We cycled the RockShox Vivid Air 10,157 times to see if it would explode

The Vivid is back and RockShox claims it's better than ever, but we wanted to know, will it blow up on your first ride? To find out, we set Dan off on a mission to cycle it as many times as he could on our dyno. Why not just ride it on trail? Cause that's too easy!
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#mtb #dh #enduro #mountainbiking

[@FanatikBikeCo]

What questions do you have about the Vivid?? Let us know, we'll get back to you!

[@tttass]

Next science experiment: Take both a fox X2 and a vivid and cover both shocks so that the rider doesn't know what shock they're riding. With both at the same settings, would be cool to see if riders can tell a difference in shock quality.

[@mulullama]

You can tell you're riding the x2 because of the oil on your leg

[@tttass]

@@mulullama haha true... definitely some reliability issues with the X2. Mine's been good so far though, and it seems like Fox has improved the performance for the latest versions

[@charleshazen5779]

@@THE_O.official ok put headphones on. Its not that cfomlpicated

[@michaellee3852]

@@mulullama 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TeamCykelhold]

X2 will explode at some point so at some point they will notice easily.

[@superyamagucci]

It's quite the comfort knowing that now I won't service my shock at 100hrs instead of not doing it every 50! The extra I spend on this shock will quickly be offset by what I wouldn't have otherwise spent on my old one.

[@jockardl]

Sram is absolutely nailing it at the moment

[@robw.6402]

David Goggins would've lit that shock on 🔥 fire! 😅

[@RC-fp1tl]

He's carrying the BOATS! AND THE SHOCKS!

[@LallerHU]

The leading theory about the float x2s is the trunnion mount. The flexing frame on sideload during compression creates a shearing force that kills it. W'll see how the new vivid handles it...

[@JBMADNESS]

Fox has confirmed this quietly by changing the casting on the top end. My replaced X2 has been bomber for my XL Clydesdale size on a full-fat E-bike since April.

[@gogovitch66]

You deserve a professor's degree with that much science in a row , Dan😉

[@gogovitch66]

😆

[@dorkin_aint_easy]

Top notch content as always gents. Nice work!

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Thanks Tyler!! - Dan P. and the rest

[@Norcaljedi_ea]

Looks like a x2 😂 that kid wasn’t even born probably when the og vivid came out.

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

Thank you Dan, you are awesome for doing this!

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Thanks for watching!! - Dan P.

[@dsanfdsa1]

"185x55 is for short travel bikes" as a Norco Sight rider, I feel attacked! (even though its true) 😂 (Also this shock is phenomenonal on the Sight)

[@RedRidesMTB]

As a GT Force rider I’m also offended. 150mm from a 185x55. I definitely want to try the new vivid air. Looks amazing

[@zigamikeli7233]

I've been interested in upgrading. is it worth it? i have 2020 Sight A2 and it says it has a 185x52.5 mount. will it fit?

[@RedRidesMTB]

@@zigamikeli7233 seems like the 2020 Aluminum frames came with either 185x52.5 instead of 185x55. Running a 185x55 would increase your rear travel, I’m not sure about by how much. As long as the linkage isn’t extending or compressing past it’s intended range you should be able to run it.

[@vashusan1984]

Ha ha, those are the dimensions on my Switchblade. But I've got a cascade link and the new super deluxe coil. Maybe if this had come out 2 months ago I would have gotten one. Loving my coil though.

[@kylerroberge9457]

Same shock on WeAreOne Arrival 152

[@Calispeedboi]

My x2 trunnion blew up 3 times before fox lemoned it for me

[@FanatikBikeCo]

🍋

[@JoshAllenberg]

Alternative title: Dan does world's longest lat pulldown set, but wrong

[@Komplex_Music_]

i think one of the best way to test it would be a shit ton of laps in a big bike park, maybe with a few rider using the same bike back to back, so it can get the max amount of laps with the least amount of rest

[@HelplmAlive]

Do the same dyno test on a X2.

[@zwingler]

I dont think air shocks will ever surpass the reliability of coil. Just my opinion tho.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I imagine you're right, keeping all that compressed air in there is a feat. - Dan P.

[@grisnylle100]

You need to repeat this with the shock at 360psi, for science!

