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Fox Racing Shox
Air Vanilla
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Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Strathroy Ont.
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Missing Link, came with bike | | Strengths: | -Easy to pump up
-Simple Design but still works well
-great rebound
| | Weaknesses: | -looses air over extended periods of hard riding...if that makes sence... | | Similar Products Used: | ------- | | Bike Setup: | Frame - Kona Manomano
Fork - Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 3
Breaks - Avid Rival V-Breaks ( putting on shamano disc )
RD - Shamano Deore XT
FD - Shamano Deore XT
Rims - Threw some downhill rimes on it ( came in package deal with the fork ) | | Bottom Line: | Super Shock, works awsome, would trade it in for newer version with a lockout but for now it will do. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andro Galero
a Weekend Warrior
from Butuan City, Philippines
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Malalag Taril | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | 2nd hand from a friend | | Strengths: | -lightweight
-its more than six years old
-easy to maintain
| | Weaknesses: | -no rebound control | | Similar Products Used: | fox float rl | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Cannondale Raven | | Bottom Line: | My fox air vanilla shock came with my 1999 Cannondale Raven 900 which was purchased in December '98 and since then i have only replaced the o-ring once in 2002 because it leaked air. I guess it's only normal that we have to replace o-rings once in a while and when the time came to replace it, I replaced mine and it was working fine again. I use lizard skins rear boot on it to keep the dust and sand off it and lube the o-rings at least every four months, it's very easy to maintain, you can even dismantle it with your bare hands. I weigh 145 lbs and ride 8-12 hours a week on cross country trails around my home.
Bottom line is... this is a very good and reliable old shock only if you know how to maintain it, i've had mine for more than six years already. I've changed most of my bike parts and the only remaining original parts are my frame, sealed cartridge headset bearings and my Fox Air Vanilla shock. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from Perh, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | I have the Vanilla Air Float R that came as original equipment on my '99 Marin Mount Vision.
I weigh around 175lbs and ride on some very gnarly, rocky trails. I ride every weekend for three or four hours and sometimes during the week also.
After 11 months use, I contacted the Fox factory in the U.S.A. and asked if they would service it.
They did and replaced the original dust seal with an upgraded wiper seal. They also replaced the bushings and O rings and relubed.
The shock was then returned, by courier, to my Australian address.
I was not charged for any of this.
Since, I have serviced the shock every six months and have replaced the inexpensive O rings and bushing twice more.
I have also removed and lubed the Schraeder valve to maintain resistance to air loss.
The shock is now performing better than ever, does not lose air and provides consistent and plush suspension regardless of the conditions (extreme heat in our long dry summers and rain and grit in the winter)
Yes, I have had to replace the lower eyelet bushings and spacers once, after about three years but this too was relatively inexpensive.
Next month my Vanilla Air Float R will enter it's sixth year of service on my bike.
Not too bad, eh?
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Lundee
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ant Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | This is a well made shock. I am 250 Lbs and it can take my weight. I own a mongoose and have installed the shock to it I set it on 150 and its wonderful lots of Travel. | | Weaknesses: | At first I was having problems with it leaking so I pumbed it up and put in in water to see where the leak was. Found the leak at the shaft area. I let out all the air and put teflon plus bike lubricant oil down the area that I saw the leak remember you have to let the air out or the oil will not get in. I then turned the shock and let it sit for a while with the shaft up so the oil could leak into it. IT works now I can go about 2 weeks without putting air in it. | | Bottom Line: | I have found one problem with this shock and have solved it but for the price it should never leak. Shock handles well in all kinds of weather. I put about 60 miles a week on my bike. Worring about a shock is not what I want to be doing. Finding the right bushing has been hard but thats not the shocks fualt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from SF, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | easy to use, takes a beating... | | Weaknesses: | easy to break, hard to pedall uphill when the shock is low. | | Bike Setup: | '99 StumpJumper FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | the shock doesn't hold air! It rides good when it has air but you constantly gotta stop an fill it back up. Too bad theres no way to lock it. If anyone else who has a '99 stumpjumper can suggest a good replacement shock for trail riding, email me... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcus Hesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham, NC
