ABOUT THE NEW ROCKSHOX VIVID COIL
As the “perfect serve” to garnish a Boxxer-equipped downhill bike, the new RockShox Vivid Coil was given the same goals of friction reduction and unfaltering consistency and predictability.
THE NEW RC2 DAMPER
RockShox worked on an updated RC2 and RC2T damper to provide the same control and adjustment range as the Boxxer fork. The new reservoir received new, unique flow paths for the rebound to allow for reduced IFP pressure without risking cavitation. With a drop in pressure from 200psi to 120psi came a drop in frictional forces that led RockShox to being able to claim the Vivid Coil to be the most supple rear shock on the market.
In the development of the new Vivid Coil shock (and Boxxer fork), RockShox changed their outlook on their Low Speed Compression adjustment. Their reseach determined that the useful speeds for the Low Speed Compression damping adjustment on-trail were not at the typical low speeds you would feel in the parking lot, but instead a slightly faster shaft speed that you would actually experience when riding. As such, they tweaked the effect of the LSC dial to take effect in more “mid-speed” compression instances, letting riders dial in the support with less chance of small bump harshness. Compression damping levels were increased to accompany the reduced IFP pressure and friction in the system, retaining the necessary support. And to match the Boxxer, the compression dials are now numbered for easier viewing of the settings.
With 20 clicks of Rebound spanning a wide tuning range, riders should be able to find an appropriate setting regardless of their weight and riding style.
ADJUSTABLE BOTTOM OUT
Linearity is great for predictability and control, but there comes a point when an impact could exceed the standard spring and damper capabilities and blow through the travel to the end. In addition to the shock’s bottom out jounce bumper, RockShox equips the Vivid Coil with a hydraulic bottom out system. This Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) system offers five settings to dial in the effect on the final 20% of the shock stroke, helping to give a bottomless feel on the biggest hits.
FRICTION REDUCTION
As with the Boxxer fork, RockShox opted to switch to the Maxima SG-920 grease, which they say offers significant reductions in friction. In combination with the reduced IFP pressure, RockShox claims the new Vivid Coil to exhibit the best sensitivity on the market.
SPEC OPTIONS
- Vivid Coil Ultimate | The RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate features the full suite of features and adjustability, with the RC2T damper offering a lockout for riders seeking increased efficiency for pedaling efforts. It is available in standard mount from 210mm to 230mm, and Trunnion from 185mm to 205mm. Retail price is $719 / €785 / £700, with the spring and shock hardware sold separately.
- Vivid Coil Ultimate DH | The RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate DH also receives the full features list, but is catered towards frame fitments typically found on DH bikes. Lengths are either 250mm for a standard mounting style, or 225mm for the Trunnion. Retail price is $719 / €785 / £700, with the spring and shock hardware sold separately.
- Vivid Coil Select+ | Available OEM only, the RockShox Vivid Coil Select+ receives an RCT damper, with adjustable Rebound and Low Speed Compression damping, and a lockout lever. The ABO adjustment is also retained to tune the end-stroke feel.
- Vivid Coil Select | Available OEM only, the RockShox Vivid Coil Select receives an RT damper, with adjustable Rebound damping and a lockout lever. The end-stroke control is handled by a large bottom-out bumper, foregoing the ABO system.
- Vivid Coil | Available OEM only, the RockShox Vivid Coil receives an R damper, with adjustable Rebound damping. The end-stroke control is handled by a large bottom-out bumper.
THE DIRT
My testing was performed over three intense days around Queenstown, New Zealand. During this testing period, I worked with the SRAM mechanics and engineers to optimize the setup and get the Mondraker Summum equipped with the MY27 RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate DH shock running as good as possible.
THE SETUP AND OPTIMIZATION PROCESS | With the RockShox Boxxer leading the charge for the testing period, my goal with the Vivid Coil shock was simply to deliver a balanced setup to match any tuning I’d made to the front end. Over the three days of testing, I found myself switching between a 450lbs and 475lbs spring to tune the spring rate to the trails and my personal state.
The compression adjustment found itself going both ways in the adjustment range from the zero position. For the big compressions of the relatively smooth Coronet Peak, I found myself heavily sprung and running plentiful Low Speed Compression damping to deliver the support that I desired to push my limits. Moving to the considerably rougher Ben Lomond Trails accessed by Skyline gondola, and with a tired body, I reduced the spring rate and backed off the damping considerably. Towards the end of testing, I dialled in both High Speed and Low Speed Compression damping with the softer spring rate, and found a Goldilocks setup of sorts to support hard charging without compromising on traction and comfort.
HOW DID THE ROCKSHOX VIVID COIL ULTIMATE DH PERFORM?
I can’t fully dive into the performance of the Vivid Coil shock, since it was fitted to an unfamiliar bike. The best thing you can hope from a rear shock in a suspension pairing is to match the front end and provide a balanced ride. And that’s exactly what the Vivid Coil did in partnership with the Boxxer.
I wouldn’t say I was blown away by its performance; it simply went about its job quietly in the background. With a good collection of settings applied, the rear end of the Mondraker Summum felt comfortable yet supportive, everything you would hope for. From some slightly botched landings on big jumps to huge g-outs and drops to flat, the 30% progression of the Summum’s leverage ratio combined with the ABO system in the shock kept me from ever feeling even the notion of a harsh bottom out. There were a couple of times where I braced for impact coming in to land, and was simply amazed by how much energy the shock took out of what should have been a harsh landing.
The adjustments felt meaningful, helping to funnel me towards a good setup for each trail scenario. On the days where a big change was made to the setup, I found that I could match a click on the fork with a click on the rear and retain a balanced overall ride. This is quite important, as it allows for both ends of the bike to be tweaked to the terrain quick and easy, without having to go through the chase for balance again. RockShox has done an excellent job here in matching the front and rear end products to deliver riders and racers with this easy and safe adjustability.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Over testing, there Vivid Coil shock did nothing to catch my attention, in the best way. It simply offered a smooth and reliable shock pairing to the Boxxer, letting me focus on pushing my limits and sending it down some of New Zealand’s finest DH tracks. 
Website: Rockshox.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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