SRAM and RockShox are anything but strangers in the cycling world and have been at the forefront of mountain bike innovation since their humble beginnings in the late 1980s. Nowadays, it’s virtually impossible to go anywhere in the world without finding bicycles spec’d with their components—especially when it comes to mountain bikes.
Whether you follow professional World Cup downhill and enduro racing or not, you know the fastest athletes in the world require the highest level of performance to get them across the finish line as quickly as possible. After many rigorous test sessions and flat-out race runs by SRAM/RockShox’s DH and enduro athletes, the newest line of gravity-oriented components has finally arrived.
Let’s dive into the updates, redesigns, and brand-new offerings in this latest release.
SRAM Maven Brakes | Same Power, Refined Power Delivery
Let’s start by taking a look at the updates made to SRAM’s most powerful brakes. Changes in the new run of Maven brakes include a redesigned SwingLink lever cam, adjusted piston sizing, new lever blades and finishes, as well as Lever Tuning Kits that are backward-compatible with the previous-generation Mavens. Here are the details from SRAM:
“Maven is now equipped with a re-designed SwingLink leverage-rate curve tuned for smoother power delivery and enhanced modulation…these updates deliver the same class-leading braking power while providing finer control through the first 25% of lever stroke. The result is greater precision and confidence in rough or low-traction terrain, exactly where too much power too quickly can compromise control.”
“All Maven (B1) calipers now feature four 18mm pistons, a configuration selected to optimize the hydraulic ratio when paired with the updated SwingLink architecture…Maven B1 Tuning kits are fully compatible with Maven A1 calipers that use the 19.5/18 mm piston layout.”
“SwingLink isn’t the only refinement; Ultimate, Silver and Bronze brakes all receive fresh lever blades and updated finishes. Maven Ultimate gets carbon lever blades, offering a familiar tactile signature with improved cold-weather performance. Maven Silver gets a stiff, all-new forged aluminum blade with a precision machined weight saving cutout. Silver is also complemented by black-on-black hardware for a fully stealth aesthetic. While Maven Bronze shares the same forged blade architecture without the machined weight savings and receives a black anodized finish for pairing cleanly with any build.”
“It isn’t only the new-generation Maven that benefits from the updated B1 SwingLink architecture and revised lever-blade materials. The gold B1 SwingLink is fully backward-compatible…Maven Ultimate and Maven Silver lever kits are cross compatible, while the bushing based Maven Bronze features a standalone tuning kit.”
We were lucky enough to get our hands on a set of the new gold B1 SwingLink levers to try out and see if there was a noticeable difference.
Check out our YouTube video to get a full rundown on the lever kits, how to install them, and our initial ride impressions!
RockShox BoXXer | Faster From the Inside Out
First introduced to the mountain bike world in 1996, the BoXXer has gone through eight makeovers and stood atop countless podiums. This latest overhaul marks the ninth version of this iconic fork—and it’s only getting better. Featuring an all-new lower-leg construction, updated stanchion design, and the new Charger 3.2 damper, BoXXer D2 is prepared to devour the gnarliest of descents. Here's a closer look at the details from RockShox:
“LinearXL has a position-sensitive linear curve. That means as you move through the travel, the rate at which the fork increases force never changes—delivering predictability. It’s supple off the top, supportive through the mid-stroke, and backed by a jounce bottom-out system for confident end-stroke control. LinearXL’s whole fork approach also accounts for captured air in the lower legs, eliminating inconsistent speed sensitivity."
"The AirAnnex™ on BoXXer’s lower leg increases the lower leg air volume, which reduces the air-spring progressivity and speed-sensitivity inherent to traditional lower leg designs. Transforming what was previously uncontrollable speed-sensitive progression into linear predictability for the racer.”
“Strategically placed breather holes in the stanchions allow for the lower leg air volume to increase as the fork goes through its travel. A small feature that works in a big way to decrease breakaway force and increase fork sensitivity throughout the travel. ButterWagonTech is a proprietary matrix of divots on BoXXer stanchions that works to carry (or ‘wagon’) fresh layers of our exclusive, high-density Maxima oil to the bushings with every millimeter of travel.”
