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2008 RockShox SID World Cup suspension fork for mountain bikes.

Key Information

RockShox Inc. is an American company founded by Paul Turner in 1989, that develops and manufactures bicycle suspensions. The company led in the development of mountain bikes. It is now part of SRAM Corporation.

History

[edit]

Start

[edit]

RockShox was founded by Paul Turner in 1989 in Asheville, North Carolina, USA. It moved to California four years later when Steve and Deborah Simons bought out Dia Compe.[1]

Turner raced motorcycles in his teens. In 1977, at the age of 18, he established a company that sold motorcycle components. He later worked for the Honda Motor Company as factory mechanic for their professional motocross team. This put him in contact with designers of suspension systems for motorcycles and other motocross industry people.

Simons was a former motocross rider in his teens and early twenties and entrepreneur. He developed heat sinks for Koni shock absorbers to lower oil temperatures and then in 1974 he worked with Geoff Fox to design a shock absorber Fox Shox for Moto-X Fox Inc. He then established his own company Dynamic Enterprises which became Simons Inc. developing pneumatic upgrade kits for suspension forks. This led to his own fork design and manufacture. He had two patents on suspension forks, one which, for upside down forks, he licensed to motorcycle and suspension manufacturers.

In the late 1980s Paul began riding mountain bikes and with his motorcycle experience longed for suspension. Paul began developing the first bicycle suspension fork. In 1989 or 1990, Turner approached Simons for help designing a suspension fork for mountain bikes. Turner had in 1987, with the help of Keith Bontrager, presented a full bike with front and rear suspension at the bicycle industry trade show in Long Beach. The industry was not impressed. Two years later Turner and his wife Christi were manufacturing suspension forks in their garage with parts bought from Simons Inc, who later partnered Turner when Steve and his wife, Deborah, mortgaged their home to buy out Dia-Compe and move manufacturing to Mt. View, California in 1993. The R&D and Marketing groups remained in Boulder, Co. until moving to Mt. View, Ca in 1994 and then Santa Cruz in 1995. Manufacturing and Engineering move to San Jose, Ca in 1995. They worked with Thomas Dooley at TDA in Boulder, CO who created the current RockShox logo, and was the creative director for all marketing and advertising.

Turner brought in Greg Herbold as a test rider and company spokesman. In 1990 Herbold became the first world champion in downhill mountain biking riding one of the first suspension forks for mountain bikes made. In August that year the company manufactured its first 100 suspension forks, the RS-1. The start-up was financed by the East Asian bike component manufacturer Dia-Compe, the founders, and other investors. Dia-Compe manufactured the next series of forks in addition to the original Aheadset,[2] which the RS-1 utilised. Later Dia-Compe USA was bought out by Simons & Turner who disposed of its shares. From then the forks were primarily manufactured at RockShox in Mt.View, Ca.

In 1992 Turner & Simons, using the RockShox RS-1 design, created a private label fork for Specialized working with Mark Winter. Mark left Specialized a few years later, joining RockShox in 1995.

Growth and IPO

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Eight years after inception the company manufactured and sold a million RockShox forks and had revenues of $100 million. The company went public in October 1996, was listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (ticker: RSHX), and raised 65 million dollars ($72 million before deduction of IPO related costs). The company had 300 employees, most in the company's US factories. RockShox had a market share of 60 percent. [1]

Competition and cost savings

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Towards the end of the 1990s competition was fierce and profits were thin.

Rock Shox was one of many brands that marketed suspension forks for bicycles, others were Answer Manitou, Marzocchi and RST. During this time Fox Racing Shox also entered the bicycle industry. As the number of direct substitutes to Rock Shox's products increased, the company experienced difficulties in protecting its position as the leading manufacturer in the business.

In June 2000 RockShox moved production to Colorado Springs, which saved an estimated $5 million a year. In 2001 the company lost $10 million.