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything worth my time. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Came with FSR XC 99' | | Strengths: | Cheap off eBay. Easy to service. | | Weaknesses: | Sucks. Never holds air, super squeaky and loud, horrible rebound. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Vanilla Coil | | Bike Setup: | 99 FSR XC, FSA headset, Synchros Riser, SID Front fork, blah blah. | | Bottom Line: | Use it till it dies (which wont be long). | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | North Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Strengths: | None | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSRxc | | Bottom Line: | Here go another poor review for the piece of junk Fox Air racing shock. My shock blew up yesterday as I was going over some small rocks. I could understand it if I was fat or heavy but I'm a xc rider and only weight like 140lbs soaking wet. Do yourself a favor and stay away from Fox's products. Too bad there is no zero chili option. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamez
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | -rarely (if ever) bottoms out
-cushy ride
-simple design
-easy to add more pressure with a pump
-didn't blow up on me | | Weaknesses: | -will it blow up on me? | | Similar Products Used: | Cane Creek AD-5 and AD-10 | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSRxc | | Bottom Line: | I'm a light rider. I weigh in at about 120-130lbs so I don't put too much weight on the bike. I beat the crap out of my bike and jump with it at any height that I have the nads to take. This has always saved my ass and never blown up. I hope it stays that way! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nik Harvey
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwich,England
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringland hills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | came with bike | | Strengths: | i sat at the computer for half an hour and thought of none. | | Weaknesses: | leaks air,noisy (sounds really gritty),blows all its air in 5 seconds,lack of adjustabilaty,expensive to get repaired (£85.00) just for new seals and that takes 4 weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | none yet but i've just ordered myself a stratos helix pro | | Bike Setup: | trek carbon y, marzocchi rac fork, hope c2 discs, big'un hubs f/r, full xtr groupset,easton carbon seat post ,carbon handle bars and mg60 mag stem flat boy pedals,x-lite trick bits,mavic rims | | Bottom Line: | its a shock worth avoiding unless some one gives it to you for free but dont go out of your way to go and get it.you have to pump it up fairly hard to stop it from bottoming out and when pumped up it feels crap and you loose so much travel.it leaks air like no ones buisness.i've also blown the seals twice while street riding which is a 85 quid repair job.oh and its really noisy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cliff Darby
a Weekend Warrior
from Pineville, louisiana
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | you know it if you know me | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | given to me by uncle who stole it from LBS | | Strengths: | plush when it works or worked i guess, air, rebuiledable | | Weaknesses: | leaked air, rebuilt , and still leaks, eyelet was wrong size and messed up in gneneral | | Similar Products Used: | some POS coil over | | Bike Setup: | mongoose d60r, mavic crossland, rock shox jett c (soon a 2001 judy xc hopefully), stx-xt parts. | | Bottom Line: | decent. it was gift and had been used, so i cant blow too much. plush when it worked, but has always leaked according to uncle. rebuilt it and still leaked, slow leak now. looks like im buyin' a float soon... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Long ones in real mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Bike Scene | | Strengths: | Its light and it works. Came as stock on my 2000 Marin East Peak. | | Weaknesses: | The eyelet bushing! | | Similar Products Used: | Everything | | Bike Setup: | East Peak with XT gear | | Bottom Line: | Unlike a lot of other reviewers the air seal have been perfect. I think the 2000 model onwards have better seals + I service them by cleaning and greasing with PACE fork grease often.
The shock works well BUT the lower eyelet bush keeps wearing out. Several shops have told me this "protects other parts of the suspension" This is nonsense - theyre just poor quality and need improving. TIP you can get better ones from www.betd.co.uk. They are quite hard to remove and fit but I made a simple tool which holds the shock in a vice and presses the bushing out (and in) with a 9mm socket. I would give it more chillis but for the bushing which is a pain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gotstachill
a Cross Country Rider
from Union City, CA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Nisene | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | w/ FSR XC | | Strengths: | Plush when working properly
Free with purchase of FSR | | Weaknesses: | Durability/Longevity, wheezing sound, need to buy $30 shock pump to avoid pre-ride stops at LBS | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | FSR XC, LX Hollowtech Crankset, Mountain Speed X-rated bearing kits, Thomson Elite seatpost | | Bottom Line: |
Shock came stock on FSR XC. The shock is plush when working properly. Began wheezing and leaking air after a few months. Returned to Fox via LBS for rebuild. Came back working ok. Began leaking air again--this time through the valve--shortly thereafter. Ended up replacing the valve core myself (if your valve is leaking air, this is a quick, easy, and CHEAP fix--get valve core replacement kit from auto parts store and try it yourself before trashing the shock). After that it worked well for a long time, but...
Once again it's making that wheezing sound and the warranty period is long gong. Bummer, dude!
I'll give this 2 flamin' chilis overall--the shock oughta be bombproof.
