The fully automatic suspension

Sram is revolutionizing how suspension works on a mountain bike. The so-called Flight Attendant system uses a series of sensors to record rider and terrain data. In conjunction with an algorithm, it then defines how the suspension responds in real time.

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It sounds like a completely new technology, but the Flight Attendant system is based on familiar technology: AXS technology ensures wireless gear changes and movement of the Vario support, and is now used in the automated suspension system.

A series of sensors on the fork, the shock and the crankset work together to detect every bump, every incline and every pedal stroke. Flight Attendant is an automatic suspension system that listens to the rider and draws a picture of the entire ride in real time. This data is processed by an algorithm which, according to Sram, was developed according to scientific standards on thousands of trail kilometers around the globe. This analyzes the constant stream of data to calculate the perfect suspension setting for the rider and the requirements of the terrain.

The result? The long-stroke enduro bike becomes even fitter for longer climbs. The trail bike becomes as efficient as a cross-country World Cup bike. The system gets the maximum energy out of every pedal stroke, every weight shift and every fine adjustment without wasting it.

Automated change between Open, Pedal, Lock

This increase in efficiency is made possible by three suspension positions: Open, Pedal, Lock. In Auto mode, Flight Attendant decodes every input and sends its commands to the AXS-capable fork and damper to react immediately. The suspension is always in the right position at exactly the right time and switches automatically between the Open, Pedal and Lock compression damping positions.

In cases where you want to deactivate Auto mode, you can take control yourself. Auto mode can be deactivated and you can choose between the suspension positions yourself if required. Manual mode can be controlled either via the Flight Attendant Control Module or while riding with a click on the assigned rocker switch on the left RockShox AXS 2-button controller.

The suspension can also be controlled manually.

Automatic is customizable

The override mode is also a shortcut to the desired suspension position. To do this, press and hold the corresponding rocker switch on your AXS controller. The override mode switches off the auto mode and switches the system to the selected override position: Open, Pedal or Lock. After the sprint or when the rider is ready, it only takes a click on the same rocker switch to reactivate Auto mode.

The Bias Adjust function allows you to adjust the behavior of Flight Attendant in Auto mode to your personal driving style and preferences. The system is set exactly in the middle at the factory: Zero Bias, for a balanced use of all three suspension positions. Depending on your personal riding style, the bias setting instructs the Flight Attendant System to use the Open or Lock positions more frequently.

The smartphone is an integral part of the new system: the Sram AXS app can be used to make settings for the entire AXS system, including Flight Attendant.

Automated suspension systems are nothing new in the mountain bike market: Fox launched such a system in 2018 with Live Valve. Haibike, Ghost and Lapierre had already flirted with all kinds of electronics and sensors in 2012 with the so-called e:i-shock.