SRAM takeover

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In 2002 RockShox defaulted on a loan to SRAM. SRAM took over the company and its debt obligations for $5.6 million. The company had 300 employees in Colorado Springs.[1] In 2002, production in Colorado moved to Taichung, Taiwan. A small test facility remains in Colorado Springs.

Paul Turner has been nominated for the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame several times but declined.[3]

Product chronology and common specifications

[edit]

Suspension Forks[4][5][6]

Product Year introduced Year discontinued Stanchion Diameter Travel Lengths Spring Types
RS-1 1990 1991 25.4 mm Air, oil return
Mag 20 1992 1992 25.4 mm 48 mm Air, oil return
Mag 30 1992 1992 25.4 mm 48 mm Air, oil return
Mag 21 1993 1997 25.4 mm 48 mm (60 mm long travel) Air, oil return
Mag 10 1993 1995 25.4 mm 48 mm Air, oil return
Mag 21 SL 1994 1994 25.4 mm 48 mm (60 mm long travel) Air, oil return
Quadra 1993 1995 25.4 mm Elastomer
Quadra 5 1994 1996 25.4 mm 48 mm Elastomer
Quadra 10 (Primarily OEM) 1994 1995 25.4 mm 48 mm One-piece Elastomer, Allen wrench adjustable preload on both legs
Quadra 21 (Primarily OEM) 1994/1995 1996 25.4 mm 48 mm One-piece Elastomer, Hand-adjustable preload on both legs
Quadra 21 R 1994 1996 25.4 mm 60 mm Elastomer, Multi-cell
Judy C/XC 1995 2001 28 mm 50/63/80mm MCU spring (elastomer), cartridge oil return. Later coil spring open bath oil return
Judy SL 1995 2001 28 mm 50/63/80mm MCU spring (elastomer), oil return. Later coil spring, open bath oil return
Judy DH 1995 1998 28 mm 80 mm Coil, MCU spring (elastomer), oil return
Indy C, XC, SL 1997 1998 28.6mm 63mm MCU spring (elastomer)
Indy S 1998 1999 28.6mm 48mm Solid elastomer (identical to Quadra 5)
SID 1998 2008 28 mm 63/80 mm (early) Dual Air until 2013
SID 2008 2020 32 mm 80/100 mm, or 120 mm Dual Air until 2013, then Solo Air.
SID 2021 present 35 mm 100+ mm Solo Air.
Judy DHO 1997 1998 28 mm 100 mm MCU spring (elastomer)
BoXXer 1998 Present 32 mm (1998–2009), 35 mm (2010–present) 150 mm (early), 180 mm, 200 mm (present) Coil (World cup model with solo air), Coil U-Turn (Boxxer Ride)
Jett 1999 2001
Ruby (road/700c) 2000 2000
Metro (road/700c) 2001 2005
Psylo 2001 2005 30 mm 80-125mm Coil U-Turn, Fixed Coil, Hydra-Air, Dual-Air
Duke 2002 2005 30 mm 80/100 mm (Hydra Air) 63-108 (Coil U-Turn) Hydra-Air (Solo-Air with a coil negative spring), Coil U-Turn 63/108mm
Pike 2004 Present 35 mm (2005-2011 was 32 mm) 140/150/160 mm Older models were coil or air with or without U-Turn. 2014 onwards are Solo-Air, Dual Position Air, or Debonair.
Pilot 2003 2005 28 mm 80/100 mm
Reba 2005 Present 32 mm 80/100/120 mm Dual Air, 90–120 mm Air U-Turn, 130/140 mm Trail Specific 29" Dual Air, Air U-Turn, Trail Specific 29", Solo Air (since 2013)
Recon 2006 Present 32 mm 140 mm (some models like the 335), 80/100/120 mm, 80/100 29" Solo Air / Coil / Coil U-Turn
Revelation 2006 Present 35 mm (2006-2017 was 32 mm) 130/140/150 mm Dual Air, 120–150 mm Dual Position Air Dual Air, Dual Position Air, Air U-Turn
Argyle 2007 Present 32 mm 80/100 mm Coil
Dart 2006 2012 28 mm 80, 100 and 120 mm, 80/100mm 29er model Coil
Domain 2007 Present 35 mm 160 mm, 180 mm (Single Crown) and 200 mm (Dual Crown) Coil
Lyrik 2007 Present 35 mm 115 to 160 mm 2-Step and Coil U-Turn, 160/170 mm T/A Solo Air and Coil 2-Step Air, Coil U-Turn, Solo Air and Coil, (newone) Debon air, dual position air
Tora 2006 2012 32 mm 80/100/120 mm, 80/100 mm 29" Coil; 80–140 mm Coil U-Turn and Solo Air Coil, Coil U-Turn and Solo Air
Totem 2007 2014 40 mm 180 mm 2-Step, Solo Air or Coil
Sektor 2011 Present 32 mm Up to 150 mm Coil U-Turn and Solo Air
Bluto (fatbike) 2014 Present 32 mm 100 mm or 120 mm Solo Air
RS1 (inverted) 2014 Present 32 mm 80 mm,100 mm or 120 mm Solo Air
Yari 2015 Present 35 mm 110 to 180mm Solo Air, Dual Air (OEM), debon air (new), dual position air (new)
Zeb 2021 Present 38 mm dual position air, debon air
30 Present 30 solo air
35 Present 35 debon air
Paragon Present
Judy 2017 present 30 Coil, solo air
XC present 28, 30, 32mm Coil, solo air

