charger 3.1 RC2 is primed to take on any trail. Less compression damping in the Low Speed Compression open position and additional support in the High Speed Compression closed position gives you the traction, control, and comfort you need to charge dicey lines all day.

• Upgrades existing Charger 3 RC2 dampers to Charger 3.1
• Easily upgrade the damper while completing a 200-hour service
• Includes piston assembly, IFP spring, tuning shims, and the Charger 3.1 High Flow Piston Tool
• Compatible with Pike C1+(2023+), Lyrik D1+(2023+), ZEB A1+(2021+), and BoXXer D1+ (2024+) Charger 3 RC2 dampers
• High Speed Compression, Low Speed Compression, and Low Speed Rebound adjustments

NEW CHARGER 3.1 DAMPER SHIM TUNE KIT

Charger 3.1 RC2’s increased damper range is primed to take on any trail, and with the new Shim Tune Kit, you have another layer of tunability to make your suspension your own. Offering up two compression tunes (Standard and Heavy) and three rebound tunes (Light, Medium/Standard, and Heavy), you can customize your damper just the way you like.

• Includes two compression tunes (Standard and Heavy), three rebound tunes (Light, Medium/Standard, and Heavy), and the RockShox Charger 3.1 High Flow Piston Tool.
• Compatible with Charger 3.1 dampers. Rebound shim tuning is available for Charger 3 and Charger 3.1 Flight Attendant.

NEW REAR SHOCKS – BETTER TRACTION, WIDER RANGE.

UPDATED SUPER DELUXE

More grip, more traction, and more control on the roughest track and trails. Super Deluxe features redesigned High Speed Compression (HSC) and Low Speed Compression (LSC) damping for responsive, controlled suspension performance. We freed up oil flow within the LSC circuit to provide five damping adjustments that range from light to supportive, all without compromising on grip.

A new High-Flow Piston combined with a lighter rebound check plate optimize oil flow and shim engagement. Together, this system eliminates rear wheel hang-ups and smooths the transition between damping circuits, allowing the bike to track more precisely and hold any line you choose.

Super Deluxe is more tunable than ever, with the right number of usable clicks, each making a noticeable difference in suspension performance.

NEW SUPER DELUXE DEBONAIR+ LINEAR XL AIR CAN

One air can to span them all. Joining the ranks of the Linear and Progressive air cans, the new DebonAir+ Linear XL air can is your shock’s new secret weapon.

Riders asked for an air can that bridged the gap between Super Deluxe and Vivid. The Linear XL air can is the answer. With an increase in positive air volume, Linear XL offers riders super supple action at the top of the travel.

This improved air can doesn’t sacrifice tunability, either. With room for a total of eight Bottomless Tokens (four in the eyelet and four on the air sleeve), the air volume can be adjusted to fine-tune feel.

• Compatible with Super Deluxe C1+(2023+), Deluxe C1+(2023+) 

UPDATED SUPER DELUXE ULTIMATE

Give your all-day trail bike the firepower it needs for rugged terrain, plus the efficiency to climb back up for more. Super Deluxe Ultimate is an award-winning rear shock that keeps getting better. The latest generation has decreased compression damping to devour the downhills. The proven RC2T damper contains an arsenal of suspension tuning settings for any rider or trail. Independently adjust High and Low Speed Compression or reach for the Threshold lever if you need pedaling efficiency. With the optional Hydraulic Bottom Out that kicks in within the last 20% of travel to cushion harsh bottom-outs, Super Deluxe offers pure all-mountain performance.

*Includes VAT 

NEW RC2T ULTIMATE RESERVOIR UPGRADE

The RC2T Ultimate reservoir upgrade is unmatched in performance, optimized oil flow, and fine-tunability with external independent High and Low Speed Compression adjustments. Upgrade your existing Super Deluxe to Ultimate performance.

• Compatible with Super Deluxe C1+ (2023+), Super Deluxe Coil B1 (2023), Vivid C1 (2024), Vivid Coil C1 (2025) 

NEW SUPER DELUXE HIGH-FLOW PISTON UPGRADE

New High-Flow Piston reduces High Speed Compression damping, eliminating hang-ups and allowing the wheel to easily get out of the way on hard impacts while giving the rider a smoother transition from compression to rebound.

• Backward compatible with Super Deluxe C1+(2023+)
• Requires additional shims if upgrading Super Deluxe C1 (2023+), as shims in the C1 piston do not work in the C2 piston. (Rear Shock Tune Assembly – 11.4118.096.023)
• See Piston Tuning Guide for C2 damper tunes.

