Industry | Bicycle Component Manufacturer |
---|---|
Founded | 1989; 31 years ago |
Founder | Paul Turner |
Defunct | 2002; 18 years ago |
Headquarters | , United States |
Products | Suspension forks, rear shocks |
Parent | SRAM Corporation |
Website | www.rockshox.com |
2008 RockShox SID World Cup suspension fork for mountain bikes.
RockShox was created to help every rider find their line. We develop and manufacture state of the art bicycle suspension forks, shocks, and dropper posts. RockShox was created to help every rider find their line. We develop and manufacture state of the art bicycle suspension forks, shocks, and dropper posts.
RockShox Inc. is an American company founded by Paul Turner in 1989, that develops and manufactures bicycle suspensions. The company led in the development of mountain bikes. It is now part of SRAM Corporation.
The number is the year of manufacture and the letter appears to be the month of manufacture. In the example, the 'F' indicates the sixth month, or June. Steve Mann reports a mid 70s SR seatpost which is marked with a date code of the form 76.9, where 76 is the year and 9 is either a fractional year or the ninth month of the year. From vague memory there is a serial number under the crown which has a year on it 08XXXXXXX etc. They are 2007/2008 Rock Shox Revelation 426’s. Pretty sure that was the first year they did.
Serial number is 6, so assuming 09. Just bought a few bikes from a fleet change over so it was more to date the bikes, cheers Week 36 of 2009 production date, makes it a 2010 year model fork as far as spare parts and the year model of bike it came on.
History[edit]
Start[edit]
RockShox was founded by Paul Turner in 1989 in Boulder, Colorado, USA. It moved to California four years later when Steve and Deborah Simons bought out Dia Compe.[1]
Turner raced motorcycles in his teens. In 1977, at the age of 18, he established a company that sold motorcycle components. He later worked for the Honda Motor Company as factory mechanic for their professional motocross team. This put him in contact with designers of suspension systems for motorcycles and other motocross industry people.
Simons is a former motocross rider in his teens and early twenties and entrepreneur. He developed heat sinks for Koni shock absorbers to lower oil temperatures and then in 1974 he designed a shock absorber for the company that became Fox Racing Shox. He then established his own company Dynamic Enterprises which became Simons Inc. developing pneumatic upgrade kits for suspension forks. This led to his own fork design and manufacture. He had two patents on suspension forks, one which, for upside down forks, he licensed to motorcycle and suspension manufacturers.
In the late 1980s Paul began riding mountain bikes and with his motorcycle experience longed for suspension. Paul began developing the first bicycle suspension fork. In 1989 or 1990, Turner approached Simons for help designing a suspension fork for mountain bikes. Turner had in 1987, with the help of Keith Bontrager, presented a full bike with front and rear suspension at the bicycle industry trade show in Long Beach. The industry was not impressed. Two years later Turner and his wife Christi were manufacturing suspension forks in their garage with parts bought from Simons Inc, who later partnered Turner when Steve and his wife, Deborah, mortgaged their home to buy out Dia-Compe and move manufacturing to Mt. View, California in 1993. The R&D and Marketing groups remained in Boulder, Co. until moving to Mt. View, Ca in 1994 and then Santa Cruz in 1995. Manufacturing and Engineering move to San Jose, Ca in 1995. They worked with Thomas Dooley at TDA in Boulder, CO who created the current RockShox logo, and was the creative director for all marketing and advertising.
Turner brought in Greg Herbold as a test rider and company spokesman. In 1990 Herbold became the first world champion in downhill mountain biking riding one of the first suspension forks for mountain bikes made. In August that year the company manufactured its first 100 suspension forks, the RS-1. The start-up was financed by the East Asian bike component manufacturer Dia-Compe, the founders, and other investors. Dia-Compe manufactured the next series of forks in addition to the original Aheadset,[2] which the RS-1 utilised. Later Dia-Compe USA was bought out by Simons & Turner who disposed of its shares. From then the forks were primarily manufactured at RockShox in Mt.View, Ca.
In 1992 Turner & Simons, using the RockShox RS-1 design, created a private label fork for Specialized working with Mark Winter. Mark left Specialized a few years later, joining RockShox in 1995.
