The freeride category is experiencing a resurgence of late, with major companies bringing products to market to serve the specific needs of the ‘higher, farther, smashier’ crowd. To answer the siren call of the gnar, Rockshox is bringing a new bruiser of a fork to the party: the ZEB.
Zebulon Pike: Freeride Pioneer and closet roadie, known for his penchant for invading Canada.
Named for Zebulon Pike (the iconic American explorer first credited with scaling Pike’s Peak in 1806, later killed trying to invade Canada in 1813) Rockshox’ tech-conquering, fear-quelling ZEB comes in 150-190mm travel increments, 2 wheel sizes, and features 38mm (*not 37.99mm) stanchions for increased stiffness. The ZEB utilizes the New Charger RC, 2.1 RC, and R dampers, SKF Wiper Seals, and Maxima Plush Fluid. It’s a whole new breed of fork, 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.
Credited as the only man alive to make both Ironhorse bikes and foot tattoos look cool, Sam Hill loves the ZEB
“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
The Numbers:
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
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. The ZEB’s robust 38mm chassis delivers the perfect blend of increased sensitivity, greater steering precision, and the ability to go faster, corner harder, and stay in control. The 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.
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.
PRODUCT – ZEB FAMILY
ZEB ULTIMATE
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
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 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.
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 (R)
Aimed at the long-travel eBike rider the ZEB features an all-new stiff 38mm chassis designed with the New Charger R damper, DebonAir™ air spring technology, or Dual-Position Air Adjustment, SKF Wiper Seals, and Maxima Plush Fluid.
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
- 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
- eMTB endorsement decal
SPECIFICATIONS
Wheel size: 27.5″, 29″
Travel DebonAir: 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm
Travel Dual-Position Air: 150mm / 180mm: 30mm Travel Adjustment
Damper: Charger R
offset: 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
Upper tube: 38mm aluminum
WEIGHT: 2279g (29” / 170mm / Maxle Ultimate / Uncut Steerer)