RockShox has a new damper for its Pike, Lyrik and Zeb forks: called the Charger 3.1 it promises a more supple and sensitive feel and – if our first ride impressions are anything to go by – represents a massive character shift not seen in a generation, and is aimed at putting RockShox firmly back at the top of our list of best suspension forks. The latest Charger 3.1 has dramatically less damping in its open setting and throughout the system, RockShox says, but now you can actually add more damping than ever via the compression dials on the fork uppers. Think of it like this: RockShox has moved the window of adjustment, so there’s a better chance you can start with your dials in the middle, and increase or decrease damping to taste, even if you’re a lighter rider. We’ll go through the details of how this has been achieved first, but click here if you want to skip directly to our riding impressions of the new Charger 3.1 damper. We’re hoping it’ll do away with that overdamped feel we sometimes complain about on bikes, and let the Lyrik rival Fox’s 36 as the best mountain bike fork out there. The Charger 3.1 isn’t the only thing SRAM has going on for 2025 either, the US suspension brand has completely redesigned the guts of its forks and rear shocks, with a new Internal Floating Piston spring, updates to the SuperDeluxe and Vivid Coil shocks, an updated TrailHead app to figure out your settings, and more. RockShox 2025 updates need to know: Pike, Lyrik and Zeb forks to get new Charger 3.1 damper New damper has less damping as standard, and a broader adjustment range of Low Speed Compression (LSC) and High Speed Compression (HSC) Updated SuperDeluxe rear shock with redesigned main piston and reservoirs Vivid Coil rear shock updated with TouchDown technology, and an Adjustable Hyrdaulic Bottom Out TrailHead app updated with new look, to help setup your suspension Introducing the new Charger 3 damper…the Charger 3.1 Unlike last year, when SRAM’s forks got a complete chassis overhaul, this year’s fork announcement is strictly to do with the damper technology. And more specifically, an upgrade to the Charger 3 platform, which is all great news because this is the guts of a fork and the most important part. RockShox has launched the Charger 3.1 damper, which has built upon the Charger 3 system ethos of reducing “harshness that makes it to the rider’s hands, leading to having more control and confidence when riding at higher speeds.” The Charger 3.1 damper is apparently even more capable, with decreased overall damping throughout. There is also a broader adjustment range of both LSC and HSC so riders can find their sweet spot more easily. So what does this mean in practical terms? The LSC has been updated to accept 68% more oil flow, which reduces damping when the LSC is in the open position. There’s an entirely new HSC pyramid, so that … Continue reading RockShox’ new 3.1 damper is so plush it’s almost hyperactive, while the new Trailhead app gives you a suspension expert in your pocket