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Ha ha. We are slowly working Dan up to full PSI. He was cycling it at about 40psi so maybe next week we'll bump him up to 100 psi. Really get him a good workout. He might even be able to cancel his gym membership

[@HaggisPower]

Thanks for the laugh and the rundown.. I picked up a 230x60 Vivid ultimate for my Trek Rail in 'standard' tune (not the R55 C37 Rail tune). It was super hard to find down-under. Any idea how a standard tune compares to the Rail tune?

[@maciejzwolinski4022]

Would be more realistic to make proper durability test on a test machine.

[@HarryL2020]

Just curios my 2022 X2 was updated to MY24 spec, whats the difference between a full MY24 model vs updated MY21-MY23 models?

[@therealridedmc]

Pretty sure the Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate air does have hydraulic bottom out on some model year 2023 shocks... The one that came on my bike does not have it, but their website says it's "optional". I have also heard that it is possible to add it after the fact, but you have to send it in for a service or something...

[@FanatikBikeCo]

So Hydraulic Bottom Out (HBO) is found on some OEM Super Deluxe Ultimate air models. However you can't currently purchase an off the shelf SDLX air with Hydraulic Bottom Out. Also the HBO on SDLX air is not adjustable. HBO on Super Deluxe Coil and Vivid is adjustable.

[@therealridedmc]

@@FanatikBikeCo good to know! Thanks for the info!

[@renebudzisch2901]

Is it valid to use a FOX 40 FACTORY STANCHION TUBE to test a RS product?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hmm, good point. - Dan P.

[@lilblaster22]

There is real butter inside the Vivid😮🎉

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Real butter!

[@christophersmith879]

How many cycles would a shock make on a rocky trail? Can you do a video with a cycle count on a dh bike park trail please? Yeah watching the footage back to count would be a pain in the but, also known as job for the intern 😉

[@manuelfredpangco5744]

Here we go again with the it looks like a session jokes 1:16

[@marcgallant5270]

Hook up the shock to a rocking chair :D comfort and easily achieve your torture test

[@noname-dx7bb]

That is a good workout actually

[@FanatikBikeCo]

It was miserable. I was getting the telltale tingles of nerve impingement in my hands and elbows by the end of the 5 hours. Would not recommend. - Dan P.

[@slamrgogu]

i realized at the end of the video that dan used a fox 40 kashima stanchtion to push down the shock

[@mikestivers8302]

seems great, i havent heard any negatives.. however on first look and the some stats of the vivid it seems like someone else has beat them to this.. cane creek kitsuma air.

[@ethanrevitch]

But isn’t it the speed that blows it?

[@tehalexy]

shhhhhht its "science" .... ( they take just one damper instead of multiple ones, they don't measure anything, they have inconsistend speed / pressure on the shock, etc etc ... )

[@TeamCykelhold]

it all sounded good until I saw how many special tools you need to service it and how super involved it is. No thanks. Even with bigger service intervals, that's a no-go.

[@bodiewilliams1363]

Because you're going to have sag at 20-30% would you want to up the rebound to make that first 10% more easily accessible in instances where you will top out?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I would not recommend changing your rebound settings from your norm. Touchdown is designed to enhance the normal functioning of the shock, not change it. - Dan P.

[@sprousaTM]

How do you like it on your Dreadnought? And which tune did you use for it?? I am on the 2023 Superdeluxe Coil right now and like it so far, but would try it :)

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Like I mentioned I have been liking my SDLX Coil but I haven't been able to get quite the right spring rate dialed in on it. So the VIVID has been awesome getting a spring rate I want. Also doesn't hurt that you save some weight on the VIVID vs a SDLX coil! Worth it on the Dreadnought for sure. RockShox does have a VIVID available with a Dreadnought tune. If you are interested reach out to our customer service team at [e-mail] and we can special order one real easy!

[@farmernat65]

@@FanatikBikeCobut will it fit a medium frame dread?

[@farmernat65]

@@FanatikBikeCo strange, I had a customer service rep of yours tell me otherwise just a couple of days ago. I already ordered a vivid for my medium dreadnought so I’m going to try it either way. Would you recommend the M8x30 Fox roller bearing hardware for the rear eyelet?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

@@farmernat65 Oh yep, that's what I get for making assumptions. I knew it fit on a large, and assumed that they wouldn't offer a dedicated tune on a bike that it doesn't fit all the sizes. The customer service person you talked to was correct, it does NOT fit the medium Dreadnought. It contacts the shock tunnel. - Dan P.

