RockShox’s Machine Learning Flight Attendant switches to the Charger 3.1 shock and debuts the Vivid spec shock.

RockShox has given Flight Attendant, its state-of-the-art automatic electronic suspension adjustment system, a major upgrade.

It’s now paired with the recently introduced Charger 3.1 shock, moving away from the bladder design of the discontinued Charger 2.1, which remained available on the Flight Attendant Pike, Lyrik and ZEB forks to this day.

Moving to the Charger 3.1 across the fork range – with the exception of the SID, which has its own Flight Attendant Charger Race Day 2 damper – the new forks gain access to retuned low-speed compression damping offered to improve performance.

In addition to re-engineered compression tuning, the Charger 3.1’s latest shock technology boasts user-adjustable compression and rebound, with valve sets available for purchase separately.

The top cover of the new Charger 3.1 Flight Attendant shows what mode it is in and gives you the option to adjust the settings. – RockShox

RockShox has confirmed that the Charger 3.1 Flight Attendant shocks can be retuned with either a light, medium or heavy rebound valve – like the non-Flight Attendant forks – but it only has one compression tuning.

The low-speed compression tuning range is similar to the standard damper, while the high-speed is set a little tighter.

All MY25 Flight Attendant forks also receive the same redesigned bushings as their non-electric counterparts.

By working on their tolerances and manufacturing processes, SRAM claims to reduce friction, which improves comfort and traction.

While the hydraulic internals of the fork have been updated, the exterior remains unchanged.

Likewise, all the new machine learning technologies that were launched when the SID got the electronic treatment, such as Adaptive Ride Dynmaics, Bias Adjust, Effort Zones and Override Mode, remain unchanged.

Stewardess settings — The latest RockShox programming updates are present and correct in this latest iteration of the Stewardess. – RockShox

As well as minimum component requirements, specifically the fork, shocks and cadence sensor. Add an AXS rear derailleur, left-hand shifter and power meter for even more power.

All Charger-3 equipped forks (Pike, Lyrik and ZEB) can be upgraded to a Flight Attendant shock, but the accompanying Flight Attendant rear shock must also be fitted.

Rear shock with RockShox Flight Attendant electronic suspension adjustment — The forks, shocks, and pedal sensor are the minimum required components for flight attendant to function. – RockShox

As for the shock, you have a choice between the new Vivids and the Super Deluxe Ultimate.

However, the latest technology can remain a matter of your imagination, as RockShox only officially supports Flight Attendant on a few bikes:

2021-2022 Canyon Neuron 29
2019-2022 Canyon Spectral
2023+ Canyon Spectral: ON
2019+ Hightower Santa Cruz
2023+ Santa Cruz Megatower
Specialized Enduro 2020+
2022+ Specialzied Levo SL S2-S6
2021+ Specialzied Stumpjumper Evo S2-S6
2023+ Trek Fuel EX
2021-2022 Trek Slash
2023+ Trek Slash Gen 6
Yeti SB140 2020+
2022 YT Capra 29
2021-2022 YT Jeffsy 29

While mounting to other bikes is possible, RockShox says it’s not recommended due to damper clearance issues, damper tuning incompatibilities, and the limited lengths of the Flight Attendant dampers.

RockShox Flight Attendant full wheel electronic suspension setup — Flight Attendant is only officially compatible with certain bikes. – RockShox

To check if your bike is compatible with the Flight Attendant, check out the RockShox website here.

Brand new to the Flight Attendant range is the Gravity Focused Vivid damper in both coil and air suspension versions.

Simply put, this takes the Vivid and bolts the Flight Attendant module to its bundled tank. However, aftermarket upgrades are not possible, so if you just bought a Vivid Ultimate coil or air, you’re out of luck if you want to turn on Flight Attendant.

RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate Flight Attendant — Vivid is a new addition to the flight attendant family. – RockShox

Vivid shock is not available aftermarket either.

This suggests that other brands – which have yet to be announced – intend to fit the Flight Attendant to their gravity enduro and downhill bikes. Once that list is announced, we suspect Vivids will be available aftermarket.

We’ve also seen the Flight Attendant mounted on a Boxxer RockShox fork at World Cup downhill races. Its public release is also possible.

RockShox Stewardess Prices

If you’re lucky enough to have a compatible bike, upgrading to the Flight Attendant will set you back a good chunk of your money.

Shock absorber RockShox Flight Attendant Charger 3.1

Compatible with Pike C1+, Lyrik D1+, ZEB A1+
£/$/€ no price listed

RockShox ZEB Ultimate Flight Attendant

170 mm stroke, 29 inch wheel
£1,609 / $1,599 / €1,799

RockShox Lyrik Ultimate Flight Attendant

160 mm stroke, 29 inch wheel
£1,569 / $1,549 / €1,749

RockShox Pike Ultimate Flight Attendant

140 mm stroke, 29 inch wheel
£1,519 / $1,499 / €1,699

RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant

Eye to eye and stroke lengths not specified
£939 / $949 / €1,049

RockShox Vivid and Vivid Coil Ultimate Flight Attendant

Eye to eye and stroke lengths not specified
£/$/€ not available aftermarket