RockShox have released details of this new ZEB suspension fork – a 180mm travel single
crown beast with a 38mm chassis.
Before we dive into the details, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more
videos like this.
With riders demanding a stiffer, more aggressive fork for long travel applications, the ZEB
bridges the gap between the RockShox Lyrik and the BoXXer forks and has been built to
take on the toughest enduro racetracks.
Developed in conjunction with the world’s fastest riders including Team Chain Reaction
Cycles EWS champion Sam Hill, RockShox say that the Zeb perfectly balances stiffness
and weight and offers increased sensitivity, greater steering precision, and the ability
to go faster, corner harder and stay in control.
We joined Sam at the team camp in Italy earlier this year, and here’s what he thought of
the ZEB after a few days of demanding runs
The new fork feels awesome. It’s a bit of a monster truck. You can sort of point it
at a big rough section and just charge through it - pretty impressed with it. It’s pretty
good, especially on some of the longer stages. It’s going to be more comfortable and relaxing
on the hands.
RockShox have worked hard to make the ZEB one of their stiffest forks, but it’s torsional
stiffness they’ve worked on specifically. Why? Because it’s torsional stiffness that
makes the most noticeable difference in the forks’ performance and how it holds a line
with better control.
As an example for Torsional Stiffness it’s 21.5% Stiffer than the RockShox Lyrik. And
for side Bending Stiffness it’s 7% Stiffer than the RockShox Lyrik.
When performances come down to minute details, it’s this ability to go faster with more
precision in rough terrain that the pro racers will take the most advantage of.
There's more technical detail on the Hub article which you can access via the link in the description
below, but for now let’s run you through the different ZEB models that’ll be available
in both 27.5” and 29” flavours
The top-end ZEB Ultimate is going be on the bikes of the majority of Enduro World
Series sponsored athletes with all the latest suspension technology built in, including
a Charger 2.1 damper, DebonAir™ air spring technology, SKF Wiper Seals and Maxima Plush
Fluid.
The ZEB SELECT + features the all-new stiff 38mm chassis designed with the Charger 2.1
RC damper, DebonAir™ air spring technology, SKF Wiper Seals and Maxima Plush Fluid.
ZEB SELECT gets the Charger RC damper, DebonAir™ air spring technology, SKF Wiper Seals, and
Maxima Plush Fluid.
ZEB gets the New Charger R damper, SKF Wiper Seals and Maxima Plush Fluid. It's available
with either a DebonAir Air Spring or Dual Position Air Spring. It’s worth noting that
the dual position Air spring allows you to adjust the fork between two distinct travel
positions - from 180mm of maxim travel to 150mm minimum travel. And for this reason
it’s perfect for E-Mountain Bikes – dial the suspension down for the ups, and let her
rip for the downs!
For all you mudgaurd fans, RockShox have released a ZEB-branded FENDER too, which uses an easy-to-install
3-bolt mount. A neat solution and great for cutting down on the faff of using zip ties.
There you go, there’s a quick look at the new RockShox Zeb. Is this the burly long-travel
suspension fork you’ve been waiting for? Let us know what you think of it down in the
comments section below.