[@aidansrc2724]

were they using fox fork stanchions for the testing rig?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Hahaha yep. It's what the mechanics use as a breaker bar. - Dan P.

[@lemieux088]

I only figured the extension for the dyno was a Kashima stanchion at 14:34

[@existenz2150]

Why did they put the rebound adjuster there? How are people going to adjust it with frames where the shock sits inside a cage..

[@FanatikBikeCo]

With some difficulty, is how. Just the nature of the damper design. - Dan P.

[@Zetler]

I’ll be calling HR at 1000 to be honest. 😳

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

Kashima coated bar nice!

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Reduced stiction and increased surface hardness. Really the ultimate breaker bar. - Dan P.

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

@@FanatikBikeCo LOL you guys kill me.

[@a.r.8850]

I know it's not all serius but still people think this experiment tells something about the shock.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

It was definitely NOT serious. - Dan P.

[@rickelliott7653]

As a 275 lb rider I’m now really torn. I have a 2023 Trek Slash 8 with the stock RS SD Select. I was leaning towards upgrading to the RS SD Ultimate coil and also the air version of the Ultimate. I mainly ride bike parks and chunky terrain here in Las Vegas. I don’t want to drop a ton of cash only to have buyer’s remorse Any help would be appreciated.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I suspect you'll find yourself happy with any of the three, but here's how I'd look at it: It sounds like gravity riding is your focus, so I'd consider the Vivid or the SD Coil. If you prioritize reliability and ease-of-maintenance, I'd get the coil shock. If you prioritize tunability, I'd get the Vivid. - Dan P.

[@micheandmikey]

Next time I see Dan he's going to be JACKED like he's been across the street shooting roids and getting PUMPED! 😆👏 Considering I'm already at 200 hours for the year and have had my suspension serviced once.....you could say I've not followed manufacturers recommendations 😬

[@FanatikBikeCo]

It happens to the best of us ;) Definitely worth doing the services for both wear and tear and because they make the shock feel so much better, but it's easy to let them go by. - Dan P.

[@lopon12]

Its the speed that destroys them though?

[@ConnorJames]

Will the vivid fit on a small dreadnought frame?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Unfortunuly you will run into some fitment issues on a small. The front of the shock makes contact with the small and medium Dreadnougth downtubes. Might be out of luck on a small Dreadnought :(

[@kleinkurti]

Finally an alternative to the broken x2

[@christophersmith879]

Or as I call it the fox grenade

[@mtb.barista]

Hey Fanatik ! you think this shock will fit to Trek fuel EX-E ?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Looks like the Fuel EX-E is a 205x60 Trunnion mount shock. It does look like currently we are sold out on that size but we definitly have more on order. Hit that notify me when available link on our website and we'll shoot you a line when we get them back in stock! www.fanatikbike.com/products/rockshox-vivid-air-ultimate-rc2t-metric-trunnion-rear-shock?variant=40409974833198

[@mtb.barista]

@@FanatikBikeCo i will

[@dumwee]

You should at least push it to 100k, as that is more realistic! Dont be lazy!

[@User-re9so]

Will it fit a transition tr11 size m? The x2 doesn’t fit and the sdlx is oem only in 250x75

[@FanatikBikeCo]

If the X2 doesn't fit then I suspect not. To get a definitive answer you'll have to reach out to Transition though. - Dan P

[@djjmann]

Will this fit a V2 Megatower shock tunnel? The air chamber looks quite large

[@FanatikBikeCo]

It will! You do need this item though: www.sram.com/en/rockshox/models/rs-upk-badp-a1

[@Riki.cianuro]

Test like this on zeb please!!

[@madladmtb7184]

Although you don’t ride xc bikes I’m curious if you could add xc bikes to the buldier besides the ranger and stuff

[@RedRidesMTB]

They recently added the Rocky Mountain Element. Which would be a killer xc/short travel trail bike.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

The Element, the Revel Ranger, and the Transition Spur are probably your closest options right now. It's a matter of demand, and unfortunately we just don't get much demand for true XC bikes. - Dan P.

[@justinreera7588]

Do they sell a vivid with a tune for the fuel ex gen 6?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

They don't at this time, no. It looks like that bike requires a 185mm x 55mm shock, so you can still run the shock though: www.fanatikbike.com/products/rockshox-vivid-air-ultimate-rc2t-metric-trunnion-rear-shock - Dan P.