By the way, the x-rated kit for the FSR will get you another .75 inches of very plush travel from this shock, plus stiffen up the rear end. It's a worthwhile upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brut
a Cross Country Rider
from Georgia,USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Bike center (stockbridge) | | Strengths: | Light,reliable,set sag and forget. | | Weaknesses: | Rebound can be to quick at times | | Similar Products Used: | Only rear shock I've used | | Bike Setup: | 2000 super V with super fatty D, Hayes disc hubs, F-519 rims, xt discs, monkey lites, thomson post, xt group. | | Bottom Line: | After riding with this shock for a year I am very happy with it. It would be nice if it had rebound damping, but thats why Fox makes the float R. I usually check the shocks air every couple weeks and other than adjusting air pressure for ride quality I've never had to add air. Thats pretty good considering that I weigh 230lbs and can be pretty rough on my bike. I am looking to upgrade to a shock with rebound and will going with a Fox. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darko Andreevski
a Cross Country Rider
from Skopje, Macedonia
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lot of them | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | www.bikesale.com | | Strengths: | Hmmm.. It was ok first few months... | | Weaknesses: | Air Leaking after few months, now as i can notice oil started leaking, so there is no damping.... | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR XC '99, Rock Shox SID XC, Truvativ Stylo ISIS, XTR V-Brakes, ESP 9.0 Sl... | | Bottom Line: | I got this shock with my frame.. I was very happy that i found FSR XC just as frameset, so i didnt check what kind of shock is there... And after few months i was very satisfied... But after some time the air started to leak... I e-mail FOX and they send me rebuild kit... With new kit air leaking is gone.. But now i have another problem.. As i can see there is oil missing, and there is no damping in one part of shock travel... So over rocks and bumps, my rear end jump and clank, and is very hard to control my rear end.. :(
Now i'm trying to find the way how to refill with oil .
if someone has experience please write me
BTW this is my second review about the same shock, and first time i was satisfied, becouse i think that only air leakage is the problem (that is not problem at all with rebuild kit)
But now with my new problem, i have to say that i'm not satisfied from this shock..
Two stars.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emily
a Racer
from Montague, MA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Amethyst Brook | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Inexpensive. Came with the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Leaks air. Lately, I need to pump up the shock with air after every ride! | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | I'd read bad reviews about this shock on this website -- the bike I bought happened to have the shock on it. I complained about how much I heard it leaked air and they took some money off of the price of the bike and I bought a Vanilla Float. I didn't put the new shock on right away -- decided I would ride the Air Vanilla until it crapped out. Well -- it took roughly a couple months to start leaking air so badly I'm worried to take it on a long ride.
So, I'm putting my new rear shock on tonight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, easy to use, and it's a Fox! | | Weaknesses: | lack of rebound, but hey, it's set pretty good anyway. | | Similar Products Used: | non other than riding my mates Stinky's with Fox coil-overs | | Bike Setup: | Marin Rift Zone, XT, LX, Risers, Hope pro system both ends, 8inch frount, Mavic D321's Tioga 2.1Dh's | | Bottom Line: | for the money this shock is pretty good (came with the bike) never leaks air, and is smooth as silk, even compaired to my mates Fox piggyback RC coil-over, and even if it is an XC shock she sure can handle the punishment, on a boy's trip around the States I thrashed my bike and shock down the DH trails at Keystone, Colarado, Porcupine Rim in Moab and the DH at Whistler, BC, along with loads more bashing and crashing, and I was totaly happy with it the whole time, and it has great bottom out performance, I.E it does'nt! I'm not gonna get one for my next bike, but that's just because it want the bigger hit performance of a coil-over, but while I've got it, I'm a happy chappy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Downhiller
from Durham, NH, USA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | It worked for a month or so. | | Weaknesses: | The shock was very weak over bumps, I felt everyone and boy did they hurt. The adjustment seizes often so I need a pipe wrench to turn it. The spring is also very weak and does not last long. | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Trek Y3 medium frame | | Bottom Line: | I would never recommend this shock to no one. If you buy this you will have to replace it often, I have used it for two years because I was to poor to buy a new one. I just bought a cane creek ad-10 today because of the awesome reviews this site had on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Saturday Night Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | With Bike | | Strengths: | Nice Decal | | Weaknesses: | Everything but the decal | | Similar Products Used: | Stratos, Sid, Cane Creek | | Bike Setup: | GT XCR2000, Z.3, QR20 Chris King Goodies, LX, XT, mostly stock setup | | Bottom Line: | This shock blows... I have never experienced such a weak link in the chain. Thier customer service is non existant, and pricing is way out to lunch. 3 Failures, and two rebuilds later I threw this "Hunk of Crap" in my pile of STX-RC Parts and Costco accesories. Bottom Line, If you are purchasing a new bike with this shock, you would be better off with a chunk of aluminum in its place.
