Rock Shox launches the RS1 for 27.5-inch wheels

As expected, Rock Shox does not want to limit its top-of-the-range RS1 fork to large wheels and is launching it for 27.5-inch wheels and now also in white. In addition, the Monarch RT3 suspension strut is being improved, the Maxle axle is coming as a stealth version and the One-Lock lever is being launched.

The 27.5-inch fans were a little disappointed when the RS1 was only presented for 29-inch wheels for the first time. Understandable, because this fork has great potential, especially with medium-sized wheels. Rock Shox at least partially exploits this potential. On the one hand, the suspension specialists are launching the upside-down fork in a 27.5-inch version. On the other hand, it has the same travel range of 100 or 120 millimeters as the 29er fork, which prevents the 27.5 RS1 from entering the higher-travel trail segment - at least for the time being. Unlike the 29er version with 46 and 51 millimetres offset, the 27.5 fork has 42 millimetres offset in both travel stages.

White RS1 forks could be seen on the race bikes of Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy at the Cape Epic. What was reserved for Cape Epic winners less than a month ago will now be available in specialist shops for non-professionals in June 2015. The white RS1 is available with red or silver Rock-Shox lettering.

Revised Monarch bumpers
The new Monach RT3 struts will be launched on the market in May of this year. Still available in the standard RT3 sizes and air chamber configurations, Rock Shox has given the Monarch RT3 a new Compression Piston, which should provide more control and better traction on the trail. This ensures less compression of the damper oil at high speed. The increased oil flow results in a smoother feel when hitting the trail quickly, which leads to the aforementioned better control and traction.

The poppet valve has also been redesigned. It uses a new O-ring and riveted shims. Thanks to the improved seal, this results in a refined lockout feel where you need it. For example, when pedaling on asphalt and gravel roads.
The rebound - the valve for controlling the rebound speed - has also been improved. The improved oil flow in it results in a larger adjustment range than before. This allows the rebound speed to be fine-tuned to a lighter or heavier rider.

One control for everything
The new OneLoc remote control gives you full control of the Rock-Shox suspension fork at the touch of a finger. The stronger leverage of the shifter makes operation easier and smoother. With multiple mounting options such as left, right, above or below the handlebars, they can be easily combined with Sram shifters, brakes or the Rock-Shox Reverb remote. The OneLoc will be available in May 2015.

Lighter and narrower
At 37 grams, Rock Shox's new "Maxle Stealth" axle is a 50 percent lighter alternative to the Maxle Lite and Maxle Ultimte thru axles. The quick release is missing for weight reasons, so the axle is fitted with a six millimeter Allen key. The axles will be available from May for the SID, Reba, Revelation, Bluto and Pike forks.