YT Jeffsy Uncaged 6 and RockShox Flight Attendant Review
For 2022 one of my big goals was to spend more time off-road, especially mountain biking. Early in the year, as part of this goal, I decided to pull the trigger on my first full suspension MTB. After a bunch of research and with post-pandemic MTB inventories still in a depleted state, I decided to go with a bike brand that was relatively unknown to me: direct-to-consumer manufacturer YT Industries.
More specifically I went with a YT Jeffsy Uncaged 6, featuring RockShox new Flight Attendant electronic suspension setup. It was an admittedly pricey build, but now having spent nine plus months with the bike, including a trip up to Kingdom Trails, I can officially declare myself to be a fan of SRAM’s robotic suspension.
While electronic MTB suspensions have been around for a few years, including Fox’s Live Valve system, it was Flight Attendant’s integration into the broader SRAM AXS electronic ecosystem, and my experience racing SRAM AXS on the road, that put me at ease with making the leap toward this newish tech.
The core Flight Attendant functionality is straight forward: using a variety of data inputs including sensors in the cranks to judge whether you’re pedaling, the system will automatically adjust the front and rear suspension - locking out in pedaling sections and unlocking for the fun stuff (going downhill).
It’s a deceptively simple premise and admittedly functionality that can be achieved with a traditional manual lockout. But the ‘set it and forget it’ nature of Flight Attendant it a whole different ballgame - one that I have really enjoyed over the past nine months on the bike.
RockShox Flight Attendant REVIEW: THE GOOD
Straightforward setup - I was worried that initial system setup would be complicated, especially since I went with a direct-to-consumer build. But the Jeffsy showed up in a (very large) box in a mostly assembled state. And with the SRAM AXS app, the initial setup was actually quite straightforward.
It works really well - I was a bit skeptical of how well the various components would blend together in what is a first generation of Flight Attendant, but thus far I have yet to experience any failures or issues with the system. It locks out on the flats and opens up on the descents. The Jeffsy is not exactly a climbing bike, but with the suspension automatically adjusting to the terrain it rides more nimbly than it otherwise would.
Set it and forget it - as an extension of that first point, the ‘set it and forget’ element of RockShox Flight Attendant may be the best thing about the system. And the underlying software is well calibrated to ensure that it only locks out when appropriately to do so - thus far I have yet to have an “oh shit, my suspension is locked out” moment while descending (knock on wood, etc).
RockShox Flight Attendant REVIEW: THE BAD
Very expensive (SRAM.com shows $2,799-$2,899) - as we often write in our reviews, you do not need to spend this much to have a great experience on two wheels. But, I also have problems poking holes in the price proposition given how well the system performance (and an alternative traditional suspension isn’t exactly cheap these days).
So many batteries to charge - toss in an electronic dropper post and the system requires four batteries. On the plus side, I have yet to experience any issues with battery life. But I have also accepted the fact that I’ll have to drag multiple SRAM battery charges on longer trips like Kingdom Trails if I want to keep everything top off. Semi related pro tip: remove the batteries from the bike while its on your bike rack.
Added weight - all of the batteries and electronic bits do add weight to the suspension, but weight was far from a focal point in choosing the Jeffsy - it tips the scales at a hefty 30 pounds) so the extra couple hundred grams from Flight Attendant really doesn’t bother me in the slightest.
RockShox Flight Attendant REVIEW: SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Cost aside, Rockshox Flight Attendant is absolutely brilliant. The core functionality - a dual mode lockout - is undoubtedly simple. But Flight Attendant takes a traditional manual lockout and implements that functionality automatically in the background, removing any need to think about your suspension. Combined with the easy to use SRAM AXS App it is a terrific bit of kit that earns our endorsement:
Add2cart: endorsed
YT Jeffry Uncaged 6 and RockShox Flight Attendant Gallery
A New York City based cyclist and sometimes photographer. Part adventure rider, part crit racer, and fully obsessed with an English bulldog named Winifred.
Instagram: @photorhetoric
E-mail: matthew@tobedetermined.cc
