

That said, the task of bleeding the Xloc lines could prove to be bothersome for those who opt for through-the-frame hose routing. Also, a hose can be mutilated and still pass fluid, so in theory, a hydraulic system can withstand a crash much better than a cable-and-housing system. The swivel system is also a hydraulic plus, and hydraulic systems are sealed, so dirt and water can't bind up the mech. Why use a hydraulic lockout system where a conventional cable could suffice? For starters, hydraulic fluid in a plastic hose is much lighter weight than a wound steel housing and a seven-strand steel cable. Outside, the forged-aluminum damper body is marked with sag gradients to make setup a simple process, and a 360-degree swiveling hydraulic interface that lets you route the XLoc hose from any direction. Inside the Monarch XX, you'll find a two-stage high- and low-speed damper piston, an aluminum damper shaft and a self-adjusting negative air-spring. Monarch XX shocks come in every eye-to-eye length that could be imagined and there are a variety of air can volumes available.

Before you start crying for more dials and doodads, know that RockShox can custom-tune the Monarch XX to match your bike's suspension - and probably your riding style if you say please. The Monarch XX's lockout has a preset blow-off threshold and an external low-speed rebound dial - and that's all you get. (Clockwise) We first rode the Monarch XX damper on a Rocky Mountain Carbon Element, which was a perfect match for its firm-feeling progressive spring curve - The Monarch XX damper features an aluminum shaft to save weight - The hydraulic XLoc lockout hose connection swivels 360 degrees to enable perfect hose routing - RockShox Reverb seatpost users should be familiar with the XLoc lever - push once to lock it out and push again to unlock the shock.ĭesigned for cross-country and trail riders, RockShox pared down the various damping and rate-control adjustments of its technical-terrain shocks to offer a more XC oriented rider the lightest possible remote-locking shock.