Growth and IPO[edit]
Eight years after inception the company manufactured and sold a million RockShox forks and had revenues of $100 million. The company went public in October 1996, was listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (ticker: RSHX), and raised 65 million dollars ($72 million before deduction of IPO related costs). The company had 300 employees, most in the company's US factories. RockShox had a market share of 60 percent. [1]
Competition and cost savings[edit]
Towards the end of the 1990s competition was fierce and profits were thin.
Rock Shox was one of many brands that marketed suspension forks for bicycles, others were Answer Manitou, Marzocchi and RST. During this time Fox Racing Shox also entered the bicycle industry. As the number of direct substitutes to Rock Shox's products increased, the company experienced difficulties in protecting its position as the leading manufacturer in the business.
In June 2000 RockShox moved production to Colorado Springs, which saved an estimated $5 million a year. In 2001 the company lost $10 million.
SRAM takeover[edit]
In 2002 RockShox defaulted on a loan to SRAM. SRAM took over the company and its debt obligations for $5.6 million. The company had 300 employees in Colorado Springs.[1] In 2002, production in Colorado moved to Taichung, Taiwan. A small test facility remains in Colorado Springs.
Paul Turner has been nominated for the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame several times but declined.[3]
Product chronology and common specifications[edit]
Suspension Forks[4][5][6][7]
Product | Year introduced | Year discontinued | Stanchion Diameter | Travel Lengths | Spring Types |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RS-1 | 1990 | 1991 | 25.4 mm | Air, oil return | |
Mag 20 | 1992 | 1992 | 25.4 mm | 48 mm | Air, oil return |
Mag 30 | 1992 | 1992 | 25.4 mm | 48 mm | Air, oil return |
Mag 21 | 1993 | 1997 | 25.4 mm | 48 mm (60 mm long travel) | Air, oil return |
Mag 10 | 1993 | 1995 | 25.4 mm | 48 mm | Air, oil return |
Mag 21 SL | 1994 | 1994 | 25.4 mm | 48 mm (60 mm long travel) | Air, oil return |
Quadra | 1993 | 1995 | 25.4 mm | Elastomer | |
Quadra 5 | 1994 | 1996 | 25.4 mm | 48 mm | Elastomer |
Quadra 10 (Primarily OEM) | 1994 | 1995 | 25.4 mm | 48 mm | One-piece Elastomer, Allen wrench adjustable preload on both legs |
Quadra 21 (Primarily OEM) | 1994/1995 | 1996 | 25.4 mm | 48 mm | One-piece Elastomer, Hand-adjustable preload on both legs |
Quadra 21 R | 1994 | 1996 | 25.4 mm | 60 mm | Elastomer, Multi-cell |
Judy C/XC | 1995 | 2001 | 28 mm | 50/63/80mm | MCU spring (elastomer), cartridge oil return. Later coil spring open bath oil return |
Judy SL | 1995 | 2001 | 28 mm | 50/63/80mm | MCU spring (elastomer), oil return. Later coil spring, open bath oil return |
Judy DH | 1995 | 1998 | 28 mm | 80 mm | Coil, MCU spring (elastomer), oil return |
Indy C, XC, SL | 1997 | 1998 | 28.6mm | 63mm | MCU spring (elastomer) |
Indy S | 1998 | 1999 | 28.6mm | 48mm | Solid elastomer (identical to Quadra 5) |
SID | 1998 | Present | 32 mm (as of 2009; previously, 28 mm) | 63/80 mm (early), 80/100 mm, or 120 mm | Dual Air until 2013, then Solo Air. |
Judy DHO | 1997 | 1998 | 28 mm | 100 mm | MCU spring (elastomer) |
BoXXer | 1998 | Present | 32 mm (1998-2009), 35 mm (2010-present) | 150 mm (early), 180 mm, 200 mm (present) | Coil (World cup model with solo air), Coil U-Turn (Boxxer Ride) |
Jett | 1999 | 2001 | |||
Ruby (road/700c) | 2000 | 2000 | |||
Metro (road/700c) | 2001 | 2005 | |||
Psylo | 2001 | 2005 | 30 mm | 80-125mm | Coil U-Turn, Fixed Coil, Hydra-Air, Dual-Air |
Duke | 2002 | 2005 | 30 mm | 80/100 mm (Hydra Air) 63-108 (Coil U-Turn) | Hydra-Air (Solo-Air with a coil negative spring), Coil U-Turn 63/108mm |
Pike | 2004 | Present | 35 mm (2005-2011 was 32 mm) | 140/150/160 mm | Older models were coil or air with or without U-Turn. 2014 onwards are Solo-Air, Dual Position Air, or Debonair. |
Pilot | 2003 | 2005 | 28 mm | 80/100 mm | |
