First Look: The New RockShox Zeb
Zeb get’s a full tech update while keeping the ButterCups and 38mm stanchions
The latest RockShox Zeb remains the heavy-hitter in the brand’s single-crown fork range and is aimed squarely at aggressive trail riding, enduro racing, eMTBs and bike park laps.
What’s new?
Like the RockShox Lyrik and RockShox Boxxer, the fork has undergone a full redesign, incorporating the brand’s newest technology throughout. RockShox says the chassis shape has been significantly revised to better isolate impact vibrations while still allowing riders to feel terrain and bike feedback. Stanchion diameter remains unchanged at 38mm.
A key element of the overhaul is the new LinearXL air spring. Designed to be speed-sensitive, it aims to deliver a more predictable ride feel with consistent sensitivity across the entire range of travel. The design goal was a fork that feels supple at the start of the stroke, supportive through the mid-stroke and controlled at the end, thanks to an adjustable bottom-out system that allows riders to fine-tune end-stroke support. RockShox tells us the LinearXL air spring also compensates for captured air in the lower legs, reducing the inconsistent speed sensitivity sometimes found in traditional designs.
The Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) system lets riders fine-tune how much bottom-out resistance they want without affecting the rest of the fork’s stroke. Meanwhile, the AirAnnex feature increases lower-leg air volume, reducing the progressiveness and speed sensitivity typically associated with standard lower-leg designs. RockShox has clearly targeted a more linear ride feel for the new Zeb.
Additional refinements help achieve this linear performance. Breather holes in the stanchions allow the lower-leg air volume to expand as the fork compresses through its travel, further smoothing the ride. Numbered clickers also make suspension setup more straightforward and repeatable.
The damper has been updated as well. The new RockShox Charger 3.2 Damper has been retuned to complement the LinearXL air spring and now features fully independent high-speed and low-speed compression damping. Small divots along the stanchions help distribute oil throughout the fork, continuously lubricating the bushings for a more consistently smooth performance.
RockShox has kept its ButterCup Vibration Damping Technology on the new Zeb. The lower arch has been redesigned to increase stiffness for improved handling under load, while still allowing generous tyre clearance. Directional stiffness is further improved through larger torque caps that work with a standard 15mm Maxle. A wider crown – machined after forging to reduce weight – also contributes to the fork’s overall rigidity.
The new Zeb will be offered in two colours and four models, including a RockShox Flight Attendant version. It will be available for both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels, with travel options of 150, 160, 170 and 180mm. //
sram.com
[ RockShox is distributed in South Africa by Cape Cycle Systems ]