New RockShox Deluxe and Super Deluxe Shocks
The metric standard promises to deliver new levels of durability and performance (click to enlarge).
When RockShox announced last week that they and a number of other prominent suspension manufacturers would be going metric, the question was why? According to RockShox our current system which relies upon imperial measurements is flawed. The current stroke and eye to eye measurements were created without broad consultation and resulted in overlapping products, too many different mounting solutions, and major performance compromises. Compounded, RockShox claims all of these various issues resulted in a major loss of performance. And they’re not alone. Brands like Cane Creek, DVO, and X-Fusion have all decided to make the leap to metric as well, and so have a number of frame manufacturers.
Legacy versus metric sizing (click to enlarge).
So what sort of changes will this new metric future hold? The newest shocks from RockShox, the new Deluxe and Super Deluxe may hold the key. These two models are the first metric shocks to hit the market and both feature unique new performance and integration technologies.
On the performance side, these two new shocks take advantage of extended bushing overlap between moving elements, which is claimed to reduce friction under load. This should result in better traction, responsiveness, and durability.
The increase in eye to eye under the new metric system also allowed RockShox to create a new scraper seal, which will further increase durability – not to mention improve performance in colder temperatures.
The Trunnion mount has been used by the FOX DRCV shocks employed by Trek for a number of years (click to enlarge).
On the integration side, the new shocks will be available in either a standard or Trunnion mount. The Trunnion design essentially places the mounting hardware on the side of the air can, which allows for a shorter eye to eye while maintaining a specific stroke length. The main benefit is that it allows for lower standover heights, which is critical for smaller riders.
The new Deluxe and Super Deluxe are the first two metric shocks to hit the market (click to enlarge).
In addition to standard DU option, RockShox will also offer a body end bearing mount. RockShox claims that using a bearing mount helps eliminates friction caused by pivot rotation, and leads to better traction and responsiveness.
RockShox Deluxe bushing overlap (click to enlarge).
Right. So metric standard good, let’s get to the shocks. The Deluxe utilizes the same technologies found in the Monarch, but uses a metric chassis with the improved bushing overlap, new scraper seals, etc… It also uses the same damper technology and will be available in a Trunnion, bearing, or standard DU mount.
Between the increased bushing overlap, bushing profiles, and a new damper, this new Super Deluxe is said to be world’s lowest friction shock (click to enlarge).
The Super Deluxe is the piggy back version and RockShox has high hopes for this little guy. They’ve gone so far as to say they believe it can do for rear suspension performance what the Pike did for forks. If that’s anywhere near the truth, we can’t wait to try this.
For more information visit www.sram.com.
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