Reba | 2005 | Present | 32 mm | 80/100/120 mm Dual Air, 90–120 mm Air U-Turn, 130/140 mm Trail Specific 29' | Dual Air, Air U-Turn, Trail Specific 29', Solo Air (since 2013) |
Recon | 2006 | Present | 32 mm | 140 mm (some models like the 335), 80/100/120 mm, 80/100 29' | Solo Air / Coil / Coil U-Turn |
Revelation | 2006 | Present | 35 mm (2006-2017 was 32 mm) | 130/140/150 mm Dual Air, 120–150 mm Dual Position Air | Dual Air, Dual Position Air, Air U-Turn |
Argyle | 2007 | Present | 32 mm | 80/100 mm | Coil |
Dart | 2006 | 2012 | 28 mm | 80, 100 and 120 mm, 80/100mm 29er model | Coil |
Domain | 2007 | Present | 35 mm | 160 mm, 180 mm (Single Crown) and 200 mm (Dual Crown) | Coil |
Lyrik | 2007 | Present | 35 mm | 115 to 160 mm 2-Step and Coil U-Turn, 160/170 mm T/A Solo Air and Coil | 2-Step Air, Coil U-Turn, Solo Air and Coil |
Tora | 2006 | 2012 | 32 mm | 80/100/120 mm, 80/100 mm 29' Coil; 80–140 mm Coil U-Turn and Solo Air | Coil, Coil U-Turn and Solo Air |
Totem | 2007 | 2014 | 40 mm | 180 mm | 2-Step, Solo Air or Coil |
Sektor | 2011 | Present | 32 mm | Up to 150 mm | Coil U-Turn and Solo Air |
Bluto (fatbike) | 2014 | Present | 32 mm | 100 mm or 120 mm | Solo Air |
RS1 (inverted) | 2014 | Present | 32 mm | 80 mm,100 mm or 120 mm | Solo Air |
Yari | 2015 | Present | 35 mm | 110 to 180mm | Solo Air, Dual Air(OEM) |
Zeb | 2021 | Present | 38 mm | ||
30 | Present | ||||
35 | Present | ||||
Paragon | Present | ||||
Judy | present | ||||
XC | present |
Other features:
There are usually several versions of each product, typically distinguished by the presence or absence of certain features, such as material type, preload, rebound damping, compression damping, lockout, remote lockout and replaceable bushings. This article does not attempt to list all specifications for all versions.
References[edit]
- ^ abc'SRAM Corporation - Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on SRAM Corporation'. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
- ^'Cane Creek 110 IS Review'. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
- ^The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Profile: Steve BoehmkeArchived 2011-07-14 at the Wayback Machine
- ^Museum of Mountain Bike Art & Technology:Suspension TimelineArchived 2008-05-17 at the Wayback Machine
- ^Bikepro forktable
- ^http://www.sram.com/rockshox/products
- ^http://www.mtbr.com/
7. http://www.vintagerockshox.com/
Rockshox Monarch Identification. - Tech Q&A - Bike Hub
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=RockShox&oldid=991056883'
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), RockShox Inc., of Colorado Springs, Colo., is voluntarily recalling about 220,000 front suspension bicycle forks worldwide. The compression rods inside these forks can break, causing the rider to lose control of the bicycle, fall, and possibly suffer serious injuries. After reading this notice, if you are still uncertain as to whether your RockShox suspension fork is affected by this recall or not, please contact us or RockShox before riding your bike again.
RockShox Setup Guide | SRAM
Only 2001 Judy TT, Judy TT Special, Jett and Metro model RockShox front suspension bicycle forks are included in this recall. They have serial numbers beginning with '01.' The serial number can be found engraved on the back side of the fork's crown and on a barcode sticker attached to the fork's lower leg. 'RockShox' and the model name are written on the bicycle forks. These forks were sold as original equipment on numerous brands and models of bicycles. These forks were also sold separately. Please see the sections below for additional information.
Cached
Fork Label and Serial Number are used to identify a 2001 Judy TT. Serial Numbers start with 01Q.
1. Comes in four colors: Red, white, black, and silver.
2. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox” logo on the front of the fork and a large “RockShox Judy TT” running vertically on the outside of either leg.
