SRAM Unleashes Its Most Ambitious Downhill MTB Lineup Yet

SRAM / RockShox has refreshed downhill MTB brakes, forks, and drivetrains to welcome the coming bike park and peak riding season in the Northern Hemisphere. Here’s what you should know about the new BoXXer forks, Vivid Coil, XX DH Transmission, and the new Maven brakes.

It's a lot of information, but I tried to hit all the bullet points to make it as easy to digest as possible. A lot of these announcements we saw coming, and SRAM even gave us a little teaser as to what was on the horizon, but I didn't really expect it all to land on the same day.

The New BoXXer with LinearXL

This hasn’t been a super closely guarded secret, with plenty of prying eyes spotting this little black box on World-Cup race bikes for the better part of the 2025 season, but the veil is finally being pulled back on the LinearXL of the newest generation of the RockShox BoXXer. The AirAnnex™ chamber on BoXXer’s lower leg boosts the air volume, decreasing the air-spring progressivity and speed sensitivity typical of conventional lower leg designs. This change turns previously uncontrollable speed-sensitive behavior into a more linear and predictable response for the rider.

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Besides the new AirAnnex, the BoXXer also has an internal redesign to better control the air pressure in the lower legs. Strategically positioned breather holes in the stanchions enable the air volume in the lower leg to expand as the fork compresses through its travel. This small but effective feature helps minimize the breakaway force as the fork cycles and enhances sensitivity throughout the entire travel range.

Roll out the ButterWagon

ButterWagonTech is an exclusive RockShox system that uses divots on BoXXer stanchions to deliver fresh layers of high-density Maxima oil to the bushings as travel is used. It's designed to increase sensitivity, making a noticeable difference in ground tracking and suspension response on trail. The new wiper seals also address stanchion friction and seal binding. To make it all work, SRAM worked with SKF to develop an exclusive design that cleans the dirt without grabbing the upper tube, increasing sensitivity deep in the travel and under heavy load.

BoXXer Ultimate Updates

• LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by a jounce bottom-out bumper for end-stroke control

• ButterWagonTech ensures a constant supply of oil to the bushings, reducing friction and maintaining smooth performance throughoutthe entire service interval

• Charger 3.2 damper with new Rebound/Compression tunes that match LinearXL air spring, achieves virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail

• Control bezel with numbered Compression adjuster for intuitive adjustments—start at “0” and easily add or decrease damping

BoXXer Select Updates

• LinearXL air spring delivers a consistent and predictable ride feel backed by a jounce bottom-out bumper for end-stroke control

• Charger 3.2 RC damper with easy-toadjust Compression and independent Rebound features, intuitive controls, and virtually silent performance, keeping riders focused on the trail

• Low-grab SKF wiper seals deliver long-lasting fork performance and a smoother ride, and Maxima 920 blended 15w reduces overall fork friction 

• Bolt-on fender compatibility with front and rear coverage (BoXXer Bolt-On Fender sold separately)

Vivid Coil Shock

Everyone loves coil for its feel. You get suppleness off the top, support during mid-stroke, and, with the new Vivid Coil, security through the end-stroke with Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) for reliable end-stroke control.

This ABO offers five different compression settings to customize the cushioning you experience in the last 20% of travel, and is only available on the Ultimate and Select + shocks.

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The new Vivid Coil offerings now come in five different flavors: Ultimate, Ultimate DH, Select +, Select, and a base option. The Ultimate, Select+, and Select all feature a lockout lever, while the Vivid Coil and Ultimate DH do not. There are plenty of differences throughout the range, but the gist is that the new Vivid Coil shocks offer more tuning options and a better overall ride, with a more supple feel on the trail.

New RC2T and RCT Damper

Designed to play nice with the new BoXXer and Charger 3.2 damper, the RC2T (Vivid Coil Ultimate) damper’s advanced main piston compression tuning provides confident support during mid-stroke. Its intuitive HSC/LSC adjusters enable quick setup and easy tinkering.

Vivid Coil’s new RCT2 damper is engineered to work smoothly with the new BoXXer and Charger 3.2 damper, providing more balanced mid-stroke support and smooth actuation. Its redesigned base valve reduces IFP forces by 40%, making it the most supple yet responsive shock available. The RCT damper’s new main piston compression tunes provide mid-stroke support, while an intuitive LSC adjuster makes setup faster and easier to keep track of.

New Sram XX DH Transmission

A wireless DH drivetrain built around UDH, and boost rear wheel spacing (148mm) for downhill and gravity riding - super boost has officially lost the war. The new SRAM XX DH Transmission uses the same chain and shifter as found in other SRAM full-mount drivetrains, but adds compatibility to the Transmission ecosystem with a DH rear derailleur, a cassette, and new crankset options. And yes, the derailleur cage is supposed to be bent like that, just as we saw with the other full-mount derailleurs from SRAM.

