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Monday 10am - 6pm Tuesday 10am - 6pm Wednesday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 5pm

The Shock Lab, 1060 Doniphan Park Circle/Suite B, El Paso, TX (2026)

05/16/2026

Adjustable Bottom Out bumper? 🤔

The latest Rockshox ZEB and Lyrik (and soon Pike?) feature a non-hydraulic Adjustable Bottom Out (which is why it's been renamed to ABO across all products) 🤘

Teased (likely by mistake) in the webinar/training for the Boxxer release earlier this year, I remember they mentioned the bottom out bumper was adjustable, which I found hard to believe, specially considering the Buttercups are in the way!

But...they made it happen 🔥

So, here's how it works:
The hex adjuster runs through the middle of the buttercup bumpers and rotates the upper gold sleeve (and the air spring shaft with it) to screw it up or down the lower gold sleeve. Both of which are quite mesmerizing 🤤

The bottom out bumper rests against the upper gold sleeve and is pushed up with it when adjusted. It is not pulled back down but it will move back into place the next time you use full travel, of course 🤙

It's worth noting that this does not change your travel. There is still a "traditional" bumper/stopper in the damper side, which is what actually determines where the fork will stop. The adjustable bumper will just engage a bit earlier/later in the stroke and provide more/less resistance to bottom out 🤘

You may have noticed the sealhead looks a bit weird, like it's missing a wiper seal (well, it is), but this groove is actually brilliant, designed to prevent the bumper from ramming oil through the seal head and into the air spring 🔍

The Buttercup bumper is also a bit taller than before, and relatively stiff, so the Buttercup effect 🦋 is very slight but noticeable. Helping "take the edge off" impacts, a similar feel to a 5-10% drop in tire pressure, without the risk of pinch flats, of course 🤌

One small thing; although maybe not totally necessary, and I understand Rockshox usually tries to keep the number of specialty tools low (which I support), but I made a custom bullet tool to eliminate the chance of the quad ring catching on the sharp edge (slide6) 🤘

How does it ride? 🤔
It is amazingly smooth off the top, quite supportive through the midstroke, and allows you to use all the travel efficiently, I'm VERY happy with it after upgrading the damper 🔥

05/15/2026

Charger 3.2 + Podium Piston kit 🤌🔥

To put it lightly, the Charger 3.2 was a big disappointment, at least for me. But hey, maybe I was expecting too much 💔

Luckily, I know a guy...

WPS Podium Piston kits for Charger 3.2 will be available in a few weeks!
But wait...what is this, then? 🤔

Meet my new fork 🫡
Featuring a pre-production piston kit adapted in-house using the PPK for Charger 3.1, with help from WPS, of course 🤘

So, what's different, then? Charger 3.1 and 3.2 are nearly identical besides the tuning, however, the midvalve stud is now longer to accommodate their new longer/stiffer check spring(s), which are also highly preloaded. A questionable decision to say the least, but that's just my opinion 🤐

So, after sourcing a more appropriate check spring, making several custom spacers on the lathe and a bunch of testing, pressure balance and suppleness have been greatly improved ⚖️

Additionally, the rebound valving on the Charger 3.2 is INSANELY slow/stiff. I'm genuinely curious, WTF?! 💀 Luckily this is an easy fix.

And of course, the WPS high flow linear base valve piston allows for a smooth low/high speed transition during compression, while the shim stack optimized for the rider (me) provides the high speed support to prevent blowing through the travel, all without harshness 🤌

If you're considering upgrading from Charger 3.1 to 3.2 (or even from Charger 3), DON'T. We've got a much better option for you 😅

That said, the new Lyrik is an absolute weapon 🔥 it just needed a bit of help with the damper.

What are your thoughts on the new Rockshox products? Have you ridden them yet? 🤔

05/09/2026

Service yourself without spending a fortune! 🔧

Our affordable tool collection keeps growing, now allowing you to fully service your fork without spending hundreds of dollars in specialty tools that may be used once a year! 💸

Featuring our new angled shaft clamps for GRIP/GRIP2/GRIP X2 (22.6/10mm), these are just $10!

