Rockshox Flight Attendant: Electronic suspension for MTB arrives

The crowd of Swiss fans witnessed a display of absolute dominance: Nino Schurter, wearing the rainbow jersey of World Champion, wins solo a Lenzerheide breaking the all-time record for World Cup victories with his 34th victory. They saw the strength, the precision technique, the pure emotion. That moment was unforgettable.

The Flight Attendant saw other things too. The automatic electronic suspension adjustment system on Nino's bike has seen another side of the race. That day the Flight Attendant monitored Nino's suspension and made 1325 response changes, all in just under 90 minutes, the length of the World Cup race he won.

BEYOND YOUR LIMITS

During testing with our internal RockShox team we found that the average speed of a rider with the Flight Attendant was 1.8 percent higher compared to the same rider using a manual system. The 1.8 percent seems like a small advantage, but if you do the math, in a 90-minute XC World Cup race a rider with the Flight Attendant could finish with a 96-second advantage.

Rockshox Flight Attendant: Answers to the most common questions

WE CREATED THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT SYSTEM TO SIMPLIFY DECISION MAKING AT CRITICAL MOMENTS – SRAM

It all starts with the AXS ecosystem, which collects a staggering amount of data every microsecond. The Flight Attendant analyzes this information and offers you the perfect suspension adjustment just when you need it. The Flight Attendant works thanks to AXS wireless technology. SRAM AXS is the only system that offers a clean, wire-free design. The wireless communication protocol allows the Flight Attendant component system to receive real-time data to optimize suspension tuning.

The updated Flight Attendant algorithm now uses new data sources that provide the system with a more detailed and broad picture to personalize your driving experience. The new algorithm collects data as you pedal, learns and works with better precision and accuracy to make the most of your bike's suspension.

Flight Attendant remains the only automatic suspension system that maps the complete driving experience in real time and responds accordingly.

3 POSITION HYDRAULIC

The most advanced RockShox hydraulic systems are the only way to tackle any situation, from World Cup tracks to those in your area. Flight Attendant components offer three-position compression response, automatically changing from the efficient Pedal position for optimal traction to the Open position for big impacts and boulder- and root-filled descents. The Flight Attendant knows exactly what is best depending on the trail. Calibrated for the smoothest possible transition between suspension positions, the three-position hydraulics offer the rider the most natural response there is. When the Flight Attendant constantly switches between Open, Pedal and Lock positions, you'll think he's reading what's on your mind.

The Flight Attendant may know you better than you know yourself. No other suspension system features this level of customization to match your riding preferences, the terrain you ride, your riding style and your physical capabilities. Take complete control of the Flight Attendant's customization capabilities. Even better, the Flight Attendant now uses each output to optimize and customize its algorithm to meet your needs.

MODIFY YOUR BIKE RIDE: BIAS ADJUSTMENT

The Bias adjustment allows you to fine-tune the Flight Attendant's response when in Auto mode depending on your driving style and preferences. The Bias adjustment acts on the Flight Attendant system favoring the tendency to use the Open or Lock positions to respond best depending on your driving style and the terrain.

The Flight Attendant has another trick up its sleeve: it separates the front and rear suspension. Unlike cable-operated systems, the system can adjust the fork and rear shock to different positions to best respond to rider and terrain inputs.

ADAPTIVE RIDE DYNAMICS

The Flight Attendant has a new function that enables the algorithm to learn to recognize your pedaling style and then be able to continuously customize the suspension: it is Adaptive Ride Dynamics.

This intelligent feature uses data from your latest bike rides to precisely calculate your personalized Workout Zones. The algorithm continuously stores recent data and automatically updates as you ride. As you get stronger, Advanced Ride Dynamics changes to tailor the response to your new fitness.

ADAPTIVE RIDE DYNAMICS

The purpose of the Flight Attendant is to make sure that the bike is proceeding on the track with the optimal suspension position at every single moment. To achieve this, you use inputs from the trail, Bias adjustments and Adaptive Ride Dynamics. Adaptive Ride Dynamics influences the Flight Attendant's choice of suspension position at any given moment.

– When your effort reaches the “Sprint” physical effort zone level, Advanced Ride Dynamics pushes the system towards the Lock position.

– When your power gets to the High Physical Demand Zone, Advanced Ride Dynamics tends to prefer a more efficient suspension state.

– As your effort drops towards the Medium Effort Zone, Advanced Ride Dynamics tends towards a balance of comfort and efficiency.

– In your Low Effort Zone, when you pedal more calmly, Advanced Ride Dynamics aims for maximum comfort and absorption.

SPRINT ZONE

When you're sprinting to the finish line or to overtake an opponent, the Flight Attendant enters the Sprint Zone and prioritizes efficiency above all else.

HIGH PHYSICAL WORKING AREAS

When you're pushing the limits, the Flight Attendant adjusts the suspension for a stiffer, more efficient response. This setting optimizes maximum physical effort on smooth terrain or on a steep climb.

MEDIUM PHYSICAL WORKING ZONES

When your level of physical effort is sustained and moderate, the Flight Attendant adjusts to balance comfort and efficiency. Your bike's suspension responds more responsively on a wider range of trails.

LOW PHYSICAL WORKING AREAS

When your level of physical effort is that of recovery, the Flight Attendant adjusts your suspension to respond more comfortably. Almost always, this zone of physical effort makes you choose the open suspension position.

