Skip to main content

RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir shock


RockShox recently debuted the DebonAir, a new air can that works with both its Monarch and higher-volume Monarch Plus shocks. If ‘new air can’ doesn’t throw you into a geek-tizzy, we understand, but it should. DebonAir’s dual-chamber air sleeve adds volume to both the positive and negative air spring. Now it takes 25 percent less effort to get the shock moving through the frst third of its travel; that’s immediately noticeable. Small-bump compliance and traction on technical climbs are absolutely unreal with DebonAir.

That said, if you love really frm lock out settings you may be less thrilled with DebonAir. The Monarch Plus RC3 features a three-position, low-speed compression-damping adjuster, but even in its ‘Firm’ setting, the DebonAir–equipped shock is still surprisingly active at the top of its stroke. It took a few rides for me to adjust. I was sure the shock was going to wallow and make a pig of my bike, but the mid-stroke support is actually excellent, even when run wide open.

The extra volume also means that the DebonAir shocks require high air pressures. The seals can handle that, but again, it’s a bit disorienting at frst. If the higher pressure freaks you out, you can add volume spacers which enable you to run lower pressure while enjoying a bit more ramp in the spring. You’ll also sit a bit higher in the shock travel.

The Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir offers a great balance of small and big-hit performance. It’s supple, silky and easy to use. RockShox also sells a $115 DebonAir upgrade kit for the 2013 Monarch RT3 and 2014 Monarch and Monarch Plus shocks.

PRICE 500$




Labels

Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>

Nukeproof Vector AM Comp Cro-Mo saddle

The Vector AM is pretty race focused, with minimal padding. There’s a deep (if narrow) pressurerelief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to. Used with bib shorts, we found it pretty comfortable for shorter rides and suffered no pain or discomfort in the central region. On steep climbs the slightly downturned nose provides a reasonable forward perch, while the svelte profile and smooth edges make it particularly unobtrusive when moving about on the descents. It’s quite stiff though, and can feel harsh on long rides or bumpy ground. We definitely wouldn’t want to spend much time on it without a chamois. It’s heavier than we’d expect for such a lightly padded perch too. There’s a lighter Pro version with titanium rails for $105, but at 241g it’s only 10g lighter. Weight 251g Price $67

READ MORE >>

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

READ MORE >>

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

Merida Big Seven 100

We've rolled up to our local woods, with a meandering blue trail, some natural wooded tracks and a bit of fire road chucked into the mix to see how the Big Seven 100 tackles trails that entry-level riders are likely to cut their teeth on.

READ MORE >>