Until now, enduro mountain bikers relied on Rockshox on poetry. Then came the Rockshox ZEB with their massive 38 millimetre thick stanchions. They were designed to provide the necessary stiffness - especially for E-MTBs. Even modern enduro bikes without a motor could only benefit from this - after all, many of these bikes are designed for the tough descents of the Enduro World Series. Heavy riders also appreciate the "thick" Enduro fork due to its increased stiffness.
In our lab tests, the ZEB delivered better torsional and braking rigidity than the Lyrik. Disadvantage: The robustness puts pressure on the weight and costs money. The massive ZEB weighs around 300 grams more than the Poetry. Price 1089 Euro. The new Rockshox Domain will be available for a fair 594 euros. According to the manufacturer, it should weigh 2540 grams. That's around 200 grams more than the expensive ZEB. That would be half a kilo more than the Lyrik.
Does the new Rockshox Domain offer similar advantages to its big brother ZEB? Read stiffness values from the lab test bench, weights and a first ride impression in FREERIDE 2/21 and BIKE 7/21.
Rockshox Domain - the facts
The brand new Domain enduro fork also comes with thick 38 mm stanchions. The designers have taken inspiration from its big brother, the ZEB. The Domain will be available in 27.5 and 29-inch versions and with 150 mm, 160 mm, 170 mm and 180 mm travel.
- Wheel size: 27.5" and 29"
- Spring travel: 150 mm, 160 mm, 170 mm, 180 mm
- Damper: Motion Control RC
- Offset: 44 mm (27.5", 29")
- Suitable for Tyres up to 2.8 inch
- Weight: 2540 grammes
- Standpipe unit: 38 mm aluminium
- Price: 594 Euro
- On sale from July 2021
The most important questions about the new Rockshox Domain
What is this MTB suspension fork intended for?
The large 38 mm stanchions and stiffer overall chassis are best suited to all-mountain and enduro bikes with long travel (150-180 mm) as well as modern E-MTBs, which benefit from a more powerful suspension fork adapted to the requirements. The Domain is a fork that has an appearance that matches E-MTBs, but is not too heavy (2540 grams according to the manufacturer) for riding fun on flowing trails.
How does the domain differ from ZEB?
The Domain utilises some of the features of the ZEB, but forgoes the exclusive specifications of the Signature Series in order to land in a more affordable price segment. The Domain differs from the ZEB in the 6000 aluminium stanchions, the Motion Control RC or R damper cartridge (rebound only) and the bushings.
Are there different shaft diameters for the domain?
The Domain has tapered 1.5" aluminium stems for both OEM and aftermarket options. The thicker 1.8" aluminium stem is only an option for manufacturers of E-MTB models.
Does the DebonAir air spring of the ZEB fit into the domain? Are they interchangeable?
Although both forks have 38 mm stanchions, the DebonAir spring of the ZEB does not fit in the Domain. The Domain uses aluminium stanchions from the 6000 series, which require a specific air piston size.
Can I tune the DebonAir air spring of a domain?
Air chamber spacers are available for tuning the DebonAir spring of the Domain, the maximum token quantity is three. Domain forks are supplied ex works with the following spacers:
180 mm travel - no installed token
170 mm travel - one installed token
160 mm travel - two installed tokens.
150 mm travel - two installed tokens.
Which brake disc size is the Direct Mount brake mount suitable for? What are the smallest and largest disc sizes?
The brake mount of the Domain is suitable for 200 mm direct mount discs. A post mount adapter is required for a 220 mm brake disc. 203 mm discs can also be used with a corresponding spacer kit, which is available as an accessory.
What is the largest tyre size I can use on the Domain?
The Domain offers space for tyres up to 2.8 inches wide, both in 27.5" and 29". The use of a mudguard can reduce this clearance depending on the choice of tyre.
The bridge of the dip tube unit looks as if it sits much further forward. Why is that?
The design of the downtube unit has to take many factors into account - two of them are the clearance for mudguards at full travel and the head tube clearance in the event of a puncture.
Which Rockshox shock is best suited to the Domain?
The Domain fits all Rockshox shocks that offer comparable suspension travel for a specific frameset.
What is the best way to set up a domain fork?
The best guide for the setup is the Rockshox TrailHead app or the page www.rockshox.com/trailhead visit. These instructions guide the user through the various settings to customise a domain fork.
Upgrade kits
- Shock upgrade kit - Motion Control RC, low speed compression, lockout (incl. compression damper) - 47 Euro
- Shock upgrade kit - Charger 2.1 RC2 Crown High Speed, Low Speed compression (incl. complete inner workings right side) - 365 Euro
- Remote upgrade kit - OneLoc MC RC shock push to lock (incl. remote, compression damper, cable & cable housing) - 114 Euro
You can read more about the Rockshox Domain in FREERIDE 2/21 (in newsagents from 19 May) and BIKE 7/21 (in newsagents from 1 June).
Laurin Lehner
Editor