THE APP IS AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING

Use the SRAM AXS app to adjust the settings of your entire AXS system, including the Flight Attendant

• Create a bike profile
• Customize your controls. - Adjust mode settings
• Check and modify the Physical Effort Zones for the Adaptive Ride Dynamics function
• Check the battery charge status
• If necessary, update the firmware

BIKE COMPATIBILITY

AXS COMPATIBILITY

The minimum requirements for the Flight Attendant system to function are a fork, a rear shock and a pedaling sensor (power meter or pedaling sensor). Adding an AXS rear shifter and two-button AXS controller enables additional features.

HOW MUCH DOES ROCKSHOX FLIGHT ATTENDANT COST?

SID SL ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT (FS-SIDS-UFA-D1)

Purists of cross country: it is for you. You are the reason for the existence of the SID SL Ultimate, the lightest fork on the race course. With the Flight Attendant it is now the smartest, most efficient and most technologically advanced fork on the starting line. The SID SL Ultimate Flight Attendant uses the new Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant three-position electronic hydraulics, which automatically changes the suspension state between Open, Pedal and Lock positions faster than you can imagine. With the aim of maximum efficiency and maintaining speed on the track, the SID SL Ultimate Flight Attendant is the support that real podium contenders want to have on their side.

HYDRAULIC: Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant

SPRING: DebonAir

WHEEL DIAMETER: 29”

STROKE: 100mm, 110mm

OFFSET: 44mm (29”)

WEIGHT: 1480g

RRP: $1349, €1499*, £1339*
§*Including VAT / VAT

SID ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT (FS-SID-UFA-D1)

Climb mountains. He burns the descents. The SID Ultimate Flight Attendant is not like other XC forks: it has a formidable structure with 35mm stanchions that maintains its trajectory when you are at the limit. With the Flight Attendant system this fork is more efficient and more advanced than before. The new Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant hydraulics exploit the three-position compression adjustment (3P), Open, Pedal and Lock, all within easy reach. The SID Ultimate Flight Attendant is ready to take on anything, come on cross country full throttle at classic off-road rides thanks to the new DebonAir+ air spring with increased volume, with a smooth response at the beginning of its travel and a thousand adjustments.

HYDRAULIC: Charger Race Day 2 Flight Attendant

SPRING: DebonAir+

WHEEL DIAMETER: 29”

STROKE: 120mm

OFFSET: 44mm (29”)

WEIGHT: 1624g

RRP: $1449, €1599*, £1429*
*VAT / VAT included, 110mm stroke not available in aftermarket

FLIGHT ATTENDANT HYDRAULICS CHARGER RACE DAY 2

Charger Race Day 2 3-position hydraulics: perfection in every detail, every superfluous gram has been eliminated. The latest version of Flight Attendant technology learns from your ride data and instantly switches between Open, Pedal and Lock positions for maximum efficiency and speed. It's an automatic electronic suspension system so intuitive that you'll only notice the fastest lap times.

– Compatible with SID SL D1+ (2024+), SID D1+ (2024+)

– The SID or SID SL Control Module (fork specific*) and the new Flight Attendant specific Charger Race Day 2 hydraulics are sold separately.

*Be sure to purchase the Control Module specific to your fork.

SIDLUXE ULTIMATE FLIGHT ATTENDANT (RS-SIDL-UFA-A2)

The path to the podium has never been easier. The SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant completes the fastest, most efficient and technologically advanced platform that has ever existed. The key word is efficiency, with the latest Flight Attendant automatic hydraulics featuring three compression positions: Open, Pedal and Lock. The Flight Attendant's specifically tuned algorithm intuitively understands everything that happens on the route. With the aim of maximum efficiency and maintaining speed on the track, the new SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant is a shock made to dominate the circuit.

HYDRAULIC: RL3 Flight Attendant

AIR SPRING: Solo Air or DebonAir

WEIGHT: 349g

RRP: $849, €949*, £849*
*Including VAT / VAT

AXS CONTROLLER:

The Flight Attendant is compatible with all AXS compatible controllers.

AUTO MODE

In Auto Mode, the Flight Attendant calculates each input and sends its commands to the AXS-compatible fork and rear shock to react instantly. He does the complicated things for you. Your suspension is always in the right position at the right time, automatically changing compression positions between Open, Pedal and Lock before a single thought crosses your mind.

The new in-app settings allow the rider to choose between two ways of deactivating the Lock position: the entire system (fork and shock absorber) or just the fork. When these settings are selected, the system switches between Open and Pedal suspension positions in Auto mode.

MANUAL MODE

On those rare occasions when you prefer to do without the Flight Attendant's Auto mode, control is always possible should it be needed. Disable Auto Mode and choose between suspension positions. Manual mode can be activated via the Flight Attendant control module or by pressing the pre-assigned button on the two-button AXS controller.

OVERRIDE MODE

To go directly to the desired suspension position, press the pre-assigned button on the AXS controller and Override mode deactivates Auto mode, causing the system to go to the Override position you have set: Open, Pedal or Lock.

New In-app settings let you customize the button action when you switch to Override mode. Choose between an instant press, a 0.25 second press or a one second press.

SEARCH MODE

If your power meter, pedaling sensor or E-MTB cadence sensor are not active, the system switches to Search mode. Turn the crank to activate the pedaling sensor and the system will switch to Auto mode. If the pedaling sensor is not detected, the system remains in Search mode until it is detected.

SAFE MODE

The Flight Attendant system enters Safe Mode when the battery level of the fork control module, rear shock, or power meter/pedaling sensor has reached a low state, or if battery is missing from a component. Install a fully charged battery to return to Auto mode.