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Superdeluxe Rear Shock
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Submitted by
a17esh
a Cross Country Rider
from UK, Lincoln
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | GT LTS 1000DH/DS | | Strengths: | Works best when broken! | | Weaknesses: | Seals, springs and the adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | Dog P** | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS 1000 DS & DH | | Bottom Line: | Had an LTS since 1998, great bike, really was, let down by this shock!
I used this shock for many years BROKEN!!!! Didnt bother to fix it as I knew it would just pop!
Just bought another LTS..........its was just sittin in my garage and its blown......Never even ridden it! DO NOT GET ONE!!!!! There grade a rubbish! I really really wanted to like this shock, i wish it was a good shock and it would make the LTS great! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Bastable
a Weekend Warrior
from W.mids uk
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | wales, lakes | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | l.b.s | | Strengths: | the whole shock | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | cane creak ad10 | | Bike Setup: | univega ram 970 custom built | | Bottom Line: | never had a problem i weigh 14 stone and do 7-8foot drops on this and its sweet. maybe all you guys have bent frames or dont know how to fit your rear shocks or something. i have two friends riding these shocks and no probs so i guess you all just have to suffer. AHH DIDDUMS | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
the fish
a Downhiller
from australia
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | hursty dh & jumps | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | came on bike | | Strengths: | red spring (maybe) | | Weaknesses: | To many | | Similar Products Used: | fox r and rc ,marzocchi boss | | Bike Setup: | giant atx 1,hayes,doublewide rims,dt swiss hubs,fox rear,dmr v12's,RST XXL's | | Bottom Line: | This is the worst rear shock ever created i have seen better rear shocks on kmart bicycles it blew 3 times had a full rebuild then snapped in half and they would not warranty it if you get a bike with one of these throw it away save yourself the time and get a 5th element or a fox rc or something like that as the shock is not fit for concrete cruising buy a real shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a
from Hawaii
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | www.ICYCLESUSA.com | | Strengths: | Spring Strength | | Weaknesses: | Seals are prone to leakage | | Similar Products Used: | RockShox Coupe Deluxe | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is if you have a GT LTS and need a new shock then you either have a RockShox Coupe Deluxe or need one. If you have one the seals will adventually leak. I have found that it is easier to replace the shock then try to rebuild it. The advantage to this is you can get new bushings with a new shock. There is a company on the web called ICYCLES that sells replacements at a ridiculously low prices. Just buy a New one each time you blow the seals out so you can spend your time riding and not wrenching! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | channel 9 Mt Cootha | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | TCs Bike Bar | | Strengths: | Mine has good adjustability for rebound and compression | | Weaknesses: | can't get heavier springs, spring difficult to remove without spring compressors | | Similar Products Used: | Rockshox deluxe, Fox | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS 1000 '98 model | | Bottom Line: | swapped the Rockshox deluxe OEM shock for the super deluxe after I put a bearing kit in and couldn't get a stiffer spring. Can't track down springs anywhere, and had to put a dodgy 2nd hand one on after I snapped my first. The biggest gripe is I can't remove the spring without using spring compressors (or wire and a big vice). The Deluxe didn't have this problem, but the extra chamber for the compression damping adjustment on the super deluxe must take up space. There's also something wrong with the way it mounts in the LTS. based on simple engineering, the hollow tube which goes through the lower eyelet should spin inside the eyelet. Mine is probably bent and certainly doesn't spin. I'll sort it after I break it and have to put something else in - probably a stratos Helix Pro - although the reliability of the stratos doesn't seem great from the reviews on this site - a bit limited though with a GT LTS | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Milee Wormlegger
a Cross Country Rider
from santa Fe, NM
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Borrego, anything technical | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | came with bike | | Strengths: | Never Broke | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, Adjustments do little, WAY underdamped in rebound makes for BAD ride quality | | Similar Products Used: | Alps 5, Helix Expert | | Bike Setup: | GT STS 1, Marzocci Z5 | | Bottom Line: | So underdamped the bike never stops bouncing. Stay seated and it launches you outta your seat often. You will never know whether you have a good bike with this shock. I swapped to a Helix Expert and WOW. Made me so fast I broke my frame (thrice!). But that's another review.
gets extra chili for not breaking in 2 years of use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nad
a Downhiller
from Sussex, UK
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Came with frame | | Strengths: | The spring and thats about it!!! | | Weaknesses: | The rest of the shi**y thing | | Similar Products Used: | None, one and only DH bike | | Bike Setup: | GIANT ATX 1 DH, Custom build. White bros UD150 with stem, Hope Brakes, Mavic Disc rims, Hope Big uns IRC Kujo Tyres the best u can get. Shimano running gear. Raceface cranks. Bout £4000 in total, top spec, all the money I had at the time. | | Bottom Line: | It blown 2 times in the time i had it, and thats only due to the fact I can only get out to ride it properly 2 times a year in Wales, what a waste. 300 miles away, over here thats a big distance. Petrols a rip off. So literally, everytime I have porperly ridden it. Though ti was just me but saw an article in MBUK and said that they had a leak problem. Did a search on the oh so expensive to use internet and found this. Was gonna get it serviced, but I think i will save the pennies and get a new shock. ANY RECOMMENDATIONS????
ITs a crap shock on a good bike. I cant even ride the thing cause the back vibrates and slides out. Who should buy it............DONT BUY IT!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
anthony
a Downhiller
from somewhere, co
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | excuse me?????????????? | | Weaknesses: | hmmmmmmmmm.... there is not a single f*cking thing on this piece of cr*p that meets ANY minimum expectation. the n*zis at rock shox suuuure did it this time. | | Bike Setup: | 98 sts-xt discs/hubs, judy lx fork, azonic rims | | Bottom Line: | what the h*ll is this all about? hmmmmmm... where to start. ZERO compression damping, bottoms out like a f*ckin rock, after a half-hour of riding, an annoying squeaking noise occurs on every rebound, lack of adjustability. This sh*t is a TOTAL discrimination to all rear shocks. this is my second one, my shop replaced it for free (if they didnt i wouldve never gotten this shock again). on my first one, the coil's retaining washer snapped out and the coil sprung out and locked the back wheel, this wasnt too good considering it was in the middle of a race, 30 seconds later, oil started gushing out of it like crazy.
im afraid to do any drops with this. ive done way bigger drops on hardtails then i would ever do with this cr*p. my next bike is going to be a hardtail again, im never gonna go through the agony of owning a cr*ppy back shock for a while.
customer service???? F*CK THAT!!! trust me, rock shox has no intrest, i mean, if they did, wouldnt the ride on a product first before putting it out in the market.
aarrrrrrggghhhh. this weekend im gonna try to find a dumbass thatll buy my bike, unknowing of the problems thatll come. then ill have cash for my santa cruz chameleon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ole
a Weekend Warrior
from norway
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | grønliåsen | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | red spring? | | Weaknesses: | it broke between the eyelet and oilchamber. until then it required freqent servicing and the rebound adjustment was would often get stuck and had litle effect if the shock was
not just back from service... | | Similar Products Used: | shock works (original shock) and rockshox deluck | | Bike Setup: | marin riftzone,rst mozo4,5... | | Bottom Line: | avoid this produkt | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Ummm.... | | Weaknesses: | Blows out constantly and the service is slow | | Bike Setup: | 4-banger | | Bottom Line: | This is the second time this piece of junk has blown out.
Go buy a fox/stratos/risse. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Racer
from atlanta
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | When it works (not often) it has a great feel and adjustability. | | Weaknesses: | most everything | | Bike Setup: | 98 GT STS 1000 DS, 01 JR T, hope discs, XT | | Bottom Line: | Stay away from any bike that has a Rock shox super deluxe rear shock!!!!!! Mine has been to Rock shox 3 times for rebuild. It has usually taken 3+ weeks to get it back. It has blown the seals twice and broke in half once, also the red plastic rebound adjuster has stripped out twice. If there were negative chili's this product would get them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vinicius Marxus
a Racer
from Florianópolis/SC - Brazil
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Morro da Antena-Floripa | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | http://www.bikerspoint.com.br | | Strengths: | The spring is good. Has a nice image. Works well. | | Weaknesses: | All the piece is weak. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Vanilla RC, Stratos Helix Expert, DNM 8RC. | | Bike Setup: | Haro MX3, RST Hi5, Brake Magura Louise, Tires 2.10, Deore | | Bottom Line: | Never buy it. Repeat: take care NEVER BUY IT!
