As riders attempt to push the limits and start to reach the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels, component manufactures have to reinvent, develop and create new products that can keep up, and this is why RockShox as released the Zeb for 2021.
Not only an enduro fork, but the RockShox Zeb also wants to be the new face of eMTB suspension and even hopes to reignite the Freeride flame. The MY21 Zeb family launches with 5 forks covering everyone from entry-level hucker, to Sam Hill wannabe.
Table of Contents
What's new on the RockShox Zeb?
First and foremost is the sheer size of the Zeb. Built on an entirely new 38mm chassis, this fork is larger than both the Lyrik and BoXXer. The larger stanchions, stronger machined crown and burlier chassis all help to make the Zeb as much as 21.5% stiffer than the Lyrik.
A new arch design increases the gap clearance for oversize frame designs, especially useful for eMTB bikes, and with new fender mounts, the chiselled good looks of the Zeb won’t be spoiled by velcro straps or zip-ties.
Inside the Zeb uses the updated Debonair spring, designed to sit higher in the travel and prevent diving, however, revised and optimised for use in the larger diameter fork. The Charger 2.1 damper retains the same performance and high/low-speed compression adjustments, but there is also a factory-tuned Charger R damper fitted to entry-level and eMTB specific Zeb forks.
Each of the 5 Zeb models all use an air-spring, however RockShox regulars will find that the larger chassis requires lower air pressures to achieve the correct level of sag, and air tokens can be installed for further fine tuning.
Below are the complete SRAM descriptions, features and specifications of each new Zeb fork.
Straight away I felt smoother in the gnarlier, rocky straights. Charge into them, let off the brakes, and monster truck through with confidence
RockShox Zeb Ultimate
- New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
- Highly-tunable DebonAir™ air spring offers a buttery smooth feel off the top and maintains a higher ride height for increased confidence in steep terrain
- Our highest performing Charger technology. Charger 2.1 RC2 damper features independent high and low speed compression with rebound adjustment – designed to reduce hand fatigue and fight unwanted friction, the Charger 2.1 damper increases confidence and control over every trail
- Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long-lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
- Available in the Signature Colorway Slab Grey or Ultimate High Gloss Black with foil graphics
- Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)
Features
- Wheel size: 27.5″, 29″
- Travel: 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190mm
- Damper:Charger 2.1 RC2
- Offset: 38mm (27.5″), 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
- Stanchion: 38mm aluminum
- Weight: 2281g (29” / 170mm / Maxle Stealth / Uncut Steerer)
RockShox Zeb Select +
- New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
- Highly-tunable DebonAir™ air spring offers a buttery smooth feel off the top and maintains a higher ride height for increased confidence in steep terrain
- Our highest performing Charger technology. The Charger 2.1 RC damper features easy to adjust low speed compression and rebound – designed to reduce hand fatigue and fight unwanted friction, the Charger 2.1 damper increases confidence and control over every trail
- Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
- Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)
Features
- Wheel size: 27.5″, 29″
- Travel: 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190mm
- Damper:Charger 2.1 RC2
- Offset: 38mm (27.5″), 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
- Stanchion: 38mm aluminum
- Weight: 2281g (29” / 170mm / Maxle Stealth / Uncut Steerer)
RockShox Zeb Select
- New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
- Highly-tunable DebonAir™ air spring offers a buttery smooth feel off the top and maintains a higher ride height for increased confidence in steep terrain
- Charger Technology – The Charger™ RC damper features easy to adjust low speed compression and rebound
- Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
- Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)
Features
- Wheel size: 27.5″, 29″
- Travel: 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190mm
- Damper:Charger 2.1 RC2
- Offset: 38mm (27.5″), 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
- Stanchion: 38mm aluminum
- Weight: 2270g (29” / 170mm / Maxle Stealth / Uncut Steerer)
RockShox Zeb R Debonair
- New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
- Charger Technology – The New Charger™ R damper features factory tuned compression with easy to adjust rebound
- Highly-tunable DebonAir™ air spring offers a buttery smooth feel off the top and maintains a higher ride height for increased confidence in steep terrain
- Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long-lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
- Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)
- eMTB endorsement decal
Features
- Wheel size: 27.5″, 29″
- Travel: 160mm, 170mm, 180mm
- Damper: Charger R
- Offset: 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
- Stanchion: 38mm aluminum
- Weight: 2279g (29” / 170mm / Maxle Stealth / Uncut Steerer)
RockShox Zeb R Dual Position
- New 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
- Charger Technology – The New Charger™ R damper features factory tuned compression with easy to adjust rebound
- The Dual Position Air spring allows riders to adjust the fork between two distinct travel positions. With the turn of a knob, adjust from 180mm of max travel to 150mm minimum travel.
