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First Ride: RockShox RS-1 Inverted Suspension Fork 2015

08.04.2014
by Robin Schmitt
The unexpected: RockShox RS-1 Upside-Down suspension fork.
The unexpected: RockShox RS-1 inverted suspension fork.

To be honest when we first heard about a new inverted fork from RockShox we were blown away, why would the “big player” introduce such a complex and difficult to construct fork! Especially as their PIKE fork is currently the benchmark in the trail / enduro segment. We had expected a lot from the SRAM Trailhouse in Moab in terms of new products, but never imagined that it would be the RS-1. That said, of course we were super excited to ride and test it on challenging terrain and learn more about its technologies, and to find out how RockShox overcame the challenges of an upside-down construction. So, how did it perform?

The RockShox RS-1 features a lot of intelligent solutions to balance the challenges of an upside-down construction.
The RockShox RS-1 features a lot of intelligent solutions to balance the challenges of an upside-down construction.
The RockShox RS-1 is a high-end inverted fork intended for XC racing as well as trail riding.
The RockShox RS-1 is a high-end inverted fork intended for XC racing as well as trail riding.

The fork is only being produced in 29″ format, available with SoloAir spring, three travel options (80/100/120mm) and a tapered carbon chassis and steerer. Despite a phenomenally light weight of 1.666 grams (3.67lbs) RockShox claims the RS-1 to be stiff, precise and overall a great performer. Only about 50 grams heavier than a SID XX World Cup, the RS-1 is supposed to offer a whole new riding experience and level of performance on the trail. Let’s dig into the RockShox RS-1 technology to find out what’s so special about this fork.

The Predictive Steering technology for great stiffness.
The Predictive Steering technology shall provide great stiffness.

The missing structural bridge of a inverted fork design results in a dilemma that had hindered the performance gains of inverted forks from being fully realized. This is why to this day engineers had to choose between light and flexy, or stiff and heavy when they wanted to build a inverted suspension fork. RockShox developed ‘Predictive Steering technology’, claiming to be the break-through technology that offers lightweight and stiffness in an affordable package. RockShox engineers have redesigned the dropout/wheel interface featuring a stock 15mm Maxle Ultimate mated with a solid oversized axle running through the hub, called the Torque Tube.

Jed Douglas explains the RockShox RS-1 Inverted Fork

The Torque Tube results in a 27mm axle.
The Torque Tube results in a 27mm axle.
The more you tighten the Maxle Ultimate axle the stiffer the RS-1 will clamp on the Torque Tube.
The more you tighten the Maxle Ultimate axle the tighter the RS-1 will clamp the Torque Tube.
The Predictive Steering technology is a fundamental part of the RS-1 and obviously requires a specific hub (front wheel) being available from SRAM and DT Swiss at the moment.
The Predictive Steering technology is a fundamental part of the RS-1 and obviously requires a specific hub (front wheel), available from SRAM and DT Swiss at the moment. Complete wheel sets are SRAM Rise XX, Rise 60 – 29″ and Roam 50 – 29″.
The great bending stiffness shall ensure less friction and a super sensitive feel on the trail.
The great bending stiffness shall ensure less friction and a super sensitive feel on the trail.
The new Accelerator Damper is designed to offer maximum efficiency on the trail.
The new Accelerator Damper is designed to offer maximum efficiency on the trail.
The damper unit features a preload spring for a ultra firm Lockout control.
The damper unit features a preload spring for an ultra firm Lockout control.
The Rapid Recovery rebound unit.
The Rapid Recovery rebound unit keeps the fork high in the plushest part of its travel and allow a fast recovery on successive hits.
The RS-1 is only available with XLoc Remote (Sprint or Full Sprint).
The RS-1 is only available with XLoc Remote (Sprint or Full Sprint).
One fork, three travel options. To match the rider's necessities in each travel category the damper unit comes with a different setup.
One fork, three travel options.
Tokens allow to easily tune the air volume in the RS-1 making the air spring curve more progressive.
Tokens allow to easily tune the air volume in the RS-1 making the air spring curve more progressive.
The RS-1 has 32 millimeter stanchions.
The RS-1 has 32 millimeter stanchions.
Fully integrated: The RS-1 provides a distinctive and beautiful transition between fork and frame.
Fully integrated: The RS-1 provides a distinctive and beautiful transition between fork and frame.
The cable routing works via two clips on the Carbon Fibre chassis.
The cable routing works via two clips on the carbon fibre chassis.
How does the RockShox RS-1 perform on the trail?
How does the RockShox RS-1 perform on the trail?

We put the RockShox RS-1 to the test on Moab’s finest trails. Highspeed-sections alternating with rocky, tight corners and steep climbs were the perfect terrain to sound out the trail fork’s characteristics.

The setup of the RS-1 is made quite simple. Thanks to the SAG-indicator on the stanchions and the pressure recommendations on the right lower, you can hardly do anything wrong for a first basic setup, which you then can refine on the trail.
The setup of the RS-1 is made quite simple. Thanks to the SAG-indicator on the stanchions and the pressure recommendations on the right lower, you can hardly do anything wrong for a first basic setup, which you then can refine on the trail.
This is Moab: rocks & more rocks!
This is Moab: rocks & more rocks!

Right from the start the RS-1 impresses with a super sensitive and supple feel providing lots of traction. The fact that the seals are constantly bathed in oil helps to keep the fork running smooth.

Considering that it is a 120 millimeter fork, you can push the bike pretty harshly, the forks feel very capable absorbing both the bigger hits as well as small bumps. The RS-1 stayed surprisingly high in its travel ensuring that the geometry stays relatively constant in steep sections.

Overall the fork is very precise in terms of steering. Only in really fast and tight corners can you feel that the torsional stiffness is not as high as the impressive bending stiffness. In combination with big (and generally more flexy) 29″ wheels understeer can be observed at the extremes.

During the test loop we bottomed out various times. However, Thanks to an internal elastomer we never felt a harsh bottom-out, but more a soft ramp. If you want the air spring curve to be more progressive you can add a token (air volume spacer).

RockShox RS-1 enduro-mtb.com tested review reviewed

Bottom-line: With the RS-1 RockShox has come up with another banger-product that impresses with several innovative features such as Predictive Steering. The fork offers great performance and is very distinctive, standing out over other production suspension forks on the market. Thanks to its three travel options and the stiff chassis the RS-1 is applicable for a relatively wide range of use, from ultimate XC racing to fun trail riding. In addition it’s exclusive and sexy. You don’t need it, but you want it.

The RockShox RS-1 will be available in June 2014. The fork is only available in 29″ in either Red/White or Silver coming in at $1,865 / 1.658€.

More info: www.sram.com

Words & Photo: Robin Schmitt, Adrian Marcoux

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About the author

Robin Schmitt

Robin is one of the two founders of 41 Publishing, a visionary and go-getter. While he now enjoys every second on the bike – whenever his busy schedule allows – he used to race against the clock at enduro events and a few Downhill World Cups. Besides that, Robin practises kung fu and Zen meditation, plays the cello, loves classic cars, travels abroad and still reviews numerous bikes himself. Progressive ideas, new projects and major challenges – Robin loves exploring undiscovered potential and getting to the bottom of new trends.

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