Tech

RockShox goes full enduro with 38mm Zeb fork

Supplied by RockShox.

· By Press Office · 29 comments

Press Release

The next evolution of single crown awesome is here. We created a whole new breed of fork, designed to challenge the limits and take on the world’s toughest Enduro tracks. ZEB’s stiff yet versatile single crown 38mm chassis and machined good looks, pack a punch, and deliver a clear tactical advantage to win races.

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Built to match the new generation of long-travel, hard-hitting mountain machines. ZEB’s bold design and smashing good looks offer a perfect match.

Greater Precision

Riders of any size benefit from the extra strength to send it, without needing the extra hours in the gym. It all comes down to a critical balance between stiffness and weight (something our engineers love to obsess over). ZEB’s robust 38mm chassis delivers the perfect blend. Increased sensitivity, greater steering precision, and the ability to go faster, corner harder, and stay in control. ZEB crosses the line in a stiffness category of its own.

Torsional Stiffness = 21.5% Stiffer
Side Bending Stiffness = 7% Stiffer
Fore/Aft Bending Stiffness = 2% Stiffer
*Lyrik vs ZEB test lab data- both forks are 29″ 180mm travel

So, what do numbers prove? It was never about building the stiffest fork we could. Based on rider feedback, we focused in on increasing torsional stiffness. Why? As testing revealed, increasing the torsional stiffness made a noticeable difference in the performance and how the fork would hold a line with better control. A noticeable and direct rider benefit for those looking to go faster with more precision in rough terrain.

Worth The Weight

A lean, mean, fighting machine. ZEB’s aggressive good looks add stiffness in all the right places, while maintaining meaningful compliance where required. Even on this heavy-hitting fork, we know gram counting makes a difference. We’ve chiseled away anything extra without compromising the integrity of ZEB’s design.

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When The Going Gets Rough, Zeb Plows Right Through It

The new world order of Enduro racing has raised all the limits. Holding every critical line, when it matters the most, has never been more important. ZEB’s new chassis design maximizes bushing overlap. This reduces friction and keeps your fork sliding perfectly smooth. No matter how rough the terrain, ZEB gives you the confidence to plow right through it.

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Crown Jewel

Minimal in weight, and tough by design. ZEB’S aluminum crown is built to withstand the elements. Extra durability with added machining shaves away the unwanted grams to keep things light and looking fresh.

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Mind the G A P

From full travel to bottom out, mind the gap. With all things going big, the ZEB lower leg arch was designed to ensure plenty of clearance for beefier headtube profiles and our integrated fender.

Fender Mounts

ZEB makes fender integration a breeze. Featuring a new RockShox 3-bolt fender, available on all models.

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Optimized For E-MTB: Dual Position Air

The Dual Position Air spring, found in the base model ZEB, allows riders to adjust the fork between two distinct travel positions. With the turn of a knob, adjust from 180mm of max travel to 150mm minimum travel. The lower front end helps eMTB riders tackle aggressive climbs more efficiently. Crank back up to max travel for max fun on the way down.

Maxima Plush Fluid

Developed with the world’s fastest racers, on the world’s toughest circuits. Maxima Plush Fluid is designed to protect against suspension wear, reduce friction, silence damper noise and maintain a consistent feel in all temperatures and ever-changing conditions.

SKF Wiper Seals

Friction down, dirt out. Everyone loves a good collaboration, which is why we’ve been working with SKF, the world’s highest-performance seal manufacturer, for over five years. Together we provide ultra-low friction wiper seals, less fatigue, and unmatched suspension feel, all while keeping the dirt where it belongs. Because no one wants dirt in there.

ZEB Family

ZEB ULTIMATE

ZEB Ultimate is a whole new breed of fork, designed to challenge the limits and take on the world’s toughest Enduro tracks. Going Ultimate has its advantages. Featuring an all-new stiff 38mm chassis designed with the Charger 2.1 damper, DebonAir™ air spring technology, SKF Wiper Seals, and Maxima Plush Fluid. Our highest performing, athlete-proven technologies matched with premium style plays. An anodized crown and ZEB’s signature colour – Slab Grey – make a rocking debut.