It gone to warranty 3 times in 6 months, and in the last it brake in half. I'm waiting it come back, but I will replace it by a DNM. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Downhiller
from Provo, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | none! | | Weaknesses: | shock blew out on third ride, rockshox wouldn't warranty it. | | Similar Products Used: | Everything. even the shockworks shock that comes stock on some marin bikes was better. | | Bike Setup: | Haro MX3 | | Bottom Line: | the thing's a piece of crap and so is the company. i bought a new haro mx3 that came with a super deluxe. it pulled completely apart during my third ride on it. i then took it to my lbs so they could send it back to rs to get it fixed. three months later i finally got it back and they charged me the $45 to have it rebuilt. terrible warranty and even worse service. i won't buy another piece of rocksh!t. i wish i could give it negative chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cliff
a Racer
from Central Texas & Honduras
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Belton Lake & Tacan | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Came with Frame | | Strengths: | It made it 2 years | | Weaknesses: | No lockout, very noisy, Leaks at the rebound adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | Stratos XC Pro | | Bike Setup: | Voodoo Canzo, RS Sid XC, Mavic CrossRide, XT/XTR Shifters and deraillers, Cook Bros Crank w/RF Racerings | | Bottom Line: | The no lockout has been a minor nusance, causing a bobbing when climbing in the saddle. The shock continually creaks during the ride, which is unnerving and embarrassing, and the final straw was when the thing started leaking. The upside is that it did last 2 years, so if you can suffer through the bobbing and the noise, wait till it blows before replacing it. For value, I'll give it a 3 but overall, a 2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Strengths: | Supposedly the high end RS rear shock
Works really nice when it works. See below. | | Weaknesses: | umm they blow out... | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | '98 Schwinn homegrown 4banger, Judy XL, hayes, etc | | Bottom Line: | Ok...Interesting story at my local bike park I was ridin' around and jumping jumps etc. On a medium sized tabletop my shock blew out on the TAKE OFF not the landing. Really sucks. So I sent it back to RS to have it fixed (covered under warrenty thankfully) but it took them about 3-4 weeks to fix it and send it back. Now it is really nice, all the adjustments work really well and it is smooth and hasn't blown out right away. I think that when I bought the bike the shock was a bit defective because after the rebuild it works MUCH better, with the compression twisted all the way in it my bike feels like a hardtail and with it all the way out it feels like a downhill bike. Works nice, when it works. RS service is not the best out there. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Downhiller
from MA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 'nam | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | everything | | Similar Products Used: | fox air vanilla, fox rc, obsys | | Bike Setup: | 99 Haro MX3, Hayes, Maxxiss, Rhyno-lites, Risse Trixxy, Azonic | | Bottom Line: | After riding the bike around my street for an hour, I sat on the bike and oil splooged all over the place from the rebound adjuster. After riding another hour, all the oil leaked out and it was like riding on a pogo stick. Now I know why I promised myself never to purchase any rock shox product. Negative twenty flaming turds | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lenny Ricketts
a Downhiller
from Durango CO
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | blows and breaks | | Similar Products Used: | none yet | | Bike Setup: | giant atx team, white bros, hayes | | Bottom Line: | bought the bike rode it and the shock blew. 3 weeks later it was returned "fixed". The next race it broke in half! the piston then bent my frame. I will call the co. tomorrow and try to get satisfaction. Does anybody know another shock that will fit my atx? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lane
a Racer
from SLO, CA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | JT Cycles | | Strengths: | When it works? It is a shock, I guess that is good. | | Weaknesses: | The shock blows out easily. I have finished many rides with a pool of oil under the shock. No adjustability. | | Similar Products Used: | Foes DS Tube with fox coil over | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS 2000DS, Z1 QR20, Intense 2.7 front tire, tioga 2.3 DH rear | | Bottom Line: | If you don't touch it and don't ride too hard I recomend this shock. If you like to adjust your shock or ride hard, I don't recomend this shock. You will be very pleased with another shock from fox if you can put it on your bike. I just blew out my 4th shock. Spent a lot of time without my bike because I had no rear shock. That is no good!!! Stear clear of this shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna BC canada
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rock Gardens | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | friends house | | Strengths: | Man this shock is sweet, plush, smooth, nice!! | | Weaknesses: | NONE WHAT SO EVER | | Similar Products Used: | All other RS, some fox. | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Level Betty, lx, z.1, all kinds of stuff, none stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a sweet shok, i have taken 7 foot drops with it and have ridden it aggressivey for a year. Nothing has happened, all i did was upgrade the spring to a fox one and the shock is soo pimped! i have not been able to bend blow or break anything and i am no xc rider by no means. Myabe you guys tweeqd your frames cuz mine is really nice!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Orange County CA
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | i cant think of any, but when i returned it, i had no problem with rock shox. i got it back within a week. | | Weaknesses: | It snaped the first time i rode out of my driveway. It makes a weirs noise. I can never get it to feel plush. When the shock comes back up it makes a loud clinky noise. | | Bike Setup: | GT STS DH raceface cranks sun mamouth w/ xt wheelset | | Bottom Line: | I think everyone has the same problem, at least with the people i talk to, this is a p.o.s. it snaps for almost everyone, it makes weird noises and i cant get this damn thing to feel good. i thought it might just be that i had to wear it in, but i have been riding for a while and it just feels like crap. Seriously dont get this thing, even if nothing goes wrong with it, you can get better stuff with your money. good luck if you get this junk. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jkc
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rotorua forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Seems to work well. Dampening and rebound worked fine | | Weaknesses: | one leak after 3 years use | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Joshua Y, Manitou XvertR, XT/LX, Mavic 121 rims, 636 pedals | | Bottom Line: | I sold this bike after 4 yrs solid use and only had one small oil leakage after 3 yrs from Rr shock as seals were becoming worn. Had it serviced and was fine. It came stock with frame and had too heavy a spring for me so I got a lighter spring for it. It's important to get the right spring for your weight! Also, the frame was not well designed for this shock as it was difficult to adjust rebound and the knob would scrape against frame when wound out. But that ain't the fault of the shock! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scooter dude
a Weekend Warrior
from PoCo,B.C.,Canada
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | woodlot | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | looks cool | | Weaknesses: | You name it...Man I am on my 3rd shock under "warranty" and I use this term loosely.Every part on this P.O.S. has blown broken or bent. | | Similar Products Used: | FOX | | Bike Setup: | 97 lts-1,JR T's,magura's,race face all over{sweet parts} | | Bottom Line: | WOW I have resorted to a machinist buddy to keep me riding .I guess I'm not alone.Don't they ride before they sell shi like this.Broken spring&retaining ring,no damping,{boing-boing}torn eyelet,etc..thanx Larry for the machined pieces.Sent the 1st 2 back for warranty,what a joke,$170 later,still no damping.the whole rear susp setup sux.I should have bought an aftermarket but have had it with trunnion mounts & delrin bearings{plastic}.When I talked to R.S. in cal. they told me "Vancouver riders dont respect their bikes & warranty is void".Not all of us drop 10 ft but that is their perception of Vancouver.My buddy with a 98 lts is a CC rider &blew his literally to pieces.ROCK SHOX CAN BLOW ME.BOMBERS 4ever, now if only their was a BOMBER rear shock,now we're cooking with gas.............. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Stamford, CT
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | metro Bicycles | | Strengths: | So far so good | | Weaknesses: | Cheezy sticker covering the rebound adjustment, weird noises | | Bike Setup: | '98 Gary Fisher Rock Shox Judy XL (had warranty work) hayes, panaracer 2.3 | | Bottom Line: | Im anticipating problems after reading all the bad news from the previous reviews. I try to hurt my bike when riding and no problems so far. The Judy XL cartridge did collapse on the 3rd ride and YES customer service at Rock Shox was so bad it almost caused me to mail them a letter bomb. As for the Super Deluxe, it work well to date, just gives off a weird suction noise on rebound. I think Im one of the lucky ones. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
funkirodent
a Downhiller
from cleethorpes uk
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hmmm a few | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | ABSOLUTELY NON WHATSOEVER | | Weaknesses: | SEALS, QUALITY, EVRYTHING REALLY, AND THE UK WARRANTY SUCKS | | Similar Products Used: | FOX AND R/S PRO DELUXE | | Bike Setup: | 7" DOWNHILL | | Bottom Line: | 1ST TIME OUT ON THE BIKE MY MATE SAT ON IT, BOUNCED A BIT AND OIL GUSHED OUT THE REBOUND ADJUSTER,COOL I THOUGHT.
