RockShox, in conjunction with five other suspension brands, just announced a new sizing system for rear shocks that will be used on some 2017 bike models. What does it mean?
The press release reads:
Today marks a very important day where six of the bicycle industry’s main suspension manufactures, including RockShox, are making an announcement concerning the future of rear shocks and bicycle frame design. Each of the brands involved in this will announce their specific plans separately according to their own product release timing schedule. We are excited to be a part of this and for the improvements it will bring to suspension products and bicycles in the near future, which have been broadly recognized throughout our industry. Expect exciting new product announcements from RockShox surrounding this innovative new approach to rear shock design soon.
Confused? We don't blame you. This brain buster did drop just hours before April Fools' Day. In an effort to demystify the announcement, here's a rundown of some basics. We'll be diving far deeper into the topic and some of the new products next week. There's still much to be told...
Shocks have been produced in several convenient imperial eye-to-eye and stroke sizes for years (6.5x1.5", 7.875x2.0", 8.5x2.5", etc). While these numbers can certainly be converted to the metric system using some simple math (1" = 25.4mm, ya dummy), "metric" isn't just a switch in listed dimensions, and this whole thing has little to do with metric versus imperial systems. "Metric," as it's referred to here, is actually a new set of sizes for rear shocks that have been agreed upon by suspension and frame manufacturers. That means new eye-to-eye and stroke measurements are coming soon, and, given the name, they'll likely be in conveniently chosen increments of millimeters. The press release also hints at new "fitment options," which may refer to mounting types and hardware.
Surely some of you are grumbling, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." While current shock sizes certainly get the job done, a move to different shock sizes could increase the space inside, allowing designers to make a better product. Most of us just see the relatively simple outside appearance of a shock, but what goes on internally is very complicated. One of the most commonly used air shocks on enduro bikes, 7.875 x 2.25" (200.025 x 57.15mm), is a particularly hard one to make work well given current internal space restrictions. Turns out every millimeter is precious.
Also, with what seems like a bajillion different hardware sizes to choose from, simplification of the system would certainly be nice. Ever been into a bike shop in search of hardware for your new shock, or perhaps a spare shock so you can keep your riding trip alive? Did it end in you walking out the door empty handed or by filing/grinding down something that was too big? This is one frustration we'd be happy to see gone.
The press release listed six suspension companies that will produce metric shocks - RockShox, DVO, Cane Creek, Manitou, SR Suntour, and X-Fusion. While the companies have all agreed to make shocks in the new sizes, product development will continue to happen independently. This means that how one company takes advantage of the new sizing may differ to the others.
FOX is notably absent from the press release issued by RockShox. Curious as to why, especially when this is being billed as something from the "bicycle industry's main suspension manufacturers," we reached out to the brand. The company's official response was that "FOX will continue to work with its customers to provide specific rear shock applications that best suit their frame designs. This support includes imperial, as well as metric based applications."
So yes, FOX will make new metric size shocks as well, but they've chosen to let the market dictate what is best.
We've been asked to stay hush about specific names for now, but we know of 15 bike companies that plan to use metric shocks on their 2017 models. The frames will use new eye-to-eye measurements and stroke lengths, and likely new rear shocks as well.
Yes. In fact many bikes will continue to run the current shock sizes. The six companies listed in the press release will keep making them until demand falls. Time will tell if this catches on, but with the backing of several suspension brands it's likely to take hold.
Ah yes, the juicy questions. Stay tuned for the answers to all these and more as we dive into the new system and take a close look at some fresh RockShox products in an upcoming Vital MTB feature.
mbikes1
4/1/2016 1:25 PM
bturman
4/1/2016 1:32 PM
hamncheez2003
4/1/2016 10:48 AM
Mountain Cycle Shawn
6/4/2016 7:32 PM
LTrumpore
4/1/2016 8:07 AM
This was over on bikerumor: “Some manufacturers expect to see durability improvements. For us, it increases the available space for the IFP’s gas volume and damping piston designs,” says Manitou’s chief suspension engineer, Ed Kwaterski. “Others could have increased overlap between the shaft and air can’s bushings and rings – the further apart they are, the more laterally stiff the shock can be. While it the shock shouldn’t be carrying side loads, it could help in some cases. So, some of the sizing being discussed involves lengthening the eye-to-eye for a given stroke length. And it’ll reduce SKUs for all of the suspension brands because, for us anyway, we’re currently stocking more than 100 SKUs, which is ridiculous. This change will standardize the sizes offered and reduce the number of items required to be stocked.”
