With the new Lyrik and ZEB, RockShox are introducing two completely redesigned suspension forks, each clearly targeting different use cases. While the ZEB remains focused on aggressive enduro riding, the new Lyrik is aimed at trail riders. At the same time, the overlap between the two models has grown significantly – but more on that later. You can also find our in-depth review of the new 2027 RockShox ZEB Ultimate.
The new Lyrik now covers a travel range of 140–170 mm and continues to rely on 35 mm stanchions. Over approximately four years of development, RockShox revised or completely redesigned almost every component – except for the thru-axle. The main focus was clearly on the air spring, the casting, and the stanchions, while the damper unit was only subtly refined. Some technologies were taken from the current BoXXer, while many solutions were specifically developed further for the new platform. The goal: a spring curve that is as linear as possible combined with minimal friction. Because only when all systems can operate freely do the air spring and damper reach their full potential.
The new 2027 RockShox Lyrik Ultimate in detail
First, let’s take a look at the air spring side. One feature that immediately stands out is Rockshox’s new proprietary “AirAnnex” – an extender located at the bottom next to the brake mount. This increases the air volume in the lower leg, thereby reducing the air spring’s progression. As a result, the spring becomes less speed-dependent, allowing rebound to be controlled more effectively via the damper. This extension is only present on the air spring side. The reason lies in the fork’s design, as the air spring takes up more space inside the stanchion than the damper unit. As a result, the air volumes in the lower legs differ between the two sides. The AirAnnex compensates for this, ensuring both sides have the same air volume in the lower legs. The AirAnnex extender itself is not replaceable – even though it’s only secured with two bolts. Whether different versions will be available in the future, or whether there might even be new – as yet unreleased – technologies that could be integrated with the existing system, remains purely speculative.
The actual air spring unit – called LinearXL – has been revised, too, and is intended to contribute to a more linear spring curve overall. This is achieved, among other things, through a twin-tube design, which allows the piston diameter to be reduced and the ratio between piston and air shaft to be adjusted. At the same time, the diameter of the air shaft has been increased from 10 mm to 14 mm and designed as a hollow structure. This creates more volume in the negative chamber and ensures that force builds more evenly throughout the travel – with the goal of delivering a more predictable ride feel. The progression of the air spring can still be adjusted in the classic way using tokens.
At the end of the travel, the new Adjustable Bottom Out – or ABO – comes into play. While previous systems like the HBO (Hydraulic Bottom Out) worked hydraulically, RockShox now rely on a mechanical solution for the Lyrik, though they have unified the naming across all systems regardless of whether they are mechanical or hydraulic. The ABO uses an adjustable rubber bumper that controls the last 7–17 mm of travel. Adjustment is made via 8 clicks using a 5 mm Allen key. The adjuster requires slightly more force than the other dials, which is likely why it cannot be adjusted tool-free. A pyramid-shaped marking on the back of the stanchion helps with orientation.
The damper unit remains relatively unchanged. It’s now called Charger 3.2 and has primarily been re-tuned to better match the more linear characteristics of the new air spring. In concrete terms: more damping. Although the cartridge is backwards compatible with older forks, the upgrade only makes limited sense – unless you specifically want to run more damping.
The adjustment options remain familiar: there are 5 clicks of high-speed compression and 15 clicks of low-speed compression, all within less than one full turn of the dials. What’s new – and particularly well executed – are the revised graphics on the adjusters. The new adjusters build on an already very successful design and make it super easy to see at a glance which setting you’re currently in. The individual clicks are also clearly noticeable. The rebound adjuster is still located at the bottom of the fork and hasa 20 clicks of adjustment. However, it lacks clear labeling, and RockShox – at least on their decals – don’t provide a recommended base setup – a real pity. That would have rounded off the overall package nicely, and eliminated the need to use their TrailHead app, where you can find this information. The ButterCups are still in use, too. These small elastomers sit on both the damper and spring side and are designed to filter out fine vibrations and impacts before they even reach the suspension and damping systems.
