New RockShox Super Deluxe and Vivid Air Shocks on Test

SRAM's RockShox division has unveiled significant updates to its rear shock lineup, introducing a completely redesigned Super Deluxe Air for 2027 and a substantially revised Vivid Air. The Super Deluxe is positioned as a trail shock engineered to complement RockShox's latest fork generation, while the updated Vivid Air promises enhanced performance, particularly for more aggressive riding. Both shocks are currently undergoing extensive testing, with early reports suggesting a noticeable boost in on-trail capabilities.

This dual release underscores RockShox's strategic push to maintain dominance in the high-performance suspension market, particularly against Fox's formidable offerings. The Super Deluxe's redesign for 2027, rather than an immediate release, hints at a long development cycle aimed at seamless integration with future bike designs and component ecosystems. The Vivid Air's update, meanwhile, signals an ongoing commitment to gravity and enduro riders who demand robust, consistent damping under extreme conditions.

Ultimately, these updates are less about revolutionary technology and more about iterative refinement, ensuring RockShox stays competitive. The real test, as always, will be how these "noticeable boosts" translate to tangible improvements on the trail for the discerning rider.