Other features:

There are usually several versions of each product, typically distinguished by the presence or absence of certain features, such as material type, preload, rebound damping, compression damping, lockout, remote lockout and replaceable bushings. This article does not attempt to list all specifications for all versions.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

RockShox

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
RockShox is an American company specializing in the design and manufacture of systems, including front forks, rear shocks, and dropper seatposts, that has profoundly influenced the development of since its inception. Founded in 1989 by engineers Paul Turner and Steve Simons in , the company introduced the world's first mass-produced suspension fork, the RS-1, which debuted in late 1989 and transformed off-road cycling by providing improved control, comfort, and performance on rough terrain. Throughout the 1990s, RockShox rapidly expanded its product line and market dominance, achieving approximately 60% share of the bike suspension market by 1997 with annual revenues exceeding $100 million. Key innovations during this period included the 1992 Mag 21 , which featured durable high-pressure seals for better reliability, and the 1994 Judy series, incorporating advanced oil cartridge technology for smoother damping. The company's early success was bolstered by racing achievements, such as Ned Overend's 1990 World Championship cross-country victory using the RS-1 , solidifying RockShox's reputation for performance-oriented engineering. In 1996, RockShox went public on under the ticker RSHX, raising $64.5 million to fuel further . Facing financial challenges in the early 2000s, RockShox was acquired by in March 2002 for $5.6 million, integrating it into a broader portfolio of components and leveraging SRAM's resources for continued innovation. Under SRAM ownership, RockShox has introduced groundbreaking technologies such as the DebonAir spring system for enhanced small-bump sensitivity and the Reverb AXS wireless dropper post in 2019, which integrates seamlessly with SRAM's electronic shifting groupsets via app-based customization. As of 2025, recent advancements include the Charger 3.1 damper and Vivid Coil shock. Today, RockShox remains a premier brand in the industry, producing a wide array of suspension products tailored for cross-country, , enduro, and downhill disciplines, with ongoing emphasis on materials, adjustable , and electronic integration to meet evolving rider demands.