Features
  • New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
  • Highly-tunable DebonAir™ air spring offers a buttery smooth feel off the top and maintains a higher ride height for increased confidence in steep terrain
  • Our highest performing Charger technology. Charger 2.1 RC2 damper features independent high and low speed compression with rebound adjustment – designed to reduce hand fatigue and fight unwanted friction, the Charger 2.1 damper increases confidence and control over every trail
  • Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long-lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
  • Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
  • Available in the Signature Colourway Slab Grey or Ultimate High Gloss Black with foil graphics
  • Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)
Specifications
 
Wheel Size: 27.5″, 29″
Travel: 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190mm
Damper: Charger 2.1 RC2
Offset: 38mm (27.5″), 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
Upper Tube: 38mm aluminumWeight: 2281g (29” / 170MM / MAXLE STEALTH / UNCUT STEERER)

ccs-62657-0-11205200-1594131579.pngZeb Ultimate
ccs-62657-0-02271800-1594131578.pngZeb Select +

ZEB SELECT +

ZEB is a whole new breed of fork, designed to challenge whatever limits you find. ZEB Select+ features an all-new stiff 38mm chassis designed with the Charger 2.1 RC damper, DebonAir™ air spring technology, SKF Wiper Seals, and Maxima Plush Fluid.

Features
  • New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
  • Highly-tunable DebonAir™ air spring offers a buttery smooth feel off the top and maintains a higher ride height for increased confidence in steep terrain
  • Our highest performing Charger technology. The Charger 2.1 RC damper features easy to adjust low speed compression and rebound – designed to reduce hand fatigue and fight unwanted friction, the Charger 2.1 damper increases confidence and control over every trail
  • Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
  • Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
  • Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)

Specifications
Wheel Size: 27.5″, 29″
Travel: 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190mm
Damper: Charger 2.1 RC
Offset: 38mm (27.5″), 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
Upper Tube: 38mm aluminum
Weight: 2281g (29” / 170MM / MAXLE STEALTH / UNCUT STEERER)

ZEB SELECT

ZEB Select features an all-new stiff 38mm chassis designed with the Charger RC damper, DebonAir™ air spring technology, SKF Wiper Seals, and Maxima Plush Fluid. A whole new breed of fork, designed to challenge whatever limits you find.

Features
  • New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
  • Highly-tunable DebonAir™ air spring offers a buttery smooth feel off the top and maintains a higher ride height for increased confidence in steep terrain
  • Charger Technology – The Charger™ RC damper features easy to adjust low speed compression and rebound
  • Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
  • Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
  • Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)

Specifications
Wheel size: 27.5″, 29””
Travel: 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190mm
Damper: Charger RC
offset: 38mm (27.5″), 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
Upper tube: 38mm aluminum
WEIGHT: 2270g (29” / 170mm / Maxle Stealth / Uncut Steerer)

ccs-62657-0-99482700-1594131576.pngZeb Select
ccs-62657-0-90913600-1594131575.pngZeb

ZEB

ZEB features an all-new stiff 38mm chassis designed with the New Charger R damper, DebonAir™ air spring technology, SKF Wiper Seals, and Maxima Plush Fluid. A whole new breed of fork, designed to challenge whatever limits you find.