3. The serial numbers affected begin with: 01QE0; 01QF0; 01QG0; 01QH0; 01QI0; 01QJ0; 011E0; 011F0; 011G0; 011H0; 011I0; or 011J0.
4. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
5. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
6. Finally, if the shaft bolts on the product are gold or “yellowish” in color, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If the shaft bolts are black or silver, the product must be retrofitted.
2. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox” logo on the front of the fork and a large “RockShox Judy TT” running vertically on the outside of either leg.
3. The serial numbers affected begin with: 01QE0; 01QF0; 01QG0; 01QH0; 01QI0; 01QJ0; 011E0; 011F0; 011G0; 011H0; 011I0; or 011J0.
4. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
5. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
6. Finally, if the shaft bolts on the product are gold or “yellowish” in color, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If the shaft bolts are black or silver, the product must be retrofitted.
1. Only found on bicycles made by Specialized Bicycle Company.
2. Comes in three colors: Red, white, and black.
3. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox USA” logo on the front of the fork and a large flame decal with the name 'Judy' running vertically on the outside of either leg.
4. The serial numbers affected begin with: 010E0;010F0; 010G0; 010H0; 010I0; 010J0; 01QE0; 01QF0; 01QG0; 01QH0; 01QI0; 01QJ0.
5. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
6. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
7. Finally, if the shaft bolts on the product are gold or “yellowish” in color, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If the shaft bolts are black or silver, the product must be retrofitted.
2. Comes in three colors: Red, white, and black.
3. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox USA” logo on the front of the fork and a large flame decal with the name 'Judy' running vertically on the outside of either leg.
4. The serial numbers affected begin with: 010E0;010F0; 010G0; 010H0; 010I0; 010J0; 01QE0; 01QF0; 01QG0; 01QH0; 01QI0; 01QJ0.
5. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
6. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
7. Finally, if the shaft bolts on the product are gold or “yellowish” in color, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If the shaft bolts are black or silver, the product must be retrofitted.
Fork Label and Serial Number are used to identify a 2001 Jett. Serial Numbers start with 01P.
Rockshox Serial Number Year Identification
1. Comes in three colors: Silver, white, and black.
2. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox” logo on the front of the fork and a large “RockShox Jett” logo running vertically on the outside of either leg.
3. The serial numbers affected begin with: 01PE0; 01PF0; 01PG0; 01PH0; 01PI0; or 01PJ0.
4. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
5. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
6. Finally, if the shaft bolts on the product are gold or “yellowish” in color, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If the shaft bolts are black or silver, the product must be retrofitted.
2. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox” logo on the front of the fork and a large “RockShox Jett” logo running vertically on the outside of either leg.
3. The serial numbers affected begin with: 01PE0; 01PF0; 01PG0; 01PH0; 01PI0; or 01PJ0.
4. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
5. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
6. Finally, if the shaft bolts on the product are gold or “yellowish” in color, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If the shaft bolts are black or silver, the product must be retrofitted.
User Manual Reverb AXS (4.28 MB)
The Metro XC and Metro SL are visually identical, other than the 'XC' or 'SL' designation on the side of the leg.
1. Comes in two colors: Black and silver.
2. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox” logo on the front of the fork and a “Metro XC” logo running vertically on the outside of either leg.
3. The serial numbers affected begin with: 01MF0; 01MG0; 01MH0; or 01MI0.
4. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
5. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
6. Finally, if there is an orange circular decal with a black checkmark on the inside of the leg, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If there is no decal, the product must be retrofitted.
2. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox” logo on the front of the fork and a “Metro XC” logo running vertically on the outside of either leg.
3. The serial numbers affected begin with: 01MF0; 01MG0; 01MH0; or 01MI0.
4. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
5. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
6. Finally, if there is an orange circular decal with a black checkmark on the inside of the leg, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If there is no decal, the product must be retrofitted.
1. Comes in three colors: White, black, and silver.
2. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox” logo on the front of the fork and a “Metro SL” logo running vertically on the outside of either leg.
3. The serial numbers affected begin with 01NF0 or 01NI0.
4. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
5. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
6. Finally, if there is an orange circular decal with a black checkmark on the inside of the leg, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If there is no decal, the product must be retrofitted.
2. The decals include a box-shaped “RockShox” logo on the front of the fork and a “Metro SL” logo running vertically on the outside of either leg.
