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Everything new, everything better, promises Rockshox about the new edition of the ZEB freeride and enduro fork. Buffers called Buttercups are designed to reduce vibrations, small valves equalise the air pressure, a small spring supports the oil flow, etc. In the promo video, the engineers enthuse about all the innovations. They talk excitedly about the new Charger 3 damping cartridge. My bike (Radon Swoop 9.0) was fitted with the ZEB Select, the basic model with 170 millimetres of travel. I was satisfied with it (except for the compression damping knob) and was therefore curious to see whether the top model ZEB Ultimate would provide even more comfort and control, as the price difference of 400 euros is considerable.
I'm not a fan of individual tests. In my opinion, only direct comparative tests provide real insight, especially now that the products are becoming more and more sophisticated. That's how I felt with the individual test of the Rockshox ZEB Ultimate. I tuned it a little softer than recommended, filled it with 60 psi at 78 kg rider weight (one volume spacer); I ran the compression levels almost open. I got along wonderfully with it and had nothing to complain about with the elegant grey iron. What's more, I was happy with this comfortable steam hammer. But the suspension only became perfect when I tuned the rear of my bike with the Super Deluxe Coil coil shock. Only then was the Rockshox ZEB Ultimate able to show off its full strength, because now the front and rear harmonised, ying and yang became ying and yang: Yang and Yang.
STRENGTHS
- Creamy response
- Lots of comfort
- Many setting options
WEAKNESSES
- Expensive
- Many setting options
Conclusion Rockshox ZEB Ultimate by Dimitri Lehner, FREERIDE editor-in-chief:
Top fork with many adjustment options. Whether you need all of them is up to you to decide.
Info Rockshox ZEB Ultimate
- Suspension travel: optionally 160, 170, 180, 190 millimetres
- Weight: 2341 grammes
- Price: 1253 Euro >> available here
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
