SuperDeluxe Genie: Ingenious suspension technology from Specialized and RockShox

Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

GENIE was already around before RockShox came on the scene. Specialised originally developed the technology for the Stumpjumper 15 on the basis of the Fox Float-damper. Afterwards, the GENIE dampers including the new ones Levo-platforms. Specialised is now expanding the partnership and bringing in RockShox on board. This brings together two areas of expertise: Specialized brings its GENIE idea RockShox is drawing on its experience with linear air springs from its latest generation of suspension systems. GENIE nevertheless remains GENIE, but is getting a new technical home. The best thing about this for customers is that, with the latest full-suspension Specialized-Mountain bikes There are now once again more model variants available with RockShox suspension systems.

Key points

• GENIE made its debut with the Stumpjumper 15
• The original implementation was based on the FOX FLOAT shock absorber
• Next came GENIE also in the new Levo platforms in use
• New: Specialized and RockShox are developing GENIE let’s carry on together
• The new RockShox Super Deluxe GENIE takes the concept to a RockShox platform
• RockShox connects GENIE with his The LinearXL philosophy
• First round 70 per cent: linear, sensitive work
• Final round 30 per cent: strong upward trend against bottom-outs
• Objective: more traction, more control and a ride feel as if you had more suspension travel

What on earth is GENIE At all?

When Specialized launched the Stumpjumper 15 imagined, belonged GENIE one of the bike’s major technical highlights. The shock absorber was based on the chassis of the FOX FLOAT, but Specialized integrated its own GENIE Shock Technology.

To recap: The GENIE shock absorber has two air chambers: the inner main chamber and a small outer chamber. The increased air volume improves responsiveness and shock absorption in the mid-travel range. Once 70 per cent of the travel has been used up, the outer chamber closes, the air volume shrinks and the progression increases significantly as a result – a GENIE prank, which provides maximum comfort and traction without compromising on terminal progression.

None GENIE 2.0 – but GENIE with RockShox

The new RockShox Super Deluxe GENIE is not a new invention. The basic function remains the same. What is new is the RockShox collaboration and their implementation on the Super Deluxe Platform. And this is precisely what raises the intriguing question of whether the well-known GENIE driving experience through the RockShox platform and has changed the way they are configured. Currently, we can BIKE We cannot comment on this at present, but we hope to be able to carry out initial tests soon to clarify this issue.