RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 Autosag Shock: Rider Review

Our "Rider Review" article series features honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

It's pretty obvious that upgrading the "big" components on your mountain bike will have a big impact on your ride. A rear shock upgrade is one of the things that'll make a huge difference in the way your bike rides. Our friend Brian shares his experience with his RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 Autosag rear shock. Check it out!

Overview

I've recently upgraded my rear shock on my 2017 Stumpjumper 29er. It came spec’d with the RockShox Monarch RT. Most of the trails I ride are aggressive XC trails, but I enjoy more fast, technical and steep terrain. I am 22 years old, 170lbs, and fair on the more aggressive style of riding, opting to take the hard-line. There aren't many options for that year of StumpJumper, with the odd size shock (197x48mm.) I picked up the RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 Autosag shock for my bike. Man, what a difference!! So far I have tested it out on the local trails, pretty mellow singletrack with a couple of technical sections and I also took a few trips out to ride THE SHED. The shed is Frederick Watershed, which has it all. Trails that require full commitment. The trails are full of 2-4ft rock drops, steep rocky shoots, and jumps that make you feel like you are on a pure DH trail. The perfect place to test my new rear shock.

Setting wise, I messed with a few times at the local trails and for the most part, got it dialed in. Specialized has Autosag, I never really felt like I got along with it. When I used it I felt it was too soft for my liking, even in the trail mode. So, I just prefer to set my Monarch Plus RC3 pressure and not use that feature. I weigh 170lbs geared up and set the shock to 185psi. Rebound is set at 7 clicks from the slowest setting around my local trails, and I ended up turning it out 3 more clicks while riding at the shed. I like to use the middle compression setting, dance mode I like to call it, for uphill and mild descents. When things get rowdy and steep, flip that party lever up and let it fly!

Old vs. New. Climbing, I never had any issues climbing with the RockShox Monarch RT, but that was one of the biggest differences. When going for a steep technical climb packed with roots and rocks, it never skips a beat. I noticed a huge gain in traction, which I think is due to having much better small bump sensitivity. Also, I was able to flip the lever down to the firmer setting, and just really hammer on the pedals without losing much efficiency, really being able to rocket up the hill. The biggest difference I noticed, and also the reason I upgraded my shock, was in the rough stuff. On a sizable decent, the Monarch RT would become stiff, on a trip to Blue Mountain bike park, at the end of the run it was as if I had a 2x4 as a rear shock. The Monarch Plus rear shock is a huge upgrade on that spectrum. Instead of the rear end bouncing all about, it now holds true in its line, maintains traction, and begs for more punishment. It doesn't pack down in its travel like its wimpy little brother.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I am super stoked over this upgrade on my bike and I can really take it to the next level and never think twice about it, however, I have one complaint that could be expensive...Now that the rear suspension is so smooth and is upgraded, it now completely outperforms my front fork!! which is no surprise, I have the older, thinner 32mm stanchion I believe, revelation RC, I would recommend this shock to anyone who is an aggressive rider who likes to aim for rocks, big drops, and chunky terrain. Take the hard-line.