[@MarioXcore1]

Why did you use a single pivot tester? Should have gone for linkage driven 😩😩👍

[@FanatikBikeCo]

A missed opportunity! That's for someone more clever than me! - Dan P.

[@SlimJ87D]

Can you test the Fox X2 MY2024. It's supposed to have different internals.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

We did get a 24 X2 and Ian is currently running it on his druid. Hoping to get some long term riding to test it out and see if it is in fact fixed!

[@DougieFresh13]

He kinda looks like Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs.

[@davidallen9953]

Will it fit a 2021 Trek Slash?

[@rickelliott7653]

Yes, they make a 2021-2023 dedicated shock for the Slash.

[@ortonscustoms2577]

Should have gave the poor lad a longer pole,, leverage

[@bobyplayzyt]

I wish I could fit it on my dh bike, sadly I can't. Mine dh bike is 241 x 76

[@dasanoneia4730]

bruh lol

[@pnwdrifter5680]

And at 10,158……ka-boom. 🤣

[@hannes6114]

Why not messure how much force it takes to get it to move?

[@hannes6114]

Maybe also dirt - both things not included in your test

[@livefreeandshred9818]

185x55 you say? A vivid for the druid v2 ? 🧐

[@FanatikBikeCo]

www.fanatikbike.com/products/rockshox-vivid-air-ultimate-rc2t-metric-trunnion-rear-shock

[@martylondon6729]

While us the viewers appreciate that someone has made an effort to test a new product, an accurate test would have been so much more appreciated, as a lot of the strokes in the video appeared to be only half strokes, just enough to actuate the clicker. An accurate test would have been set up with the shock getting the full stroke every time.

[@lincolnlu9869]

All bottom outs all the time

[@FanatikBikeCo]

You are right; I was dying in there, definitely wasn't doing a full stroke each time. I think next time we'll invest in a robotic one ;) - Dan P.

[@hannes6114]

Why do X2s or shocks in general even "blow up"?

[@hannes6114]

Someome memtioned side load

[@DeepEyes27]

#How about you level that platform, lower? So instead of using arms? You use your back thighs? And an arm? You just need to jump and jump and jump? Like a seesaw? Or making a dough? 🤔

[@DeepEyes27]

Nice vivid black? Is there a vibrant one? ✌🏻🤔

[@Chops00]

It seems air shocks try to mimic the feeling of a coil poorly; so why not just run a coil shock?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

That's definitely an option! As I see it, the biggest reasons not to run a coil shock are the shock weight and that you can't easily change the spring weight and progressivity. If that doesn't matter to you, than you should definitely consider it, the benefits are many. - Dan P.

[@HUKIT.]

Now for science, go out and ride it to see how many hours that would equate to.

[@thermonuculur]

If you cycle your shock through most of the travel once per minute on a rough ride. That's 84 hours of riding. But this doesn't capture rapid cycling, which probably stresses the damper the most and is most representative of hard use.

[@deadman5815]

W

[@tahoeebikes]

Gravity Oriented

[@MrShocking68]

As a giant 6’6”/heavier rider, I wonder if the Vivid Air is the would be the better option for me…

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Air pressure max's out at 360 psi which is 60 psi higher than most other shocks on the market! If you've found that you can't get enough pressure in most other shocks the VIVID is definitely a good option for you!

[@JackMott]

yall heard about electric motors? gawdam.

[@walrusinanus]

Is this product placement?

[@taggy8185]

yummy

[@trailfork7815]

if this last more than 20 hours of ride time then it already beats the x2 by a long shot

[@justind5262]

So its almost coil like, but not quite as good, and there service interval is longer, but not quite as long as coil, and you still need to adjust air based on temp/sea level and the feel changes throughout the trail? Why are we bothering with air again for gravity riding?

[@mangoshake]

Air shocks are still lighter, and are easier to adjust spring rates on the fly.

[@TheJirk4]

Why didnt you use some motor instead of human power? Its pain to watch it :D

[@FanatikBikeCo]

That's why ;P - Dan P.

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

Unless your a pro racer at the top of your game chasing podiums none of this matters, really just get out and ride and enjoy whatever shock you have.

[@madladmtb7184]

Child labor

[@petersuchansky6703]

why he didnt do do all cycles full travel. This doesnt count for me as a test. primitive youtube clickbait BS

[@FirefighterBobby]

Wait a second what is so wrong with old Vivids? They don't fit new bikes?

[@duncanwright301]

They only make them in Imperial sizing.