Testing the Latest SRAM & RockShox Goodies!
Words by Kailey Skelton, Ari Factory Racing Athlete
After a weekend spent working closely with the SRAM and RockShox Team I was given the opportunity to dive into the details of some of the newest downhill components on the market.
From the all new XX DH electronic Transmission to the Maven Brakes, paired with the latest Boxxer fork and Vivid Ultimate Coil shock, this setup is all about one thing…helping us go faster with more confidence and comfort. 
XX DH Transmission
The new electronic XX DH Transmission completely changes the game when it comes to shifting under load and being tough as nails.
The most noticeable feature as a racer is being able to stay on the gas and shift without hesitation under maximum load. This means no loss of momentum when milliseconds matter most.
With no cables and AXS technology, everything stays dialed in and is always aligned for precise accuracy during riding/racing and post ride maintenance. This is a huge help in providing confidence and reliability where it matters most.
Maven Brakes
The new Maven brakes bring serious stopping power with a lighter lever feel, which translates directly into better control and less fatigue on long, demanding tracks. Having that consistency at your fingertips builds confidence when you’re charging into rough and steep sections. I ended up opting for the all new aluminum levers rather than the carbon, for a more solid, stiffer feel.
I prefer my brakes to hit hard, and these levers helped me achieve this feeling.
Boxxer Ultimate
The updated Boxxer fork paired with the Vivid Ultimate Coil shock creates a balanced, predictable feel through the bike. This combo improves composure at speed, allowing me to trust the bike in rough sections while staying planted and controlled. This is the most compliant suspension I’ve ever felt and has already allowed me to gain confidence in just a few days of riding it.
I noticed a big improvement towards front wheel traction and predictability thanks to the butter wagon- little divots in the fork that allow the oil to continuously lubricate the fork to eliminate friction when things heat up. I also felt the predictability through the entire stroke of travel thanks to the all new AirAnnex. I noticed this improvement from light to large compressions, the fork felt the same way through its entirety.
Also stoked on the new knobs, labeled with numbers and a 0 or center position - this helps visually for quick changes and less thinking.
Vivid Ultimate Coil
The new rockshox vivid coil provides many similarity’s to the new Boxxer fork. The most improved feature I noticed its how supple the shock is off the top. This really allows me to find confidence flying over small bumps and packing hard into the transition of a berm for maximum traction all while still maintaining support in the big stuff.
This is one of the most consistent shocks I've ridden and I’m happy to have it paired with the new Boxxer!
Overall Impressions
With the support of the SRAM and RockShox team, we’ve been able to fine tune every detail, building a setup that allows me to ride with more confidence, more control, and ultimately more speed in the end. I feel being comfortable at extreme speed is something that doesn’t come easy and with SRAM and Rockshox, I’m finding more and more comfort every-time I swing my leg over my bike. I am excited to see what I can achieve riding these new parts.
P.S. - What’s with this frame we’re riding?
With the Product Development Team at Ari the work never really stops. They’re always testing, refining, and building toward what’s next, even if it’s not ready to be seen yet. As athletes we get to be at the front of much of the real-world testing on the biggest stages. With Ari's CNC capabilities and design team we’re constantly iterating on suspension platforms and product design to keep pushing the sport to the next level!