“Re-tuned for the unique position-sensitivity of LinearXL, Charger 3.2 delivers speed-sensitive control with fully independent High Speed and Low Speed Compression damping. Because a damper should feel and sound incredible. That sound is silence.”
RockShox Vivid Coil | Gravity Evolved
Coil shocks are known for their unrivaled sensitivity and performance when it comes to finding traction in extreme terrain. RockShox set out to take those capabilities a step further by designing a shock whose sole purpose is to deliver consistency and predictability through every millimeter of travel. Enter Vivid Coil—the ultimate gravity shock. This new iteration of Vivid Coil features a new RCT2 damper, a redesigned chassis, and updated Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) to enhance that unmistakable coil feel. Here’s the breakdown from RockShox:
“Vivid Coil’s all-new RCT2 damper is designed to work as a system with your fork and Charger 3.2 damper, delivering matched mid-stroke support and seamless performance. With a redesigned base valve that cuts IFP forces by 40%, it’s the most supple shock on the market—offering unbeatable traction without sacrificing support.”
“New Base valve with 40% reduction in IFP forces, making it the most supple shock on the market while maintaining perfect traction”
“Go big, then go home. Vivid Coil’s Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) handles the hardest compressions to keep you in control. Adjust the compression damping in the last 20% of shock travel with a convenient dial that offers five settings to customize the cushioning.
SRAM XX DH Transmission | Confidence For When the Fast Line is Anything But Smooth
“When milliseconds decide the difference from first to second,every advantage counts.” - SRAM
The newest, and most unapologetically robust, addition to SRAM’s wireless Transmission family is here: XX DH. With unmatched shift-under-load performance, burly race-developed componentry, and a bold black-and-silver machined finish worthy of the XX mark, this all-new seven-speed downhill groupset is built for the podium’s top step. Check out what makes XX DH Transmission the industry’s most advanced downhill groupset to date:
“DH racers routinely push E-MTB level wattage out of the start gate or into the finish line. With traditional cog-and-chain technology, they may lose up to half their power during a shift as they momentarily ease off to let the chain disengage and re-engage safely. This means they’re giving up time and pace with every shift. XX DH’s Cassette Mapping means you never need to let up, allowing for full power through every shift, with no loss in momentum. This means that every shift is faster, helping you bank milliseconds with every gear step. No hesitation, no let-up, just pure race pace.”
“The 7-speed XX DH Transmission cassette is built with the right steps to deliver big power. Its full X-SYNC tooth profile design makes it the foundation of our most confident and fastest downhill shift yet. Paired with an AXS firmware-driven shift sequence, it unlocks Cassette Mapping which maintains continuous chain engagement for pure, uninterrupted power transfer.”
“The strongest DH derailleur available. Period. Utilizing the now standard Hangerless Interface, XX DH takes the same robust architecture as our other Transmission derailleurs and delivers an even more robust, DH-focused design ready for World Cup start huts or the gnarliest freeride lines. Full Mount clamps around both sides of the frame itself and eliminates the need for a hanger and allows the derailleur to rotate backward in the case of an impact. The XX DH rear derailleur features rebuildable components: skid plates, outer link, and the DH-optimized Inline Cage.”
“Rowdy DH terrain throws your drivetrain into the blender, but XX DH fights back by pairing the proven Type 4 Transmission damper with a super compact cage. Less leverage means more chain control, so when the terrain turns chaotic, your drivetrain doesn’t.”
“Taking cues from our best aluminum crank, we designed ground up for a purpose-built, battleready DH crankset. The robust XX DH arms feature machined surfaces in high-wear and rock strike prone areas, keeping your cranks looking fresh for longer. And for greater ground clearance and more weight balance adjustment options, XX DH crank arms are available in progressively short lengths from 165mm through 150mm.”
“For top-step descending performance, pair XX DH with an Ochain spider damper. Ochain absorbs pedal feedback to deliver unmatched traction, control, and confidence. The 104bcd XX T-Type chainring ensures full compatibility for better chain retention for a smoother, more confident pedal feel.”
These latest updates, redesigns, and components from SRAM and RockShox continue to push the limits of what’s possible in mountain bike technology and performance. We’re super stoked for these releases to land soon! If you want to be among the first to know when the products arrive, click the “Notify Me When Available” button on the product page to get early notification!