But, why angled? 🤔
The slight angle allows you to clamp closer to the center of the vise, minimizing uneven clamping forces. This also allows to clamp larger tubes without having half the clamp sticking out the vise! Also available in 38 and 40mm to clamp DH fork stanchions (more sizes coming soon!) 🤘

You may have also noticed our new carbon-reinforced NA2 socket. These make the process much easier and quicker (but they're not necessary), and can easily take the 50in/lb torque repeatedly (rated to 100+in/lb to failure at room temp) 🤙

Also (not shown in the video), you can get our 1x12" Delrin rod for removing wiper seals ($10). As well as our wiper seal drivers ($15) 🔥

Please consider that you'll also need common shop tools/equipment, such as torque wrench, sockets, crowfoot wrench (adjustable recommended!), hex keys...etc. AND keep in mind the service is a complex and delicate process that can be screwed up relatively easily. So, take it seriously, study the service manual and save that beer for after you're done! 🍻

Affordable tools, premium seals, and custom service. Link in bio 🔗

05/08/2026

Discontinued Fox Talas seals? Not a problem! 🔍

Remember the Fox Talas? It allowed to change your fork travel during a ride, which could let you optimize the bike geometry for a climb, and then "unleash" it for the descent. Pretty amazing, right? 🤔

Absolutely, but it added a considerable amount of drag and complexity, and it wasn't necessarily reliable. It went through several updates/variants before they completely got rid of the system. 🚮

On top of that, it uses custom seals that were discontinued a long time ago!
For example, the original main piston and outer IFP seal has a 3mm cross section x 22.5mm inner diameter, but it's 3.8mm tall! 💀

Of course, you could stick a 3x22.5mm o-ring in there and it'll probably work, but consider that not only the piston/bore diameters determine the seal squeeze, but the groove width, too! There must be a better way... 🤔

We presented these options to the customer:
1. ($) Install the closest size seal and send it. (Not recommended)
2. ($$$$$$$$) Source or custom make molds to make the custom seals.
3. ($$$$) Buy PTFE sheets of the right thicknesses for custom backup rings and make custom tools on the lathe to cut them to size.
4. ($$) Use Igus Self-lubricating filament to 3D print the custom backup rings as needed.

Easy choice! So I got to work. It took about 10 prototypes (printed in a different material) and a bunch of test fitting to dial the dimensions in ~0.1mm increments, and a couple tests just fine tuning with the tribo filament. The final batch was tempered to further improve their properties 🔥

The result? High precision, low friction Igus backup rings with high wear and temperature resistance that not only brought this fork back to life, but also will make future service straighforward and with common seal sizes! 🤘

Being able to use compounds to machine or 3D print custom solutions is really a game changer, and will allow us to tackle special projects we really couldn't do before. And will open the door for further innovation. Stay tuned!

You can see the Talas system in action in our story, check it out before it's gone!

Custom service, parts and tools. Link in bio 🔗

04/30/2026

Riding season is here! ☀️💨🚲

The workshop has been busier than ever, your trust and patience while we get through the "spring rush" are deeply appreciated 🙏🤘

Meanwhile, here's some content from the last few weeks!

1. Another WPS Tuning kit going in a Fox GRIP X2 🔥
2. Quick look at the Fox 36SL internals, featuring GRIP X and partial Glidecore 🤔
3. Quick reminder to service your sh*t 🫡
4. SKF dual compound wipers on Fox 36 🧈
5. Vorsprung Lufkappe for Rockshox Lyrik 🔥
6. Öhlins TTX22m vacuum bleeding with our integrated bladder holder 🔧
7. Angled shaft clamps for Fox 40, these grip much better than I expected, these and more shaft clamp sizes coming soon, starting at $10! 🤘
8. Our FKM/Viton upgrade kits (hottest item right now), perfect to use along OE service kits (full damper seal kits also available) 🤙
9. Stanchion slowly pulling away from the crown (while creaking like hell) 📣
10. Same CSU, taken apart. The Kashima was literally chipping away with the vibration/creaking 💀
11. Charger 3, next to a Charger 3.1/3.2, next to a WPS piston/spring, there's a lot to talk about here 👀
12. DIY lower service kits, making that 50h service as straightforward as possible 🔥

Current estimated turnaround time for service is 8-10 days 🤘
Tools/service kits usually ship the same day 🛫

Professional service, premium seal kits, and affordable tools, all in one place. Link in bio 🔗

