EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Though the EXT brand has become synonymous with unrivaled performance of coil shocks, our knowledge of air spring technologies actually began with the William F1 active suspensions project a long time ago, developing products for the highest forms of racing.
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Twin air power
Early on in the project it was clear to EXT’s team that they wouldn’t be satisfied with simply adding an air can to their existing coil-shock structure. High performance necessitated a complete ground up re-design. Thus, EXT took the innovative dual-positive air chamber concept made for the Era fork and formatted a new version of it to fit the unique needs of the Aria application.
Forget spacers!
The dynamic nature of EXT’s twin positive air chambers virtually eliminates all negative aspects intrinsic to the volume spacer systems of competitors. Volume spacers reduce the volume of a single chamber, affecting air’s natural progressive compression sooner into the stroke, making the suspension more progressive near the end of its travel. Making set up changes this way affects the entire travel range of movement, meaning if more elastic support is needed earlier in the travel range, it will affect the ramp up towards the end of the range. Therefore, if less ramp up is needed towards the end of the travel range, it will negatively affect the early to mid-body support.
pure coil feeling
Aria feels very sensitive on small bumps, thanks to the very low friction seal, the proprietary surface coating and a very large negative volume, while never being too stiff over big hits. EXT Aria provides the same level of damping control that the coil provides, and it’s truly unique.
The control and adjustability given by the dual positive chamber is much more accurate and precise than volume spacers, allowing the rider to focus on just a specific part of the stroke. The rider will feel more support in the middle part of the stroke, without having the typical excessive force increase of the single chamber air spring.
+ Chamber, characterized by the black color valve, controls the sensitivity of the top and mid stroke, also called dynamic sag position;
The higher is the pressure in the + chamber, the stronger the force through the whole stroke.
++ Chamber, characterized by the nickel color valve, controls the sensitivity of the mid-end stroke and final ramp up characteristic;
Increasing the pressure on the ++ chamber will lead to more mid-end stroke support and higher end-stroke force.
Starting from the base air settings, the rider can increase the ++ pressure to adjust and smooth out the air spring curve of the shock according to specific terrain conditions. The result is a more controlled and supported ride at high speeds.
super low friction
No compromise: EXT has made an extensive use of proprietary coating system, with dedicated surface roughness and aeronautical seals technology. A specific lube reduces friction, while assuring a long lasting smooth action.
In order to achieve even more smoothness, only 2 dynamic seals separate 3 different chambers, drastically reducing friction.
unrivaled technologies
LOK 2.0
The Aria shock features the LOK 2.0 proprietary EXT technology, (aka pro-pedal switch), already well-known throughout the product line up. This known system uses an independent circuit valve that produces the support needed for ideal pedaling efficiency. In open mode, the LOK circuit is excluded, and when closed, the oil must flow through a preloaded shimmed valve increasing compression force. This shim-based design provides enough sensitivity and support to increase overall traction on rough terrain. This LOK system can also be custom tuned, based on rider preferences.
hydraulic bottom out
First developed for WRC project by EXT, HBC system is a position sensitive damper valve composed by a secondary piston assembled below the main one and an inner tube on the bottom of the damper. When you get close to the end of the stroke, the secondary piston engages the inner tube, so the oil must flow through a calibrated orifice that characterizes the end stroke ramp.
EV2S Fluid
Aria features the brand new EV2S damper fluid: we call it the “Super-Thinner”, due to its “water like” consistency and 0.80 g/cc density, while also maintaining a staggeringly high viscosity index, and phenomenal viscosity ratio of 40°/100°T 2.3 VcSt – 5.4 VcSt. Based off technology initially developed for our off-road/rally WRC programs, the EV2S is arguably the most stable damper fluid ever manufactured! From laboratory testings the new EV2S fluid has been shown to reduce damper fade by up to 30% compared to other premium oils under the same temperature and dynamic testing conditions. The new EV2S special formula incorporates a specialized additive to assure low expansion and compressibility. The “Super-Thinner” has excellent anti-foaming properties and an unrivaled low stick-slip effect, to reduce friction and ensure smooth directional changes between internal components!
EV2S Fluid
Aria uses the brand new EXT EV2S damper fluid: we call it the “Super-Thinner”, due to his very high viscosity index, and an unbelievable viscosity ratio of 40°/100°T 2.3 VcSt – 5.4 VcSt. Developed for our off-road/rally WRC programs, the EV2S oil is the most stable damper oil ever manufactured! The new EV2S special formula includes dedicated additive to assure low expansion and low compressibility. The EV2S has very good anti-foaming and unparalled low stick-slip effect, to reduce friction and direction changes.
pump it!
The EXT Aria comes with a 600 psi air pump. You won’t need anything else to find the perfect setting for your best riding!
available sizes
METRIC STANDARD
210 / 50 mm
210 / 52.5 mm
210 / 55 mm
230 / 57.5mm
230 / 60 mm
230 / 62.5 mm
230 / 65 mm
250 / 67.5 mm
250 / 70 mm
250 / 72.5 mm
250 / 75 mm
weight
653 gr (in size 230×65 mm)
METRIC TRUNNION
185 / 50 mm
185 / 52.5 mm
185 / 55 mm
205 / 57.5 mm
205 / 60 mm
205 / 62.5 mm
205 / 65 mm
225 / 67.5 mm
225 / 70 mm
225 / 72.5 mm
225 / 75 mm
Photos and video credits: @alexluise
