Modern mountain bike suspension is already pretty fantastic, but the French engineers and suspension tuning wizards FAST Suspension are always cooking up ways to make it even better. The brand sells its own rear shocks, but in the front suspension department, FAST specializes in aftermarket cartridges and kits to improve the performance of your existing fork. The latest is the new DC3, a compression-damping upgrade designed specifically to unlock the full potential of any RockShox ZEB R or ZEB RC fork.
The DC3 is a compression-damping upgrade unit that replaces the stock version in mid-tier RockShox ZEB forks, which come stock on many longer-travel enduro bikes and e-MTBs. Both the ZEB R and ZEB RC (aka: Select A1, Select A2, and R A1) have limited tuning adjustments. For example, the Charger RC damper that comes in the current ZEB Select only has low-speed compression and rebound adjustments. FAST claims this drop-in DC3 compression damping unit manages 3 types of compression events: low, mid, and high-speed, providing significant adjustability for owners of these forks with otherwise limited tuning options.
- Low-speed compression manages the overall balance of the bike in normal riding conditions, preventing excessive diving under braking or when maneuvering the bike at slower speed.
- Mid-speed compression acts to control forces induced by more aggressive weight transfers, such as when cornering in berms or picking your way through a rock garden – it acts almost as a gas pedal for your bike, allowing it to generate speed as opposed to bogging down in rougher terrain.
- High-speed compression damping adds control to the harshest and most violent events, such as landing big drops or hitting square edges at speed. High-speed compression prevents harsh bottom-outs and keeps the last part of your suspension’s travel available for when it’s really needed
According to FAST, “The DC3 is simple to install, it drops right into the fork as a replacement for the original compression block.” The brand also states that each unit is assembled to order and custom-tuned to the buyer’s preferences. Low-speed compression can be adjusted with an external knob and features a whopping 35 clicks to fine-tune it to your preferences. Both high and mid-speed compression are adjustable, but those adjustments are internal.
FAST Suspension DC3 Features
- Designed for the RockShox ZEB
- Made from aeronautical-grade 7075 T6 alloy
- Simple replacement of the original compression unit, no special adaptation needed
- 100% sealed system with an Internal Floating Piston (IFP)
- 3 independent compression circuits (low-speed comp externally adjustable via 35 clicks, mid-speed, and high-speed are set internally)
- Provides improved grip, more comfort, and better control
- The kit includes 250 ml of RSP fork oil and a valving kit for fine-tuning the compression characteristics
FAST Suspension DC3: Pricing and Availability
If you’re looking to unlock a new level of adjustability and performance from your RockShox ZEB R or ZEB RC fork, the DC3 retails for 279€, incl. VAT. It’s available now through the FAST Suspension website or authorized dealers.
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