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Again when RockShox first launched Flight Attendant for longer journey bikes, the rapid query was why it wasn’t out there on XC bikes. The automated suspension system – which adjusts suspension settings wirelessly and robotically rather than a cable-actuated distant lockout – appeared tailored for the calls for of cross nation racing. Seems RockShox/SRAM have been holding out for one thing a little bit extra sophisticated.
What that’s was revealed in the present day. So far as technological achievements go, it appears prefer it was well worth the wait. However, as shoppers of mountain bikes, not simply observers of racing, it’s a little bit extra sophisticated. Learn what’s new and why that is attention-grabbing under.
RockShox Flight Attendant goes XC by way of integration
Is that this simply Flight Attendant for XC bikes? No. RockShox/SRAM do transfer the know-how over from long-travel suspension merchandise, the place it made its debut, to the light-weight SID line. However the huge change is that Flight Attendant is now absolutely built-in into SRAM’s AXS “ecosystem.” Along with the numerous sensors that Flight Attendant already used to determine whether or not your shocks needs to be in open, path, or closed settings, the system now responds to how arduous you’re working.
How? By connecting AXS wi-fi drivetrain, together with SRAM/Quarq energy meters, SRAM/RockShox can modify your suspension primarily based on how you’re pedalling, not simply how your bike is shifting via house. SRAM calls this Adaptive Trip Dynamics and it’s clearly tailor-made to XC racing. 4 totally different “Effort Zones” (customizable by way of the SRAM AXS app, after all, although SRAM says the system will be taught your zones as you journey, for those who don’t wish to set them) elicit totally different responses from Flight Attendant. “Dash,” “Excessive,” “Medium,” and “Low” are all outlined as watt ranges. So, for those who’re actually hammering on the pedals, as you’d in a end dash, your fork and shock will lock out. Should you’re pedalling actually arduous, as you’d racing up a singletrack climb, the system could depart your fork extra open, relying on what else the bike is doing. Fairly good. Fairly cool. Most likely fairly quick, too.
All in, the system depends on data from the rear derailleur, shock, fork, Quarq powermeter / backside bracket and AXS dropper submit to make its selections. That’s a number of data. It’s additionally a number of components made by SRAM manufacturers. The system will work with fewer components, although sure parts are required for it to perform. SRAM calls this “Complete System Connectivity,” which both appears like progress or a little bit distopian, relying in your temper in the present day.
Flying top notch: Flight Attendant pricing
As you would possibly anticipate, none of that is low cost. The system requires, at minimal, three components. Fork, shock and, at minimal, SRAM pedaling sensor or Quarq Energy Meter. Effort Zones are solely out there with the ability meter and FA is simply appropriate with Quarq energy meters.
SID SL Final FA – USD 1,350
SID Final FA – USD 1,450
SIDLuxe Final shock – USD 850
So, that’s USD $2,200 (simply shy of $3,000 in CAD) to get into the system with restricted performance. Add an XO Eagle AXS Transmission Energy Meter Crankset, for one more USD 400, in order for you the good thing about Effort Zones. That’s effective for those who already use a Quarq system, however an actual bummer for those who simply shelled out for another energy meter. Than add the total complement of AXS rear mech and AXS dropper submit for full funcitonality.
From ecosystem to whole system connectivity: compatibility and competitors
Should you’ve been paying consideration within the above description, you’ll discover all of the components required for Flight Attendant to work come from SRAM-owned manufacturers. That’s, partially, as a result of they should work with SRAM’s AXS wi-fi protocol. That does, although, step up SRAM’s AXS “ecosystem” to the brand new “whole system connectivity.” For riders, that is creating an ever extra closed element system constructed round SRAM manufacturers and walled off to another producers. If you need essentially the most out of Flight Attendant, it’s important to package your bike out in manufacturers nearly totally owned by SRAM.
Whereas that closed protocol was a straightforward sufficient argument for SRAM to make for its driveatrain/Transmission, and nobody actually cared after they tacked on a dropper submit, it’s a entire totally different recreation to say that suspension will solely obtain full fucntionality with sure drivetrains and sure energy meters. Each Shimano and SRAM have an extended historical past of comparable strikes however, when that battle was restricted to drivetrains, the stakes weren’t fairly as excessive for shoppers.
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