Öhlins dives into XC with new shocks and carbon fork
A high-end line from the Swedish suspension specialists
Photo by: ÖhlinsSwedish high-end suspension powerhouse Öhlins is moving further into mountain biking, releasing a full cross country line of suspension. The new XC range expands the brand’s highly successful crossover from powersports into mountain biking, adding World Cup-level XC kit to its gravity and trail lines.
While new to XC, Öhlins isn’t holding back. The new line includes two shocks and three versions of the new RC34 m.1 fork. Two forks come with carbon fibre crowns and sub-1,500g weights and one with an aluminum crown. The two shocks, TXC1Air and TXC2Air, are designed for pure XC race and more versatile, XC+ riding, respectively.
Öhlins RXC34 m.1 fork
Up front, three versions of the RXC34 m.1. fork will be available. The lightest, at 1,476g, is the 100mm travel race version. It has a carbon fiber crown, as does the 110/120mm version. A third, 110/1120mm travel version will come with an aluminum crown and a 1,598g weight.
Öhlins is known for having a wide range of adjustments and that carries to the new XC fork. A new, lightweight OTX14 damper matches with a two-chamber air spring. Those are adjusted by 12 clicks of Low Speed Compression (LSC) and another 12 of rebound damping. All forks come with the option of a remote or manual control, with multiple cable throw options to work with more levers and three ride positions to control the fork mid-race.
Further adjustability comes via up to five positive volume spacers (to adjust spring rate) and up to seven negative volume spacers to adjust the initial sensitivity of the RXC34 m.1 fork.
Öhlins TXCAir shocks
The new line launches with the choice of two different rear shocks. One, the TXC1Air, is focused on providing the lightest possible form with a more progressive tune suited to World Cup racing. The second, The TXC2Air, adds complexity, versatility and another 10grams of weight.
Both feature three ride modes, like the fork, and can be locked out remotely from the handlebars. Öhlins developed a damping system specifically for the new TXCAir shocks.
Öhlins XC line: stats and details
TXCAir
Bringing twin tube technology to XC for ultimate performance and rear wheel control. TXCAir is highly adjustable with race proven setting bank to match rider style and bike linkage.
- Hydraulics optimized for XC racing with serial shim stacks
- Three ride modes
- Rider-friendly volume spacer system to adjust air spring progressiveness
- Reducers can easily be installed to adjust stroke
- Lighter, slimmer and more progressive TXC1Air
- Larger, more versatile TXC2Air
- Remote and manual control options
- Manual control option adding 16 clicks of LSC
- 12 clicks of rebound
- TXC1Air available in 165/190 – 37.5/40 and 185/210 – 47.5/50
- TXC2Air available in 165/190 – 37.5/40/42.5/45 and 185/210 – 47.5/50/52.5/55
- TXC1Air from 245g
- TXC2Air from 255g
RXC34 m.1
- Lightweight OTX14 damper.
- Highly adjustable with race-proven setting bank to match rider style and bike
- Hydraulics optimized for XC racing
- Three ride modes
- Up to 5 positive volume spacers to adjust progressiveness (depending on travel)
- Up to 7 negative spacers to adjust initial sensitivity
- Race version in 100mm with carbon crown at 1476g
- 110/120mm carbon version at 1496g.
- 110/120mm aluminum version at 1598g (100mm version will be available later)
- Remote and manual control option
- Manual control option adding 12 clicks of LSC
- 12 clicks of rebound
Prices: Öhlins XC Range
- TTX1 and TTX2 Air – $900.00
- AM RXC34 m.1 Air – $1,750.00
- AM RXC34 m.1 Carbon Air – $2,000