The black stanchions also feature several interesting details. These include the so-called Breather Holes, which we already know from the BoXXer. These strategically-placed openings increase the air volume in the lower legs during compression and channel air into the space between the stanchion and the LinearXL air chamber, thereby reducing the air pressure generated during compression. This, in turn, reduces additional progression caused by trapped air. On the damper side, the effect of these holes should be close to zero, as the stanchion is already open at the bottom. The openings on the new Lyrik and BoXXer are slightly larger than on the 2023 BoXXer. Also new is the so-called ButterWagon technology, which was first seen on the current BoXXer. These are fine divots in the stanchions below the dust wipers, which pull oil from the lower parts of the fork upward during rebound. This is intended to improve lubrication and reduce friction. A small detail on the side: a matching ButterWagon logo on the stanchions is only visible when you remove them from the lower legs during service. RockShox have also updated the lubricants. The new 15 WT MAXIMA 920 oil is now used, which is slightly thicker than its predecessor. Additionally, the oil volume in the lower legs has been increased to 30 ml per side, whereas previously only 15 ml were used on the air side. This is complemented by the new Maxima SG920 grease and revised SKF dust wipers, which are designed to deform less under increasing pressure inside the lower legs. All these updates aim to further reduce friction.
The fork crown is more substantial and, thanks to its manufacturing process, is designed to deliver increased stiffness and improved steering precision. The bleeding ports have now been moved to the crown. They’re significantly smaller than before but are still positioned at the rear, where they’re well protected. As usual, these allow you to equalise pressure differences between the casting and the environment, as air now simply finds its way between the stanchion and the separate main air chamber or damper unit up to the new bleed valves. The casting is said to match the stiffness of its predecessor, while integrating several detail-level updates. On the fork brace, there’s now a so-called arch cap – a black plastic cover used to mount the fender. For this, the cap is removed and replaced with the respective fender. RockShox offer two variants: a mullet and a full-coverage fender. Installation is somewhat fiddly due to the small bolts, but once mounted, the fender sits extremely securely and remains completely silent. If no fender is installed, the black arch cap neatly covers the grid structure of the fork brace, preventing dirt from accumulating inside the small cut-outs – nice! Additionally, the cutouts in the casting stand out, as they’re designed to relieve stress from the area of the upper bushings. Here too, the goal is clear: reduce friction and further improve sensitivity. Just below, you’ll find the brake hose clamp, made from a robust aluminium piece that secures the hose perfectly. Nothing to complain about here.
Models and prices of the new 2027 RockShox Lyrik
From now on, the new RockShox Lyrik will be available with 140–170 mm of travel. This expands its range of applications upwards, once again making available a Lyrik variant suitable for enduro riding. At the same time, the overlap with the new RockShox ZEB is now significantly greater than with the previous generation. In terms of offset, RockShox continue to rely on the standard 44 mm for the 29” version. A 27.5” version will also remain available, with either a 44 mm or 37 mm offset.
The flagship model remains the Lyrik Ultimate, which retails at € 1,375. This makes it slightly more expensive than its predecessor and, at 2,218 g, also slightly heavier. As far as finish goes, you can choose between “Electric Red” and “Ultimate High Gloss Black.” The new, significantly more minimalist graphics create a more modern look – a trend currently followed by many manufacturers. The decals are also placed under a clear coat, giving a premium finish while improving durability. However, this finish is exclusive to the Ultimate variant. There’s also a Flight Attendant version, which combines all the features of the Ultimate model with an electronically controlled damper. This version retails at € 1,855.
Below that sits the Lyrik Select+, which is technically largely identical but lacks the ButterCups and ButterWagon technologies in the stanchions. It’s not available as an aftermarket product and comes exclusively on complete bikes – and only in black.