Shipping worldwide! 🌏

04/26/2026

2027 Rockshox Lyrik...deep dive! 🔍

The latest Lyrik features a beautiful chassis with cutouts on the lowers for weight savings and more uniform cooling after casting, which should improve dimensional accuracy and chassis alignment, this one was a great example of that, it feels like butter, out of the box 🧈

It also features the AirAnnex to increase lower leg volume, this reduces unwanted progression from the lowers 📈

Taking it apart, I found a -small- issue (slides 4-5), likely left after making the grooves on the bushings, this feature may be updated or removed in future revisions, maybe it's not even necessary! (see below) 👇

The stanchions now feature "Butterwagon" dimples and holes (slide 6) to improve oil adhesion and circulation, keeping everything lubricated 🛢️

Lyrik and Zeb now feature an adjustable bottom out bumper (slide 7), to fine tune end stroke support (more on this later 👀), and Buttercups are still featured on both sides for improved compliance 🧈

The air spring is now twin tube (slides 8-9) to further increase lower leg volume, the reduced piston diameter operates at higher pressures (Force = Pressure x Area), and the 14mm shaft increases negative volume to improve small bump sensitivity. All this results in a relatively linear spring rate 💹

They now feature the Charger 3.2 damper, which really is just a 3.1 (almost identical) with firmer tuning...that's right, they kept the dished piston and stiffened up compression and rebound...maybe the Charger 4 is coming soon? 🫠

*Charger 3 & 3.2 side to side (slides 10-16), it would've been fun to have a 3.1 on hand*

Dished pistons and ring shims preload the shim stack, increasing the force required to open the valve, making the low/high speed transition feel harsh, and they often don't provide enough support at higher speeds❗

This really is an amazing fork, but the damper leaves a ton of room for improvement...so...I'm keeping this Lyrik, but I'd be happy to get you one...aand maybe check for metal shavings...and custom tune it, too 🤙

What are your thoughts on the new Rockshox line up? When is the new Pike coming out? 🤔

04/10/2026

10 years of the X2, what have we learned? 🤔

The 2026 X2 is not light, but it may be the best one yet! 🔥🤘

Let's take a quick dive into what makes this shock way more reliable and if it was worth the extra weight! ⚖️

The latest X2 is now Monotube (is it even an X2 anymore? 🤔) and features a 12.7mm shaft, this allowed them to increase the lateral stiffness, as the main piston runs directly against the damper body, instead of their flexy inner damper tube 🤘

The damper sealhead now features a wide bushing on each side to further boost lateral stiffness, as well as dual (and thicker) o-rings in the sealhead to prevent premature aeration! 💪

The IFP seal is also much thicker to prevent aeration from the IFP chamber (which wasn't really an issue) and IFP pressure has been increased to reduce the pressure differential between damper and air spring to further improve reliability 🤘

That's all great news, but what's the downside?
Increasing the thickness (and number) of seals increases friction, and it's definitely noticeable! But a slightly "draggier" shock is better than a heavily aerated one, don't you think!? 😅

One thing I can already tell will be an issue is the air can (again!), the wiper seal is very soft (same as Float X) and does not do a great job actually wiping sh*t off (literally), this leads to contamination ingestion, which leads to seal failure and air leaks!

And guess what...you still can't service the air can without having to take apart the whole damn shock. WHAT IN THE ACTUAL F*** 🤬

The damper seems to be their most reliable yet, but that's worthless if the air can starts leaking. You still need to disassemble the whole thing! 🙃

But hey, at least they're finally using a thicker air can quad ring! (Same as Float X) 👀

Can we improve it? Absolutely!
Our FKM seal kits for '26 X2 feature a FKM X-ring for the IFP, 1x stiff sealhead o-ring (damper side) for superior durability, and 1x softer o-ring (air spring side) for improved sealing effectiveness against the smaller air molecules! This results in reduced friction without compromise in reliability 🤘

What are your thoughts on the new design? 🤔

Banana for scale by Printlabs3D! 🍌

03/28/2026

2026 X2; is it finally reliable? 🔍

The latest generation of the X2 has been officially out in the wild for a year, and we can already tell you: this is the most reliable X2 Fox has ever done (although that doesn't mean much 😅)