“It definitely allows for the designers to do more stuff with the shocks internally,” adds John Pelino, DVO’s general manager. “For a size like a 200×57, there’s zero room left over when that shock is at full compression, so you’re very limited as to what you can do with the damping. So switching to something like a 230×60 or 210×55 gives the engineers more room to develop the damping in the shock...
Trunion shocks will likely get more popular, which are shock canisters that put the air can’s mounting bolts on the side of the shock rather than adding length for an eyelet.”
euan.brownlie
4/1/2016 12:24 AM
stiingya
4/1/2016 12:05 AM
See this is just another way for the bike industry to make money off of us. First they'll go Metric sizing. Then in a few years it will be Geometric sizing after that it will be "hip" for everyone to base sizing in Atomic Units so that shock effeciency can be measured in Gravitational float.
But the bull crap is that everyone already knows Quantum Electrodynamic Units is going to be the optinum way to base shock sizing in the future. So why don't they just jump ahead now instead of making us upgrade and buy new shocks and new bikes every few years....? GREED, that's why...
I mean do you realize you could buy a used motorcycle for the cost of a decent mountain bike these days...?
Actually, I bet switching to metric sizing right when so many people are against BOOST is just a way for them to make sure were upgrading our frames to match the new shocks and they will just "happen" to have BOOST included as well... Conspiracy I say! The shock companies are being backed by the hub/wheel manufacturers because they have huge stock piles of boost hubs that aren't selling!
bturman
4/1/2016 1:32 AM
stiingya
4/7/2016 10:29 PM
Did think there were going to be "some" real changes. Minor length stroke changes that were "close enough" in most cases to swap out most shocks in the next few years. NEVER thought the article was totally on the level... Trunion mounts and all... wow
I'll be very disappointed if I don't get the option to swap out my linkage and update to new shock sizing. (looks like Transition is already on that) Also, can't believe Rock Shox didn't at least replicate the new shock tech in the two most common air shock sizes...? (I mean their using Trunion mounts for gawdsakes, surely they could have found a way! Or like I mentioned above, did a metric size close enough that a travel/bump stop/etc. could make it work) Would have allowed like 80% of enduro trail riders to buy a super delux right now...
bturman
4/8/2016 12:11 AM
Maxipedia
3/31/2016 11:56 PM
Oh, it looks like the bike world needed another standard, as things got a bit too simple these days! I mean, like, come on, we only have 1.1/8”, OnePointFive, tapered, normal, integrated, semi-integrated, zero stack, 22.2, 25.4, 31.8, 35, 9 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, Boost, 135 x 10, 135 x 12, 150 x 12, 142 x 12, 157 x 12, IS, Post Mount, 6 bolt, Center Lock, 26”, 27.5”, 29”, 27.5”+, 29”+, I-beam, normal, Presta, Schrader, 9-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed, 12-speed, SRAM 1:1, Shimano 1:2, taper, ISIS, Octalink, Powerspline, Hollowtech II, X-drive, English, Italian, Pressfit and BB30. We needed A NEW STANDARDIZATION! I am very sure it will make a HUGE impact on those 200.025 x 57.15mm shocks that can now become 200 x 56mm at last!
Thank you, bike industry! You are so cool and positive and thoughtful! We love you mostest! :*
adrennan
4/1/2016 7:55 AM
LTrumpore
3/31/2016 9:46 PM
TEAMROBOT
3/31/2016 8:46 PM
LTrumpore
3/31/2016 9:04 PM
Scrub
4/1/2016 12:10 AM
shhhh, don't tell anyone..
http://www.burgtec.co.uk/products/offset-shock-hardware/burgtec-titanium-offset-shock-hardware/
slyfink
4/1/2016 6:44 AM
mrmizzle5
3/31/2016 7:14 PM
kleinblake
3/31/2016 4:00 PM