Ride Review: RockShox Flight Attendant Thinks Fast, Rides Faster

Test Begins Now: My Goals for RockShox Flight Attendant

After spending real trail hours with the RockShox Flight Attendant system, I’ve come to one simple conclusion: it changes how you think about suspension, mainly because it removes the need to think about one’s suspension at all.

We already did a deep-dive tech review of Flight Attendant (linked here), so I won’t get too far into the weeds on the tech behind this system. In short, it’s an electronic suspension system that continuously monitors power and weight on the suspension, automatically shifting between open, pedal, and lockout modes, with no rider intervention needed. What matters here is how that translates into actual riding. I spent my time on a BMC Fourstroke LT LTD, but to be clear, this review will focus on the Flight Attendant tech and ride feel, and not the bike it's attached to.

My goal for using Flight Attendant was simple: I wanted a system that let me focus on the ride, and let the suspension do the rest. The bike I was putting it on is less race-y than other bikes in my arsenal, so I wanted the suspension to be optimized for descending without compromising climbing. I'm racing a lot this year, and the less energy I spend toggling lockouts or second-guessing settings, the more I can focus on racing and riding–the course and competition, my fitness and my nutrition. And as someone who’s a little too obsessed with a clean cockpit, ditching remote lockout levers was just a chef’s kiss. It looks good, and more importantly, it rides even better.

First Impressions: The SID & Flight Attendant Combo

Up front was the 120mm SID Flight Attendant fork. I’ve long loved the SID for its combination of small-bump sensitivity and support, but it has been 2 years since I have owned a SID, and with the new RaceDay damper, it feels even more dialed. From the very first ride, it was clear this wasn’t just a tech gimmick. The fork felt buttery smooth through the small chatter, with a supportive midstroke that really helped with braking traction. I could load the front end into corners or brake late into chunky terrain, and still feel composed.

What stood out to me most wasn’t what I felt, it was what I didn’t hear. Coming off a 2023 FOX Factory 34, which was notoriously noisy on descents, the SID was eerily silent. No squelching or slurping. Just smooth, quiet performance. That alone won me over. The rear shock followed suit. Plush, stable, and quiet, with consistent damping on both climbs and descents. I did notice a little oil residue on the stanchion after the first few rides, but that stopped quickly. Probably just breaking in.

I ran the system without volume spacers (also known as tokens) to see how it handled full travel. With 170 psi in the rear and 72 psi up front, (for my rider weight of 147-150 lbs) it used about 95% of the travel on the fork on hard hits, which was perfect for how I ride. The rear shock did go through its travel faster than the fork, and I will be installing a token in the future, just to bring in a bit more bottom-out resistance. 

Upside: Where Flight Attendant Shines

This system really hits its stride when you're not thinking about it. Which is exactly the point.

On climbs, I consistently felt like the traction was plentiful. The suspension opened up exactly when it needed to, especially when the rear wheel started to lose grip or the trail turned technical. What I used to manage manually with a remote switch was now handled automatically, and more precisely than I ever could. It was like the system was reading the trail and adjusting faster than my brain. Which again, enabled me to simply focus on the ride, and not the tech.

On rolling terrain, where most riders are constantly switching modes, coasting into descents, sprinting out of corners, and climbing short rises, the system was flawless. Pedaling felt firm and efficient, but the moment I dropped into a dip or hit a lip, the suspension opened without hesitation. It’s those fast transitions where Flight Attendant really earns its stripes. It doesn’t just respond, it thinks and adapts, matching the suspension to the terrain. 

The more I rode it, the more I forgot it was there, which is the ultimate compliment. During high-intensity interval sets, when I was fully gassed and barely able to think, the suspension was always in the right setting. I could smash a sprint, jump into a descent, and hammer out a climb without once touching a switch or losing momentum. The consistency made the bike feel sharper, snappier, and better under pressure. I have been known in the past (especially at red-line or fatigue) to forget to unlock my suspension and start a descent fully locked, and this tech is very effective at correcting my own user error. 

Downside: Where Flight Attendant Can Get Better

As impressive as it is, Flight Attendant isn’t perfect.

The system adds a little weight, roughly 100-150 grams over traditional remote lockouts. For most riders, that’s negligible. But if your goal is to build a featherweight cross-country (XC) rig under 21 lbs, it’s a factor. As far as speed is concerned, the efficiency matters way more time-wise than weight, even on a climb. 

And while the fork is whisper quiet, as previously noted, the rear shock is another story. Specifically, the shock emits a subtle electronic ‘zzzt’ every time it changes mode. It’s not loud, but if you love a completely silent bike (like I do), it takes some getting used to. At first, it was a little annoying. By the third ride, I noticed it far less. But it’s still there.

Battery management is also a real consideration. Between the fork, rear shock, and rear derailleur, I now have three batteries to keep topped up. And if running a Reverb AXS dropper post, add yet another battery to charge. Battery life is good, and I got plenty of rides per charge, but needing to remember to plug in three batteries adds one more thing to the pre-ride checklist. And, small gripe, the battery placement on the rear shock makes grabbing a water bottle from a tight frame triangle just a bit more awkward, although not every frame has this issue. In addition to the rechargeable batteries, the shifter pod and power meter also require more standard batteries to be replaced every so often on the MTB as well. 

Lastly, the price. This is a premium investment, whether on a stock bike or as an upgrade. The fork and shock alone are a significant investment (roughly $1,600 for the fork, for example), and you’ll also need a compatible power meter to make it all work. For the average rider, that’s a hefty lift. But if you're racing, training seriously, or just want top-tier performance with zero compromise, it’s an upgrade that delivers a tangible performance increase.

Final Verdict: I'm Sold

Flight Attendant is the future of smart suspension. And what’s more, it works now–not 2-3 years from now. After hours of riding and testing, I’m sold on the experience. It's not about flashy tech for the sake of it. It’s about removing distractions, eliminating second guesses, and letting you ride harder, smoother, and more efficiently.

It won’t be for everyone. But if you’re serious about racing or just want your suspension to do exactly what you want it to do without touching a lever, this system is a game-changer.

Learn More

Anxious to learn more about Flight Attendant, either for a new rig or whether it can be fitted to your current bike?

Shoot us a message at info@contenderbicycles.com or give us a call at (801) 364-0344. We’d be happy to sit down and walk you through the upgrade process, as the vast majority of XC bikes made in the last 3 years have the ability to be upgraded to this system.

And stay tuned. A full ride review of the BMC Fourstroke LT is coming soon.