By Matt Pacocha, US editor Bikeradar.com

In contrast to the numerous changes to RockShox’s cross-country and trail forks for 2011, the company’s long-travel line remains largely unaltered, with the exception of some tweaks to the Boxxer downhill fork.

The Totem and Lyric fork both carry over unchanged save for the new lighter Maxle Lite through-axle and additional colour options. Totem is in its fifth edition and with that comes a new sticker kit by yet another guest designer, this time Geoff McFetridge. (more…)

RockShox pushes their trail category of forks to the next level in 2011 with the addition of the new Revelation World Cup fork. With a one piece carbon fiber crown and tapered steerer tube and a weight of only 3.46 lbs, the 150 mm travel fork is sure to raise some eyebrows.

Inside you will also find details of yet another new rear shock for 2011, the Monarch Plus. The new shock is intended for all-mountain use and is a hybrid of the proven original Monarch and the brand new Vivid Air shock.

Read on…

2011 RockShox Revelation World Cup

For 2011 RockShox makes major refinements to their Revelation lineup, including adding the World Cup model that you see here. One of the most exciting features on the forks is the new Dual Air travel adjust system. Dual Air lets the rider quickly and easily drop the travel by about 30 mm simply by turning the crown mounted lever by 90 degrees. Total travel sits at 150 mm, but is dropped down to 120 mm to keep the front end from wandering on climbs. Not only does the system add minimal weight to the overall package, around 100 grams, it also keeps things simple and doesn’t involve making multiple turns with a dial to lower the front end. Dual Air will be available as an option on all of the Revelation forks.

The World Cup Revelation that I spent my day on featured the new and very trick one piece carbon fiber crown and tapered steerer tube. The new tapered upper assembly is impressive to see in person, and drops weight while retaining valuable stiffness. Riders who push their trail bikes hard will benefit from the new carbon addition. Fittingly, only the World Cup model receives the carbon treatment. Aluminum standard and tapered steerer options are available on RL, RTL, and RTL Ti models. RockShox makes the leap to 15 mm thru-axles as well, and although new to the 15 mm gang, their Maxle Lite system is probably the most user friendly to use. The new Maxle Lite (including the 20 mm version) does away with the full length steel skewer that was hidden within and instead moves the wedge system to the lever end of the axle.

2011 RockShox Revelation World Cup details

• New World Cup model for ’11
• One piece carbon fiber tapered steerer tube and crown
• Adjustable travel: 120 mm – 150 mm with Dual Position Air system
• BlackBox Motion Control damping
• Dual Flow rebound
• Adjustments: external beginning stroke rebound, low speed compression, floodgate and lockout
• 32 mm stanchion tubes
• Option remote PushLoc lockout
• 9 mm QR, 15 mm Maxle Lite, 20 mm Maxle Lite options
• Weight: 3.46 lbs
• MSRP $1090 USD

I put in a few hours on a Revelation World Cup equipped Cannondale RZ140 and came away impressed with the new fork. The Dual Air system proved to be easy to use and was very functional in the field, making it easier for me to make it around some of the day’s tight switchbacks and up some technical climbs. While there are many forks out there with travel adjust mechanisms that accomplish the same feat, the quick and easy nature of the Dual Air design was a bonus. When the trail pointed the opposite direction the Revelation more than held its own over the fast and rocky terrain. Stiffness was never an issue, and many of us even commented to each other about how well the 3.46 lb. fork tracked at speed. There was nary a hint of flex, even when comparing it to larger legged and heavier models. While one ride is far from a proper test, I was impressed. The Revelation World Cup’s total package is outstanding: easy to use travel adjust, light weight, and a stiff chassis should make this a winner for 2011. Look for a full length test at a later date as this fork will be on my short list of products to put a lot of miles on.

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2011 RockShox Monarch Plus

Somewhat obscured by the exciting new Reverb, telescoping seatpost and Vivid Air shock is the new Monarch Plus. This all new shock for 2011 is based on both the original Monarch and new Vivid Air, with the goal of producing a light and adjustable shock for all-mountain use. Using RockShox’s Solo Air spring technology, along with Dual Flow separate rebound circuits, this new shock should be at home on today’s mid-travel, weight conscious bikes. Those who earn their turns should take note of the three position external compression adjustment that can be easily flipped while on the go to make those out of the saddle efforts really count. Other external adjustments include beginning stroke rebound speed and air spring pressure. The new shock will come in a variety of common sizes to fit most all-mountain bikes.

Monarch Plus details:

• New all-mountain orientated shock for 2011
• Damper based on Monarch and Vivid internals
• Piggyback reservoir for extra oil volume and heat dissipation
• External 3 position compression adjustment
• Beginning stroke rebound adjustment
• Available sizes: 7.5″ x 2″, 7.875″ x 2″/2.25″, 8.5″ x 2.5″, 8.75″ x 2.6″

RockShox.com