Which Fox Rear Shock Is Right For Your Mountain Bike?

Introduction:

Look around any trailhead and you’ll see a field of gold. FOX’s Factory shocks, many with the standout Kashima coating have been a long-standing favorite across the whole spectrum of mountain biking disciplines, from the Lycra-clad XC warriors to the DH world circuit. With the most recent addition of the Float and Float SL to the lineup alongside the Float X and Float X2, FOX has an air shock for every bike in your garage.

Commonalities:

Before starting, it’s worth covering what these all have in common. All of the shocks have variants available in either the black Performance color or the Factory Kashima coating that fills in the tiny imperfections on the finish for increased suppleness and longevity. All the regular (non-Trunnion) eyelets use the industry-standard 15mm bore and will fit shock hardware from any brand. The stroke can be adjusted on any of these by an authorized FOX service center and volume spacers can be easily added to change the ramp-up characteristics at the end of the travel. Onto what separates these shocks from one another besides a couple letters in the name;

Float SL: Lightweight Excellence for XC and All-Around Riding

The Float SL is the featherweight champion of the Float line, designed to excel on the clock between the tape while maintaining versatility for all-around trail riding. Boasting a three-position lever, the open/pedal/lockout setting sets what you need for the day’s trail or even race. With the shock-mounted lockout it is available in 190x40/42.5/45mm, and Trunnion 165x40/42.5/45mm. The 2-position Remote lockout variant is available in 190x45mm, 210x55mm, and Trunnion 165x45mm.

Float: Trail Riding Mastery

Stepping up in size from the Float SL, the Float shock is optimized for trail riding, be it your local trail center or big backcountry mission. It strikes a balance between XC efficiency and trail capability. The lockout lever is pared down to a 2-position on/off pedal mode. The Float shock delivers a similar feel to its lighter sibling. However with a larger air can and a less race-focused tune, it introduces more progression and a slightly more active feel, resulting in enhanced traction and conformity to the terrain. It is available aftermarket in 190x45mm, 210x50/55mm, and Trunnion 185x50/52.5/55mm. There are no remote lockout variants.

Float X: Unleashing Gravity's Potential

When gravity calls, the Float X answers with gusto. This piggyback shock boasts a reservoir, enabling a secondary compression circuit for increased supple ride quality and improved grip. The wide range of compression and rebound adjustment empowers riders to fine-tune their setup precisely, catering to different bikes and riders. For the bikes and slogging forest service roads that benefit from a lockout, the simple 2-position lever does the trick. The ever-versatile Float X covers all the terrain one can find from pedal to park. It comes in 190x45mm, 210x50/52.5/55mm, 230x60/62.5/65mm, and Trunnion 185x52.5/55mm and 205x60/62.5mm sizes.

Float X2: The Ultimate Downhill Weapon

For uncompromising downhill performance, the Float X2 reigns supreme. Its larger voume, bigger reservoir, and 4-way HSC/LSC/HSR/LSR adjustments ensure maximum traction and the exact setup needed for every rider and bike. A 2-position lockout with a comfortable pedaling platform is there for the bikes that need that. The shock's unparalleled grip and confidence-inspiring characteristics make it a standout performer in the most challenging terrains and there’s good reason you’ll see it on the elite Enduro and Downhill racers. The Float X2 comes in the following sizes; 210x50/52.5/55mm, 230x57.5/60/62.5/65mm, 250x75mm, and Trunnion 185x50/55mm and 205x60/65mm.

Conclusion:

With the Fox Float line of shocks, you can unlock your bike's true potential and enhance your riding experience. Each shock within the Float series is meticulously engineered to cater to specific riding styles, from XC and trail riding to gravity-focused downhill adventures. By choosing the right shock, you can optimize your bike's performance and push your limits on any trail. Whether you're seeking efficiency, versatility, or pure downhill prowess, the Fox Float shocks deliver unmatched quality and performance. Elevate your ride today and experience the difference for yourself!

Fox Float Shocks: Unleash Your Ride's Potential