RockShox All-New Domain Fork - Enduro Ready for $549

There is a trend happening in mountain biking. Is it the result of rider demand, or has trickle down technology finally reached a tipping point? Regardless of the impetus, affordable parts that perform well in the real world are becoming common. RockShox adds force to the wave with its latest offering, the all-new Domain.

Highlights

• Wheel size: 27.5-inch and 29-inch
• Travel: 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm
• Motion Control RC damper featuring low speed compression adjust with externally adjustable dual flow rebound
• Offset: 44mm (27.5 and 29)
• 200mm direct-mount rotor, will fit 220mm with adaptor
• 1.5-inch tapered steerer tube with 1.8-inch for e-bike applications
• 38mm chassis for increased stiffness and rider confidence
• DebonAir air spring
• Maxima Plush damping fluid
• Short fender compatible (RockShox premium fender sold separately.)
• Fits tires up to 2.8-inches without fenders - use of a short fender may reduce tire clearance
• MSRP: $549 // €594* // £530* // *INCLUDES VAT
• July 2021 Available to Riders

At first look, the Domain is every bit a ZEB, RockShox's newest enduro smasher. 38mm stanchions, that large arch brace, and muscly appearance tell riders what the Domain is all about. RockShox knows that just because someone wants to ride hard, they don't necessarily want to shell out four-figures for a suspension fork (or six-figures on an equipped bike). RockShox new Domain comes in $150 less than the lowest-priced ZEB.

The Domain generates its cost savings in several ways. First and foremost is the damping system. The Domain uses the Motion Control RC (or just R) damper. Despite being a simpler damper, RockShox still uses Maxima Plush oil. Riders will pay a weight penalty via the Domain's 6000 series aluminum upper tubes, presumably with thicker walls as the internal diameter differs from the ZEB. Weights on the Domain were not available prior to publication. The Domain still uses RockShox's DebonAir spring.

Riders with a Domain R can easily upgrade to an RC damper for $42.00 (€ 47.00 // £ 42.00) and gain low-speed compression damping with lockout. The Domain will also accept the Charger 2.1 RC2 damper for $330.00 (€ 365.00 // £ 325.00) which is great news for riders that get a Domain as OE spec and later want to upgrade. That said, parts between the ZEB and Domain are not compatible due to the differing internal sizing of the uppers.

Vital currently has the new Domain in our possession and testing is under way. Make sure to check back and get our full impressions on this new, wallet-friendly fork. In the meantime, head to SRAM.com to learn more.