SENT TO HAVE IT SERVICED, 7 WEEKS LATER AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS IT WAS RETURNED, DIDNT LEAK OIL BUT NONE OF THE ADJUSTMENT WORKED. 2ND TIME ON IT RIDING DOWN THE ROAD, SEALS WENT AGAIN. COULDNT RETURN IT TO CARRATI AS THEY SAID IT MUST BE SENT THROUGH A DEALER, THE SHOP I BOUGHT IT FROM HAD CEASED TRADING AND NO WHERE ELSE WOULD RETURN IT AS I HAD NOT BOUGHT IT FROM THEM.......COST ME £40 TO HAVE IT SORTED BY CVI (WHO ARE EXCELLENT BOTH IN WORKMANSHIP AND SUPPORT). MANAGED TO RIDE IT WITHOUT ANYTHING HAPPENING..
DOH! SPOKE TOO SOON. SEALS GONE AGAIN...RETURNED TO CVI WHO REPAIRED IT FOR FREE. GOOD CHAPS.....
OUT ON BIKE AGAIN DIDNT BLOW THE SEALS THIS TIME, I COMPLETLY TRASHED IT RIPPED ALL THE INTERNALS OUT AND ENDED WITH A SPRING AND A FEW BITS OF METAL FOR A SHOCK, THO THIS SEEMED TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SHOCK (JOKE)
THUS I RETURNED THE SHOCK TO THE IMPORTERS OF MY FRAME AND 2 DAYS LATER A NEW 2000 PRO DELUXE TURNED UP...SO FAR I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS APART FROM THE NOISE IT MAKES WHEN REBOUNDING.....WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH ROCKSHOX/CARRATI????THEY SUCK AND IF THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THEIR QUALITY AND AFTER SALES SERVICE HOW THE HELL DID THEY GET THE REPUTATION THEY HAVE..I WILL NEVER RECOMEND ROCKSHOX TO ANYONE..BETTER GO TO HALFORDS BUY A SARACON AND USE THE SHOCK OFF IT....IT WILL PROBERBLY BE A LOT MORE RELIABLE.....DONT ANYONE BUY THIS AS AN AFTERMARKET PRODUCT IT IS A TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY/I THINK YOU MUST PAY FOR THE OIL INSIDE IT AS ALL THE REST IS GARBAGE..IF I WAS OFFERED ONE FOR FREE I WOULD HAVE TO DECLINE....THIS PRODUCT SUCKS
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJ
a
from Cambridge, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Loon Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Plushness, strength, adjustibility | | Weaknesses: | None whatsoever!!! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | GT STS 1500 DS. Full XTR including brakes. Hanebrink Z-6 front fork. | | Bottom Line: | Perfect shock with absolutely no problems. Everyone else must have a misalinged frame cause this shock works awesome for me!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
StuntsKid
a Downhiller
from Sheffield, South Yourks, England
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | ? | | Weaknesses: | Seals.
Quality. | | Similar Products Used: | Pro Deluxe, Coupe Deluxe. | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh DHO (7.4"), boxxers, HOPE 4 pots. | | Bottom Line: | Blew fresh out the box, straight from new.
Bounced on the bike and shot oil out of the rebound adjuster all over the frame. Lost damping immediatley. Bike was still brakeless and had not left the house.
Not amused.
Turns out RS had fitted the wrong seal to a batch and a warranty was sorted out - shock rebuild ensued. Thing has never felt right since.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross
a Cross Country Rider
from Fresno, CA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | 007, SJR Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Adjustability | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Air Alps, Cane Creek AD10, Fox Vanilla | | Bike Setup: | Bianchi Super GY with full XT Kit, bomber z1 | | Bottom Line: | I don't know why everyone is down on this product. I haven't had any problems at all after 2+ years of heavy use (DH racing and dirt ramp jumping). Perhaps, the leverage exerted by the linkage on my bike is less than what is typical or my compression damping is set high enough. I have never blown a seal... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DH Freak
a Downhiller
from eu
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | hard. harder, the hardest | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Its bombactic | | Weaknesses: | So bombactic that the seals exploded when I sat on my brand new bike in the garage!!!! That is after 0,0000 cm of ride!!
Then got a new one that lasted for a whole week!! If I compare the riden cm then this was an 100 bn percent improvement in quality. Ha, ha.
What really works is FOX Vanilla. Cannot be trashed. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox vanilla dh, Fox alp 4, Rock S. Compdelux (same trash but cheaper and even harder to fix) | | Bike Setup: | DH | | Bottom Line: | If I could I would give ZERO chills. If you intend to buy this rear shock dont. rather give for charity!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter hudson
a Cross Country Rider
from san francisco, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | porcupine rim, moab | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | looks pretty cool | | Weaknesses: | BOING, BOING, BOING! it's a freakin' pogo stick, except for the first 10 minutes that the dampening works after each rebuild. the shop guy told me i shouldn't use the lockout, because that causes it to blow.. what th'? i bought it for the lockout, man. | | Similar Products Used: | my first full suspension. although the other reviews i've read are leaning me towards the fox vanilla rc. | | Bike Setup: | 1997 gary fisher jushua z1, judy xl in front (love 'em) xt all around, got those awsome kujo foam sided, pinch resistent fat boy tires for moab. they're worth the extra weight + an extra 1" of travel | | Bottom Line: | if you liked your hoppity hop as a kid, you'll love this pogo catapult...yikes, over the handlebars again....piece of crap. rock shox should recall these and replace them, no charge, with the fox vanilla. it is an unbelievably poorly designed, and obviously untested product. i still love my judy xl in the front though. maybe rockshox should just stick to front forks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Agent Z
a Downhiller
from Norcal
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mammoth Bullet | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | It's not that bad when it works. | | Weaknesses: | It's pretty bad when it doesn't work.
Rebound damping adjust works and has a lot of range, but the damn knob broke.
Compression adjuster died on me
The ring that holds the spring died. (the fixed one, not the adjuster one) | | Similar Products Used: | I just ordered a Stratos Helix - this is for my GT which which the rockshox was on.