Features
  • New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
  • Charger Technology – The New Charger™ R damper features factory tuned compression with easy to adjust rebound
  • Highly-tunable DebonAir™ air spring offers a buttery smooth feel off the top and maintains a higher ride height for increased confidence in steep terrain
  • Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long-lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
  • Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
  • Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)
  • eMTB endorsement decal

Specifications
Wheel Size: 27.5″, 29″
Travel: 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm
Damper: Charger R
Offset: 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
Upper Tube: 38mm aluminum
Weight: 2279G (29” / 170MM / MAXLE ULTIMATE / UNCUT STEERER)

ZEB (Dual Position Air)

ZEB features an all-new stiff 38mm chassis designed with the New Charger R damper, Dual Position Air adjustment, SKF Wiper Seals, and Maxima Plush Fluid. A whole new breed of fork, designed to challenge whatever limits you find.

Features
  • New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
  • Charger Technology – The New Charger™ R damper features factory tuned compression with easy to adjust rebound
  • The Dual Position Air spring allows riders to adjust the fork between two distinct travel positions. With the turn of a knob, adjust from 180mm of max travel to 150mm minimum travel.
  • Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long-lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
  • Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
  • Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)
  • eMTB endorsement decal

Specifications
Wheel Size: 27.5″, 29″
Travel: 150mm / 180mm: 30mm Travel Adjustment
Damper: Charger R
Offset: 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
Upper Tube: 38mm aluminum

Question and Anwsers

Why did you make ZEB?
ZEB bridges the gap between Lyrik and BoXXer. Our athletes, and equally our customers, have been asking for a stiffer, more aggressive fork for long travel applications.

What is the intended use of this fork?
The larger diameter stanchions and stiffer overall chassis are best suited to long travel Enduro bikes (170-190mm) and also eMTB’s. The overall aesthetic of ZEB means the fork is suited to larger diameter frame tubes such as those found on eMTB’s.

Will smaller, lighter riders benefit from ZEB in the same way heavier and more aggressive riders would?
Yes. During ZEB’s development we tested the fork with many of our athletes and customers. The overwhelming feedback is that the stiffer chassis and larger diameter stanchions increase sensitivity and the performance of the fork in extreme circumstances. This level of increased performance is suited to both heavier and lighter weight riders alike, where the only variance is air spring pressure and damping adjustments to suit the rider.

How does the DebonAir air spring differ on ZEB from Lyrik? Are they interchangeable?
They are not interchangeable. The air spring on ZEB and Lyrik are different both in their design architecture and piston diameter, to suit either a 35mm chassis for Lyrik or a 38mm chassis for ZEB. In creating an entirely new chassis with ZEB we were able to redesign the air spring from the ground up.

Are there different air springs available for ZEB?
As with all of our fork offerings, we will deliver different air spring lengths so riders can change the overall available travel of the fork. For ZEB this will range from 160mm to 190mm of travel. We will also be offering a Dual Position Air spring option in our eMTB configurations starting at 150mm of travel.

Can you explain the cup shaped air spring piston and how this helps with top-out?
The new air piston shape contains the top-out bumper and controls its rate by not allowing it to expand as far as the bumper compresses at top-out.

How much stiffer is ZEB than Lyrik? Is it stiffer than a BoXXer?
The ultimate aim with ZEB was not simply to create a stiffer fork. We realized an opportunity to apply similar technology and design characteristics from Lyrik and BoXXer into a single crown fork with larger upper tubes to benefit riders pushing the limits of long travel Enduro and eMTB’s. Overall stiffness is measured in several different ways; it’s not just one number. ZEB is stiffer, but that should not be confused with what the required amount of stiffness is for Lyrik. We are very happy with those numbers for the intended use. With ZEB we have been able to offer a fork that sits between BoXXer and Lyrik.

Did you consider using a 20mm axle instead of 15mm?
We considered 20mm, but ultimately ended up going the 15mm route. A properly designed 15mm axle can be as stiff or stiffer than a 20mm axle. Riders can also use Torque Caps to improve stiffness using a 15mm axle means that more riders can benefit from equipping their bike with ZEB without having to change the front wheel to accommodate a larger diameter axle.