Overview

Founding and Mission

RockShox was founded in 1989 by Paul Turner and Steve Simons in . Turner, a former racer and triathlete with experience in racing, served as vice-president of advanced , while Simons, who had expertise in suspension design from his time at Moto-X , became the company's president. The company was incorporated in and initially operated on a small scale, reflecting the founders' vision to address the growing demand for practical suspension in . The initial mission of RockShox centered on developing reliable and affordable suspension systems to revolutionize performance, overcoming the limitations of rigid frames by adapting lightweight motorcycle technologies. This goal emerged from the founders' recognition of the need for suspension that could handle rough while maintaining efficiency, leading to early testing on local trails to refine designs for real-world durability. The focus was on creating high-performance products that would make advanced suspension accessible to a broader range of riders, prioritizing innovation in hydraulic damping to provide controlled absorption and rebound. RockShox was later reincorporated in , marking a shift in its operational base to support expanding activities. Early remained small-scale, with the company producing limited runs of prototypes and initial products in-house to ensure over hydraulic components and assembly processes. This hands-on approach facilitated rapid iterations based on field testing, and the company's success gained momentum following a victory in 1990, which helped transition to larger-scale production.

Current Operations and Market Position

RockShox operates as a subsidiary of , which acquired the company in 2002 and has since integrated its suspension technologies with SRAM's and braking components to offer comprehensive systems. The company's headquarters are located in , where it employs approximately 300 people focused on design, engineering, and testing. RockShox maintains international facilities, including major operations in for high-end production and a new facility opening in Italy's region in 2026 for specialized components. As a leading player in the mountain bike suspension market, RockShox holds a significant share alongside competitors like Fox Factory and SR Suntour, which collectively account for 60-70% of global production. The brand has expanded into gravel and e-bike segments with products like the Rudy XPLR fork and Reverb AXS XPLR dropper post, adapting suspension designs for mixed-terrain and powered riding. In 2025, RockShox became the Official Suspension Partner of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, supporting elite cross-country, downhill, and enduro events across 12 rounds. RockShox emphasizes research and development for , enduro, and downhill categories, with 2025 updates including the Charger 3.1 damper for improved control and the Vivid coil shock for gravity-oriented performance, reflecting ongoing innovation in tunable air springs and systems.

History

Early Development and First Products

RockShox's early development began in 1989 when engineers Paul Turner and Steve Simons founded the company in North Carolina, driven by a vision to integrate motorcycle-inspired suspension into mountain bikes for enhanced control and comfort on rough terrain. The initial focus was on prototyping a front suspension fork, culminating in the release of the RS-1 in 1989 as the first commercially available bicycle suspension fork. This pioneering product utilized an elastomer spring system to provide approximately 50 mm of travel, revolutionizing mountain biking by absorbing impacts that rigid forks could not. The RS-1's inverted design, adapted from motorcycle technology, featured a single-sided crown and was initially produced in limited quantities, with the first 100 units manufactured in August 1989. The RS-1 quickly proved its value in competition, validating RockShox's innovation. In September 1990, American rider Ned Overend secured victory in the inaugural UCI Mountain Bike World Cross-Country Championship in , aboard a bike equipped with the RS-1 fork—without even a manufacturer sticker on the prototype. This win, Overend's first world title, demonstrated the fork's performance advantages in real-world racing conditions and spurred demand among professional and recreational riders alike, establishing suspension as a competitive necessity. Building on this momentum, RockShox advanced its technology with the Mag 21 fork in 1992, introducing a magnesium for the lowers to reduce weight while incorporating a high-pressure air spring and hydraulic system. This design allowed riders to adjust preload via air pressure and fine-tune rebound , providing more tunable performance and efficiency compared to the RS-1's fixed setup. The Mag 21 series, available in variants like the Mag 21 Ti and SL, offered up to 80 mm of travel and became a staple for cross-country applications. By 1994, RockShox further refined front suspension with the launch of the Judy XC and SL forks, which employed an innovative oil cartridge system for . This cartridge-based design delivered smoother by separating the spring and functions, minimizing and improving small-bump sensitivity over previous air/oil configurations. Available with 80-100 mm of and options for threaded or steerers, the Judy models catered to a broadening market of XC and riders. In 1995, the company ventured into rear suspension by introducing the Deluxe , a coil-over unit with rebound adjustment in its Super Deluxe variant, which facilitated the pivot toward full-suspension bike frames by providing reliable rear wheel compliance. Early market reception underscored RockShox's rapid growth, as suspension forks transitioned from novelty to standard equipment on . For the ending March 1993, the company reported revenues of $30.5 million and a of $2.7 million, reflecting strong adoption driven by racing successes and word-of-mouth among enthusiasts. This financial performance highlighted the transformative impact of RockShox's initial products in elevating design and rider experience during the sport's formative years.