I ordered an Karpiel Armageddon slated for delivery in early July which has an RCR damper. | | Bike Setup: | GT STS-1000, X-vert R, Sun Rhyno Lites, Profile cranks, Sun/Ringle Zuzu pedals, Tioga/Michelin tires, azonic cockpit parts, xt/sram800. | | Bottom Line: | This shock is a piece of crapz. If you have one in new condition, sell it and get a new shock. My damping adjusters don't work. I never blew it out, amazingly, but the ring that holds on the spring snapped. Weak.. weak... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Downhiller
from Norway
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ulriken | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | crappy damping | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Bazooka Big Shaft(friends bike) | | Bike Setup: | Scott Project Vertigo DH bike with Monster T and Formula disc brake | | Bottom Line: | Stay Away! Especially the rebound control sucks!!! The knob that you adjust the rebound seized, it had rusted to the shock body I had to unscrew it and use anti rust to get it loose and lubed it to have it working again! I ride very technical terrain and this shock is not up to the job! I',m saving money to buy Marzocchi VR-50 boss rear shock.. I hope they have the same standards as their forks!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jurriaan Vis
a Weekend Warrior
from Utrecht, the Netherlands
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | single track down the hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | It is a perfect shock | | Weaknesses: | NONE!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | ? | | Bike Setup: | ROTWILD RFR01, VotecGS4, Formula discbrakes, XT,mavic317,race-face cranks,Roox | | Bottom Line: | I haven't any problem in the past two years. The first thing i buy was a lizard skin, because in the netherlnads it rains a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob
a Cross Country Rider
from melb aust
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Seems to work when brand new | | Weaknesses: | I seem to have a problem with the rebound adjuster. It appears to have jammed and will not turn as it should. Can anyone else advise as to whether I just use a screwdriver to turn the steel screw clean it or take it back to RS. Is it common to jam up ?? | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | LTS 1000 | | Bottom Line: | Not too great so far - rideen the bike 4 times in not so knarly terrain. Hope the support is there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Morgan
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendora, CA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Long travel & adjustability | | Weaknesses: | Shoddy craftsmanship, 2 repairs in less than a year. | | Bike Setup: | GT LTS 2000 | | Bottom Line: | Blown shock on first ride of a 2 day Mammoth, CA trip. Only the coil saved me, but the oil was all over my frame. Rock Crap did replace the shock, but they should redesign it. I would recommend the shock to anyone who wants a $300 paper weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Constantine
a Downhiller
from London
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | It was always blowing up on me. I snapped the plate at the bottom whiwh holds the spring on so my spring went shooting down and bent the rebound adjuster which didn't do anything any way | | Similar Products Used: | Rock shox deluxe (even worse) and a fox Vanilla RX (great rear shock) | | Bike Setup: | GT STS DH | | Bottom Line: | This is a very bad unreliable rear shock and I would advise every body to stay well away from it and save your self a lot of time money and hassle and buy a fox rear shock | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Greenwood
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Cerro Alto | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | It hasn't broken yet. | | Weaknesses: | inefficient dampening | | Similar Products Used: | Fox vanilla R | | Bike Setup: | Voodoo Canzo, Marzocchi Z3, XT | | Bottom Line: | I have never really tried out too many rear shocks. The Vanilla I rode was on my friends Marin Mt Vision and it was so much smoother that the Rock Shox crap. I have heard nothing good about rock shox rear suspension and feel like I could be getting better performance out of my bike. But then I'm not sure because I went from a Gary Fisher hard tail with a almost rigid (rock shox) fork to this bike. Somehow, I know I'm getting cheated by RockShox, and all the other reviews prove it to me further. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Tailleur
a Cross-Country Rider
from Prince George, BC
Date Reviewed: December 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Love it or Leave it | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
none that I can tell... | | Weaknesses: |
Blows up faster than you can shake a stick at it, when it's not blown up, the damping adjusters don't work anyways. A total waste of money... | | Similar Products Used: |
StrataShock Pro
RCR T2
RockShox Deluxe | | Bike Setup: |
Level Betty SE
RockShox XL-C
Magura HS-33 Brakes
XTR Hub/Cassette/Sachs Shifters/Chain | | Bottom Line: | What a pile of junk. I can't believe anyone would have anything nice to say about this waste of money. It's heavy, bounces around like a rabit on steriods, and blows up after about 6 rides. It might make a nice paperweight, but I can't stand the sight of it. Do yourself a favour and run if anyone (including me) tries to sell one to you.1 Star only because that's the lowest rating possible. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dublin, CA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mammoth | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
very adjustable and plush | | Weaknesses: |
The 97 Super Deluxe(and I have two of them) leaks oil, blow seals, and mushrooms the area around the bottom of the coil or spring. The 98 and 99 super deluxe seem to hold up better. Mine is back with Rock Shox for another rebuild. | | Similar Products Used: |
Fox shocks | | Bike Setup: |
GT LTS with a 98 coupe deluxe(no problems yet) | | Bottom Line: | Don't purchase a 97 rear Rock Shox (any model), pick up a 98 or newer. Better yet consider a Fox. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from portland, or.
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of them | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
works perfect! | | Weaknesses: |
none yet.....does make the squishy sound at times. | | Bike Setup: |
(98) voodo canzo ti | | Bottom Line: | i have the 98. maby i got the only one that works. the first thing i did was get a lizard skin around it. i ride in the rain and mud, and it still adjust as nice and smooth as the day i got it.
the only thing i've done in one year is keep it clean! but some of those reviews out......?
bottom line this shock has woked great (for me) and for one year of pounding in the damp and muddy north west i would say it passed.*i just hope i didn't jinks myself* | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GOON
a Weekend Warrior
from MELBOURNE
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
nice smoth problem free yes thats right problem free. | | Weaknesses: |
not very ajustable | | Similar Products Used: |
fox rc | | Bike Setup: |
GT LTS-1 Marzochi forks all xt | | Bottom Line: | I ride it hard i do harsh dowhills, I rearrange setting all the time and find it consistant free from troubles and cant beleive my eyes reading your reviews this shock came standard on my machine and works fine all conditions i havent serviced it yet and it I think its far from that stage. Works fine but it is pricey | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Tallahassee, FL
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tom Brown Park, Tallahassee | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
None yet | | Weaknesses: |
Where to begin | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
Giant MCM 990, XT/LX/Manitou SX-R | | Bottom Line: | Well, after reading all these reviews before I got my Giant frame, I wasn't sure what to expect. I've just finished putting the bike together, and the first time I put my foot in the pedal and stepped to get on the bike, the shock makes this horrible squishing noise like oil is leaking out, but there isn't, and the red adjuster won't hold it's position. From what i've read in all your reviews, I may not even bother with sending it back to RS when it breaks, and just get another shock. Cane Creek (AD-10) makes a kick ass shock, so I've heard. And look at their reviews, it just doesn't get too much better than that for the same price as this piece of crap($200) And the biggest pisser of my situation is, that this frame cost $1,800, and the only reason I got it was because I got a kick ass deal on it. Shame on GIANT for putting this crap on my carbon graphite frame. Based on first ride impressions and that damn noise, one flaming turd for the crap shock on my bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from mn
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
makes a good doorstop | | Weaknesses: |
as long as you don't use it as a shock, it is grreeaaaat! | | Bike Setup: |
HG 4-BANGER | | Bottom Line: | hmmmmmmmm.....blew out 2 in 80 miles.....weak!
I wish marzocchi made a rear shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jules henry
a Downhiller
from herts UK
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Pretty stickers | | Weaknesses: |
Pretty wank!, they go pop, they all go pop. i have seen about 6 '99 shocks go pop. my first one went pop after 1mth of fairly intense riding, when it was rebuilt it went pop after 2hrs in the alps. i am now running a '98 super dee which is ok. What monkey designed & disn't test these shocks. I also disintegrated the spring mounting collar why is it made of alu & not steel. | | Similar Products Used: |
Fox TC MMMMM Twin Clicker | | Bike Setup: |
Rotwild RDH03, no compression damping & minimal rebound. 7.5 travel, 750 x 2.00 spring. | | Bottom Line: | This is not a product to be used, it's a tamiya model (sorry that's slanderous, tamiya's model would work better)to be put on display only. one sniff of preload & it will blow, one sniff of a rider & it will blow. this is a seriously bad shock. Why don't Rockshox admit that they screwed this one up & recall all the 99' super Dee's, surely it's not a coincedence that they all make a squishy sound then go pop & feel all bingy boingy. your rep is fading people are talking about broken bike parts & saying 'yeah its totally ROCKSHOXED'. IT DOESN'T WORK, *******DO NOT BUY****** | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SHANE
a Weekend Warrior
from LAS VEGAS
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
BUNKER CREEK @ BRIAN HEAD, UTAH | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
WORKED GREAT FOR THE FIRST 10 MINUTES | | Weaknesses: |
BLEW REBOUND CIRCUIT ON THE FIRST RIDE | | Similar Products Used: |
NONE | | Bike Setup: |
VOODOO - CANZO | | Bottom Line: | ALL LET YOU KNOW AFTER IT GETS FIXED!!
