INTRODUCING THE NEW ROCKSHOX VIVID AND VIVID AIR
RockShox introduces a new generation of Vivid Air (and Vivid Coil) shocks, which we probably might see on some enduro bikes in the near future too!
Here comes the official press release:
The new Vivid and Vivid Air rear shocks are the result of six years of development and testing with our BlackBox athletes at the highest levels of competition.
The new Vivid conquers several once-thought-impossible engineering features with technologies such as:
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Counter Measure, which reduces the breakaway force of the shock to virtually zero
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Dual Flow Adjust Rebound, which splits the rebound circuit in two: one to handle small bumps and pedaling forces and one for big hits. Each circuit is independently tunable
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Friction reduction: improves responsiveness and reduces shock’s noise to virtually zero
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Rapid Recovery Rebound: makes the new Vivid ride high in its travel, where the shock’s stroke is plushest and the bike maintains its composure, producing better reaction to big hits and superior traction
Technologies explained:
1. Counter Measure
Engineered For The Elite, the new Vivid conquers several once-thought-impossible
engineering feats. Technologies like Counter Measure, which reduces the
breakaway force of the shock to virtually zero pounds.
Pressure behind the IFP provides damper consistency, however that force pushes
the shock to extension. Counter Measure balances the IFP pressure, eliminating the
60 pounds of force traditionally needed to initiate shock movement. The result is
extreme sensitivity in initiating shock movement, transforming small bumps in to
traction-generating performance.
• Reduces initial breakaway to virtually zero
• Balance system forces provide insane sensitivity and traction
2. Dual Flow Adjust Rebound
Dual Flow Adjust Rebound splits the rebound circuit in two – one circuit
for small bumps and pedaling forces and one circuit for big bumps, like
smashing rocks or sending big jumps; it’s the confidence-builder that allows
the rider to fine tune the ride quality to exactly their riding style.
3. Rapid Recovery
Who doesn’t want more available wheel travel for successive
hits? Rapid Recovery allows the shock to recover faster between
consecutive bumps, letting the wheel track the ground with greater
precision. This more active suspension system doesn’t pack up and
enables the bike to ride in a higher and softer part of the spring rate.
Rapid Recovery gives the rider access to more available wheel travel,
bump after bump, to achieve a smoother and more controlled ride.
Rapid Recovery is more control with less work. Less energy for the
rider to absorb over successive bumps means more energy to pedal or
jump. More tire contact means better cornering and braking control.
Words & photos: PR SRAM