Rockshox Monarch RC3 AutoSag Rear Shock: Customer Review

In this review, one of our customers Paul Grinold gets himself a new Rockshox Monarch RC3 Autosag rear shock for his Specialized Stumpjumper 6fattie. With a Fox Factory Series 36 fork up front, this new shock should do the job just right. Check it out!

Overview

Winter time is upon us so I haven't been able to ride this shock as much as I would like but so far it's a solid performer on my 2017 Stumpjumper Comp. I had just completed several key upgrades including a new fork so I wanted a rear shock that could match the capability of my shiny new fork.

I decided to go with Rockshox Monarch RC3 Autosag 197 x 48 because all of the forums I read indicated it was one best choice out there. The Monarch RC3 checked all the boxes for me as I was looking for something with a 3 position lockout, plush travel, and proven reliability. Also, I believe a higher volume shock will work well for trail bashing and hopefully some all-mountain rides at Gore and Whiteface in the coming summer months.

Performance

I am a heavier rider at 250 pounds (I think they call us Clydes?) so this shock is a good match with my new Fox Factory 36 fork. It is quite smooth in its initial travel. The pedal bob, which is common on full suspension bikes, is virtually non-existent in any of the three modes once I configured my rebound correctly. I believe my rebound is set 2 clicks from all the way closed. Another thing I really admire about this shock is that it rides high in the travel which is nice considering that the new 160mm fork I am running runs high too. This makes for good geometry in my opinion. The pedal strikes that were commonplace on my bike in stock form are not existent as well. I am not a super skilled or highly technical rider so I am not good enough to be dodging strikes all of the time. With the new setup, I can pretty much just leave the shock in pedal mode and forget about it. It just works awesome! Also, I am running 250 psi in the shock to match my weight however, I could probably take a few psi out since I am not using all of the travel.

Current Setup

• 2017 Specialized comp carbon 6 fattie
• SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain 32 tooth boost 
• 2018 Fox Factory 36 FIT4 160 mm travel
• Rockshox Monarch RC3 specialized 197 x 48
• Renthal Carbon Fatbar 780 mm
• Roval Aluminum wheels 29 mm inside diameter

So I'm thinking I have a winner here!