NEW SUPER DELUXE DEBONAIR+ LINEAR XL AIR CAN

One air can to span them all. Joining the ranks of the Linear and Progressive air cans, the new DebonAir+ Linear XL air can is your shock’s new secret weapon. With an increase in positive air volume, Linear XL offers riders super supple action at the top of the travel.

• With room for a total of eight Bottomless Tokens (four in the eyelet and four on the air sleeve), the air volume can be adjusted to fine-tune feel.
• Compatible with Super Deluxe C1+ (2023+) and Deluxe C1+ (2023+)

UNMISTAKABLY COIL

The best gravity racers need it. The roughest tracks demand it. It’s the unmistakable feel of coil, evolved with premium technology to give you world-class suspension performance.

For uncompromising downhill performance, it has to be a coil shock. Vivid Coil builds upon the supple performance that is the hallmark of a coil spring with advanced technology and features. The basic coil spring isn’t novel, but the damping system, design, and architecture of Vivid Coil brings all of RockShox’s technology to bear for a fine-tuned suspension component that allows riders to tackle increasingly challenging terrain.

Designed to match any course, Vivid Coil features TouchDown technology—a position-sensitive damping system that’s forgiving at the beginning of travel while staying composed through the middle and end of the stroke—and Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out to fine-tune your compression damping within the last 20% of travel.

TOUCHDOWN TECHNOLOGY

TouchDown technology is Vivid Coil’s new position-sensitive damping system. We developed a rear shock damper that’s forgiving at the beginning of its travel while staying composed in the middle and end of the stroke. Each phase of suspension action makes a seamless handoff to the next, so all you notice is that thrilling buzz at the bottom of the downhill.

Just like how you react to the range of terrain on your favorite trails, Vivid Coil’s TouchDown technology handles whatever you drop into with ease.

To give Vivid Coil a supple ride at the beginning of its travel, TouchDown technology bypasses the compression damping generated by the main piston in the first 10% of its travel. Quieting trail chatter is just the beginning. To handle hectic terrain, the next 70% of Vivid Coil’s travel rides on controlled and stable compression damping. Adding to TouchDown technology’s adaptability, Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out lets you tune rear suspension feel for the harsh hits that dip into the final 20% of travel. Go ahead and do an end-zone dance if you feel like it.

ADJUSTABLE HYDRAULIC BOTTOM OUT

Vivid Coil features Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out (AHBO), which kicks in to increase compression damping within the last 20% of travel—but how much damping it offers is all on you. The key component is an adjustable dial offering five different compression settings to customize the cushioning you experience on impact. Vivid Coil’s AHBO allows for a wider range of rebound tunes to match our customer’s frame kinematics perfectly.

NEW VIVID COIL BOTTOM OUT BUMPER

Softer bottom-outs, no wasted travel. Vivid Coil’s new bottom-out bumper is stroke-specific to accommodate the range of stroke lengths required for different suspension designs.

This means that the shock can get the most out of its travel. And when you do hit the bottom, it lessens the blow.

NEW VIVID COIL ULTIMATE

The world’s best gravity racers need it. The roughest tracks demand it. Vivid Coil Ultimate is unmatched in downhill performance and tunability. Easily dial in the perfect ride feel with the TouchDown RC2T position-sensitive damper. External, independent High and Low Speed Compression adjustments provide unreal sensitivity off-the-top, support and control in the mid-stroke, and Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out to cushion the harshest landings. It’s the unmistakable feel of coil, evolved with premium technology to give you world-class suspension performance.

NEW VIVID COIL ULTIMATE DH

The world’s best gravity racers need it. The roughest tracks demand it. Vivid Coil Ultimate DH is unmatched in downhill performance and tunability. Easily dial in the perfect ride feel with the TouchDown RC2 position-sensitive damper, without the Threshold lever, for pure downhill performance. Independent High and Low Speed Compression adjustments provide unreal sensitivity off-the-top, support and control in the mid-stroke, and Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out to cushion the harshest landings. It’s the unmistakable feel of coil, evolved with premium technology to give you world-class suspension performance.

NEW VIVID COIL SPRINGS

Fueled by gravity. Designed to handle the roughest tracks. Vivid Coil’s springs are available in different sizes and weight ratings so you can find the perfect ride. 

• Available in Black and Electric Red
• Available in all stroke lengths, and weights ranging from 350lb to 900lb

*Includes VAT

sram.com/en/rockshox

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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