The Lyrik Select is the entry point into the new Lyrik dimension, and comes with the simpler Delta RC damper. Here, you only get a combined compression adjustment and a rebound adjustment. This model also lacks ButterCups and ButterWagon technology. While it still uses the Linear XL air spring, it doesn’t feature the adjustable ABO – instead, it relies on a fixed bottom-out bumper with no adjustment. Like the Select+, the basic Select variant is only available in black, retailing at € 1,015.
The new 2027 RockShox Lyrik Ultimate on test
We were able to test the new Lyrik extensively over several weeks on our home trails in the Black Forest. It was mounted on a Pivot Trailcat LT, paired with the new RockShox Super Deluxe shock. You can find the separate review here. Right from the setup, one thing becomes immediately clear: the new Linear XL air spring requires significantly higher air pressures than its predecessor. In practice, this means around 60–80 psi more than before. This makes the tuning noticeably finer. Where small changes of 5 psi used to be noticeable, it now takes larger steps – around 20 psi – to achieve the same effect. This gives you significantly more room for fine-tuning. The setup chart on the lower legs provides a solid baseline, although it lacks specific rebound recommendations. If you want to dive deeper, you’ll find suitable settings in RockShox’s TrailHead app.
On the trail, it quickly becomes clear where the tuning is heading: the Lyrik rides high in its travel and inspires confidence from the get go without ever feeling sluggish. The high-speed compression, in particular, has a strong influence on ride height and can be used very effectively. A single click already makes a noticeable difference – perfect for quickly adapting to changing trail conditions. At the same time, operation remains intuitive and easy to read thanks to the revised scale. Riding downhill, the new Lyrik impresses with a strong combination of traction and pop. It tracks the ground well without feeling dead and always gives you a clear sense of what’s happening underneath your front wheel. This allows you to approach the grip limit with confidence and gradually increase your speed. Even hard bottom-outs and stunts – typically the domain of the burlier ZEB – are handled confidently by the new Lyrik. The Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) works reliably in principle but shows similar limitations on the trail as on the ZEB. Most of our test team rode the fork with a very open setting – close to the minimum. If you dial in more support, the end stroke can feel abrupt and the transition becomes quite harsh. Since there are currently no bumpers with different hardness levels available, the usable adjustment range remains limited.
Despite the high levels of traction, the suspension remains active and supports a playful, dynamic riding style. Especially on trail bikes – where, for us, fun clearly takes priority over outright speed – the Lyrik is an absolute blast! The rebound is well tuned: sensitive enough for small bumps, yet fast enough to actively support you during direction changes or take-offs. Combined with the matching RockShox shock – which shares a very similar character – this results in a very cohesive, poppy overall package.
Conclusions about the new 2027 RockShox Lyrik Ultimate
The new 2027 RockShox Lyrik Ultimate isn’t just a minor refinement but a clear upgrade over its predecessor. Less friction, a noticeably more linear spring curve, and the resulting increase in control are not just marketing claims – they are clearly noticeable on the trail. It sits high in its travel, generates plenty of grip, and still remains pleasantly lively. Add to that intuitive adjusters with clearly defined clicks and many well-thought-out details. The bottom line: a modern trail fork that not only performs exceptionally well but also brings even more fun to your trail bike.
Tops
- Massive traction
- Fun to ride
- Super quiet
- Well-executed design and adjustment range
Flops
- ABO bumper slightly too firm
- Setup sticker without rebound adjustment settings
For more information, visit RockShox’s website.
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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Lars Engmann
About the Author
Peter Walker
Peter Walker leads the editorial department of ENDURO at 41 Publishing. His methodical approach is based on training as a paramedic and extensive experience in specialist bicycle retail. This ensures factual analysis of complex technology and precise user guidance in comparison tests. With expertise from the Enduro race scene, as well as intensive testing phases in international bike parks like Whistler, he is responsible for the operational management of product evaluations. His focus is on technical performance analysis and strategic buyer’s advice in the gravity segment.
