Tech Week 2023: EXT's Aria Air Shock & ERA V2 190 Fork

Oct 27, 2022
by Seb Stott  
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Yes, that's two air valves.

EXT have shared more details of their upcoming air shock (which we've spotted before). As an unexpected bonus, they're also releasing a longer-travel version of their lauded Era V2 fork, with 180 to 190 mm of travel.

EXT Aria shock

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

EXT's first air shock, the Aria, shares the same damper architecture and features as EXT's e-Storia coil shock for e-bikes. Though the damping tune(s) and valving will likely be different, it has the same high-speed and low-speed compression and rebound circuits, firm lockout system and adjustable hydraulic bottom-out controls.

The air spring is what makes the Aria stand out from other shocks on the market. Like the Era fork, it uses a twin positive chamber design, so there's one air valve for the main air spring and a second to control the ramp-up. This allows the mid- to end-stroke to be controlled more independently from the beginning part of the travel, and more precisely than with volume spacers.
EXT Aria Details
• Twin positive chamber pressure adjustment
• "High volume" negative chamber
• High- and low-speed compression, hydraulic bottom-out control, lockout and rebound adjustment
• Metric and Trunion sizes, from 50 to 75 mm stroke
• Price TBC
• Available to preorder later in 2022, shipped February to March 2023

It also means the progressivity of the shock can be adjusted quickly with a shock pump on the trailside; there's no need to take the shock off the bike, take it apart and add or remove volume spacers at home.

EXT are still working out the final details so pricing is yet to be announced, but they told me "we can assume it will be in a close range of the EXT e-Storia (so around 994.00 € + VAT)". There will be a chance to preorder the shock before the end of the year, and those first orders are due to be shipped between February and March next year.

EXT ERA V2 190 Fork

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EXT's existing ERA V2 fork can provide anywhere from 130 to 170 millimeters of travel. Their new fork, which they're unofficially calling the "ERA V2 Long Travel version," or "ERA V2 190" for short, is internally adjustable between 180 or 190 mm of travel.

It's more than just a travel boost though, as it features new lower legs, using “Thixomolding Lower Technology”, as well as thicker stanchion walls and increased bushing overlap for added stiffness. A floating axle is claimed to improve alignment and cut friction, and a larger negative chamber volume should make it more coil-like and supple at the start of the travel.
EXT ERA V2 190 Details
• 180 or 190 mm travel (internally adjustable)
• Twin positive air chamber design
• Increased negative chamber volume
• High- and low-speed compression and rebound adjustment
• High overlap crown-steerer junction to increase stiffness and reduce creaking
• Price: 1480.00 € + VAT
• Available aftermarket from January 2023

The claimed weight is very coil-like too, at 2,450 g. That's around 150 g more than a RockShox Zeb and 100 g less than a RockShox Boxxer. It should be available to buy from January, at the same (quite high) price as the regular ERA V2.



Tech Week 2023 is a chance to get up to speed on the latest mountain bike components, apparel, and accessories. Click here to view all of the related content.



Author Info:
seb-stott avatar

Member since Dec 29, 2014
297 articles

105 Comments
  • 102 4
 They almost got it. All they needed to do was add an extra crown and 10mm more travel. No I do not want to do bar spins and tail whips on a DH bike.
  • 35 0
 Totally agree, would love to see an EXT dh fork
  • 11 0
 @jeremyk: They have that proto inverted one floating around. I'd love to try that. My Era V1 is hands down the best fork I've tried. But if the normal Era is so freaking $$$, I can't imagine what their inverted DH fork would cost.
  • 8 0
 EXT DH fork is coming...
  • 22 50
flag ihsik (Oct 27, 2022 at 13:04) (Below Threshold)
 Does anyone ride DH bikes anymore?
  • 3 2
 @ihsik: Theres one or two at every bike shop in Utah/Idaho/Colorado
  • 3 0
 *13 mm
  • 7 0
 I happened to share a lift with someone from EXT-USA at Deer Valley this summer.

We talked suspension a bit, and I mentioned I was surprised that we haven't really seen many "enduro" dual crown forks out on the market.

He said something along the lines of "keep an eye out". I don't know if thats the proto inverted one that we've seen a few photos of now, or if its something else. But, I think between those two things, its pretty clear that something dual crown is coming from them in the future.
  • 12 3
 @ihsik: yes if your not a pleb
  • 4 2
 @freeridejerk888: this made me lol!
  • 4 0
 @ocnlogan: I think some Orange boys were riding dual crowns at a few EWS rounds this year.