Why are there different crown sizes available, and why not just one size?
As new bike models have launched into the market, there has been an increase in head tube diameter on frames. In order match this increase in size, we have created an oversized crown, which created a more optimal interface between the crown and headtube on these framesets. We have created a smaller version to fit with models that have smaller head tube diameters. There is no change in overall performance or stiffness between the two crown options.

Will all ZEB crown sizes be available Aftermarket?
As with all of our product offerings, we will ensure that the most common sizes and configurations are offered in the aftermarket channel.

Are there different steerer diameters available for ZEB?
ZEB will be offered with both 1.5″ and 1.8″ tapered steerer options.

Is there a new volume spacer to change the air spring characteristics?
ZEB will use the grey volume spacer that you are familiar with from all of our 35mm chassis forks.

What rotor size is the direct mount brake for? What is the smallest and largest size rotors I can run?
ZEB is 200mm direct mount. For a 220mm rotor a 20mm post-mount adapter is needed. 203 Rotors can also be used with a corresponding spacer kit.

How does the air spring pressure chart differ from Lyrik?
Because the overall air volume in ZEB’s 38mm upper tubes is larger than in Lyrik’s 35mm, the required pressure for a rider is lower in ZEB. Lower pressure means single digit changes in PSI make a bigger percentage difference in the air spring, therefore it’s somewhat easier to tune the air spring to suit a rider’s needs.

Why have you added another level on the Signature Series line up?
ZEB is part of the RockShox Signature series and offers Ultimate, Select+ and Select models, with the addition of a new base pricepoint: ZEB.

Tell me about the new damper in the ZEB R.
The Charger R damper is a version of our current Internal Floating Piston (or IFP)-based Charger RC damper. The R version has a factory set compression assembly and features an easy to set up rebound adjuster. We think the ZEB R and this damper will find a perfect home on the front of many eMTB’s.

Does a larger diameter upper tube create more seal friction?
We have offset any friction increases from the surface area of the 38mm upper tubes by placing extra attention on bushing lengths and overlap. This keeps the fork sliding smoothly regardless of the load.

How does the axle-to-crown measurement change between ZEB and Lyrik, considering they both offer the same travel options?
For the same travel, ZEB is 5mm longer axle-to-crown versus Lyrik.

Have you made any changes to the Charger 2.1 damper for ZEB? Is the damper cross compatible with my Lyrik Charger 2.1 damper?
The damping characteristics of the Charger 2.1 damper has remained unchanged from Lyrik. However the damper itself is architecturally different because it needs to fit into a 38mm stanchion fork, therefore it is not cross compatible with any of our 35mm chassis forks.

Do the oil amounts in the lower legs change from Lyrik to ZEB?
We have increased the oil volume in both lower legs of ZEB to 20ml, which accommodates the larger chassis and overall internal volume of the fork’s design.

The look is very aggressive and pronounced architecturally – does this design have any performance benefits or are they mostly aesthetic?
We certainly aimed for a more striking and aggressive look with ZEB, and with these design developments come performance benefits. Most notably the design and casting of the lower leg adds stiffness in the most important areas but also compliance where required.

The lower leg fork arch looks like it sits much further forward. Why?
The design of the lower leg has to accommodate many factors – two of these include clearance for mud guards at full travel as well as headtube clearance at bottom out.

What is the most appropriate RockShox rear shock to match with ZEB?
ZEB will work across the board with all of our rear shock offerings, which offer a comparable amount of travel on a given frameset. Most notably, these would be our Super Deluxe and Super Deluxe Coil shocks.

What is the largest size tire I can use with ZEB?
ZEB will accommodate tires up to 2.8″ on both 27.5″ and 29″ platforms.

Is there a remote option available or ZEB?
Currently, we do not foresee the need for a mechanical remote option for ZEB.

Is there a 2 position ZEB available?
Yes. There will be Dual Position Air option available on ZEB. This will be offered exclusively in our eMTB configurations.

Does ZEB open new possibilities for freeride mountain bikers?
We hope so!