SRAM XX DH Derailleur
MSRP: $700 USD

• Hangerless Interface and Full Mount attachment allow for the most precise shifting and best-in-class impact protection
• Install and pair via the reliable and familiar standard AXS set-up and pairing procedure
• Replaceable skid plates, outer parallelogram link, and rebuildable thread-on cage assembly
• Most robust DH-specific Inline Cage features flat outboard surface for easy maintenance
• Type 4 damper results in very quiet operation through the roughest tracks
• T-Type chain compatibility only
  

SRAM XX DH Cassette
MSRP: $500 USD

• Full X-Sync tooth profile for best-ever inboard and outboard shifting performance under load
• Optimized 7-speed, 10-24t gear steps for DH
• T-Type chain compatibility only
• Set up cog for a fool-proof setup
• Utilizes a well-accepted and broadly available XD driver body, or an all-new gravity-specific XD SLIM driver body for more symmetric spoke bracing angles on narrow 148mm rear ends
  

SRAM XX DH Crankset
MSRP: $450 USD

• DUB DH spindle for 56.5mm chainline, for either 157mm or 148mm rear hub spacing
• DUB Wide spindle for 55mm chainline, optimized for 148mm rear hub spacing
• DUB DH spindle cranksets include the most robust dedicated 56.5CL 
• XX DH T-Type chainring available in 32-36t sizes
• DUB Wide spindle cranksets include trail-oriented XX T-Type chainring in 32-36t sizes
• Available in progressively short 150mm, 155mm, 160mm, and 165mm lengths

SRAM Maven Update - SwingLink and More

Maven now features a redesigned SwingLink leverage-rate curve for smoother power and better modulation. The higher initial leverage ratio makes the lever feel more intuitive by matching the Maven Base's force. These updates maintain excellent braking power while offering finer control in the first 25% of the lever stroke, enhancing precision and confidence on rough or low-traction terrain where quick power can compromise control.

A custom-shaped “cam" creates a progressive lever action that builds power as you pull. We customize this leverage for each brake model for maximum power. Unlike a “binary" on/off feel, a progressive lever provides better traction, more control, and reduces hand fatigue.

SwingLink isn’t the only improvement; the Ultimate, Silver, and Bronze brakes all feature new lever blades and updated finishes. The Maven Ultimate now includes carbon lever blades, providing a familiar tactile feel with better cold-weather performance.

Maven Silver features a stiff, all-new forged aluminum blade with a precisely machined weight-reduction cutout. It is complemented by black-on-black hardware, creating a fully stealthy look. In contrast, Maven Bronze uses the same forged blade design but lacks the machined weight-saving cutout and has a black anodized finish, ensuring it pairs well with any build.

SRAM Maven Lever Upgrade Kits

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The latest B1 SwingLink architecture and improved materials benefit older Maven users, with the gold B1 SwingLink fully backward-compatible. Riders can upgrade Maven Ultimate, Silver, and Bronze A1 brakes for smoother power, better modulation, and improved lever-blade materials.

Maven Ultimate and Silver kits are cross-compatible; Maven Bronze is standalone. The easy, 10-minute install is dry, needing no bleed, and both kits include a T10 Torx screwdriver for quick installation.

Carbon Levers, Light Action Cam: $109 USD
CNC Forged Aluminum Levers, Light Action Cam: $89 USD
Aluminum Levers, Light Action Cam: $69 (nice)

Maven Ultimate
MSRP: $299

• Re-designed SwingLink architecture for smooth power delivery and lighter engagement for a broader range of ergonomic preferences
• 18mm pistons for best-in-class power
• Easily tuneable across Gravity, E-MTB, Enduro and Trail bikes
• Stiff 4-piston caliper with best heat management
• Stealth lever architecture for a sleeker, more modern ride
• Mineral Oil for low maintenance and performance
• Designed for use with Maxima Mineral Brake Oil only
• Ultimate worthy carbon Lever blade and Titanium hardware
• Tool-free Reach and Contact Point Adjust

Maven Silver
MSRP: $265

• Re-designed SwingLink architecture for more predictable power delivery and lighter engagement for a broader range of ergonomic preferences
• 18mm pistons for best-in-class power
• Easily tuneable across Gravity, E-MTB, Enduro and Trail bikes
• Stiff 4-piston caliper with best heat management
• Stealth lever architecture for a sleeker, more modern ride
• Mineral Oil for low maintenance and performance
• Designed for use with Maxima Mineral Brake Oil only
• Bold black anodized finish with black hardware for stealth builds
• A new lightweight forged lever blade with machined cut-outs
• Tool-free Reach and Contact Point Adjust