The ideal purchaser for this shock is someone looking to walk there bike 40 miles home. (When it fails, the shock fails in a fully compressed state - Stupid).
I would give this a negative chilli rating but they won't let me.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim K
a Cross Country Rider
from Hudson Valley NY
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Looks good on new bike @ dealer (Coxackie Bike Shop). Seems to work fine at general xc riding | | Weaknesses: | Lack of adjustment
lack of lockout | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale 2000 Raven800 | | Bottom Line: | As I said, it works ok for most xc. Long smooth climbs, I've decided a lockout option would be Really nice, but maybe I'm noticing more now... After 6 months, it wheezes with every little %&@*'n compression. And, more air doesn't seem to change stiffness. I'll be doing a follow up as I will HAVE to fix this. Would be SO GREAT if Fox would warranty me an upgrade. I'll keep you posted. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iz
a Weekend Warrior
from Montréal, Qc
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | no strenght | | Weaknesses: | its a piece of %$%!
| | Similar Products Used: | first rear shock I have
| | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper XC | | Bottom Line: | This is propably the worst rear shock ever made.
leak after a few months (80% of the time I was on street).
Now I cant even make a ride. Need to use the pump after an hour...
Dont buy it, or ask to switch for anything else if its on a new bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Mt. Gretna, PA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Gretna trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | kom cycling(on bike) | | Strengths: | not good for what I do, I had to replace it,throught warraty, I am a low-budget downhiller so I don't have the money for a 5 grand rig, but for xc, it is great. The climbing i do, when pumped up to 300 p.s.i. is nice, resembles a hard tail. I weigh 120-130, so maxed out like that it should be stiff... | | Weaknesses: | Not good in jumping or drops... Like I said, i replace it through waranty, so it is the same thing... I am planning on buying a fox vanilla rc or something similar to it.. | | Bike Setup: | Marin east peak.. 4 in. rear... marzocchi z-3 light taking care of the front, 8 spd. drivetrain.. | | Bottom Line: | nice and plush, good on small stuff, but it doesn't like jumping or any real big hits too much... get a coil over if you want that... also, it is not a really good shock, and I did experience some bob, but not a lot. I would reccommend a fox float rc if you are planning on an air shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JB
a
from Alamogordo NM
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | OEM | | Bike Setup: | 99 FSR XC Stumpjumper | | Bottom Line: | My Vanilla Air came on my FSR. I have no complaints. I have used it hard for over a year and it works a well as it did the first day. It has never leaked. A bit of oily grime accumulates after several rides, I just wipe it clean and keep riding. Other than cleaning there's no maintenance required. It would be nice to have a lock out for the time it eventually fails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, KY
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere less traveled | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Weight, Price, durability | | Weaknesses: | Needs a boot, gets dirty easily | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Float R, Fox Vanilla Air with lockout | | Bike Setup: | Trek YSL 300. | | Bottom Line: | This is an older shock, no lockout, no nothing just the simple shock. It has been a great friend this year. I have it pumped to 230 to support my weight and it hasn't blown out, hasn't slowed up one inch. This is the 98 model I believe, a great shock for your money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
calvin mar
a Weekend Warrior
from oxford ct.
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | came with bike | | Strengths: | light, inexpensive(compared with others) good tech support | | Weaknesses: | not enough travel for me | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 99 Kona Manomano w/z1-cr Mavic 517's SDG big boy | | Bottom Line: | I dont know what is happening to everyone else but I am not light(215) and have honestly been beating the balls out of this thing and IT WILL NOT LEAK OR BLOW UP! I blew the fork seals on my original bomber z3 light within 6 months, broke the rail in half on my SDG bel-air, replaced it with a big boy and bent those rails within a week, ruined my wheels, so I am obviously hard on my rear suspension. I have been waiting patiently and inspecting, but it holds air. Yes, there is a huge air noise when you compress it hard, but that is part of the design. it is a blow-by valve. Whoever said it was a 98 model and the seals dry-rotted could be right, but I picked up mine in fall 99, and have had no leaks. I do wish it had a little more travel and adjustability, but you have to pay more for that. For my first rear shock I think it is excellent for xc, maybe not quite up to freeride beating standards, but I refuse to upgrade until it breaks. This makes my wife very happy!
