RockShox has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its trail suspension lineup, introducing the Charger 3.2 damper, Linear XL air spring, and a redesigned chassis. These innovations aim to enhance sensitivity, consistency, and tuning capabilities across their 140–170mm travel forks.
Charger 3.2 Damper
The Charger 3.2 damper features independent high-speed and low-speed compression adjustments, allowing riders to fine-tune support and bump compliance without one setting unintentionally influencing the other. This design creates a broader, more intuitive setup window. The damper is available on Lyrik Select+, Ultimate, and Flight Attendant forks, with Ultimate and Flight Attendant models also featuring ButterCups for vibration reduction. (mbaction.com)
Linear XL Air Spring
The Linear XL air spring introduces a tube-in-tube design that increases overall air volume, requiring higher operating pressures while delivering a more stable and supportive ride feel. Volume spacers can thread directly into the underside of the top cap, though previous 35mm spacers are no longer compatible due to the updated architecture. (mbaction.com)
New Chassis Design
The redesigned chassis includes pressure-relief bleeders moved to the top of the crown-steerer unit (CSU) and a removable guard on the crown that allows mudguards to mount more cleanly and securely. New lower-leg castings and precision CNC finishing on the uppers round out the visual overhaul for Lyrik Select and above models. (mbaction.com)
Adjustable Bottom-Out Control (ABO)
The Adjustable Bottom-Out (ABO) system engages in the final 20mm of travel, using a bumper system to absorb harsh impacts near full compression. It’s fully adjustable, allowing riders to switch it off with just a few turns using a 5mm hex. Similar in concept to hydraulic bottom-out systems found in rear shocks, ABO is designed to work subtly in the background, unnoticed during normal riding but providing extra margin for error when big hits arrive and you’re out of travel. (mbaction.com)
ButterWagon Tech and Lubrication
Internally, RockShox introduces updated lubrication management—referred to as ButterWagon Tech—improving oil distribution across bushings, foam rings, and dust seals. The goal is longer-lasting small-bump sensitivity and reduced performance fade between services. For Ultimate and Flight Attendant models, RockShox has also specced vibration reduction ButterCups. (mbaction.com)
On the Trail
In testing, the updated Lyrik Ultimate offers increased suppleness off the top, thanks to the discrete low-speed and high-speed compression adjustments on the new Charger 3.2 damper. This allows for more optimal preload, enhancing playfulness and overall handling. The Adjustable Bottom-Out system functions primarily as a safety net rather than a noticeable feature, while the revised damper targets riders who want greater front-end control, especially those pushing harder into steep terrain or loading the fork aggressively. (mbaction.com)
The new Lyrik fork promises improved suppleness, clearer adjustability, and greater composure deep in the travel, all wrapped in an entirely new platform. These enhancements aim to provide a more intuitive and responsive riding experience for trail enthusiasts.