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 $115 DebonAir upgrade kit for the
2013 Monarch RT3 and 2014 Monarch and Monarch Plus shocks.
PRICE 500$
