Rockshox Zeb 2025 in the first test: This is how good the blood-red suspension fork with Charger 3.1 is

Update or not: The Rockshox Zeb Ultimate with Charger 3 no longer has to prove anything to anyone. With great sensitivity, good adjustability and almost flawless performance, the Zeb secured the test victory in the last comparison test of the fat enduro forks. Now Rockshox has reworked the top fork in a few details. Can the Zeb outperform its already strong predecessor?

Fences & data: Rockshox ZEB Ultimate 2025 with Charger 3.1

• Standpipe diameter: 38 mm
• Spring travel150 / 160 / 170 / 180 / 190 mm
• Setting optionsSAG (air spring), progression, high and low speed compression, rebound
• Weight: 2295 - 2341 g
• Price: 968 - 1249 Euro

New damping, less series dispersion: what's new for 2025

From a technical point of view, the new Zeb with Charger 3.1 damping is very similar to its predecessor. This is hardly surprising, After all, it was only two years ago that the Americans completely rethought the subject of damping with Charger 3. High- and low-speed compression damping can therefore be adjusted completely independently of each other. The new adjustment logic, in which the damping is adjusted from the centre position, was also impressive. Small rubber buffers, known as buttercups, absorb high-frequency vibrations in the top forks of the Ultimate series.

These technologies can also be found in the new forks with Charger 3.1 damping, including the new Zeb. However, the compression damping for Charger 3.1 has been slightly revised and should now offer a wider adjustment range. Compared to its predecessor, the overall damping has been slightly reduced. The fork should already offer more comfort in the standard setting and can also be adjusted much more comfortably than its predecessor. This is particularly beneficial for those who have previously ridden the Charger 3 forks with more open damping. A revised manufacturing process and new plain bearings are also intended to combat the problem of series dispersion. No more bushing play, no more stiff and therefore over-damped forks - every fork should now feel equally good from the factory, promises Rockshox.

>> You can read all the news about the new Rockshox forks and the new Vivid Coil damper in our detailed new presentation

How the new Zeb suspension fork with Charger 3.1 rides

On a Canyon Strive:On, we were able to put the new Zeb suspension fork through a few thousand metres of downhill on various trails in northern Italy and the German low mountain range. We experienced proven function at a high level but not a completely new fork. The Rockshox Zeb still guides the front wheel excellently and provides a lot of control and traction in all situations. Lighter riders will certainly benefit from the extended compression range with less damping, and with a rider weight of around 85 kilos, a medium setting suited us well.

Also tried and tested: The butter cups are good at filtering vibrations and give the fork good traction and control, especially on rough gravel in the high mountains. We did not notice a significant increase in comfort compared to the predecessor. For alpine, natural trails, we ultimately liked a setup without volume spacers, with slightly increased air pressure and a slightly closed low-speed compression damping on the Canyon the best. This way, the Zeb harmonised even better with the more linear steel spring rear end of the test bike.

BIKE verdict on the new Rockshox Zeb suspension fork

With the Charger 3.1, Rockshox has made the test-winning fork a little bit better in terms of function, and the extended compression range should also make the fork more interesting for smaller and lighter riders. - Adrian Kaether, Test and Technology Editor