A little over a moth ago, we finally found out what that odd bulge was on the bottom of the new RockShox Boxxer. Part of a complete redesign with all kinds of kitschy marketing names, if ButterWagonTech doesn’t give it away, the goal is all about making things smooth and controlled.
Now, that same tech is coming for RockShox trail forks with LinearXL versions of the Lyrik and Zeb. The LinearXL air spring system is meant to deliver coil-like performance characteristics in air-sprung mountain bike forks. The technology features redesigned lower legs and a new air spring configuration that provides what RockShox describes as suppleness at the beginning of travel, mid-stroke support, and controlled bottom-out resistance. The system requires higher air pressures than traditional designs due to engineering changes that include a twin-tube design, reduced piston diameter, and an enlarged 14mm hollow air spring shaft.
That bump on the bottom of the fork leg is also part of the LinearXL system, and it’s called the Air Annex. It essentially increased the lower leg air volume for reduced progressively and speed sensitivity. Like the Boxxer, the new Zeb and Lyrik also gain stanchion breather holes which claim to allow the lower leg air volume to actually increase and the fork goes through the travel.
The LinearXL system pairs specifically with the new Charger 3.2 damper, which features speed-sensitive damping with independent high and low speed compression damping, and adjustable rebound damping. Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) control allows riders to customize end-stroke support (with a tool) independently of the main air spring curve.
The updated forks incorporate ButterWagonTech, an internal oil distribution system with divots that capture and redistribute the high density Maxima lower leg oil to maintain bushing lubrication. This combined with new lower friction seals from SKF should result in buttery smooth travel.
Along with ButterWagonTech, you’ll also find ButterCups which seem to be RockShox’ take on a tuned mass damper inside the fork legs. ButterCups are said to ” isolate the air spring and damper shafts from chatter, cutting high-frequency vibration by up to 20%.”
RockShox is continuing its crusade for stiffer hub/fork connections with their TorqueCap dropouts. As a refresher, these dropouts use the same 15mm axle size, but have a larger end cap for the hub that results in more contact area with the fork. The catch is that it makes installing non-TorqueCap hubs a bit trickier, so forks should include small plastic spacers that bolt into the dropout when not using a TorqueCap hub.
Both forks also see stiffness gains thanks to a wider fork crown. Additional post-forging machining removes excess weight.
Perhaps one of the more interesting features is the new lower arch and integrated fender options. Instead of mounting underneath or behind the arch, the fenders now bolt directly overtop the arch offering full tire clearance (and protection of the fork seals). When not in use, a small plastic cover is bolted to the arch to conceal the mounting point. We’ve only seen the small half fender so far, but the press kit mentions a full or half fender as an option.
The ZEB B1 and Lyrik E1 models should be widely available starting April 2026. Note that if you want the new tech, you should buy an equipped fork up front – base-level models cannot be upgraded to Ultimate specifications due to component incompatibility.
Lyrik & Zeb Models
LYRIK ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Features
- NEW LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) for end-stroke control
- NEW ButterWagonTech ensures a constant supply of oil to the bushings, reducing friction and maintaining smooth performance throughout the entire service interval
- NEW Flight Attendant Charger 3.2 damper provides riders with efficiency and control and achieves virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- NEW Integrated fender mount (Lyrik Integrated Fender sold separately)
- NEW Graphics package—minimalist design, maximum impact
- ButterCups technology block 20% of high-frequency “trail chatter” to reduce hand and arm fatigue
- Flight Attendant is the only automatic suspension system that listens to you and the trail, adapting in real time for smarter, more personalized efficiency and speed—fully wireless, AXS-enabled, and seamlessly integrated to disappear into your ride
- Low-grab SKF wiper seals deliver long-lasting fork performance and a smoother ride
- Maxima 920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- Available in Electric Red or Ultimate High Gloss Black Signature colorways
- DAMPER: Charger 3.2 Flight Attendant w/ButterCups
- SPRING: Linear XL w/ButterCup
- TRAVEL: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm
- FORK OFFSET: 37mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: $ 1,699
LYRIK ULTIMATE
Features
- NEW LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) for end-stroke control
- NEW ButterWagonTech ensures a constant supply of oil to the bushings, reducing friction and maintaining smooth performance throughout the entire service interval
- NEW Charger 3.2 damper with new Rebound/Compression tunes that match LinearXL air spring, achieves virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- NEW Control bezel with numbered Compression adjuster for intuitive adjustments—start at “0” and easily add or decrease damping
- NEW Integrated fender mount (Lyrik Integrated Fender sold separately)
- NEW Graphics package—minimalist design, maximum impact
- ButterCups technology block 20% of high-frequency “trail chatter” to reduce hand and arm fatigue
- Low-grab SKF wiper seals deliver long-lasting fork performance and a smoother ride
- Maxima 920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- DAMPER: Charger 3.2 RC2 w/ Buttercups
- SPRING: Linear XL w/ Buttercup
- TRAVEL: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm
- FORK OFFSET: 37mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: $ 1,259
LYRIK SELECT+
Features
- NEW LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) for end-stroke control
- NEW Charger 3.2 damper with new Rebound/Compression tunes that match LinearXL air spring, achieves virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- NEW Control bezel with numbered Compression adjuster for intuitive adjustments—start at “0” and easily add or decrease damping
- NEW Integrated fender mount (Lyrik Integrated Fender sold separately)
