FOX Float X2 review
FOX Float X2 ready to rip on 2014 Specialized Enduro 29 (click to enlarge).
Lowdown: 2016 FOX Float X2
Mtbr has been riding a FOX Float X2 for the past few months. This shock has received accolades from many riders, and we were anxious to see how an air shock sans climb switch handled our everyday riding. Yes, the X2 has been available for a while now – however, there was a bike missing from the fit list: late model Specialized Enduro. FOX has remedied that situation; as soon as a production unit was available, I stopped by their headquarters in Scotts Valley to pick one up (the test mule is a 2014 Enduro 29).
| Adjustability: low/high compression and rebound | Price: $595 |
| Weight: 8.5×2.5: 493g |
Rating:  5 Chilis-out-of-5 |
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Our trusty trail dog retrieved a nice nugget for us.
Update: Climb lever is now available
One of our key wishes for this shock has been fulfilled. The Float X2 and DHX2 shocks are now available with an optional 2-position X2 lever. New X2 2-position Open/Firm lever retains high- and low speed compression adjustment. X2 2-position lever available as an upgrade kit for any X2 shock.
The X2 lever is an optional feature on these shocks and is available as an uprade.
Review: 2016 FOX Float X2
Wow – the Float X2 looks amazing! Its form factor is great, with the adjusters easily accessible and includes all damping adjustments that I’d hope for. Sturdy construction is immediately apparent when handling the shock.
Technologies Employed in the Float X2
EVOL Air Sleeve: The air can has a higher volume that is more tuneable. This allows a lighter spring rate when high in the travel (requiring less force to move the rear tire – good for small bumps), and via tuning the volume, the rider can modify how quickly the air spring’s rate increases during travel (to reduce bottom-out). FOX includes additional volume reducers with the shock, installation of which is discussed later in this review.
Air spring force versus shaft displacement for different air can volumes (click to enlarge). Photo courtesy of FOX
RVS – Rod Valve System: The RVS introduces an intermediate shim stack to help when transitioning between the high speed and the lower speed paths. The two paths are quite different, with high speed utilizing a shim stack and the low speed using a valve. The goal is to slide between the two paths, rather than flipping a switch and having the damping characteristics change immediately.
HSC, LSC, HSR, LSR: Four damping adjustments are provided, with 24 clicks of range. Damper adjustment on the bike is easy, but hex keys are required. The adjusters are angled, making access much easier than many competing products.
HSR, LSR, HSC, LSC adjustors, 24 clicks of range (click to enlarge).
Both audible and haptic feedback are the best on the market. I never wondered if I’d really heard/felt a notch, it’s a definite CLICK even when muddy.
The compression and rebound adjusters are nested together. The high speed adjustors are the outer 6mm hex heads, modifying preload applied to the shim stacks. The low speed adjustors are the nested 3mm hex heads and modify the orifice size for the low speed valves. Each path (compression and rebound) have one-way check valves to isolate them.
Continue to page 2 to read more of the full review and verdict »
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