Cosmetically the new shock comes beautifully packaged. A Gucci box and some subtle sticker work – all well and good. The key technical features of the VIP’R is the high pressure range – over 300psi. The VIP’R uses a very large volume to help on end stroke ramp up and still be very progressive. Bos say that this works really well even in long eye-to-eye shock (i.e. 222mm) and due to its large volume this helps the progressivity. Essentially what BOS has done is try to match the Stoy spring shock characteristics into an air can.
First impressions? In terms of numbers sold like I said it’s probably here on man made forest trails that riders will most use the new Bos damper although I’m sure there will be keen followers in the 160mm range of enduro bikes in the competitive environment. We found it a very easy item to work with in terms of dials. Trying to quantify its value? Very difficult in the short space of time we had. It’s definitely a different feel, the range is more in the middle rather than at the extremes on many air shocks, particularly rebound, and it’s always miserly in the use of inches. In this respect it offers a balance advantage but you really need to spend time on it to extract the real benefit.
by Dirt magazine: June 13, 2011
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