Expansion and Initial Public Offering

In the mid-1990s, RockShox experienced significant growth amid the burgeoning industry, shipping over one million suspension forks by March 1997. This milestone reflected the company's expanding production capabilities and market demand for its innovative products, including the introduction of the Judy S in April 1997, which featured an spring system, and the Judy T2 in May 1997, designed to improve cross-country performance through enhanced and lighter weight. These models built on earlier successes like the Mag 21, solidifying RockShox's role in advancing suspension technology for competitive riding. A pivotal moment came in October 1996 when RockShox went public on the under the ticker RSHX, raising $64.5 million through the sale of 4.8 million shares to fund manufacturing expansion and new product development. The IPO capitalized on the company's strong position, with revenues reaching $83.5 million for 1996 and net income of $5.7 million. Brand visibility surged that July when Italian cyclist Paola Pezzo won the gold medal in the inaugural Olympic event in , riding RockShox Judy forks, which highlighted the reliability of its suspension systems in . To manage this rapid scaling, RockShox appointed George Napier as president and chief executive officer in November 1997; Napier, previously president and CEO of Meridian Sports Inc. and a company board member since January, brought expertise in sporting goods to steer operations amid the boom. Financial performance continued to reflect this momentum, with revenues growing to $102.2 million in 1998 and of $5.1 million. By late 1996, RockShox commanded approximately 45 percent of the suspension market, establishing dominance during a period of industry expansion driven by increasing popularity of off-road cycling.

Challenges and SRAM Acquisition

Following net sales of $106.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 1997—the company's peak—RockShox experienced revenue stagnation and subsequent declines amid intensifying industry competition from rivals such as Fox Factory and Answer Products, coupled with rising production costs including high labor and real estate expenses in San Jose, California. Net sales fell to $102.2 million in fiscal 1998, $86.9 million in fiscal 1999, $70.3 million in fiscal 2000, and $74.0 million in fiscal 2001, reflecting broader market challenges like softening global demand for mountain bikes and financial strains on original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. These pressures contributed to operating losses, including $1.7 million in 1999, $12.5 million in 2000, and $6.1 million in 2001, exacerbated by a $1.9 million product recall for certain front suspension forks and $2.0 million in patent defense litigation costs. The company's financial woes culminated in defaults on loan covenants under its Wells Fargo credit facility, including breaches of net worth and EBITDA requirements as of December 31, 2001, which led to a notice of delisting from the Stock Market on October 30, 2000, and a shift to over-the-counter trading. In response, RockShox implemented operational cutbacks, such as relocating manufacturing from San Jose to Colorado Springs by April 2001 at a cost of approximately $5.0 million, alongside headcount reductions and facility consolidations that aimed to save $4.0 million annually through lower costs. These measures, however, strained , prompting a $2.0 million loan from SRAM at 13% interest to support ongoing operations amid a 24.5% drop in net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2001. On February 19, 2002, SRAM Corporation announced an agreement to acquire RockShox for $5.6 million in cash, structured as a merger with a wholly owned SRAM subsidiary, RockShox Inc., which became the surviving entity and a SRAM subsidiary. The deal, completed in late March 2002 at $0.41 per share for RockShox's 13.7 million outstanding shares, addressed RockShox's debt obligations and liquidity crisis following its loan default to SRAM. Post-acquisition integration leveraged SRAM's for cost savings, including efficiencies that improved gross margins to 18.9% in fiscal 2001 and reduced selling, general, and administrative expenses by $300,000 in the first quarter of that year. This allowed RockShox to refocus on innovation recovery, with renewed investment after cuts to $2.3 million in 2001, while stabilizing production through seasonal adjustments and inventory management. Under SRAM ownership, the company maintained separate customer service initially but planned unified product lines by mid-2002, enabling continued introductions of 2003 models at events like the International Show.

