Ohlins has updated its top-flight downhill coil shock, as used by UCI MTB World Cup Champion Loic Bruni and Specialized Gravity teammate Finn Iles, with a couple of key upgrades. The upgrades are going to suit riders who like to hit obstacles hard and plunge deep into their travel plus there are a few tweaks that will benefit shock tuning.
The main upgrade to the Swedish brand's best rear shock is the bottom-out bumper and the cup it sits in. The bumper, which is in place to stop harsh impacts when the shock reaches full travel, now engages earlier which Ohlins claims significantly improves mid to end stroke control to provide more predictable support by lowering the risk of a hard bottom out. This should be particularly beneficial to bikes with linear or less progressive suspension kinematics.
Those that like to fiddle with their suspension will also appreciate Ohlins other updates. Changing the spring and stroke length has been simplified and doesn't require any specialist tools or dismantling of the shock. Stroke length is simply adjusted by adding or removing 2.5 mm washers under the bump rubber cup while springs can be swapped out by loosening the preload and removing the spring seat lock ring.
The 'blue trail' high-speed compression valve has also been updated and now offers a wider range of adjustment and adds support in the pedal mode. The 'golden DH' compression valve remains unchanged, offering the same adjustment range as the original.
Two new side-by-side cylinder heads have also been released for both regular end eyes and trunnion-mount. These side-by-side reservoir designs are more compact which should offer wider compatibility with bikes that are tight on space.
The Ohlins TTX22M m.2 will retail for $795 USD / €885 / £799 and is available to purchase now. To find out more, visit www.ohlins.com.