As you may already know, the X2 has been one of the least reliable shocks in modern MTB history, often aerated out of the box due to pressure creeping from the air spring into the damper, even when not in use! 🔍

This was mainly due to the Polyurethane o-rings they used to use at the sealhead, it really doesn't take a NASA engineer to put 2+2 together. Aeration issues drastically dropped when they switched from PU to NBR on the DPX2, and for some reason the Float X had PU again, which they changed to NBR for 2024 to fix their issues, again! 💀

Then, why was the 2024 X2 also unreliable if it had 2x NBR seals? 🤔
1.78mm cross section dynamic o-rings against the shaft, that's why. These are incredibly thin for the application 🤏

The 2026 X2 features 2x 2.62mmCS NBR90 (stiff) o-rings against the shaft, and a massive 3.53mmCS o-ring (same size as a Fox 36 air piston seal) for the IFP, these are a bit overkill but if that means you won't get aeration, I'm all here for it 🤘

The change to Monotube was also a big boost in reliability (in this case), the inner damper tube was VERY flexy, so having the piston run directly against the thick damper body was a great way to reduce lateral flex 💪

No aeration, but at what cost? ⚖️
This thing is BEEFY, every single part feels stronger but consequently heavier, increasing the weight up ~80-100g from the previous generation, bringing it to 779g, only 34g from a coil shock I had on hand...what was the main advantage of air shocks again? 😅

The new X2 may not be the lightest (it may be the heaviest actually), but it's certainly a great choice for those bikes famous for destroying shocks. I'll just tag here which is totally unrelated 🫡

I definitely think this is a big step in the right direction (although maybe too big), a slightly less sensitive shock is better than a heavily aerated one, right? 🤔

What are your thoughts on the new X2?

Full internal deep dive/tech talk soon!

03/21/2026

A revolution in end stroke support is coming 🔥

Even the most advanced MTB bumpers are currently a "solid" piece of rubber, foam or polyurethane. Injection molded or machined to shape, giving them a uniform density throughout, which might just be their biggest limitation 👀

What if, besides external geometry and compound hardness, you could independently tune top/bottom shells, walls, infill density (and dozens of other parameters) to optimize the bumper's characteristics in every part of their stroke? 🤔

It has taken months of designs, tests and tweaks in the middle of the night (to avoid delaying workorders), and there's still a lot to be done to optimize all the variants , but the possibilities are truly endless and the results so far are beyond amazing 🤯

Some of these are currently being tested by local riders (and myself), and very few variants are already available as Beta upgrades with your service! 🤘

The best part? They can be "quickly" designed, sized and tuned for each application! There is no need for custom molds for every variant, allowing for optimized heights and spring rate for different riders, besides, we can make virtually any size/shape you need for unusual/custom projects! 🤙

The future of MTB bumpers is here.

02/11/2026

One year warranty? 🤔

No, I'm not talking about the manufacturers warranty period, now your shock service is also guaranteed for a year!* 🔥

That's right, we're QUADRUPLING our warranty coverage, when getting a full shock overhaul with our upgraded FKM service kits, your damper is guaranteed to be aeration & leak free for 12 months! 🤘

Your air can is still covered by our 90 day warranty, as well as your fork! 🤙

We've had amazing results with our custom FKM/Viton service kits, and we've further improved them recently to make your shock as reliable as it can be (even more) 🔥

Now featuring a tougher compound for the sealhead, for extreme durability without sacrificing sealing effectiveness! 💪

And, certain applications now feature FKM/Viton X-rings for the IFP, combining the stability and lower friction of x-rings, with the chemical and wear resistance of FKM 🤌

The thing is, these aren't cheap at all 😅 Some of our kits have gotten a slight price adjustment, but consider that a few dollars extra in seals can make a big difference in reliability 🤙

New 1 year warranty also applies to every shock already serviced with FKM this year! (Sorry I meant to post this earlier!)

Service kits also available for DIY and workshops, shipping worldwide 🌏

The Shock Lab

05/16/2026

05/15/2026

05/09/2026

05/08/2026

04/30/2026

04/26/2026

04/10/2026

03/28/2026

03/21/2026

02/11/2026

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Monday	10am - 6pm
Tuesday	10am - 6pm
Wednesday	10am - 6pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	10am - 6pm
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