2027 RockShox Vivid Explained!

Watch the video!

Since Vivid was reintroduced into RockShox’s lineup in 2023, it’s been the most capable gravity-oriented air shock in their lineup. It goes toe-to-toe with the best the competition has to offer, and has brought near coil-like sensitivity to air shocks. But RockShox wants more, and today, they’re releasing the next generation Vivid D1. It picks up right where the previous gen left off, with a big air can and plenty of adjustability to get it perfectly dialed for you and your bike. Vivid isn’t the only new product launching today, and RockShox is also updating the Lyrik, ZEB, and Super Deluxe, so go check out those articles for a deep dive on all of the 2027 RockShox products!

While the Vivid was designed with descending performance on enduro or downhill bikes in mind, trail bikes can also hop on the Vivid train to make the most of their rear suspension. It comes in a wide range of metric sizes with both Trunnion and Standard mounting options between 47.5mm and 75mm of stroke. There are also a few different spec levels of Vivid, but only Ultimate is available aftermarket for now. OEM Vivid equipped bikes can come with either Ultimate, Select+, Select, or Base level Vivids, and the only difference between these levels is the adjustability found on the reservoir. Upgrading any level of Vivid to the Ultimate requires purchasing an RC2T reservoir and completing a full shock service, which could be a worthwhile upgrade while you’re already getting your shock serviced. For this article, we’ll just cover the details of the Vivid Ultimate.

2027 Vivid Ultimate D1 Specs

LinearXL Air Can
RC2T Damper (LSC, HSC, Rebound, ABO, Threshold)
Adjustable Bottom Out
Trunnion Sizes: 225mm x 67.5-75mm, 205mm x 57.5-65mm, 185mm x 47.5-55mm
Standard Sizes: 250mm x 67.5-75mm, 230mm x 57.5-65mm, 210mm x 47.5-55mm
Frame-specific tunes available
360/300 PSI max
Bearing hardware compatible
$779

2027 RockShox Vivid Air on NukeProof ebike

There are also a few different spec levels of Vivid, but only Ultimate is available aftermarket for now. OEM Vivid equipped bikes can come with either Ultimate, Select+, Select, or Base level Vivids, and the only difference between these levels is the adjustability found on the reservoir. Upgrading any level of Vivid to the Ultimate requires purchasing an RC2T reservoir and completing a full shock service, which could be a worthwhile upgrade while you’re already getting your shock serviced. For this article, we’ll just cover the details of the Vivid Ultimate.

As for the RC2T damper, things have definitely changed for 2027. If you're familiar with the recently updated Vivid Coil, then you'll be familiar with the changes to this Vivid Air. A slightly shorter and wider reservoir houses a redesigned base valve and IFP with a 40% reduction in IFP forces. RockShox claims that change makes this the most supple shock on the market. Bold to say the least! Especially considering they're competing with their own Vivid Coil with the same damper technology and a coil spring rather than an air spring.

Adjustments have not changed in function for this latest generation, with low-speed compression, high-speed compression, and rebound knobs sporting the same names, locations, and number of clicks. The rebound knob still pops off and serves as a 3mm wrench to adjust your HSC and your newly named ABO, or Adjustable Bottom Out. Previously, the Vivid Air had HBO, Hydraulic Bottom Out, and that feature has been renamed ABO for the new Vivid Air. Internally, nothing has changed, and there is still a hydraulic damping system that helps control the last 20% of travel, which has 5 clicks of external adjustability. It's essentially a third compression circuit that only affects the shock's performance during bottom-out events, adding a level of tunability compared to the competition.

Externally, both compression circuits are alarmingly satisfying to turn, and have even clearer markings than the previous generation. The tactile snap into each click of both LSC and HSC is pretty darn impressive, and the Threshold Lever flicks into place with similar grace. ABO and Rebound knob turning is less notable, but perfectly acceptable.

Shock tunes have been the talk of the town in the last couple of years, and the Vivid Air offers a list of frame-specific tunes available in the aftermarket. Those frame-specific shocks will come with a tune suited for the specified frame, as well as necessary mounting hardware and an appropriate number of volume spacers pre-installed. These frame-specific shocks are about as plug-and-play as buying a new shock can be. But if your shock isn’t on the list, don’t sweat it! The standard aftermarket tune is right in the middle of the road and will suit a wide variety of frames and personal rider preferences. If you find that the external adjustments aren’t giving you a suitable range of adjustability, then a different tune is an appropriate next step, and it will truly be a custom tune that fits your needs rather than the needs RockShox assumes you have given your frame.

Nukeproof with 2027 RockShox mtb suspension

Nukeproof Ebike with 2027 RockShox Suspension

One could argue that the Vivid wasn’t in need of an update, but RockShox would disagree. Decreasing internal friction through the redesigned and lower pressure IFP is a welcome change to an already fantastic shock! Whether you’ve got a trail bike, enduro bike, or downhill bike, and you’re looking for a high performance, high-volume, and highly tunable air shock, the Vivid is about as good a choice as you can make! While we haven’t gotten a chance to ride it just yet, I’m sure that will change in the near future, and we’ll let you know what kind of performance you can expect from this new Vivid once we know ourselves! For now, let us know if you have any questions about getting the right shock! We’ve got great customer service to help you nail your shock upgrade!