www.pinkbike.com/news/bike-check-joe-connells-orange-stage-6-ews-race-bike-with-a-dual-crown-fork.html
  • 7 2
 Except many top of the line enduro frames don't allow you to run a dual crown fork because of their bad frame design choices...
  • 3 3
 @Linc: nah it’s your bad choices
  • 2 1
 @samcameronnz: thats a Formula fork with the decals removed. Hence the purple lowers.
  • 5 4
 @hamncheez: In shops because nobody buys them. Hate to say it but it’s the truth. Shops will have them for over a year and loose money selling them.
  • 2 0
 @DonaldTee: Are-you talking about the reverted one presented at the Roc D'Azur ? This one is for the Sur-Ron
  • 6 0
 @ihsik: are you cereal rn? DH bikes get sold anywhere there's a *DH park to ride*. So go to the Northeastern US (NH, VT, MA) and you will find downhill parks and *gasp* downhill bikes. Go to Moab, UT, and...no, you won't be finding many.
  • 1 0
 @ihsik: Yes, but they look pretty cool in the window and I think theres still an argument for DH bikes driving sales of more practical bikes. In 10 years people will be saying "Yes, shops don't really sell analog bikes, but they look cool and since racers use them they drive sales of regular bike (ebikes)" Frown

Anyways, I was talking about shop employees; every shop in the Rockies has one or two guys working there who still buy and occasionally ride DH bikes (but but them at employee pricing, so ya losing money on the sale haha).
  • 1 0
 @ihsik: Im selling my stumpy evo to get a session. so yes.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, but they couldn't sell nearly as many of those. My guess is that fork is coming sooner rather than later with these same internals, but this was probably the wiser business decision for the time being.
  • 58 5
 Hopefully that shock won't blow up in a week like a Fox X2
  • 58 1
 let's just say the bar isn't really high lol
  • 21 2
 death to frames that eat shocks, and shocks that can't handle frames
  • 10 3
 If it lasts 2 weeks you could consider it basically has a life expectancy increase of 100% over a Fox X2 ! that's massive !
  • 12 3
 Hey dude that’s not a fair accusation. I’ve only had a ‘18’, ‘19, and two ‘22s blow up on me. It’s just bad luck!
  • 5 0
 uh-oh. What do I have to worry about regarding my Float X2???
  • 3 0
 @vtracer: why do you have to do Pivot like that? LOL
  • 1 0
 @souknaysh: but our expectations are
  • 2 3
 I think with the Air Valve Orientation in the picture, it certainly will blow up from those air valves crashing into the valve body....
  • 30 2
 Good thing they didn’t use bleeder valves. Fox might sue them with their little dick energy.
  • 8 1
 Specialized would like a word
  • 8 1
 Imagine if they spent that time and effort to fix their massive reliability issues instead ...
  • 18 1
 nice looking shock, looking to replace my unreliable X2.
  • 3 0
 What's the reliability issue with your x2? I've got one. What should I be looking out for?
  • 52 0
 @rrolly: It is a great shock as long as you don't ride your bike.
  • 9 1
 @rrolly: lots of issues it the latest vintage. Cracked shock bodies seem to be a favourite failure almost like clockwork. Some retailers and distributors are stopping selling them. It’s widespread and extremely common from what I’ve seen. Not sure when the exact year is where issue start but I have a 2022 and suffered from a cracked shock body. Fox was frustrating to deal with through process too. They’ve lost me as a customer.
  • 2 0
 @mangochaos: Pandemic quality control
  • 4 0
 @mangochaos: They also blow up and leak oil pretty consistently from what I've seen
  • 2 0
 @mangochaos: Great.. I just ordered a specialized Enduro with an X2..
  • 1 0
 @rrolly: I put 55 miles on mine before it starting loosing air from somewhere. I’d go out with a fully pumped up shock and it would be flat about halfway through my ride. Fox rebuilt it under warranty, got it back and 25 miles later the shock body cracked. It’s at Fox again but it will be sold when it comes back this time, I’ve already swapped over to a coil.
  • 3 0
 Get a Kitsuma instead. Great adjustability, best shock I've owned. Have not heard about any reliability issues.
  • 2 0
 @WaterBear: Yeah Kitsuma are awesome!
  • 1 0
 @BeerGuzlinFool: Thats the least reliable frame in its category paired with the least reliable shock in its category. What a cursed build.
  • 2 0
 @rrolly: lol between my buddy and I weve blown up 3 x2s in one season
  • 2 0
 @lfcho: don't wanna know what's between you and your buddy being blown up HAHAHA
  • 1 0
 @Muscovir: frame is not unreliable. I know they had problems the first couple of years but got things worked out. Can't speak on the X2. Guess I'll find out.
  • 18 2
 Nice, time to ditch fox.
  • 10 0
 Great to see an air shock option from EXT. I've been eyeing the Storia Lok V3 coil for over a year - I really want to pull the trigger! (Currently on the current X2, which I have really enjoyed).