JUDY 100 FORKS RATTLE AND CLANK LIKE I HAVE NO BEARINGS IN MY HEAD SET. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ghengis
a Downhiller
from colorado
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
feels ok every time i send one back and get a new one. rockshox good about replacing broken stuff (i think they are too used to it) | | Weaknesses: |
it leaks then it breaks and breaks and breaks | | Similar Products Used: |
fox | | Bike Setup: |
lts 1 | | Bottom Line: | It feels ok when you first put it on but after any abuse it starts to leak and breaks. I keep sendin it back and it breaks. 3 guys i know went to beaver creek for a week end. one on a lawwill 8 and the other 2 on gt's. all three were on rock shox products and all three sent there rear shocks back to rock shox the next week. The lawwill has broken 2 springs in its 2 month life. i have never used a rockshox product (fork or rear shock) for over a month without breaking it. Bottom line? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Thredbo Raw NRG | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Adjustability, ease of spring changes. | | Weaknesses: |
Durability, inconsistent quality. | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Level Betty 1998 | | Bottom Line: | Have had two 1998 bikes fitted with this shock and one was superb with quiet operation and I really couldn't fault the set up in any major way. In fact, the lack of awareness of the rear shock was th best review because if it doesn't bother you it must work okay! Well, the second bike was almost okay except the shock was noisy when compression was wound up, and the cavitation noise was horrendous. Rock Shox Australian distributor at the time said 'They're all like that' and knowing better there's no point arguing because the one failing Rock Shox products have is customer support. Good products but company profits mean cost cutting and I really think Rock Shox should reconsider their corporate direction. If the reviews I see on RockShox are indicative of the feelings out there (they are!) then I cannot see their market positioning continuing. I suspect most RockShox product is now OEM. To RockShox - why not take the engineer's design and build it properly without letting the wanker accountants cut corners. Your company name needs a good dose of polish! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DaveK
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Galbraith | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
None | | Weaknesses: |
Unreliable, poor customer service, bad design, poor performance. | | Similar Products Used: |
Fox, Risse. | | Bike Setup: |
Voodoo Canzo | | Bottom Line: | Never worked right even after getting it replaced twice because it blew out twice in less than 6 mos. Rock Shox doesn't care about their customers or the quality of their products. I replaced with a used Fox and sold the bike a year ago but I am still pissed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Kimura
a Weekend Warrior
from Camarillo, CA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Kanan to Corral Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Works nice. You need to oil the shaft before every ride. Felt great at first, but not the same feel after the rebuild | | Weaknesses: |
Blew a seal on the first ride. Has been rebuilt by RS, but not the same feel | | Bike Setup: |
GT LTS Thermoplastic 1996 | | Bottom Line: | I was very disappointed when the shock failed on the first ride. Oil all over the place! Very poor QC here. I was also disappointed they chose to rebuild the shock, rather than sending a new one. I now see why; the new shocks seem to be very unpredictable (quality wise), so I think they choose to rebuild them. I did lose some feel after the rebuild. Also, if I turn the damper out more than 3/4 turn, there is no damping left. It doesn't sound right to me. Anyone who has one of these on their GT LTS, I recommend oiling the shaft before every ride. Oiling the suspension pivots helps too! Just watch out for the dirty oil getting all over the place! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Wray
a Downhiller
from United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anywere in England | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
I have just bought my dream bike which is a Giant ATX 1 which came off the shelf with a 99 Super Deluxe fitted.
I have had no problems up to now with the quality of the compression and rebound damping which seems very good. There is a large range of adjustability, but as with most shock units that have alot of adjustability once it is set I tend not to touch it again | | Weaknesses: |
Well upto now I have been very pleased with my Shock until I noticed a very small spring resting on top of it the other day. As it turns out the rebound adjuster is meant to click round in the housing of the shock so you can tell how many turns you have adjusted it. At the back of the shock there is a small Rock shox sticker which I have seen before and thought, thats a strange place to put a sticker, as you cannot actually see it. It turns out that this sticker is in fact a integral part of the design of the shock and stops the rebound adjuster being turned too far. Basically what had happened is when I had been adjusting the rebound adjuster I had screwed it in a little too far and it had pushed the sticker off the back of the shock and the spring and miniture ball bearing have dropped out the back.......GREAT.I cannot believe this can happen, I bought a World Cup Spec DH bike with what I thought were Pro class components and this is what I get !!!.
Basically The engineers a Rock Shox are using a sticker to hold the shock together.....what a joke.Oh yeh dont you find it strange that no mountain bike mag has ever really slagged off Rock Shox for the quality of there products, and you never hear of any Pro downhillers complaining....There all scared of loosing money thats why. | | Similar Products Used: |
Fox Vanilla R which was superb. | | Bike Setup: |
Giant ATX 1 DH Warner Replica | | Bottom Line: | To be fair the shock has been superb up to now so Ill give it four stars, but the quality of design of that rebound adjuster is a joke, how do Rock Shox designers get away with it, they have had long enough to get it right. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stephe
a Cross-Country Rider
from atlanta
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
RS warranty | | Weaknesses: |
Where do I start? Seals, adjuster, shaft failure.... | | Bike Setup: |
STS LTS | | Bottom Line: | While this shock works ok when it works, its way too fragile. I don't ride that hard and I've blown mine up four times. They have warrantied it everytime so far but I can't expect them to keep doing this forever. Obviously they know they have a problem or they wouldn't be fixing it for free a year oput of warranty. one rebuilt lasted two days and the shaft fell out! The other two times it blew the main oil seal.. One time the adjuster fell apart. Hopefully it will last until someone comes out with something better.. Parts like this make it madatory to have several bikes so you can still ride while the parts are getting fixed :-I hope Chris King starts making shocks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Moses
a Downhiller
from Southern California
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Chumash (Simi Valley) | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
What strength;Its WEAK! | | Weaknesses: |
Durability | | Similar Products Used: |
None but going to buy a Stratos Helix Pro | | Bike Setup: |
'97 GT LTS-1, White Bros. DC-110 | | Bottom Line: | This frail shock works fine when it wants to. It came as OEM equipment on my LTS and the compression and rebound didn't seem to make a difference when adjusting. My first problem occured when the spring pushed through the bottom spring retaining washer destroying the bottom shock body. I was out of riding for about a month. The replacement I received was too stiff in compression and no adjustment could fix this. After about 2 months the oil seals blew and I could not ride once again. I'm pissed. When I get the shock back the rubber bumb stop was replaced with a hard plasticized rubber that doesn't even give when reaching the end of travel. I lost about 3/4 of travel. I called and RS said that was the standard bump stop in production. Bull! RS needs to get it's act together and build some stuff that lasts and can handle the terrain that it was made to ride on. I didn't buy my bike to ride it the street. Rock Shox is in the ranks with Huffy. E'nuff said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Smooth dampening control, lots of rebound adjustment
(WHEN IT WORKS!) | | Weaknesses: |
DURABILITY! | | Similar Products Used: |
none to any degree | | Bike Setup: |
OEM on a '97 GT STS | | Bottom Line: | Yet another durability complaint. Though I haven't blown any seals during its lifetime, this is the second time I have had to send it back with lost or erratic compression and rebound. Though two years old, due to my busy schedule I haven't been able to put more than 200km on the bike since I got it back from the first repair. I am not particularly heavy (140lbs), nor particularly hard on the equipment (I like my stuff to stick around for awhile), and you'd have a hard time convincing me that the linkages to which the shock is attatched are out of alighnment. This shock is just poor. While I'm at it I'd like to say that my rescent acquisition of a '99 Judy 100 reinforces my disappointment with RS. Though slightly cheaper than others, it should not LOCK OUT after harshly TOPPING OUT. This is also BAD. It certainly seems that RS doesn't seem to take its self proclaimed status as industry leader very seriously. It's no wonder that just about every other manufacturer seems to be blowing by it.
I'd like to give more stars for its performance when it works, but I can't give this shock or company the benifit of the doubt anymore | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Cayce
a Cross-Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Captain Jack's | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Hmmmmmmmm----? | | Weaknesses: |
Durability, performance | | Similar Products Used: |
Fox, RST, Stratos, Cane Creek and the crap that comes on the Toys-r-Us bikes | | Bike Setup: |
Haro EX-2 3.5 rear travel frame, RST Delta HL(brand new from Hi-5 recall) | | Bottom Line: | Since my last correspondence on Jan 1st, I just got it back again today, after sending it in two weeks or so ago. (by the way , it had gone back to R/S due to failure again after my post Jan 1st, around the end of Jan or beginning of Feb for another total rebuild. Lasted four days that time. )Once again it feels great, but after having it in the shop four times since I got it last August, I feel confident that it won't last.
My problems with this shock have been documented here since last year,and also my dis-satisfaction with the company in general. Why in the heck this piece of crap has never been re-called is beyond me. Last time I spoke with a customer service tech at R/S, I was told the shock didn't work well in my type of frame configuration, and was susceptible to failure. Hmmmm, it was an OEM piece of equipment. Did Haro know that this was a bad item to spec on one of their top cross-country frames? Something tells me , uh, NO.
If anyone is interested in filing a class action suit, contact me at my e-mail address. I'm THAT pissed off, as should everyone else be who has been ripped off by Rock Shox. Selling junk and refusing to do anything about it is illegal. There is such a thing as a Lemon, and this shock seems to be one for MOST (not all)people, and almost EVERY application that it has used in. Shoddy design is NOT an excuse nor a reason that is acceptable when you claim to be the leader in ANY respective industry.
You should know that my bike IS ridden a lot. I am not an abusive rider, but I am aggressive. I just don't break stuff, mainly because I treat my bike well. I am a manager and bike tech at a LBS in Colorado Springs. I have checked my frame alignment with a Park Tool alignment gauge and it is correct, my pivot bolt torque values are correct ( and get to be checked quite often as I am taking this shock off every couple of weeks or so). My bike is cleaned and lubed meticulously, mainly because I expect a lot from it, and like to make sure everything is just right (especially with this thing on the back, you get quite used to inspecting for leaking, blown seals etc).