One of the few remaining original parts on my 1 year old bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | good weight, very good at sucking up bumps and hasn't leaked a drop so far. | | Weaknesses: | not much adjustment and no air pump, other then that it's a good shock | | Bike Setup: | 00 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | I can't work out why so many people have had problems with their shocks, but i guess mabye because i'm so light is the reason i'm not having any problems. As for Jeremy from MA USA who reviewed this shock and asked about that sound like air coming out of his shock, you've got nothing to worry about mine makes that sound when it takes a big hit and i've had mine for 2.5 months and i haven't lost any air at all. but other then that i love this shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
out-of-bounds
a Weekend Warrior
from nova, va
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | None. | | Weaknesses: | It was manufactured. | | Similar Products Used: | Stratos XC PRO | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR XC, Stratos XC PRO! | | Bottom Line: | It sucks. I've rebuilt mine twice in the first year. Just slapped on a Stratos xc pro as a replacement (not enough rides yet to give opinion on it). I'll rebuild the Fox and keep it as a spare in case the Stratos blows out. I'm 6'3" and 195 and after the first three months of use, the Fox started to leak, rebuilt it, lasted 2 months, rebuilt it, lasted 3 months and is now in a box in my truck waiting to be rebuilt and kept as a spare. The air leakage gets exponentially worse over time and you 'know it's going to go' at a bad time... blew it 2.5 hours into a ride at Douthat State Park and limped back to the parking lot ruining what would have been an all day ride. If you have this shock, replace it and keep it as a spare to slap on when your other air shock is in the shop! When it works - it feels fine, but no rebound damping. A maintenance nightmare. Failure is inevitable. Don't buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Brockmeier
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, Co
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: |
Support From Fox | | Weaknesses: | Leaks | | Bike Setup: | 99 FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | For all of you complaining about your 99 FSR XC's here is the lowdown! The Vanilla was actually a 98 model....this means that the shock had been sitting there for a long time before it got put on your bike. Because of this the seals dry up and crack. That is why your shock is leaking. Call up Fox have them send you a seal kit, download the video from their website and stop complaining. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darko Andreevski
a Cross Country Rider
from Skopje, Macedonia
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Popova Sapka - Lesnica, Pelister... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | It works perfect, it's light, no maintence at all .. | | Weaknesses: | No Weakness | | Bike Setup: | SPECIALIZED FSR XC '99, Rock Shox SID '00 XC, Mavic x 517 (Real/XTR) | | Bottom Line: | When i read all this negative reviews here, i was starting to think i should replace the shox from the start... Then i read a test in Mountain Bike Action of Specialized FSR XC '99 equiped with this shock, and they liked how it works...
So i decided to go with it.. And i didn't regret at all.. It's really light, working really good (i have feeling that the rear suspension was working better then my stock front Manitou SX '99 suspension (replaced with ROCK SHOX SID '00 XC)...
And if there is need for some maintence.. It's so easy.. Fox has really good support.. They care for their customers... I send just a mail and i got the air sleeve repair kit (if u see the movie on their site it's really easy to fix u'r shock, just in the case of air leaking) (there is much more to do for lubrication of front suspension then this)
Overall... This is a perfect working shock (get the lizard skin it will help to have perfect suspension performance...) And FOX has really good support, so u don't have to worry even if there are some problems...
Just go for it...