Products

Front Suspension Forks

RockShox front suspension forks represent a cornerstone of the company's product lineup, designed to provide controlled absorption of trail impacts while maintaining steering precision and efficiency across various mountain biking disciplines. These forks typically feature telescoping legs with stanchions ranging from 32mm to 38mm in diameter, integrating air or coil springs for compliance and advanced dampers for tunable performance. Since the introduction of the pioneering RS-1 in late 1989, which utilized a basic coil spring and hydraulic lockout, RockShox has evolved its front fork technology to emphasize lightweight construction, reduced friction, and rider-specific adjustability. Among the most iconic models, the SID, launched in 1998, established RockShox's dominance in cross-country with its Superlight , offering 80-100mm of travel and an air spring system for reduced weight and pedaling efficiency. The BoXXer, also debuting in 1998, targeted downhill enthusiasts with robust options and initially 150mm of travel, later expanding to 200mm or more to accommodate aggressive descents and high-speed stability. The , introduced in 2004, bridged and enduro riding with 140-160mm of travel and the damper, providing external rebound and compression adjustments for versatile terrain handling; subsequent iterations incorporated the Charger damper for enhanced small-bump sensitivity. In 2025, RockShox's front fork offerings include accessible models tailored to diverse riders, such as the Psylo for entry-level use with 130-160mm of travel and 35mm stanchions featuring the new Isolator damper for simplified tuning. The Domain serves budget-conscious all-mountain riders with 150-180mm travel and 38mm stanchions for added stiffness, while the caters to adventures with 30-40mm travel, Post Mount compatibility, and a lightweight design optimized for mixed-surface efficiency. Common specifications across the lineup encompass travel options from 80mm for XC to 200mm for downhill, spring types including air for tunability and coil for progressive support, and systems like with lockout for on-the-fly firmness adjustments. Steerer tubes adhere to standards from straight 1-1/8-inch to tapered configurations, and axle systems have progressed from quick-release to 15mm thru-axle for improved rigidity. The evolution of damping technology in RockShox forks traces from the RS-1's rudimentary hydraulic cartridge to the modern Charger 3.1, introduced in 2024 for 2025 models, which features an expanded adjustment range, improved high- and low-speed compression, and enhanced sensitivity to small impacts through refined valving and reduced . This progression has prioritized greater control and plushness without sacrificing pedaling platform, enabling forks like the updated Pike and SID to deliver precise handling across varied conditions.

Rear Suspension Shocks

RockShox entered the rear suspension market with the Deluxe shock in June 1995, a basic coil-over-hydraulic damper model tailored for the early full-suspension pioneers seeking reliable energy absorption on rugged . This initial offering provided essential without complex adjustments, marking a pivotal step in enabling smoother rides over technical descents compared to rigid frames; the Deluxe line continues with 2025 updates including enhanced tuning options for improved control. The contemporary Super Deluxe series targets trail and enduro applications, with tunable air springs for a wide range of rider weights (typically 100-300 lbs) via pressure adjustments for optimal sag and progression. It features mounts for direct frame attachment, enhancing stiffness and compatibility in high-demand setups. Complementing this, the 2025 Vivid Coil model employs a specifically for downhill racing, incorporating technology to minimize compression damping in the initial 10% of travel for superior small-bump compliance, paired with adjustable hydraulic bottom-out resistance for progressive end-stroke control. Key specifications across these shocks include eye-to-eye lengths ranging from 165mm to 230mm and strokes of 37.5mm to 65mm, allowing adaptation to various frame geometries. Damping adjustments typically encompass and compression controls, with options for high- and low-speed tuning to fine-tune response. Spring rates vary by model, supporting air pressures of 150-300 psi for progressive feel or coil rates from 300-600 lb/in for consistent force in aggressive riding. For 2025, the integrates the Charger 3.1 damper, which boosts oil flow by 68% to reduce low-speed damping and enhance traction on uneven trails. The Vivid Coil further refines this with its hydraulic bottom-out system, providing tunable resistance to prevent harsh impacts during deep compressions. Both models integrate seamlessly with linkage-driven rear suspension systems prevalent in mountain bikes, optimizing leverage ratios for efficient pedaling and descending. Often paired briefly with front forks like , these shocks contribute to balanced overall suspension kinematics.

