The previous RockShox BoXXer hasn’t been around for long. Only in summer 2023 did the American manufacturer fundamentally revise their dual crown fork – and yet a further updated version is already waiting in the wings, with initial spy shots from race events such as Red Bull Hardline already circulating. After all, it’s precisely at such race events that RockShox usually gather feedback for their new projects.
We go racing to make better products
– Jason Blodgett, RockShox Product Manager Front Suspension
In short, for those who are not that deeply involved in the topic: the BoXXer is and remains the uncompromising dual crown fork in RockShox’s portfolio. As standard, it comes with 200 mm of travel, but it can also be reduced to suit applications such as park or freeride bikes. Its natural habitat is therefore primarily downhill tracks, bike parks and all trails where you need maximum support and the focus lies purely on descending.
With the latest version of the RockShox BoXXer, the main focus was on the new Linear XL Air Spring. As the name already suggests, the goal was to achieve the most linear and therefore predictable spring curve possible. In addition, there’s RockShox’s proprietary “ButterWagonTech” – a clever solution surrounding lubrication of the stanchions and the well-known ButterCups, which are intended to reduce high-frequency vibrations. The “Breather Holes” – already known from the predecessor – are also once again found in the stanchions.
The chassis has been revised, too, with the focus placed on simplifying the setup. New and additional markings make it easier to set SAG as well as compression and rebound. Proven details such as the integrated fender, the thru-axle and the two crown design remain unchanged.
Alongside the new BoXXer, RockShox are also launching a revised version of the Vivid Coil shock as its counterpart. This features a new reservoir design and comes with several new details, primarily aimed at achieving even more consistent and more predictable damping performance.
The new RockShox BoXXer suspension fork in detail
The new RockShox BoXXer is less a completely new development and more a consistent evolution of the current platform. The core elements remain accordingly: 38 mm stanchions, 180 – 200 mm of travel and versions for 27.5” and 29” wheels. The Ultimate version retails at € 2,180, while the more basic Select variant costs € 1,635.
At the heart of the update is the new Linear XL air spring unit. With this, RockShox aim to reduce the speed dependency of the air spring. The system is complemented by the so-called Air Annex – an additional air chamber mounted laterally on the air spring side, at brake height, which increases the air volume of the lower leg. Both the positive and negative air chambers have grown on the new BoXXer. At the same time, the inner diameter of the shaft has been increased and the piston diameter reduced. Taken together, these measures aim to achieve the most linear spring curve possible. A linear curve is considered more predictable than a progressive one and is intended to feel more consistent in handling – with a ride feel that is closer to that of a coil spring.
It’s also interesting that the damping and air sides now have the same air volume in the lower leg, even though only the air side comes equipped with the Air Annex. The reason is that the damping unit occupies less volume, leaving more space available. By the way, there are no different Air Annex caps available for further volume adjustment. For bottom-out protection, RockShox continue to rely on a mechanical bottom-out bumper. Thanks to the very long elastomer, harsh bottom-outs are virtually impossible.
To improve lubrication and ensure more controlled air management in the event of a bottom-out, RockShox continue to integrate two additional drill holes into each stanchion, located just below the oil seal. In the event of harsh impacts, oil can circulate more freely, which is intended to improve lubrication and reduce friction. With bottom-outs, the air trapped in the casting is distributed more quickly and evenly, contributing to a more consistent and linear suspension feel. These holes were already integrated in the previous iteration. Newly added, however, are numerous small indentations in the stanchions, extending across the entire area below the dust wipers. During rebound, these structures draw oil upwards and are intended to ensure more even lubrication of the bushings. The familiar ButterCups are still part of the package. These elastomers sit on both the spring and damping sides and are designed to filter small impacts as well as high-frequency vibrations, which among other things is intended to reduce arm pump.
The Charger 3.2 damper is now used as the damping unit. In its basic function, it doesn’t differ from the Charger 3.0 variant of its predecessor but features a more progressive tune to harmonise with the more linear spring curve of the new air spring. Accordingly, the new 3.2 unit would result in a very firm ride feel in an older BoXXer. As usual, adjustment remains via 15 clicks of low-speed compression and five clicks of high-speed compression. In addition, there is a low-speed rebound adjustment with 18 clicks.
RockShox have also refined the setup. The adjuster dials are more clearly designed and numbered. Additional height indicators on the stanchions make orientation easier. As usual, there are SAG markings and a sticker on the fork for quick base setup. New lubricants are used internally. MAXIMA 920 W15 oil is now used in the lower leg to reduce friction. This is complemented by an adapted grease and new wipers.
