Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE editor
With the new Super Deluxe, RockShox continues its consistent course: user-friendly controls for uncomplicated setup, optimised damping and a more linear characteristic curve. Thanks to the new features, the Super Deluxe responds noticeably more sensitively to subtle bumps than its predecessor. Nevertheless, it offers enough support for an active riding style, provides a pleasant amount of feedback and does not bottom out - just as it should for a shock in the trail segment. The biggest difference to the predecessor model can be seen at the limit: if the shock has to cope with big and fast hits, the new Super Deluxe is much more potent and provides more reserves.
While the Vivid serves the enduro and gravity world, the Super Deluxe is the quieter of the two new RockShox dampers - developed for trail and all-mountain riders as a direct partner to the Lyrik all-mountain and trail fork. The visual innovations: a visibly larger air chamber, fresh decals and a more compact piggyback.
Technical data: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
| Feature | details |
| Field of application | Trail / All Mountain |
| Damping | RCT2 |
| Spring | Linear XL |
| Puncture protection | Bump stop |
| Pressure stage regulator | Numbered, high and low speed separated |
| Rebound control | Extractable, can be used as an Allen key |
| RRP | 765 € |
Linear XL air spring: smooth from start to finish
Like the Lyrik fork, the new Super Deluxe also has a Linear XL air spring. The spring characteristic curve rises evenly over the entire spring travel - no abrupt pressure build-up at the end of the stroke, instead a constant, predictable ride feel, similar to a steel spring. However, if you want more progression, you can still adjust the characteristic curve via the air volume.
The highlight: an O-ring makes tokens superfluous
Speaking of adjusting the air volume: Installing volume spacers to increase the progression in the shock - it's a familiar idea. It works, but there's a catch: depending on the shock, you need the right tools and the right tokens. RockShox solves this with the new Super Deluxe with a simple O-ring.
The sealing ring is inserted into one of several placeholders in the outer air chamber - depending on the position, the air volume in the damper changes. Placed further forwards, volume is cut off and progression increases. Placed all the way to the rear, the entire air volume is available for a maximum linear characteristic curve. Simply reposition and you're done.
New damping and less breakaway torque
Also new: the RCT2 damping unit. Rockshox has optimised the tune specifically for the Charger 3.2 damping of the Lyrik. The decisive technical innovation is the lower IFP (Internal Floating Piston) pressure. According to Rockshox, this has been reduced by 40 per cent. A lower IFP pressure means that the damper builds up less resistance during initial compression and therefore responds more sensitively.
Fixed stop buffer as puncture protection
Unlike the Vivid, the Super Deluxe does not have an adjustable bump stop. For trail use, RockShox only relies on a bump stop - a pragmatic solution that is completely sufficient for the tamer application range of the Super Deluxe.
Numbered controls and extractable rebound damping
RockShox has also simplified the setup of the Super Deluxe: The compression adjusters are now numbered, with 0 as the starting point, from which the damping can be gradually increased (+) or reduced (-). The rebound adjuster can be easily pulled out - at its end is an Allen key that fits all the other adjustment screws on the shock. This means that set-up is possible without any additional tools.
Max Fuchs
Editor