Innovations and Technology

Pioneering Suspension Designs

RockShox's foundational contributions to technology commenced with the RS-1 , for which a key (US4971344A) was granted in 1990 to founder Paul Turner. This design adapted telescoping motorcycle principles for bicycles, incorporating an air spring and hydraulic damping system that provided 35mm of travel, marking the first commercially available mass-market front suspension and revolutionizing off-road riding by improving control and comfort over rough terrain. In 1992, the Mag 21 fork introduced a significant innovation by separating the air spring from the hydraulic components, allowing independent tuning of preload via air pressure and damping through adjustable hydraulic valves. This configuration enhanced rider customization and performance, reducing the compromises inherent in earlier integrated systems and setting a standard for tunable suspension that influenced subsequent designs across the industry. The 1994 Judy fork advanced small-bump sensitivity with its oil cartridge system, which immersed bushings and seals in a sealed to minimize —the initial friction that hinders smooth action over minor impacts. By improving low-speed response without sacrificing high-speed control, this technology made suspension more accessible for cross-country applications and contributed to broader adoption in competitive . RockShox's early innovations profoundly shaped evolution, enabling the development of full-suspension frames by providing reliable front-end compliance that complemented rear shocks, while establishing cross-country standards for , responsive handling that prioritized efficiency on technical courses. The 1997 SID (Superlight ) fork exemplified this shift, integrating a 100mm-travel air spring with minimalistic aluminum construction to achieve a weight of approximately 2.6 pounds (1.18 kg), setting enduring benchmarks for XC forks in weight savings and structural efficiency that remain relevant in modern designs. Between 1989 and 2000, RockShox amassed a robust patents portfolio focused on mechanisms and spring technologies, including advancements in hydraulic valving (e.g., US5290052) and cartridge systems, which solidified the company's leadership in suspension engineering and spurred industry-wide progress in performance and reliability. In recognition of these pioneering efforts, founders Paul Turner and Steve Simons were inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2025.

Modern Advancements and Partnerships

In recent years, RockShox has focused on refining its suspension technologies to enhance performance, reduce friction, and improve rider control across various disciplines. A key advancement is the introduction of the Charger 3.1 damper in 2025, which features an expanded adjustment range for low- and high-speed compression, enabling finer tuning of suspension response. This damper achieves 68% greater oil flow in the low-speed circuit and incorporates a larger high-speed compression pyramid, resulting in smoother action and reduced harshness on rough terrain. It is compatible with select , Lyrik, and ZEB forks from previous model years, allowing for retrofits via piston kits. Complementing this, RockShox updated its air spring designs and bushings across flagship forks like the , Lyrik, and ZEB for the 2025 lineup. The , for instance, now includes a larger negative air chamber for a suppler initial stroke, improving sensitivity on small bumps while maintaining progression for larger hits. All three forks benefit from an improved bushing production process, which minimizes friction and while resisting contamination. In rear shocks, the air model received a high-flow and a new Linear XL air can, providing a softer onset to the travel and more tunable progression toward bottom-out. For gravity-oriented riding, RockShox launched the Vivid Coil shock in 2025, a coil-spring counterpart to the prior Vivid Air. This shock incorporates TouchDown technology for a plush first 10% of travel, mimicking air spring sensitivity without the weight penalty of coils, and features adjustable hydraulic bottom-out control over the final 20% of stroke to prevent harsh landings. Entry-level products also saw innovation, with the Psylo trail fork and Rudy gravel fork introducing the Isolator damper—a simplified, reliable unit with basic compression adjustments—and updated air springs for broader accessibility. These developments emphasize backwards compatibility and modular upgrades, reflecting RockShox's commitment to evolving existing platforms rather than full redesigns. On the partnerships front, RockShox strengthened its ties to professional racing in 2025 by becoming the Official Suspension Partner of the WHOOP UCI World Series, in collaboration with Sports Europe. This long-term agreement, announced in August 2025, integrates RockShox products into event broadcasts across platforms like and discovery+, while supporting rider development and technology testing at series rounds in locations such as , , and Lenzerheide, . The partnership builds on RockShox's racing heritage, providing visibility and data for further innovations. Additionally, RockShox and Trek Bicycles announced the RockShox Trek Race Team in , a youth-focused initiative for gravity racers under 21 that operated until the end of 2023, including talents like Vali Höll and Ethan Shandro. This partnership equipped the team with RockShox suspension for and enduro events, fostering and performance analysis to bridge junior and elite levels. It aligns with broader SRAM ecosystem collaborations, such as renewed multi-year ties with Crankworx for freeride competitions, where RockShox components are standard issue, driving real-world testing of advancements like the Charger series.

