Gravity bikers have had to wait a long time for a new air shock from Rockshox. The new Vivid wants to follow in the footsteps of the old shock as a downhill all-rounder. In addition to maximum versatility for varied trails and a simple setup, the Rockshox engineers also focussed on the longest possible durability when developing the new Vivid. Packed with new technologies, the Rockshox Vivid shock 204 is designed to take on everything from rough trails to big drops and fast downhill race tracks.
New touchdown technology from Rockshox
Rockshox has developed a position-dependent damping system to offer mountain bikers maximum rear suspension performance on demanding downhills. With the so-called "Touchdown RC2T damping", the suspension specialists bypass the compression damping of the main piston for the first ten per cent of the suspension travel. The next 70 per cent of the stroke is controlled by a constantly damped compression stage. The phases of different damping merge seamlessly into one another. Rockshox hopes that this will result in both smooth response behaviour at the beginning of the travel and control in rough terrain. Vivid riders can fine-tune the last 20 per cent of the stroke with a new hydraulic bottom-out. Rockshox sees the advantages of position-dependent damping in the combination of high sensitivity to small vibrations and confidence-inspiring continuity with a hard-working rear end.
On the new Rockshox Vivid Ultimate RC2T, the high-speed and low-speed compression damping can be adjusted independently of each other in addition to the 20-position rebound damping. A three-millimetre Allen key, which can be removed and is required for adjusting the other setup options, is integrated into the knob for the compression stage. The Threshold lever increases support when pedalling with a simple hand movement.
New hydraulics and air spring on the Rockshox Vivid shock
On the new Rockshox Vivid shock, a hydraulic bottom out increases the compression damping at the end of the travel. The new bottom out on the Rockshox Vivid is adjustable in order to control hard impacts, avoid bottoming out and still be able to utilise the entire stroke. Five notches allow the damping behaviour to be individualised over the last 20 percent of the travel. At the same time, the new hydraulic system allows a more variable adjustment of the rebound. The Rockshox Vivid damper is designed to get the maximum performance out of the chassis of a wide variety of e-mountainbikes, enduro bikes and downhill bikes.
In addition to the hydraulic adjustment, the Rockshox bottomless tokens also allow the bottom out in the air spring to be adjusted. The Debonair air spring is still the centrepiece of the Rockshox Vivid shock. A high air volume promises a linear ride feel and high sensitivity to small bumps. On the trail, this should be reflected in control, comfort and support in equal measure. Of course, the Vivid also has the advantage over steel spring shocks of a broadly tunable air suspension. New oil in the form of Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube should now keep the friction of the shock lower for longer. Rockshox doubles the recommended maintenance interval of the Vivid shock from 50 to 100 riding hours.
Models and prices of the new Rockshox Vivid
Rockshox is also sticking to the familiar Ultimate, Select+ and Select model gradations for the Vivid, with a version without a name suffix. For downhill use, the Americans are adding a model with customised RC2 damping and the name Ultimate Downhill (UDH). Interestingly, Rockshox will reserve the versions of the Vivid with simpler internals for those equipping complete bikes. Only the Vivid Ultimate and the Vivid UDH will be freely available for retrofitting. For a standard version of the new Rockshox Vivid Ultimate with installation dimensions of 230x65, the suspension professionals state a weight of 300 grams. Both the Vivid Ultimate and the Vivid UDH will cost 874 euros.
Even if not all models will be available to end customers, Rockshox optimises the Vivid ex works for certain bikes. Certain e-MTBs, enduro and downhill bikes will be able to be retrofitted with a Vivid damper specially optimised for their kinematics from model year 2019. These include manufacturers such as Canyon, Commencal, Nukeproof, Pivot, Santa Cruz, Specialized, Transition, Trek, Yeti and YT. In addition to the actual shocks, Rockshox will also be presenting matching accessories. These include, for example, the Vivid Tool Kit for dismantling the shock for servicing - cost: 170 euros. A bearing adapter kit for 32 euros is designed to reduce the friction of the standard bushing mount. With the Vivid Ultimate RC2T Reservoir Upgrade Kit for 245 euros, the performance of the Vivid model range can be optimised.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