Once again, 1 chili cause there isn't a zero. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick mackey
a racer
from marlton NJ
Date Reviewed: March 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok this shock isnt bad, I fabricated a few washers and put it on my Klein
mantra, its a great climbing shock,when tightend for less sagg, but when you
loosen it, as soon as your on the bike it just flattens..I do all kinds
of riding, and it has good rebound when tight, so for me its good, but Im
trying to get a fox coil shock next. peace out | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've worked in a shop for year's now. It seems that a lot of these Super Deluxe reviews have one thing in common.GT's LTS\STS series bikes.Trek\Fisher's Y series bikes. This has been a widely spec'd shock on plenty of other brands. (like my schwinn)It seems that I should say that previous bikes mentioned are notorious for their rear's to be out of alighnment from the get-go. This gives a rear shock lesser chance to survive. This is just a shop mechanic's real world\hands on opinion. The Trek Y even tried to update the frame mount to correct this. I recently worked on a YSL200(new for 99')that was out of alighnment. It was messing a SID rear up as well. I'll wrap thing's up by saying my SuperDeluxe has been flawless.:) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eugene Chu
a cross-country rider
from Pasadena, CA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
When I first got this shock (came with my LTS), I thought it was very nice; it offered great flexibility in the various adjustments it had. However, it began leaking within 8 months of use (and I'm not a very hard rider), and lost all damping. It was replaced under warranty, and 8 months later, it began leaking again. At this time, it is totally dead, out of warranty, and I'm trying to figure out what to do. Rock Shocks want $40 and 2 weeks to rebuild it. But I don't want to get back something that is just going to die again in a few months. Plus, that trunion mount is too weak; it's worn out enough to cause rattles in the rear end. I heard Marzocchi is making a replacement, but it won't be ready for a long time. When it is ready, it will be the second Rock Shock product that I replace with a Marzocchi. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Harris
a weekend warrior
from Isle Of Man
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '98 STS 1000DS with a '97 RS Superdeluxe. must have been the first batch. It lasted OK for a few months and I thought it was very good. Plenty of adjustment and the trunnion mounting gave great geometry adjustment. Now it's lost all rebound (usual story) I want to replace with a proper Shock - But the trunnion means RS or nothing. I'm getting a Trunnion CNC'ed to work with a Fox and am switching to a product designed to last! I'll get a custom shock made for me in the UK by MOJO (WWW.Mojo.co.uk) and then I won't have to put up with Rock Shox' dubious crap ever again! If I could drop a chillie turd on RS directly they'd get plenty! however....... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Davide
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, it worked ok for almost two years and around 2,500 miles on my STS custom 97. Now the rebound is gone. The shock as I said was ok. I liked the rebound control (it made a big difference) but the compression control was doing almost nothing. Still, a product that does not last more than 2 years should be recalled by any serious industry ... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJ
a weekend warrior
from NoCAL
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I can't believe Fisher is still spec'ing this crap on 1999 bikes.
My '98 Josh Z1 spent almost half the time on the rag last year as
it did ready to ride. Here's the poop though. If you get one of
these shox on your new bike and it works for you good!!! you are
lucky--play the Lotto. If, however, you have trouble like those
posted here, especially with the remote lock-out function, go directly
(call) to Fisher/Trek customer service and tell them you demand a credit
for the shock and have that money applied to a different shock.
This worked for me and I'm finally satisfied and riding a Statos Helix
Pro (It cost me an additional $75.00). I had to go through my dealer
to have this done, Fisher won't send you $$$ directly but I worked out
for me. I still can't believe Fisher hasn't learned from last year...
BAD Gary, BAD BAD Gary, NO BANANA!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy
a weekend warrior
from Tampa Bay, FL.
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
If your looking for maxium agravation levels, and loads of disapiontment buy this shock,and ALL Rock shox products! I recivied the shock shock with my new Gary Fisher frame(I broke the old one frame),and was vastly disapionted with the shock. The rebound adjuster did nothing! I was wondering if it was perhaps just a decaration, because it didn't change the rebound damping at all. The compression adjuster did seem to have some effect(not nearly enough though) so I thought that there was maybe some hope for the shock. No such luck. 30 minuties into my first ride the oil seal around the shaft blew out. After speaking to the tech guys (bone heads) at Rock Shox, I decided to remove the shock from my bike. Tied a 3 foot piece of string through one of the eyelets. Swung it over my head 5 or 6 times, and tossed it into the Gulf of Mexico! I have since move to a Fox shock wich works flawlessly thank you very much. Do your self a favor stay as far away from Rock Shox as you can! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Here we go again, oil leakin seal blowin non-workin piece-o-crap. Out of the box brand new in September I had to send this piece of crap to RockShox to be re-built. Here it is January 1st ( Happy New Year ,by the way) and I'm tearing it out to send in again. If this is their top of the line rear shock ,they need to go back to the drawing board. And did I mention their wonderful customer support? Good ,cause it's not good. If you have a choice ,look elsewhere for quality suspension. The shock ,the company itself and the wonderful people that I have dealt with at RockShox get one chili only because there isn't a zero chili option. I have owned quite a few RocShox products ( I manage a LBS in Colorado Springs and deal with the warranty dept. at RS on a regular basis. Way more than any other manufacturer.) and have been dissatisfied with the quality every time. This has been the last straw for me and I am currently looking elsewhere for a replacement after this one is rebuilt AGAIN. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ant
a weekend warrior
from Kent
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding 50 miles a week for the last year on my LTS-1, which came with the Rockshox Superdeluxe Rear Shock. I've had no problems at all. So I don't know what everybody is crying about? I ride this bike hard, and the only bad thing I can say is that it squeaks like an old bed spring if you don't lubricate the piston shaft before each ride; but this is so easy to do, it's not a problem. I have to lubricate the chain before each ride anyway. So, I guess I've been lucky, or maybe the Moaning Marys haven't been. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GW
a weekend warrior
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm on my third shock in only six months, on the first two the rebound knobs broke when trying to adjust it after a water crossing. I finally found the problem, it's a stupid design! Dirt gets into the indexing part of the knob from the back(under the RockShox sticker/seal?). You can't seal it with silicon or anything else that would fill the cavity in any way, so I put so duct tape over the hole to seal it- problem solved!! The only other problem I've had was a poorly machined spring collar that I just swapped with one that I was returning. I purchased the bike (98 GT LTS 2000) which had a SuperDelux as a factory part (upgrade!) from JAX bicycles in Irvine CA. They replaced my broken shocks without any hassle at all, I highly recomend this fine establishment. By the way, I do ride hard enough to have bent the lower shock bolt-- I don't baby my bikes! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kb Turner
a cross-country rider
from Valley Forge, Pa.
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, as for me, so far, so good. My shock came standard ish on my '97 STS 1. I keep it clean, lube the shaft, check EVERYTHING, and wrap it up w/ a Lizard. I've been working the shops, and I've seen it all. I'm getting the impression that there are three things going on here. (1) It's a lottery, (2) Unfortunately, not many mechanics are being paid to learn the technology, so choose skill over the discount, and (3) The big companies, most of them, are willing to let you work out the bugs. I've had great success, personally, with RS, but I've seen customers reduced to tears by the warranty hotline. There are some serious issues here, and your only hope is taking names and keeping records. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Boz
a cross-country rider
from Montreal Canada
Date Reviewed: August 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Though the Super Deluxe has never crapped out on me. It never lived to its billing. The on the fly damping should have ben designed to lock out completely. It doesn't absorb the stutter bumps well and is too springy regardless how it was set up. Eventually went to the Strata Helix Pro, now that is a shock that is on my pedistal. All companies should take a lesson from their design group. Rock Shox lives of its name and makes mediocre product at overinflated prices. Eventually the riders are going to revolt against Rock Shox.