References

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  25. https://specialtyretroproducts.com/product/rockshox-1995-1997-judy-damper-cartridge-service-kit-by-srp-xc-sl-dh-fsx/
  26. http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1745/0001015402-01-501905.pdf
  27. https://www.bikebiz.com/sram-acquires-rockshox-and-some-pixie-dust/
  28. http://pdf.secdatabase.com/791/0000899243-02-000537.pdf
  29. https://www.company-histories.com/SRAM-Corporation-Company-History.html
  30. https://canadiancyclist.com/dailynews.php?id=4566&title=SRAM%20Purchases%20Rock%20Shox
  31. https://theradavist.com/enthralled-with-the-rock-shox-rs-1
  32. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/Rockshox-sid-history-1998-2021.html
  33. https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/learn/fork-deep-dives/boxxer-legacy
  34. https://www.sram.com/en/life/stories/our-development-story-2023-fork-linueup
  35. https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/service-manuals/rockshox/front-suspension/2025-front-suspension-specifications.pdf
  36. https://flowmountainbike.com/post-all/rockshox-2025-psylo-domain-rudy/
  37. https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/rockshox-releases-new-psylo-domain-and-rudy-fork-models
  38. https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/learn/fork-deep-dives/charger-3
  39. https://singletrackworld.com/2024/06/new-rockshox-charger-3-1-damper-yes-its-retrofittable/
  40. https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/new-rockshox-deluxe-shock-and-electric-red-colorway
  41. https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/tuning-manuals/suspension-setup-and-tuning-guide-english.pdf
  42. https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/models/rs-sdlx-ult-c2
  43. https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/series/vivid-coil
  44. https://thelostco.com/blogs/blog/2025-rockshox-rear-shocks
  45. https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/service-manuals/rockshox/suspension-theory-guide.pdf
  46. https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/collections/charger-3.1
  47. https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/models/rs-vivc-udh-c1
  48. https://www.sram.com/en/service/articles/RockShox-fitment-article
  49. https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/series/super-deluxe
  50. https://patents.google.com/patent/US4971344A/en
  51. https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/learn/fork-deep-dives/sid-legacy
  52. https://patents.justia.com/assignee/rockshox-inc
  53. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/mtb-hall-of-fame-announces-jill-kintner-cam-zink-joey-klein-paul-turner-and-steve-simons-as-2025-inductees.html
  54. https://blisterreview.com/gear-reviews/rockshoxs-new-2025-forks-shocks
  55. https://theradavist.com/rockshox-suspension-2025-updates
  56. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshox-announces-official-partnership-with-warner-bros-discovery.html
  57. https://www.sram.com/en/life/stories/rockshox-trek-race-team-announcement
  58. https://www.crankworx.com/news/crankworx-renews-multi-year-partnership-with-sram-and-maxxis-ahead-of-2023-season/
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