PRESS RELEASE

Introducing the 2021 Rock Shox Zeb

Date Jul 7, 2020

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Sliding in between the Lyrik and Boxxer, the new Zeb fork from Rock Shox pulls its inspiration from Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs. Built on 38mm uppers, and designed to plow through the worst terrain you can find on a long-travel enduro bike, the Zeb will no doubt find its way onto a variety of different bikes from EWS race machines to freeride sleds. Be sure to check out our initial look here, and read on below for the full release from RockShox.

ZEB AIN’T DEAD

Just like our forks, every peak has a story. Pikes Peak, towering 8,000 feet above the RockShox global design center in Colorado Springs, CO, is the highest summit in the southern Front Range of North America’s Rocky Mountains. The ultra-prominent 14,115-foot fourteener was first attempted by the iconic American explorer, Zebulon Pike, back in 1806. He set out to conquer the great peak’s razor-sharp shale walls, bone-crushing boulders, and extreme climate.

Taking no shortage of inspiration from our backyard, Zebulon was born (shortened to ZEB). Built to withstand everything the 7,960-foot singletrack descent of Pikes Peak is known for – death grip speeds, relentless rock gardens, raw corners, steep chutes, and one heck of a good time.

“Straight away I felt smoother in the gnarlier, rocky straights. Charge into them, let off the brakes, and monster truck through with confidence.” - Sam Hill, Chain Reaction Cycles

BRAINS AND BRAWN

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.

NOTHING ELSE QUITE MEASURES UP

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.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

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.

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.

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.

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.

THE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE PLAY

Going Ultimate has its advantages. Our highest performing, athlete-proven technologies matched with premium style plays. An anodized crown and ZEB’s signature color – Slab Grey – make a rocking debut.

CHARGER 2.1 - TAKE BACK CONTROL

Designed to reduce hand fatigue and fight unwanted friction, Charger 2.1 increases confidence and control over every trail. The Charger 2.1 RC2 was fitted to ZEB’s 38mm chassis and features independent high and low speed compression adjust.

DEBONAIR™

The highly tunable DebonAir™ air spring is ready for whatever the trail demands. Buttery smooth feel off the top, now optimized to maintain higher ride height to add more confidence on technical terrain. Building on the updated DebonAir air spring found in Pike and Lyrik, ZEB features additional negative volume for an even more DH-like ride.

OPTIMIZED FOR EMTB: 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 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 color – 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 Colorway 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 aluminum

WEIGHT: 2281g (29” / 170mm / Maxle Stealth / Uncut Steerer)

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)

ZEB

DebonAir Air Spring

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

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, 150mm / 180mm Travel Adjustment (Dual Position Air), 160mm, 170mm, 180mm

Damper: Charger R

Offset: 44mm (27.5", 29")

Upper tube: 38mm aluminum

WEIGHT: 2279g (29” / 170mm / Maxle Ultimate / Uncut Steerer)

ZEB FENDER

Don’t let the weather get in the way of adventure. The new RockShox branded ZEB short fender is designed to keep you dry and clean when the weather turns. It can be easily installed at three points and looks as if your fork and fender are one, leaving your friends wondering why they are still messing around with zip ties.

FEATURES