Back in February, RockShox updated their gravity lineup with the new BoXXer and Vivid Coil, and now their trail and enduro lineup is getting the same treatment. RockShox didn’t just make small updates for 2027. They’ve redesigned their suspension from the ground up to improve sensitivity, increase mid-stroke support, and deliver a more controlled feel on trail.
The new ZEB, Lyrik, Vivid Air, and Super Deluxe are built around the same goal: a more balanced and tunable system that works seamlessly front to rear.
Shop the New 2027 RockShox Suspension
What’s New Across the 2027 RockShox Lineup
There's a lot of new tech to talk about, so before diving into each product, here are the key updates that define the 2027 lineup:
- LinearXL air spring: A more linear spring curve for improved traction and usable travel
- Updated dampers: Charger 3.2 for forks and revised shock dampers for better consistency
- Reduced friction: New seals and internals improve small bump sensitivity
- Adjustable Bottom Out: More control over end-stroke ramp
- Lower IFP pressure (shocks): Increased sensitivity and grip
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Simplified tuning: More usable adjustment ranges and clearer setup
RockShox set out to create a suspension system that feels more predictable, more supportive, and easier to dial in.
RockShox ZEB & Lyrik
A Ground-Up Redesign for RockShox Trail and Enduro forks
You’d have to be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of the RockShox ZEB or Lyrik. Both forks are well-established in RockShox’s trail and enduro lineup, and for 2027 they’ve been completely redesigned with a shared set of new technology. Since they share the same updates, we’ll cover them together.
What’s new
- New chassis: Fully redesigned platform with increased stiffness
- LinearXL air spring: More consistent feel through travel
- AirAnnex system: Refines lower leg air behavior
- Adjustable Bottom Out: External control over end-stroke ramp
- Charger 3.2 damper: Improved damping control and reduced noise
- ButterWagonTech: Machined dimples that move oil to reduce friction
- New SKF seals: Lower friction with improved sealing performance
- New Fender: Bolt-on design with both short and long options.
New chassis:
The first thing you’ll notice is the all-new chassis. A wider crown increases stiffness for improved steering precision and tracking, while post-machining removes excess material to keep weight in check. The crown also features updated pressure relief valves.
The lowers gain stiffness through a revised arch design, along with cutouts near the arch to relieve bushing pressure and near the axle to reduce weight.
Ultimate models feature a more subtle decal layout, with logos moved to the inside of the lowers. These are decals under clear, meaning they’re applied before the clear coat. This protects them from peeling and creates a smoother finish for frame protection. The tradeoff is they are not removable, though they can be covered with custom decals.
LinearXL Air Spring:
Linear is the focus of the 2027 RockShox platform. By nature, air springs are progressive, meaning they ramp up deeper in the travel. RockShox set out to create a more coil-like feel by making the spring curve more linear and predictable throughout the entire stroke.
“To create a more linear air spring curve, we needed to balance the negative air volume, air spring shaft size, piston surface area, and positive spring air volume. To create a more linear air spring curve, we moved to a twin-tube design to decrease the piston diameter and reduce the ratio between the piston and air spring shaft diameters. We further reduced the ratio by growing the traditional 10mm air spring shaft to 14mm, and made it hollow to expand the negative chamber.” - RockShox
One important note: these forks require significantly higher air pressure than previous generations. Maximum pressure is now 300psi, compared to 148psi on the previous ZEB and 163psi on the previous Lyrik.
AirAnnex:
While LinearXL improves the spring curve through most of the travel, RockShox wanted to further reduce end-stroke ramp. That’s where AirAnnex comes in. AirAnnex was introduced in the BoXXer earlier this year, and its job is to add more volume to the lower leg which reduces casting volume ramp.
"What is casting volume ramp? Glad you asked. Air molecules that live in the lower legs (because it’s a sealed system) can act as a secondary air spring as the fork moves through travel. Like an air spring, as the fork is compressed, that air becomes pressurized, causing it to ramp up at the end of travel—all within the lower legs. By adding the AirAnnex, we added more volume to the lower legs, decreasing the pressure hoisted onto those air molecules, drastically reducing that end-travel ramp.” - RockShox
So the added volume of the AirAnnex reduces casting volume ramp and improves sensitivity at higher speeds.
Breather Holes:
RockShox also added breather holes to the upper tubes, allowing air to move more freely inside the lowers during travel instead of getting trapped and causing more casting volume ramp. This reduces pressure buildup and improves consistency regardless of how fast or slow a compression is.
Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO):
Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) gives riders control over end-stroke progression. With a more linear spring design, RockShox added ABO to fine-tune bottom-out resistance without relying solely on volume spacers.
