Review: Bike Radar - Shock Review

Bike Radar has reviewd The Fox Float X, X2, DHX, DHX2 and Marzocchi Bomber Air. Here is what they had to say: 

Fox Float X

The Fox Float X rear shock features a Kashima-coated stanchion with external low-speed rebound and compression adjustment.

The adjustability on the external dials is impressive, where even just a few clicks of low-speed compression or rebound damping had a marked effect on the way the shock performed.

On the trail, the Float X Factory is extremely smooth, particularly once it’s sitting at sag. Its plushness stands out as its dominant quality.

Hitting mid- to large-sized bumps including rocks, roots and braking bumps, it was ready to compress and absorb impacts, with no perceptible lag or stickiness as it compressed further into its travel.

For the price and weight, there’s little out there that can top the Float X’s performance.

However, we recommend finding out whether the stock tune is suitable for your bike’s kinematics, otherwise accessing the performance we experienced might require a retune.

4 out of 5

Fox X2

Fox’s Float X2 Factory rear mountain bike shock is the brand’s highest-spec, most adjustable air-sprung damper, designed for tough conditions.

The massive amount of damping and spring rate adjustability of the Float X2 means it is a highly adaptable shock. Volume reducer spacers are easy to install or remove and, thanks to the Allen key external damping adjusters, trail-side adjustments are also a breeze.

Once set up, the Float X2 proved to be one of the most capable shocks we’ve tested, blending the fluttery nature of coil shocks with the mid-stroke and bottom-out ramp-up of an air spring.

Depending on the suspension leverage rates of the bike, and the damper that’s fitted, the Fox Float X2 Factory shock is arguably one of the best upgrades to improve performance. But lighter riders – in both style and weight – might feel it is over-damped, even with the adjustments set to fully open.

4 out of 5 

Fox DHX

The Fox DHX coil-sprung rear shock was released alongside the Float X. Both are aimed at trail and more aggressive riding.

The DHX features external low-speed compression and rebound adjustments compared to the higher-spec DHX2’s low- and high-speed rebound and compression.

It has 11 clicks of low-speed compression damping adjustment and 16 clicks of low-speed rebound tuning. There’s also an independent two-position open/firm lever designed for pedalling.

The aftermarket DHX is delivered with Fox’s stock medium rebound and compression tunes.

After a few weeks of testing, it became apparent both the stock compression and rebound damping tunes were too hard and unsuited to our test bike’s kinematics, as well as our test rider’s preferences.

After a re-tune, Fox’s DHX was nothing short of impressive out on the trails, and its performance extends well beyond the trail riding Fox says it’s designed for.

Arguably, performance is on a par with the more expensive DHX2, especially in terms of smoothness at the start of its travel and mid-stroke support. Bottom-out is just as well controlled, too.

4 out of 5

Fox DHX2

The DHX2 Factory rear shock is Fox’s most adjustable and capable coil-sprung damper, designed to bring race-level performance to the everyday rider.

The high- and low-speed compression adjusters are easy to use, with six- and three-millimetre Allen key fittings. The low-speed rebound uses a 3mm Allen key, too, but the high-speed rebound (HSR) requires a 2mm Allen key to turn.

The shock’s on-trail feel is dominated by its super-smooth and fluttery action, where no small bump seems to go unabsorbed by the damper.

Compared to the air-sprung Float X2, the DHX2 is a step ahead in terms of smoothness and sensitivity, but this comes at the expense of spring adjustability and progression.

If you’re looking for all-out traction with solid mid-stroke support, and your bike’s suspension kinematics suit it, the DHX2 is the damper to beat.

If your priority is for mid-stroke and bottom-out control with quick spring adjustments, consider the Float X2 for similar performance.

4.5 out of 5

Marzocchi Bomber Air

The Marzocchi Bomber is a downhill-rated air shock offering simplicity and great value for money.

The asymmetric positioning of the reservoir and controls is designed to improve compatibility with a wider range of frames and to make it easier to access the adjustments.

Marzocchi keeps things simple in the form of a low-speed compression-damping dial with only a non-indexed half-turn between the firmest and softest settings, plus a rebound knob with 12 clicks.

On the trail, the Bomber Air offers traction by the bucketload. The suppleness in the mid-stroke enables control on the roughest trails without ever feeling bogged down and there’s enough bottom-out resistance for even the biggest features.

Overall, the Marzocchi Bomber Air offers great performance in a simple package.

4 out of 5

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