RockShox’s pursuit of providing riders with the best suspension possible has resulted in the updated Charger 3.1 damper, along with a new coil shock and numerous upgrades for the Super Deluxe air shock. RockShox listened to feedback from the world’s fastest riders to develop the new Charger 3.1 damper, which offers riders a wider range of compression damping on either end of its range. In addition to an overhauled damper, RockShox has released the all-new Vivid Coil, a gravity-oriented rear shock that incorporates their TouchDouch damper in a coil variation for the first time. 

Charger 3.1 

The Charger 3.1 damper builds on the existing Charger 3 chassis, maintaining its internal floating piston (IFP) design while the internals have been altered to provide a wider range of adjustability. For both low- and high-speed compression, its range is broader that when fully open, while its closed setting provides more damping than the previous Charger 3. Charger 3.1 maintains the ButterCup elastomers from Charger 3, providing an additional decrease in trail feedback.

The Charger 3.1’s low-speed compression (LSC) circuit has been enhanced with larger orifices, resulting in a claimed 68% increase in oil flow. These updates, a direct response to riders’ desire for less overall damping, provide a more responsive and less inhibited action when LSC is fully open. The HSC circuit of the Charger 3.1 also delivers more support than its predecessor in its fully closed position. With the incorporation of a stiffer coil spring and an update to the mid valve, the system experiences an overall reduction in compression damping, further enhancing its responsiveness. 

RockShox has also created various shim tunes kits to perfectly tailor the ride quality of the Charger 3.1 based on rider weight and preference. 

How to Upgrade to RockShox Charger 3.1

Charger 3.1 RC2 Damper Upgrade 

Riders can purchase a complete Charger 3.1 assembly for $358, compatible with all existing Charger 3 chassis. With a relatively straightforward damper swap, riders will have access to the wider range and ride quality that Charger 3.1 is capable of. 

Charger 3.1 RC2 Piston Upgrade Kit 

Existing Charger 3 dampers can be upgraded to Charger 3.1 via a $75 upgrade kit. This kit includes a redesigned piston assembly, new tuning shims, an IFP spring, and a high-flow piston tool. Once installed, this kit transforms what was a Charger 3 damper to a Charger 3.1, providing its wider range of compression damping. Fanatik can complete this service for $100, making it a cost-effective option for riders looking to experience the ride quality of Charger 3.1 without the expense of an entirely new damper or fork. 

Rear Shock Updates

RockShox has brought new life to its lineup with the all-new Vivid Coil Ultimate and numerous updates to the Super Deluxe Ultimate. By integrating the position-sensitive TouchDown damper into a coil shock, the Vivid Coil Ultimate provides unparalleled ride quality and small bump compliance while maintaining the tunability RockShox coils are known for. A new high-flow piston upgrade and Debonair+ Linear Air Can provide riders with backward-compatible tunability, allowing riders to fine-tune the feeling of the Super Deluxe Ultimate more than ever before. 

Vivid Coil

The new Vivid coil replaces the previous Super Deluxe coil in the RockShox lineup. While this new coil shock maintains the same low- and high-speed compression and rebound adjustments, it is the first coil shock to incorporate RockShox’s TouchDown damper technology. First introduced with Vivid Air, the TouchDown damper provides a fully open ride quality in the first 10% of travel. The TouchDown damper, paired with a coil shock, provides an unmatched level of small bump compliance and initial sensitivity. The shock also carries over the Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out from the Super Deluxe Ultimate to eliminate harsh bottom outs. 

Super Deluxe Updates

The integration of a new High-Flow Piston and a lighter rebound check plate allows for increased oil flow and shim engagement. RockShox claims that this results in a shock that prevents rear wheel hang-ups and proves smoother transitions between LSC and HSC circuits. Compared to the previous generation of Super Deluxe, the updated version offers a wider range of compression adjustments, with each click providing a more noticeable impact on ride feel.  

Verdict

RockShox’s updated Charger 3.1 damper and new Vivid Coil shock further refine what was already industry-leading suspension performance. These enhancements offer a broader range of adjustments and increased tuning options. The Charger 3.1 damper directly results from extensive feedback from the world’s fastest riders, featuring increased oil flow and damping adjustability. Additionally, the Vivid Coil and its TouchDown damper provide unmatched small bump compliance and sensitivity, while the updates to the Super Deluxe shock provide a smoother ride quality and a wider range of tuning to accommodate any rider.