I un-installed the RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 off my
YT CF Capra, and installed the
Rockshox Vivid Air. I am putting them against each other. Same drops, trails, and jumps, so the stress is pretty much the same. I want to see which one is better for this bike, the smaller Monarch, with its platform adjustments and "trail-tune", or the bigger all-in DH-tuned Vivid Air. Two different air shocks, which one is better? Lets take a look:
Both shocks where sagged at 30%. Both shocks where tested with different compression setting, the rebound was set at the same rate.
RockShox Monarch Plus RC3
The Vivid Air is a HUGE shock, and a hair below 600 grams shows that's its on the heavy side, compared to other air shocks. The Vivid has the following adjustments:
-External beginning stroke rebound
-Ending stroke rebound
-Low speed compression
(click to enlarge)
The Monarch is smaller, a bit more simple and obviously lighter, and has the following adjustments:
-External rebound
-3-position compression (Open, Pedal, Lock)
(click to enlarge)
The graph I'm showing below is not based on some empiric study, its based on head-to-head feel. So take it for what it is. So this is what I'm trying to show with this graf:
The Monarch has a good beginning support, the mid travel support is good as well, to a point, but the shocks begin to behave differently here. The Vivid goes of in a more linear direction, whereas the Monarch begins to eat up its travel. Bigger hits blast through the travel, and I've even seen medium stuff eat up all the end-travel. So the spectrum of the Monarch is a bit limited.
The Vivid Air tries to mimic the linear compression curve of a coil, and does that to some extend. Its sensitive in its beginning stroke, and provides great support in the midtravel, where in my opinion, it really shines. The end travel is not quite as good as a true coil shock, but it does provide a very nice damping when hitting the bigger stuff.
(click to enlarge)
Climbing
Using the climb switch on the Monarch Plus RC3 is almost like cheating. The bike just propels up. But even in the "trail" setting the bike just climbs amazingly, just stomp the pedals and the bike takes you up.
The Vivid Air is more descend oriented, and has no "climb" switch, it does however feature 8 clicks of low-speed compression to help with that compression ratio. It helps on the climbs for sure, and even tho its not as good as the Monarch for climbing, its definitely competent. There is no hill I cant tackle with the Vivid Air, that I otherwise could with the Monarch.
Monarch Plus RC3 score: 6/6
Vivid Air score: 4/6
Descending
The Vivid Air has a very good mid-travel support and tops out nicely in the end stroke, its obvious that it tries to mimic some of the best features of a coil-spring. The Monarch isn't bad at all, but it stands in the shadows of the Vivid Air.
Monarch Plus RC3 score:4/6
Vivid Air score:6/6
Trail riding:
By "Trail riding" is mean a mix of all conditions, some climbing some descending and some flat riding as well. The two shocks each have their strengths and weaknesses. To be honest I would put the Monarch a hair over the Vivid, as its 3 platform-compression settings gives it an edge regarding versatility. I still score them equal because the Vivid outshines the Monarch in other areas when it comes to a mix of settings.
Monarch Plus RC3 score:5/6
Vivid Air score:5/6
Air and bigger hits
Its no secret that the Vivid Air is built for bigger hits, and stuff that would otherwise stress other shocks. And it handles that job very well. The landings and hits feel plush and controlled on the Vivid, the coil-mimicking damping curve takes care of that. The Monarch on the other hand, feels under damped and harsh in comparison. The rebound is too fast when all travel is used, and that gives a feeling of being kicked back into the midtravel. Not to my liking.
Monarch Plus RC3 score:2/6
Vivid Air score:5/6
Bigger hits are the strengh of the Vivid, but the weakness of the Monarch.
(click to enlarge)
Climbing is the force of the Monarch, allthough the Vivid does a fine job as well.
(click to enlarge)
Quick summary
Both shocks are good. They really are. But just as they pose two different personalities, they cater to different personalities as well.
The Monarch caters more to normal trail-riding and climbing efficiency, its 3-position compression (Open, Pedal, Lock) works outstandingly, its weakness is the end-travel, it rebounds too fast and the compression curve feels off.
The Vivid on the other hand has its strength in a very supportive and well tuned beginning-mid-end travel, no matter what you do, It will do it pretty good. Its not at supportive on the climbs as the Monarch is, so its definitely a trade-off in that regard.
I guess its up to you as a rider to figure out whats important to you, climbing, descending, bigger hits, or a mix of all. Personally I will keep my Vivid Air on my bike, it makes the bike even more versatile, and that actually makes the bike more fun to ride.