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Comments

Mohs

Jul 7, 2020, 3:11 PM

....While Zeb is a common Urdu name, in Arabic it is a slang reference to the male genitals and not used in polite conversation....

 

besides that,  looks cool!

popcorn_skollie

Jul 7, 2020, 3:21 PM

Josie's on a vacation far away. Come around and talk it over. So many things that I want to say. You know I like my girls a little bit older. I just want to use your love tonight. I don't want to lose your love tonight

kk6gan

Jul 7, 2020, 3:22 PM

Why don’t they just give us lightweight dual crown forks for enduro already? While they at it they can give it a better name than Zeb...

BaGearA

Jul 7, 2020, 3:24 PM

Why don’t they just give us lightweight dual crown forks for enduro already? While they at it they can give it a better name than Zeb...

MRp bartlet

Thermophage

Jul 7, 2020, 3:26 PM

....While Zeb is a common Urdu name, in Arabic it is a slang reference to the male genitals and not used in polite conversation....

 

besides that,  looks cool!

That's great to know. Found a new way to refer to them ;)

Mohs

Jul 7, 2020, 3:34 PM

That's great to know. Found a new way to refer to them ;)

Hitting the tree, my handlebar went straight into my zeb...

Got a ring to it!

Thermophage

Jul 7, 2020, 3:36 PM

Hitting the tree, my handlebar went straight into my zeb...

Got a ring to it!

I was a mountain biker once, but then i took a fork to my Zeb...

popcorn_skollie

Jul 7, 2020, 3:37 PM

Why don’t they just give us lightweight dual crown forks for enduro already? While they at it they can give it a better name than Zeb...

 

Because bar spins at rampage is more important

Thermophage

Jul 7, 2020, 3:38 PM

Because bar spins at rampage is more important

Also...what's lightweight?

DR ◣◢

Jul 7, 2020, 4:24 PM

Why don’t they just give us lightweight dual crown forks for enduro already? While they at it they can give it a better name than Zeb...

Wouldn’t that just be downhill but with extra steps?

Beefy

Jul 7, 2020, 4:42 PM

I feel like such a failure as while racing with a Lyrik I never once thought that I needed a bigger, stiffer fork.

 

Really wonder how big the market for this actual is when I am sure that most recreational racers would be just fine on a Pike.

kk6gan

Jul 7, 2020, 4:45 PM

Wouldn’t that just be downhill but with extra steps?

Isn’t that exactly what enduro is?

Thermophage

Jul 7, 2020, 4:49 PM

Isn’t that exactly what enduro is?

No.

MORNE

Jul 7, 2020, 5:04 PM

....While Zeb is a common Urdu name, in Arabic it is a slang reference to the male genitals and not used in polite conversation....

 

besides that,  looks cool!

yes.

 

 

"ZEB’s stiff yet versatile single crown 38mm chassis and machined good looks, pack a punch, and deliver a clear tactical advantage"....

Bos

Jul 7, 2020, 5:42 PM

Cant imaging anyone in this country needing one of those for anything else than bragging rights. When the guys winning the enduro races are not even using enduro bikes. Will be more handy at the endure class of the DH series. But wondering how long they keep the Lyric on. Although Its a very successful product and they'd be stupid to cull it.

Simon123

Jul 7, 2020, 5:52 PM

Fox made a 38 for the fast riders, RockSux had to make something in the category for the slower ones. :) 

DieselnDust

Jul 7, 2020, 5:56 PM

Reminds me of the days when I had a Totem on a Gemini.... That was a beast of a bike. And way too much bike for anything in Cape Town

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

Jul 7, 2020, 7:27 PM

Cant imaging anyone in this country needing one of those for anything else than bragging rights. When the guys winning the enduro races are not even using enduro bikes. Will be more handy at the endure class of the DH series. But wondering how long they keep the Lyric on. Although Its a very successful product and they'd be stupid to cull it.