- Low-grab SKF wiper seals deliver long-lasting fork performance and a smoother ride Maxima SG920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- DAMPER: Charger 3.2 RC2
- SPRING: Linear XL
- TRAVEL: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm
- FORK OFFSET: 37mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: Not available AM
LYRIK SELECT
Features
- NEW LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by a fixed bottom-out system for end-stroke control
- NEW Delta RC damper with easy-toadjust Compression and independent Rebound features intuitive controls and virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- NEW Integrated fender mount (Lyrik Integrated Fender sold separately)
- Low-grab SKF wiper seals deliver long-lasting fork performance and a smoother ride
- Maxima 920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- DAMPER: Delta RC
- SPRING: Linear XL
- TRAVEL: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm
- FORK OFFSET: 37mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: $ 929
LYRIK
Features
- NEW Delta RC damper with easy-toadjust Compression and independent Rebound features intuitive controls and virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- DebonAir+ air spring strikes the perfect balance of small-bump sensitivity and mid-to-full travel support, giving riders confidence on rough terrain
- Bolt-on short fender compatibility (Lyrik Fender sold separately)
- Maxima SG920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- DAMPER: Delta RC
- SPRING: Debonair+
- TRAVEL: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm
- FORK OFFSET: 37mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: Not available AM
ZEB ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Features
- NEW LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) for end-stroke control
- NEW ButterWagonTech ensures a constant supply of oil to the bushings, reducing friction and maintaining smooth performance throughout the entire service interval
- NEW Flight Attendant Charger 3.2 damper provides riders with efficiency and control and achieves virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- NEW Integrated short fender mount (ZEB Integrated Fender sold separately)
- NEW Graphics package minimalist design, maximum impact
- Flight Attendant is the only automatic suspension system that listens to you and the trail, adapting in real time for smarter, more personalized efficiency and speed—fully wireless, AXS-enabled, and seamlessly integrated to disappear into your ride
- ButterCups technology block 20% of high-frequency “trailchatter” to reduce hand and arm fatigue
- Low-grab SKF wiper seals deliver long-lasting fork performance and a smoother ride
- Maxima 920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- Available in Electric Red or Ultimate High Gloss Black Signature colorways
- DAMPER: Charger 3.2 Flight Attendant w/ButterCups
- SPRING: Linear XL w/ButterCup
- TRAVEL: 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm
- FORK OFFSET: 38mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: $ 1,799
ZEB ULTIMATE
Features
- NEW LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) for end-stroke control
- NEW ButterWagonTech ensures a constant supply of oil to the bushings, reducing friction and maintaining smooth performance throughout the entire service interval
- NEW Charger 3.2 damper with new Rebound/Compression tunes that match LinearXL air spring, achieves virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- NEW Control bezel with numbered Compression adjuster for intuitive adjustments—start at “0” and easily add or decrease damping
- NEW Integrated short fender mount (ZEB Integrated Fender sold separately)
- NEW Graphics package—minimalist design, maximum impact
- ButterCups technology block 20% of high-frequency “trail chatter” to reduce hand and arm fatigue
- Low-grab SKF wiper seals deliver long-lasting fork performance and a smoother ride
- Maxima 920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- Available in Electric Red or Ultimate High Gloss Black Signature colorways
- DAMPER: Charger 3.2 w/ Buttercups
- SPRING: Linear XL w/ Buttercup
- TRAVEL: 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm
- FORK OFFSET: 38mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: $ 1,299
ZEB SELECT+
Features
- NEW LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) for end-stroke control
- NEW Charger 3.2 damper with new Rebound/Compression tunes that match LinearXL air spring, achieves virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- NEW Control bezel with numbered Compression adjuster for intuitive adjustments—start at “0” and easily add or decrease damping
- NEW Integrated short fender mount (ZEB Integrated Fender sold separately)
- Low-grab SKF wiper seals deliver long-lasting fork performance and a smoother ride
- Maxima SG920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- DAMPER: Charger 3.2 RC2
- SPRING: Linear XL
- TRAVEL: 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm
- FORK OFFSET: 38mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: Not available AM
ZEB SELECT
Features
- NEW LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by affixed bottom-out system for end-stroke control
- NEW Delta RC damper with easy-to-adjust Compression and independent Rebound features intuitive controls and virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- NEW Integrated short fender mount (ZEB Integrated Fender sold separately)
- Low-grab SKF wiper seals deliver long-lasting fork performance and a smoother ride
- Maxima 920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- DAMPER: Delta RC
- SPRING: Linear XL
- TRAVEL: 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm
- FORK OFFSET: 38mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: $ 989
ZEB
Features
- NEW Delta RC damper with easy-to-adjust Compression and independent Rebound features intuitive controls and virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail
- DebonAir+ air spring strikes the perfect balance of small-bump sensitivity and mid-to-full travel support, giving riders confidence on rough terrain
- Bolt-on short fender compatibility (ZEB Fender sold separately) Maxima SG920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction
- DAMPER: Delta RC
- SPRING: Debonair+
- TRAVEL: 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm
- FORK OFFSET: 38mm (27.5”), 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- WHEEL SIZE: 27.5”, 29”
- MSRP: Not available AM
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