Long live Strata Helix Pro! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick McCloskey
a cross-country rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
hummm.... how to put it nicely. it basically sucks. when it is working it super nice, but when the dampening unit is blown, it is nothing but poor excuse for a pogo stick. would i buy another one? not unless they were about $20. i switched to a cane creek ad-10. after i get the ad-10 dailed in which is not an easy task, i will submit a review on it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a downhiller
from Washington
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This shock came on my GT LTS 1000 which I bought a week and a half ago. Since it's going to be my downhill steed, I put on a Rock Shox Boxxer and sold the Judy XL to my friend. The bike is a dream, totally stoked to race it. However, a couple days ago, I was just getting ready to do a local 6 mile downhill run (4th ride on bike) and I heard a clanking sound. After inspection, I noticed the bottom of the shock broke and the spring was just hanging there. All the oil ran out on the rear tire. Luckily I have a 96 LTS to ride while mine is out of commision. The next problem is, will I have it up and running in time for next weekend's race? Pray for me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zukill
a cross-country rider
from Ljubljana,Slovenia,Europe
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm totally dissapointed with Rock Shox! First i had to replace Judy sl '97 (see review there) and now rear shox is making me pissed off; Yesterday I was cleaning my bike, and noticed that red knob(rebound) doesn't turn smooth with clicks. After some hard pressure turns something snapped, and I managed to unscrew red screw out of shock. After inspecting I realised that tiny iron ball on a spring inside knob was half-cutted, and caused resistance to turning... Shock is still dampening but i have to be careful to what turn i should stop to unscrew knob. Whatever, i couldn't lubricate it (not even theoretically) without breaking it in two peaces: screw and inside head with ball on spring... I will say: it is not so good engineered if it cannot be serviced, at least lubricated. 4 chillis for preformance (-1 weight)
1 chilly for service (here in my COUNTRY is only one service (without spare parts))
3 chilly for price: average one.Sumarum: 2,6' points
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Leung
a weekend warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Rockshox Superdelux on my 96 GT LTS losted all its oil only after 5 rides. The dealer refused my claim of warranty and there was no response from Rockshox after I send them a email. At last I have to buy a Risse air unit as replacement.
Same problem on their Judy SL forks. Cartridge normally blown after 2 rides!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gunnar
a downhiller
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The action is nice and smoth but reliabilitywise this shock is somewhere in the basement. It leaks oil and the crappy rebound adjustment knob breaks easily. To make things worse, the swedish distributor needs about 8 weeks to deliver the spare parts. The shock would be great if the design was more heavy duty. As long as it delivers, I don't care if it weighs 5 kilograms.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon
a weekend warrior
from Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For me I have not any complaints about it..... It works great esecially coming down Diamond Head Crater....... All I can say is that Rock Shock is a good shock but you just have to maintain it alot if you want it to last for ever, just like anything else...... May be you cry babies out there should invent a shock that would last forever and don't need any maintenance then I'll buy it from you...... So please enjoy and be happy with what you got ok!!!!!!
Aloha,
gordon
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Wu
a downhiller
from Hsin Chu, Taiwan
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The performance of this shock is awesome, but the durability sucks! The compression and rebound adjusters on the '98 model are nice and have a wide range of adjustments. I've bought my Giant ATX-1DH for less than a week, and on my third ride all the oil leaked out. I weigh less than 61kg. One of me teammates had the same problem on the same bike as mine. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, after putting up with this crappy product for 18 months, I have been fu*#d over by this shock for the last time. The other night it exploded oil all over my legs(I'm used to it doing this) and when I looked - after I climbed back up the small cliff it threw me off - the shock had cracked clean in two along one of the internal bushing lines of the main piston housing!A law suit will almost definitely follow - talk about adding injury to insult! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Fons
a downhiller
from Luxembourg / Europe
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Works excellent in every situation on my GT LTS 1000 DS bike, but i don't have too much confidence in Rock Shox products (after having trashed 2 x judy cartridges,1 x 96' Super Deluxe, friends did the same experiences). So as soon as the problems will start i will post a new message. (With the hope that it will last) Function=5 Looks=5 Maintenance=1 Overall=3-4 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Pedersen
a racer
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I happened to drop in here, and thought it'd be interesting to read what others have to say about this shock. Much to my surprise, I read lots of hate mail about the RS Super Deluxe!I've had mine since December of '96, and have over 1,200 miles on it, including my average harsh trails, some abusive downhill runs in the Sierras, and many XC and DH races. Not ONE problem!!! It has been flawless! And the adjustments work great too. I've dialed in a lot of rebound damping to help with those sharp whoop-de-doos that want to pitch you off the saddle. But I've left the compression damping very soft, and it soaks up the bumps, big or small, like a charm. I do bottom it out, but the nice bump stop makes that almost impossible to feel.I can't say why others have apparently had such trouble, but mine has been great. Perhaps the mounting position is important. My Santa Cruz Heckler mounts the shock high up, under the top tube, so it stays clean and dry. Maybe those with vertical mounts, or low mounting points, should avoid it; I don't know. But I wouldn't hesitate to get another. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Bullotta
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Add me to the countless many who view the RS Super Deluxe as great, when it works, but very, very disappointed in its reliability and serviceability. The tech manual and direct conversations with RS confirm that this thing needs an overhaul EVERY 25 HOURS OF RIDING! What a shame, because it does feel nice for about two weeks after a rebuild... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
martin mayoral
a cross-country rider
from La Paz BCS, Mexico
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Se vende cuadro para montaña de marca Miyata, de cromolio 21, barato $60 Dll.s. Del envio luego nos arreglamos, el ensamblado esta chingon, no tiene soldadura. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicolaas Komen
a weekend warrior
from Anna Paulowna (NL,Europe)
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well here is the promised few months later review at 2 may I've done a real tuff marathon in Riva,Italy. Unfortunatly the Rock Shox didn't last the race. There was an oil leakage. The Rock Shox service truck didn't have had time to repair it the day after. So I have send the schock to a service centre which is called Schock Therapy, I hope there service is a bit faster. The Marzocchi schock comes probably in septembre this year available for GT LTS/STS. The RS isn't the right choiche if you do mountainbiking alot like me. Probably something for a road Bike. I hate Roadbiking especially if i must roadbike because of mountainbike out of service. So the RS is downgraded by 2.Next time a disturbance and it falls down to zero. I hope there comes a CE-regulation for bike-parts which protects the european consumer for low quality products on bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mADdOg
a downhiller
from Gloucester UK (home of mountains)
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Make sure you get the '98 SD as RockShox have finally got it right. Previous models were total kack. I have used and abused this shock beyond its' design envelope and it's survived (I usually knacker everthing I own due to total neglect or lack of maintenance) Oh! I did buy a Lizard Skin for it which may of helped. There reason I got this shock was becaused is was standard on my GT LTS 3000DS but I would buy one if I did'nt have one.