3. The serial numbers affected begin with 01NF0 or 01NI0.
4. The serial number is engraved into the crown and duplicated on the lower leg.
5. Serial numbers on post-recall manufactured forks that incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design and are not affected by this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B'.
6. Finally, if there is an orange circular decal with a black checkmark on the inside of the leg, the product has been retrofitted and is safe to ride. If there is no decal, the product must be retrofitted.
Are all RockShox forks affected?
No, only the 2001 model year of Judy TT, Judy TT Special, Jett, Metro XC and Metro SL forks are affected.
What should I do if I have one of these forks on my bike?
Stop riding it immediately and return the bike to us or your nearest RockShox dealer. Your safety is our largest concern, and your cooperation will ensure that you are not injured while using the product. There is no charge for the retrofit kit.
If I haven't noticed any problems with my fork, do I still have to bring it in?
Yes. The problem cannot be seen externally. Please bring your bicycle to us or your nearest dealer to have it inspected and retrofitted.
What exactly is the problem?
There is a plastic rod inside each fork leg that helps guide the upper part of the fork as it is compressed. Under some circumstances, these rods can fracture. If both rods were to fracture at the same time, the fork can separate, causing the rider to lose control. (See photo below)
No, only the 2001 model year of Judy TT, Judy TT Special, Jett, Metro XC and Metro SL forks are affected.
What should I do if I have one of these forks on my bike?
Stop riding it immediately and return the bike to us or your nearest RockShox dealer. Your safety is our largest concern, and your cooperation will ensure that you are not injured while using the product. There is no charge for the retrofit kit.
If I haven't noticed any problems with my fork, do I still have to bring it in?
Yes. The problem cannot be seen externally. Please bring your bicycle to us or your nearest dealer to have it inspected and retrofitted.
What exactly is the problem?
There is a plastic rod inside each fork leg that helps guide the upper part of the fork as it is compressed. Under some circumstances, these rods can fracture. If both rods were to fracture at the same time, the fork can separate, causing the rider to lose control. (See photo below)
After the recall has been implemented and when production of the 2001 products resumes, how can I tell a reworked or new fork from one that still needs repair?
New Forks:
The serial number of all Jett, Judy TT, Judy TT Special, Metro XC, and Metro SL forks that are produced after this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B' (for example - A01PE012345). Any serial number that begins with 'A' or 'B' will incorporate a new, sturdier compression rod design that has been approved by the CPSC and resolves the recall safety issue.
Reworked Jett or Judy Forks:
Any Jett, Judy TT, or Judy TT Special fork that has been reworked as a result of this recall will have gold colored bolts that can be found at the bottom of the fork leg. As a result of the rework, these forks will incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design that has been approved by the CPSC and resolves the recall safety issue.
Reworked Metro SL or XC Forks:
Any Metro SL or Metro XC fork that has been reworked as a result of this recall will have a special decal attached to the inside of the lower leg of the fork. This decal will be an orange circle with a black checkmark inside of it. As a result of the rework, these forks will incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design that has been approved by the CPSC and resolves the recall safety issue.
New Forks:
The serial number of all Jett, Judy TT, Judy TT Special, Metro XC, and Metro SL forks that are produced after this recall will begin with the letter 'A' or 'B' (for example - A01PE012345). Any serial number that begins with 'A' or 'B' will incorporate a new, sturdier compression rod design that has been approved by the CPSC and resolves the recall safety issue.
Reworked Jett or Judy Forks:
Any Jett, Judy TT, or Judy TT Special fork that has been reworked as a result of this recall will have gold colored bolts that can be found at the bottom of the fork leg. As a result of the rework, these forks will incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design that has been approved by the CPSC and resolves the recall safety issue.
Reworked Metro SL or XC Forks:
Any Metro SL or Metro XC fork that has been reworked as a result of this recall will have a special decal attached to the inside of the lower leg of the fork. This decal will be an orange circle with a black checkmark inside of it. As a result of the rework, these forks will incorporate a new sturdier compression rod design that has been approved by the CPSC and resolves the recall safety issue.
Phone: (866) 888-6192 between 8:00am and 5:00pm Mountain Time, Monday-Friday
RockShox Inc.
Customer Service Dept.
1610 Garden of the Gods
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
RockShox Inc.
Customer Service Dept.
1610 Garden of the Gods
Colorado Springs, CO 80907