- Ultra-low friction SKF wiper seals provide long-lasting fork performance and improve overall suspension feel
- Maxima Plush damping fluid reduces friction and silences damper noise
- Short fender compatible (RockShox fender sold separately)
- eMTB endorsement decal
Features
- Wheel size: 27.5″, 29″
- Travel: 150mm / 180mm: 30mm Travel Adjustment
- Damper: Charger R
- Offset: 44mm (27.5″, 29″)
- Stanchion: 38mm aluminum
- Weight: 2279g (29” / 170mm / Maxle Stealth / Uncut Steerer)
RockShox Zeb FAQ
Why did you make the RockShox Zeb?
ZEB bridges the gap between Lyrik and BoXXer. Our athletes, and equally our customers, have been asking for a stiffer, more aggressive fork for long travel applications.
What is the intended use of the RockShox Zeb?
The larger diameter stanchions and stiffer overall chassis are best suited to long travel Enduro bikes (170-190mm) and also eMTB’s. The overall aesthetic of ZEB means the fork is suited to larger diameter frame tubes such as those found on eMTB’s.
How much stiffer is ZEB than Lyrik? Is it stiffer than a BoXXer?
Torsional Stiffness = 21.5% Stiffer
Side Bending Stiffness = 7% Stiffer
Fore/Aft Bending Stiffness = 2% Stiffer
*Lyrik vs ZEB test lab data- both forks are 29″ 180mm travel
Is the Zeb a 20mm or 15mm axle?
We considered 20mm, but ultimately ended up going the 15mm route. A properly designed 15mm axle can be as stiff or stiffer than a 20mm axle. Riders can also use Torque Caps to improve stiffness using a 15mm axle means that more riders can benefit from equipping their bike with ZEB without having to change the front wheel to accommodate a larger diameter axle.
Are there different steerer diameters available for ZEB?
ZEB will be offered with both 1.5″ and 1.8″ tapered steerer options.
Does Zeb use the same tokens as Lyrik and Pike?
ZEB will use the grey volume spacer that you are familiar with from all of our 35mm chassis forks.
What rotor size can I use on RockShox Zeb?
ZEB is 200mm direct mount. For a 220mm rotor a 20mm post-mount adapter is needed. 203 Rotors can also be used with a corresponding spacer kit.
What is the RockShox Charger R damper?
The Charger R damper is a version of our current Internal Floating Piston (or IFP)-based Charger RC damper. The R version has a factory set compression assembly and features an easy to set up rebound adjuster. We think the ZEB R and this damper will find a perfect home on the front of many eMTB’s.
What is the axle to crown length difference between Zeb and Lyrik?
For the same travel, ZEB is 5mm longer axle-to-crown versus Lyrik.
Is Charger Damper 2.1 in the Zeb different to Lyrik Charger Damper 2.1?
The damping characteristics of the Charger 2.1 damper has remained unchanged from Lyrik. However the damper itself is architecturally different because it needs to fit into a 38mm stanchion fork, therefore it is not cross compatible with any of our 35mm chassis forks.
Why does the arch on Zeb sit much further out?
The design of the lower leg has to accommodate many factors – two of these include clearance for mud guards at full travel as well as headtube clearance at bottom out.
What is the largest size tire I can use with ZEB?
ZEB will accommodate tires up to 2.8″ on both 27.5″ and 29″ platforms.
What is the Dual Position Zeb?
Dual Position Zeb is aimed at the eMTB market and allows riders to adjust travel from 150-180mm on the trail for improved climbing performance especially on challenging terrain.
