RockShox

RS-1 120mm 29in Fork with X-Loc Remote

We're guilty of using the "turning the suspension world upside down" line more than once in discussion of RockShox's revolutionary new RS-1 fork platform. Why? Because the new XC/trail-focused fork is just that: an inverted, motorcycle-style fork chassis that utilizes cutting edge technology to create the ultimate suspension experience, and the RockShox RS-1 120mm 29in Fork with X-Loc Remote you see here is the longest-travel version currently available.

RockShox didn't follow any rules when designing the RS-1, and the result is a product for the consummate 29er devotee. As mentioned, it's an inverted chassis, in which the tapered steerer tube and crown are a single piece of carbon, which is then bonded to carbon legs. Housed within are the new remote-lockout Accelerator cartridge damper and Solo air-spring. Moving down from the carbon crown and legs, the Fast-Black coated stanchions are 32mm wide. Because of the inverted nature of the fork, the stanchions slide effortlessly — the oil, being above the bushings, provides constant lubrication.

Although the carbon fork is stiff and durable, RockShox wanted to ensure that the robustness extended through to the steering and that flex would not be an issue when railing a banked turn. To that end, working with SRAM, it created a hollow 27mm Torque Tube axle that works in conjunction with a standard 15mm thru-axle, creating a new, 110mm axle spacing. The Torque Tube spans the distance between the dropout faces with no endcaps, meaning that once the Maxle is tightened, the serrated ends "grip" the dropouts. This effectively makes the axle, and thereby the wheel, a structural part of the fork. This system was given the name "Predictive Steering" and it keeps the stanchion tubes locked in place. This move makes them torsionally immovable so that you won't need to worry about flex.

SRAM (RockShox's parent company) has not licensed the Predictive Steering technology. SRAM and DT Swiss are currently the only companies making wheels that work with the RS-1. There are plans to sell an unbranded hub for sponsored riders, but for now, SRAM features three compatible wheelsets: the Rise XX, Rise 60, and Roam 50. A SRAM-branded Predictive Steering hub is also available separately in 28- and 32-hole configurations.

The RS-1 features the Solo Air spring. Being inverted, it is pressurized from below. It utilizes Bottomless Tokens inserts to adjust the spring rate. These reduce the volume of the air chamber which, in turn, increases the spring rate as you near full compression, reducing harsh bottom-outs. They are easy to add and remove once air pressure is released by removing the screw cap and threading on the tokens — up to three at a time may be used. The RS-1 also uses RockShox's X-Loc handlebar remote lockout. The addition of this means that external controls are reduced to low-speed rebound and spring pressure. For this reason, it is ideal for XC riders but doesn't feature the low-speed compression dial that is favored by downhill or other gravity-oriented riders.

RockShox also uses a Rapid Recovery valve system to create high speed rebound after full impacts. At the same time, it modulates slower rebound speeds and mid-travel. This helps to prevent brake dive and ensure control throughout all stages of compression. The Accelerator cartridge has a spring-loaded damper that compensates for the long shaft as the damper is depressed. The cartridge is serviceable, but requires a long, specialized socket wrench to access.

The RockShox RS-1 120mm 29in Fork with X-Loc Remote has a 1.125-inch-to-1.5-inch tapered carbon steerer tube and is currently available for 29-inch wheels only. It is available in two colors: Diffusion Black/silver and Gloss Black/red.