The ABO dial is located on the bottom of the air side lower leg and has 8 clicks of adjustment. Turning the dial toward the “+” raises the jounce bottom-out bumper thus providing bottom out resistance sooner. At the lowest setting, the bottom out bumper engages at the last 7mm of travel. Each click towards “+” raises the bumper 1.25mm, for a total of 10mm of adjustment. So with the dial fully turned towards “+”, the bumper engages at the last 17mm of travel.
These forks still have the ability to add volume spacers, but RockShox is recommending starting with no spacers and messing with ABO first before adding them.
The Select+ forks do not offer an external dial for ABO, but you can move the bottom-out bumper between three settings internally to increase or decrease the bottom-out resistance.
Charger 3.2 damper:
Charger 3.2 builds on the previous design with updated tuning to match the LinearXL system.
From the outside, Charger 3.2 looks very similar to the 3.1, with both low and high speed compression dials up top, and a low speed rebound dial at the lowers.
The compression knobs on Charger 3.1 were already very intuitive and clearly marked, but RockShox made small improvements to the design to make it even easier to tell where you are at in your adjustments by adding numbers to the dial as well as making the tick marks progressively larger as you increase damping. These changes are welcome as it’s extremely easy to just look at the knobs and know exactly what setting you’re at. Much easier than counting clicks.
Like the previous Charger, the 3.2 is virtually silent, and silence is bliss so they say.
ButterWagonTech:
ButterWagonTech is the term RockShox came up with for the machined divots on the upper tubes. They look similar to the surface of a golf ball, and the purpose is simple: move oil to the bushings to reduce friction. As the fork moves through its travel, the divots trap oil and bring it toward the bushings. By adding these divots, RockShox found that they reduced static friction by 3% and dynamic friction by 9%. Smooth as butter.
Updated seals:
Most seals deflect and grab on the upper tube when the lower leg pressurizes deep in the travel, which increases friction. RockShox worked with SKF to develop a seal that maintains consistent contact without added drag, reducing friction while still keeping dirt out.
New Fender design:
The new fender clips over the arch and installs with a couple bolts. This keeps a fender out of the way and maintains proper tire clearance. The forks come with the normal short fender and RockShox will offer a longer enduro full coverage fender in the near future. If you don’t run a fender, then there is a plastic cover that takes its place on the crown.
On Trail
We put the new ZEB up against the previous generation in a side-by-side test to see how it performs on trail. Check out our latest YouTube video for the full breakdown, and stay tuned to our blog for a deeper dive.
We are still putting miles on the new Lyrik and will have more insight on trail performance in the future, so again, stay tuned.
Backwards Compatibility
An important thing to note is that with these new designs, the Charger 3.2 damper and LinearXL air spring are not backwards compatible with previous gen forks. Definitely a bummer for those looking to upgrade their current models, but with so many changes to these forks backwards compatibility wasn’t an option.
Conclusion:
RockShox made some major changes with the new ZEB and Lyrik for 2027. The updated technology is aimed at delivering a more consistent and predictable feel, with improved sensitivity off the top and better support through the mid-stroke. We’re looking forward to getting more time on these forks to see how they perform on trail. Whether you’re riding steep, aggressive enduro terrain or dialing in an all-around trail setup, both forks represent a clear evolution from the previous generation.
New ZEB Ultimate Specs
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Price: $1299
- Weight: 2550 grams (170mm)
- Travel options: 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm (190mm is no longer offered)
- Wheel Sizes: 29", 27.5"
- Damper: Charger 3.2
- Air Spring: LinearXL
- Adjustments: High-Speed Compression, Low-Speed Compression, Low-Speed Rebound, Adjustable Bottom Out
New Lyrik Ultimate Specs
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Price: $1259
- Weight: 2270 grams (160mm)
- Travel options: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm (170 is back!)
- Wheel Sizes: 29", 27.5"
- Damper: Charger 3.2
- Air Spring: LinearXL
- Adjustments: High-Speed Compression, Low-Speed Compression, Low-Speed Rebound, Adjustable Bottom Out
RockShox Vivid Air
Coil-Like Feel with Air Adjustability
For 2027, the Vivid Air builds on an already proven platform with updates that improve sensitivity, consistency, and overall control on aggressive enduro terrain.
What’s New
- LinearXL air can: Smoother, more consistent stroke
- Updated RCT2 Damper: Increased sensitivity and mid-stroke support
- Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO): Same proven system with updated naming
LinearXL air can:
The new LinearXL air can features improved porting between the inner and outer sleeves, creating a smoother and more consistent feel throughout the stroke. The goal is to deliver a more coil-like ride while maintaining the adjustability of an air shock.
Updated RCT2 Damper:
The updated RCT2 damper introduces a new base valve with a 40% reduction in IFP forces, improving small bump sensitivity and overall compliance.
Like the Charger 3.2 damper on the fork side, the compression dial is now numbered, making it easier to quickly identify your settings. The updated compression tunes are designed to provide stronger mid-stroke support and better consistency under load.
Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO):
RockShox has renamed Hydraulic Bottom Out (HBO) on the Vivid to Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO). Nothing new in tech here, just a new name.
Conclusion
We haven’t had a chance to test the new Vivid Air on trail yet, but the previous version is a shop favorite and a go-to option for riders looking to blend coil-like feel with air adjustability.
The updates here aren’t drastic, but they refine an already strong platform and align it more closely with the updated fork lineup.
New Vivid Ultimate Specs
- Price: $779 ($799 for model specific tunes)
- Weight: 639-668 grams depending on size
- Damper: Updated RCT2
- Adjustments: High-Speed Compression, Low-Speed Compression, Low-Speed Rebound, Adjustable Bottom Out
- Trunnion Sizes: 185x47.5, 185x50, 185x52.5, 185x55, 205x57.5, 205x60, 205x62.5, 205x65, 225x67.5, 225x70, 225x72.5), 225x75
- Standard Sizes: 210x47.5, 210x50, 210x52.5, 210x55, 230x57.5, 230x60, 230x62.5, 230x65, 250x67.5, 250x70, 250x72.5, 250x75
RockShox Super Deluxe
Versatility Meets Improved Tuning
The Super Deluxe has long been RockShox’s do-it-all trail shock, sitting right in the middle of the lineup. While the Vivid got some minor changes for 2027, the Super Deluxe got quite the overhaul, aimed at improving consistency, tuning range, and overall usability.
What’s New
- Updated Design: Refined look and layout
- New LinearXL air can: Smoother, more consistent stroke
- Updated RCT2 Damper: Increased sensitivity and mid-stroke support
- Updated rebound adjuster: New side-mounted, removable knob
Updated Design:
The Super Deluxe gets a refreshed design for 2027 with a cleaner layout and updated adjuster placement, improving both usability and overall aesthetics. The only carryover part is the damper body assembly.
New LinearXL air can:
Fully redesigned for 2027, the new LinearXL air can introduces an updated volume tuning system.
Instead of using physical bottomless tokens to tune ramp up, the new design has multiple internal token positions that accept an o-ring. To adjust the positive air volume, you move the o-ring to a different position.
The new Super Deluxe has an increased maximum pressure of 400psi.
Updated RCT2 Damper:
Like the Vivid, the updated RCT2 damper on the Super Deluxe features a new base valve with a 40% reduction in IFP forces, improving sensitivity and traction.
Compression adjustments are now easier to read thanks to numbered dials, and updated compression tunes bring more mid-stroke support and consistency to the platform.
Updated rebound adjuster:
The rebound adjuster has been moved from the top of the shock to a side-mounted position, using a more traditional knob design.
As seen on the Vivid, the knob is removable and doubles as a high-speed compression adjuster tool.
On Trail
Stay tuned to our blog for future updates on trail performance.
Conclusion
The Super Deluxe continues to be one of the most versatile shocks in the RockShox lineup. The 2027 updates improve tuning usability and overall ride consistency, making it an even better option for a wide range of riders and terrain.
New Super Deluxe Ultimate Specs
- Price: $669 ($699 for model specific tunes)
- Weight: 510-557 grams depending on size
- Damper: Updated RCT2 (Available with Hydraulic Bottom Out)
- Adjustments: High-Speed Compression, Low-Speed Compression, Low-Speed Rebound
- Trunnion Sizes: 165x37.5, 165x40, 165x42.5, 165x45, 185x47.5, 185x50, 185x52.5, 185x55, 205x57.5, 205x60, 205x62.5, 205x65
- Standard Sizes: 190x37.5, 190x40, 190x42.5, 190x45, 210x47.5, 210x50, 210x52.5, 210x55, 230x57.5, 230x60, 230x62.5, 230x65
A Complete Suspension System
RockShox designed the 2027 lineup to work as a unified system. Fork and shock updates share the same tuning philosophy, creating a more balanced and consistent ride from front to rear.
In their marketing, RockShox highlights three key principles behind the new platform:
- Stay Composed
- Design Everything to Enable the Air Spring
- The perfect personal setup
These ideas drive the 2027 suspension lineup and the LinearXL system as a whole. Instead of focusing on individual upgrades, the emphasis is on how everything works together on trail.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 RockShox suspension lineup brings major updates to the ZEB, Lyrik, and Super Deluxe, with more subtle refinements to the Vivid Air. If you’re coming from the previous generation, the biggest improvements you’ll notice are increased traction, better mid-stroke support, and a more predictable feel throughout the travel.
If you’re looking to upgrade your trail or enduro bike with the latest RockShox suspension, Fanatik has you covered. Not sure which fork or shock suits you best? Our team has extensive experience with these products and can help you dial in the right setup for your riding style and terrain. Give us a call or start a chat to get started.
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