Visually, RockShox opt for an understated look. The decals are minimalist and integrated under the clear coat, which not only looks cleaner but is also intended to be more durable. In addition to the familiar Electric Red variant, the BoXXer is also available in black. In the aftermarket, there will, as usual, be an Ultimate version for € 2,180 and a Select version for € 1,635.
The new RockShox Vivid Coil shock in detail
Alongside the new BoXXer, RockShox have also revised the Vivid Coil shock. Externally, the new reservoir or piggyback immediately catches the eye. Internally, the oil flow has been redesigned, allowing for a larger volume. This is complemented by a further developed base valve and a new main piston. A central point is the significantly reduced IFP pressure. This has been lowered by around 40 % from 200 psi to 120 psi, which is intended to improve breakaway force while still preventing cavitation. The goal is a more sensitive response while maintaining damping stability under load.
There’s also a change in naming for the bottom-out system: the previous HBO (Hydraulic Bottom Out) is now called ABO – Adjustable Bottom Out. Technically, it remains a hydraulic system in the shock. The new name is intended to standardise the designation across all products. Via the ABO, the compression damping of the last 20 % of the travel can be adjusted in five stages.
The well-known RCT2 platform continues to be used as the damping unit. High- and low-speed compression are adjustable separately, and the tune is designed for more mid-stroke support. The numbered adjusters now start at 0 and are overall more clearly designed.
The Vivid Coil is available as an Ultimate and as an Ultimate DH variant. The Enduro version additionally features a lockout for longer uphill sections. The price for the Ultimate version is € 785. Furthermore, there are additional variants such as Select and Select+, but only the Ultimate version is available in the aftermarket.
The RockShox BoXXer and Vivid Coil DH first ride test
For our first riding impression, we had the opportunity to test the new BoXXer in combination with the Vivid Coil DH shock as part of a major SRAM and RockShox product launch in New Zealand. The new components were mounted on a Canyon Sender – a bike we know very well, as it was already part of our bike park comparison test last year. Also fitted were the new SRAM Maven brake and the new XX DH Transmission drivetrain. You can find the separate tests in dedicated articles – here, we focus exclusively on the suspension.
During the initial fork setup, we noticed that we had to run significantly higher air pressures than with the predecessor. This is due to the new Linear XL Air Spring. Thanks to the smaller piston, the fork operates with more pressure but can be tuned more precisely – practical! The initial setup recommendations also worked well on the BoXXer to find a solid starting point.
The adjuster dials are more generously marked than before. Although you have to take a close look to clearly recognise the markings, there’s no annoying “click counting” as required with some competing products when returning to your setup after a few weeks. While the BoXXer nominally offers fewer clicks than some competitors, the differences between individual clicks are more clearly noticeable. As a result, the adjustment range feels broader and more practical, even though the total number of clicks is lower.
Although we had the advantage of riding a familiar bike and were able to repeat the same runs multiple times both in Skyline Bike Park in Queenstown and on the very fast downhill track in Coronet Peak, we still want to clearly classify this as a first impression after only three days on the bike.
Right from the first metres on the trail, the even and therefore more predictable spring curve stands out. The fork responds sensitively to small bumps and irregularities and provides plenty of feedback. At the same time, the more progressive damping tune ensures sufficient support in hard compressions and fast berms. Even under heavy braking, the front remains sensitive without diving too deep, and the fork always rides pleasantly high in its travel.
It is striking how strongly the adjuster dials influence the fork’s behaviour. The high-speed compression circuit in particular has a noticeable impact on how high the fork sits in its travel. With just a few clicks, the setup can be noticeably adapted to different trails – whether rough high-speed tracks, very steep downhill sections or flowy bike park runs.
The same applies to the Vivid Coil. Here too, we primarily experimented with high-speed compression. We ran around 24 % SAG. Via HSC, you can also clearly influence how high the bike sits in its travel, which directly affects handling. Even hard bottom-outs are not transmitted too harshly to the rider. However, the performance of a shock always depends heavily on the bike’s rear suspension design. Especially on the Canyon Sender, which relies on a high-pivot rear end, the shock cannot be considered entirely in isolation, as the kinematics play a significant role in the ride feel.
Conclusions about the new RockShox BoXXer and Vivid Coil DH
The new BoXXer is a coherent evolution of a classic with a clear focus on a more linear, more predictable spring curve. In the first test, it responds sensitively, behaves predictably and remains pleasantly high in its travel. The adjusters are clearly effective, even if the number of clicks is limited. The Vivid Coil follows a similar approach and complements the setup coherently. As such, the new DH suspension platform from RockShox is not a radical overhaul but a technically comprehensible step forward.
Tops
- Linear and sensitive response
- Wide adjustment range
- Simple and clearly structured setup
Flops
- Only one Ultimate model in the aftermarket
For more information, visit the RockShox website.
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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Sven Martin, Callum Wood