I suspect we'll see a new Rockshox "X2 competitor" next year to compliment the success of their Zeb. Return of the Vivid Air?
  • 9 0
 Highly recommend the upgrade. Went from X2 to DHX2 and now to the storia and it’s not even close in terms of suspension performance to anything fox has put right now.
  • 5 0
 same here, X2 blew up after 5 rides, swapped out for Storia V3. Did not disappoint at all!!!
  • 5 0
 @souknaysh: dang, 5 rides?! You got lucky. My x2 died on the second ride.
  • 10 0
 I'm pretty sure the 2023 Rockshox Super Deluxe is more than up to the task to replace an X2 and they even threw in HBO in the mix which is not available on the X2.
  • 3 0
 Not to mention a 23' SD "DH" model in the lineup.
  • 2 1
 @rick26: while I have no doubt the Rockshox Super Deluxe is up to the task, I would wager that we see a larger, X2 competitor from Rockshox.
  • 3 0
 @KJP1230: why? How many WCDH and EWS races and championships have been won on the Super Deluxe now? It's not holding anybody back, and it's small size gives it packaging advantages the X2 lacks. They've got the Super Deluxe Air DH - Model number: RS-SDLX-ULDH-C1.
  • 1 0
 @danielomeara: That is great to hear. Do you have the Lok version? Most of my rides are long climbs, followed by long descents. Even as well as my current enduro bike pedals, I still like to use the climb switch feature.
  • 1 0
 @PHeller: Again, I am not saying that Rockshox current lineup is anything but stellar. I just have my suspicions Smile
  • 10 0
 ARIA, that's a hard sell for us Aussies.
  • 2 0
 I think they were deciding between Aria and Logie as a name, with a special gold version.
  • 7 1
 The Storia was a massive upgrade from the X2 and DHX2 I'd run previously. If this is like that then I'd put it at the top of the list.
  • 21 4
 Any shock on the market is an upgrade from an X2.
  • 5 1
 I reckon EXT forks would look even sicker if the lowers had the same finish as the air can of this new shock, or at least some accents with the same finish. Colour scheme is banging.
  • 2 1
 @ShreddDuk

Your wishes might very well be answered. www.instagram.com/p/CkGr_HTrFwN
  • 7 0
 DAMN THAT'S A SEXY AIR SHOCK!
  • 4 1
 I'm sure it's just for the photos, but those air valves are going to be obliterated by the reservoir body if someone runs the shock in that orientation!
  • 5 0
 I'm sure the engineers are ensuring the valves can't possibly hit the chambers at full compression.
  • 5 1
 More like "Thicc-molding Lower Technology", ill see myself out.
  • 3 0
 Someone needs to make a dual crown that allows bar spins. Now that's the future
  • 6 0
 It's entirely possible with T-1000 type technology here. Mimetic polyalloy is what we need!
  • 1 1
 Wasn't that the point of the knock block?
  • 3 0
 I may just have to try EXT soon. Jesus .....their products are just PRETTY!
  • 4 3
 I think part of the 190 single crown thing is the 15 millimeter axle, the only thing stopping me from putting a 40 in my enduro bike is the 20mm axle.
  • 9 0
 If you run Hope hubs you only need to swap end caps.
  • 5 0
 what's wrong with a 20mm axle?
  • 5 2
 @ReformedRoadie: They aren't widely available anymore, and not easily swappable with the wheels from your other bikes. In all reality it was a better standard than 15mm.
  • 5 0
 Plenty of good axle conversion kits. I run a 15x110 on my boxxer and it works amazing.
  • 3 0
 @chwk: cool could you share a link to the conversion ? Thx
  • 1 0
 I have a 40 on my enduro bike using a ForkMods kit to use the 15x110 axle. Currently set at 203mm but a 190mm air spring has the same axle-to-crown length as the 170mm 38 it came with.
  • 2 0
 Coil fork when? Loving my estoria.
  • 1 0
 No need for coil with their airspring
  • 1 0
 Am I mistaken or does that EXT fork pictured have a 1 1/8" straight steerer?
  • 1 0
 Its tapered.... The crown which goes up inside the headset means the taper is a lot less
  • 1 0
 Goes from 1-1/8 to 1-1/4. The crown is 1.5"
  • 1 0
 I'm still looking forward to a double crown, lightweight enduro fork preferably that doesn't break the bank!
  • 2 0
 Except that many top of the line enduro bikes don't allow you to run a dual crown because of their shitty design decisions...
  • 2 1
 ..not Canfields
  • 1 0
 190mm will exist in both 27.5" and 29"?
  • 2 3
 Oh man, no one has touched 190 in a single crown since the great Travis SC went out of production. Wonder if the 15mm axel will be up to the task, would think you'd want 20mm
  • 15 0
 Pretty sure you can get the Zeb in 190mm currently.
  • 5 0
 Zeb 190mm has been there for some time now.
  • 2 0
 @notsosikmik: also the Intend Bandit, but that fork blurs the line between single and dual crown.
  • 1 0
 @notsosikmik @FloImSchnee : Herp you right. That's what I get for posting during a meeting
  • 2 1
 How does this compare to a Mara Pro?
  • 1 0
 EXT sure is expensive, but from what I hear it's worth it.
  • 1 0
 Shock week let’s go.
  • 3 5
 That's a lot of $$$ for a v 1.0
  • 1 0
 real talk...ill hold out till its v2
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