Ignore the slagging off, it still works after I have had my grubby mits on it and that says alot. If any manufacturers want me to test anything to destruction then mail me at probiker@mindless.com
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Goddard
a cross-country rider
from Rochdale England
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
No real problems with the SuperDelux which came on my 96 LTS Frameset, I now have a 98 SuperDelux on my 98 LTS (I trashed the 96 LTS and GT replaced it with a 98 LTS !!) which I have ridden twice. When I turn the damping knob it seems to leak oil from behind the knob. Its obviously a duffer and will have to be replaced. I must say that the 98 RS SD feels better than the 96 version, I can't bottom it out on my 98 LTS and weigh 15 stone (Pure Muscle!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher J. Roberts
a racer
from Avon, Illinois
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a love hate relationship, with my SuperDeluxe. I love the plush action of the shock, but it pogos awful when climbing. Normally I would just utilize the lock-out, but the funny thing is, the lock-out doesn't. This would be an outstanding shock for free-riders, but not for any rider who scoffs at such an activity. Besides the unlocking out lock-out, the thing hisses, moans, and complains, on even the least challenging terrain. This shock, in its current incarnation, is not race worthy. I love my Judy SL, growing less suspecious of my SID (Stupid Impluse Decission), but the the SuperDeluxe is only marginally better than the CoupeDeluxe or even an AD-4. I would give the SuperDeluxe 3 chillis, but only 2 chillies are warranted, until the lock-out problems is solved. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Kuo
a racer
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've put quite a bit of time on the superdeluxe now and it works great. But now it's starting to make a hissing sound during compression so I'm starting to worry about blowout. Also the damping adjuster doesn't seem to affect the damping much at all. It's been a decent shock, but when it goes, I'm getting something different. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vin Wray
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Super build quality, super price (for another £100 I could rebuild my cars suspension system with adjustable shocks!) but it did come fitted as standard to my STS, reasonable adjusability, but a rebuild after 25 hours riding?, ok took it in for the 5 day turn around rebuild, the shop was out of stock of a small o-ring seal (value about $1), the importer was out of stock, if Rocksucks are recomending rebuilds they should at least keep the dealers full of stock, still aint got it back, thats three weekends with nowt to do!!!!!. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Y buy Rockshox
a cross-country rider
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
No reason! I have a Super-Deluxe on my 97 Joshua. The lock-out doesn't ! The adjustablility leaves something to be desired. The Servicing guidelines are certainly not for the faint of heart. The only good news is that I'm not riding an LTS which seem to explode this particular shock with regularity. Don't e-mail the morons at tech support, they are clearly marketing guys. My recommendation: When buying a new shock or fork, buy anything but a Rockshox. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg
a racer
from CT
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I think it's been all said before, but I'll add my vote to strengthen the warning.This shock rides nice when it's working. A little annoying clunk when it tops out, but the ride (on GTLTS-1) is great. Damping adjustment works excellent (when it's charged....).O.k. that said and done, I wouldn't get another if they held my mother hostage and demanded it. Two blowouts - 18months. 1st was rebuilt no questions asked. 2nd required some b*tching and moaning on my part. I'm told that 'GT-LTS1 is the hardest geometry on a shock'.... well tough. You hire engineers, and you design it to take the abuse. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Peters
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First I want to say that most dual suspension riders have a big lesson to learn. Suspension parts wear fast. I rode and raced cross country motorcycles for 23 years and suspension parts were always wearing out. They take alot of abuse
and need alot of maintenance. If you ride hard you are going to blow em up a couple times a year, thats a fact. Now for the review. The performance gained was not worth the money spent. I went from a coupe deluxe to the S/D. Next shock will be a Noleen. Noleen was the primary rebuilder ans distributor of Ohlins shocks ( The best shock, except maybe a Penske ) and now know how to build a shock.In the end, quit whinning about rebuilds ( buy a motocross or Cross Country motorcycle and then you will learn about maintenance ) and deal with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicolaas Komen
a weekend warrior
from Netherlands (NL,Europe)
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'v got the superdeluxe rear schock mounted on mi LTS-1 1997 framekit, with the idea as soon as there is an alternative from marzocchi to replace it for the marzocchi, my front susp is also a Z1 from Marzocchi.
After the third ride my RS makes grindy noises (sand? but i use Lizard Skins).
I must say if it last longer then the expect lifetime of one year (?) the suspension
qualiti is fine. Its lot of fun to ride with it. I hope the RS will last longer than the average lifetime as posted on this side.
About a few monts I will post a review, to give an impression of th long term experiences. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Soehngen
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Gee, yet another review on the infamous RS Super Deluxe. Out of the box (on a '97 GT STS) it worked flawlessly. Rebound was smooth with good range of adjustability, though compression adjustibility wasn't very noticable until at its stiffest setting. 750km later and no blown seals (guess I was lucky) rebound adjustments are erratic (from minimal to non-existant), unless compression is stiffened, when the rebound dampening REALLY kicks in, a characteristic which seem to change from ride to ride. It hasn't undergone a lot of hard use (I'm 140 lbs), and after reading these reviews, my faith in R.S. - faith? what faith? I just hope my warranty troubles will be minimal. However, based on my own experiences (though other reviews would tend to lead me to lower the score), it does work well when it does at all... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dr. Spackle
a downhiller
from Hazard County
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Rock Shock Super Deluxe shock works and feels very well on my 96' GT LTS 1, but unfortunaly they haven't found a solution for oil leaks that the shocks are experiencing. I strongly recommend replacing the Super Deluxe with a Risse Racing (air/oil) shox while your Rock Shox is at warrenty or just keep it on permanant. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a late 96 lts-1, which I race CC. I am on my 3rd shock after 2 session of racing it and I weigh only 160. There is no reason i should be going though shocks like this. I have lost a total of 6 weeks of riding due to argueing with RokShox. I do not mess with them anymore, now I call GT directly and they get it taken care of. Beside why would I want a rebuilt shock when a new one does not even do the trick. Even when it is new it does not perform very well! I think I am going to try a Cane Creek AD10 but NOT THE AD8 they had a seal problem on that model. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Bullotta
a cross-country rider
from Valley Forge, PA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Gotta say, this shock has been a mixture of great ups and downs...when I got it with my new Fisher Joshua frame (to replace a broken '96 frame and the Strata that came on it), I was immediately impressed with the better ride (though a bit weightier). Yet, less than 3 months later, it started developing clunking sounds and performance went in the crapper. They're warrantying it, but at the expense of $20 shipping and over a week downtime. And, I've since found out that RS recommends major service every 25 hours of riding...bullsh*t! That's not a consumer friendly product, particularly since few, if any, local shops are set up to service rear shocks. Let's hope they send me a '98 and not a rebuilt '97 for the warranty... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
skunk dogg
a downhiller
from the jersey shore
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This essintial component needed for hardcore thrashing is need a major beef up in strength department. I blew out this shock 3 times and broke the shock's base plate twice between may '97 and oct. '97. Besides that, the adjustabilty is great, and tunes in very nice for any course. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose
a cross-country rider
from the land of epic knarly rocky single tracks
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have used every year model of the Super Deluxe, from 1996 to 1998 on my VooDoo Canzo. As they should, they have been progressively been getting better. So far the 1998 has not blown, and every other one has. Yet, I have only 1 month on it so far. I even had one break in two at the treading next to the resevoir. Keep an eye on the reservoir housing at the end where it is pressed to the eyelet body. It tends to come apart here and the O ring will stop sealing and then oil everywhere. Of course with some other frame designs this will not be a problem. Even with these problems, I believe it is the best shock available. Damping responsiveness is the best at all speeds and consistant when it gets hot. My expierence with other shocks and from what I've seen and heard, is that every shock will leak or have damping failure at some point. Also, one thing that seems to determine reliability is how much the frame design works the shock. More active designs will blow a shock sooner, and side to side loading is more on some frames, and this stresses the shock and seals will flex and leak. Adjustablility is good on the rebound, but very limited on compression, again this is depending upon spec for frames as just about every one is specd custom for each bike manufacturer by Rock Shox. Weight of the rider is a big factor as well. Also Rock Shox warranty service is reasonable. My second choice for rear shocks is the Fox Alps 5R and their quality and warranty is very good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rocco
a weekend warrior
from UT
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've bought a RS S-Dlux shock for my Y bike last year and it's been so far so good. The coil over set up plusher than the air shock the bike came with and it has been holding up well although I'm feeling scared after reading these other reviews. I wish the rebound adjustment was more sensitive. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill K.
a cross-country rider
from Irvine, CA
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
For the 2nd time in one month my '97 RockShox Superdeluxe piece of crap rear shock blew up in mid ride. As I have read from these reviews this is a common problem. I own a '97 LTS-1 and am going to demand a different rr shock from GT. Has anyone had any success with other brands/models?? I hope Marzocchi come out with something cause my 98 Z2 works great!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Speed Racer
a cross-country rider
from Beavercreek OR
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Lovit on my Santa Cruz Heckler! Just as Scott McLean said,
It's greatfor me, I most certainly agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love it! It's so plush at certain times.
Only one gripe, when the rebound adjuster is at it's slowest rebound,
It sounds like it has very little oil in the shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sven
a cross-country rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've just had an explosion. The entire shaft ram and internal assembly of my shock exploded out of the shock-body; this occurred on a flat section. I hope that Rock Shox can get their act in gear quick enough for this weekend's race. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DaveK
a weekend warrior
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Well my second Super deluxe (the replacement for the one that blew a month ago) is making clunking sounds at any setting but maximum dampening. Well I guess it's warranty time again. At this rate I figure I will go through at least four shocks before the warranty runs out. When the warranty runs out I certainly won't buy another Rock Shox. Maybe I need to get a spare to carry with me on really long rides. I weigh only 150lbs and don't hammer my bike real hard. In fact the rear shock is the only thing I seem to be able to break. This really sucks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott McLean
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles CA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the Rock Shox Super Deluxe on my Heckler and it works great for me. The rebound adjuster works fine. The compresion adjuster goes from soft to hard without much in between. I like it hard because I like to ride fast and I weigh 195lbs. So the lack of range in the compresion adjuster doesn't bother me much. Overall it works well for me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DaveK
a weekend warrior
from Bellingham, Washington
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Well mine blew too after about 4months, otherwise it worked fairly well. My LBS got RS to send a replacement out next day air though so I gave them an extra star for excellent warranty service. I hope they have fixed the design. | | Overall Rating: |
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