I'd say that this is for freeride barspins. Like the old Totem used to be.

DieselnDust

Jul 8, 2020, 7:16 AM

I'd say that this is for freeride barspins. Like the old Totem used to be.

 

 

Or because you really like the Long Low slack 29er enduro bikes but can't corner and prefer to smash your way through the course on the wrong side of the tape :)

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

Jul 8, 2020, 7:29 AM

Or because you really like the Long Low slack 650r enduro bikes but can't corner and prefer to smash your way through the course on the wrong side of the tape :)

Why you talk about me? ????

 

Nah, even I wouldn't want one when the lyrik is already so good. If I wanted to go back to a heavier fork, I already have the Marzo.

Bos

Jul 8, 2020, 9:04 AM

I've been following the Charger damper threads and done a lot of reading from pretty clued up (Push, Suspension lab, Shockcraft etc) people and the common issues that the guys with the big magnifier glasses had with the RS forks since 2014 has been that they were over-damped for the average user. If you go listen to the Vital podcast on the Charger RC2.1 damper, and now the ZEB podcast, they mention that they are trying to make the fork less harsh, with a more usable range of adjustments. IOE, Less HSC, less friction, less, better lubricants etc..Which although admitting to some form of fault in the passed, at-least means they are moving in the right direction. I think they caught a bit of a wake up when they did data acquisition on competitors products.

 

Having said that, If you listen to the Fox 36 brigade, they also have lots to moan about. and the most common is the creaking stanchion/crown interface, which Is a far bigger nightmare.

 

Long and the short of it. I doubt I will ever own a ZEB, Mayhem might have better use for it but it sounds like a good fork, that covers things we have not even begun to perceive as problems (ebikes etc..)

 

 

Mayhem, this is your fork pal. 

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

Jul 8, 2020, 12:13 PM

I've been following the Charger damper threads and done a lot of reading from pretty clued up (Push, Suspension lab, Shockcraft etc) people and the common issues that the guys with the big magnifier glasses had with the RS forks since 2014 has been that they were over-damped for the average user. If you go listen to the Vital podcast on the Charger RC2.1 damper, and now the ZEB podcast, they mention that they are trying to make the fork less harsh, with a more usable range of adjustments. IOE, Less HSC, less friction, less, better lubricants etc..Which although admitting to some form of fault in the passed, at-least means they are moving in the right direction. I think they caught a bit of a wake up when they did data acquisition on competitors products.

 

Having said that, If you listen to the Fox 36 brigade, they also have lots to moan about. and the most common is the creaking stanchion/crown interface, which Is a far bigger nightmare.

 

Long and the short of it. I doubt I will ever own a ZEB, Mayhem might have better use for it but it sounds like a good fork, that covers things we have not even begun to perceive as problems (ebikes etc..)

 

 

Mayhem, this is your fork pal.

Nah. No thanks. Even at my weight I'm not gonna stress over something like that. I ain't no freerider trying to do barspins on massive road gaps and drops, which is what I think this fork is made for (like the old Totem)

 

I mean,the name is kiff and all, but I don't see the benefits of a stiffer fork than the lyrik or my Marz when I'm not anywhere close to challenging their stiffness.

 

Damper upgrade, now that interests me. ????

 

Edit: However, if I was building a new bike or I needed a new fork and the choice was between this, the lyrik and anything else, I'd definitely consider it as an option. 38mm stanchions just look so much better than 35s

Meezo

Jul 8, 2020, 6:06 PM

I want one. But I'll take you lyrik off your hands let me know.

 

O I'm not a pro nor a racer but i like nice things... If money wasn't a problem.

Hairy

Jul 9, 2020, 11:10 AM

Or because you really like the Long Low slack 29er enduro bikes but can't corner and prefer to smash your way through the course on the wrong side of the tape :)

Pffftttt Cpt is not French, and therefore does not take the "French Lines"

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