I give it 4 becouse there are some better shocks from FOX (lockout option, and even lighter for example), so i'll save the 5 for them :) ) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Muffin Mountain Meadow | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | it's good | | Weaknesses: | nothing | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 98 LTS 3000 with Manitou SXD, full XTR DT, LX levers and shifters | | Bottom Line: | i'm not trying to insult any other reviewers, but the fact is, that if it's leaking, you're just a panzy who know's nothing about bike repair. Mine leaked, I called up FOX, they sent me a rebuild kit. They have movies on their website. You take the shock off the bike, replace the gaskets and you're good to go. It's really not that hard. and FOX does not have bad support! you call, they answer the phone, just make sure you can push the right buttons on the phone menu...whatever happened to the kid who dis and reassembles his bike on a daily basis? am I the only one who carrys on the tradition? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Harvard Ma
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | ummmmm... it works kinda well when it has air (which is not very often) and the logo looks cool | | Weaknesses: | it leaks | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | havent changed anything yet | | Bottom Line: | I called the people at fox about fifty times before i finally got someone that knew anything about their product and then the guy told me that I had to maintain it better, but it leaked the first night that i had it so it cant be maintence. Maybe the thing just sucks. I can't believe that I didnt even get a pump with the peice, but i am glad that my uncle had one for his fox shock (which is top of the line and doesnt leak) if i had not had that pump i would have had to walk a long way. The other thing is that it weezes but i dont really mind that that much, but if you do then it sucks even more. Bottom line is... dont buy this shock and if you already have it then that is too bad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Bond
a Weekend Warrior
from St Helens, UK
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | It's a trail? I'll ride it | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Works well enough, light. | | Weaknesses: | No pump supplied | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Deluxe | | Bike Setup: | XCR1000, Z1 CR, XT | | Bottom Line: | Personally I don't mind that it leaks air. I top it up every 2-3 weeks in 1 minute flat (no pun intended). Its the least of my maintenance worries. I don't like the fact that the spacers mate with a threaded section of the bolt to the frame, very poor engineering, but suspect this isn't the norm. I have to put all the air in it'll take for XC rides, and wish it would take a little more. If this sounds like a gripe then its not. Its an Okay shock, but I tend to keep my back to it when I'm riding, and it keeps working. Suits me fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottesville, VA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sherando Lake, Walnut Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Well, the logo's kinda cool and is good if you're looking to sport a "low-rider" look on the trail. | | Weaknesses: | Wheezes, leaks, wheezes some more, leaks some more | | Bike Setup: | '98 FSR XC Nanitou SX-E | | Bottom Line: | This shock leaked catostrophically on two occasions. First, just before my descent after finishing a 2200' climb in .9 miles. Secondly, during my night lap at this year's 24 Hours of Snowshoe. Without a shock pump on either occasion, I was a little screwed and not a little bit pissed off. I pump the thing up and it just keeps on leaking. All this and I only weigh a buck fitty! Fox has offered little assistance to my plight stating that a rebuild would cost $150 bucks. I would recommend this shock to no one and suggest that anyone who is already unfortunate enought to own one switch it out and use it for something else . . . say, like, target practice.
I want to replace it with something not made by Fox. Any suggestions would be welcome! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Acworth, GA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Boling Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | It came with the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Same trend as everyone else...It leaks!! | | Bike Setup: | 99 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR-XC
99 Marzocchi Z-3 Lite
| | Bottom Line: | Design flaw with the O ring seal. There is something about O Ring seals and dirt that don't work well together. I weight about 170. The shock worked great for about 3 months, then started losing air. Shock would deflate overnight. I called FOX and without question they sent me two rebuild kits FREE of charge (has to say something about a know design flaw if they are sending and shipping you TWO kits for free without questions). Anyways, upon arrival of new kits (arrived in the mail in a week) I noticed that the O Ring seals were different. The original ring circumference was smooth and round. The new ring had a square shaped circumference........interesting (Why the change unless they know somethings wrong). I suggest if you have this shock, call FOX tell them you have a problem (lie if you don't) and get the rebuild kit for FREE. Since the rebuild (fairly easy...they provide the instruction manual), I haven't had any problems.....(knock on wood). Also, I HIGHLY suggest getting a Lizard Skin Rear Shock Boot. It's probably the best bike product decision I have made...besides getting Time pedals. Happy riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max Gentile
a Cross Country Rider
from Linköping, Sweden
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Östergötland, Sweden | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Definitely light and good preload adjustability. | | Weaknesses: | No rebound adjustments, no lockout device but most of all... It leaks !!!!! | | Bike Setup: | Specialised FSR XC '99 | | Bottom Line: | The shock did a pretty good job the first month or so, but gradually the leaking problem have gotten worse. Now it's so bad that the air chamber can empty itself completely during one normal ride XC-ride, which is completely unacceptable. Hopefully the new 2000 breed is more reliable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin, CA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Pine Mt., backside | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Some of the space age materials used in this product are also used on aircraft..... | | Weaknesses: | not enough room here, in summary:
1)Everything
2)Weak support | | Similar Products Used: | CaneCreek AD10 & 2000 float RC since: still debating the upgrade, any suggestions? | | Bike Setup: | '99 Kona Manomano, SID XC dual air, XT, Rolf Disk w/Hayes hydraulics and a lame shock in the middle. | | Bottom Line: | Just bought a used bike w/this piece of work shock. After a few year racing MotoX, I would think FOX - a good name in the moto sport, would put out a better product and have better support, or at the least recall/offer an upgrade from this wonder. When I purchased the bike I was most worried about the SID..... -1st ride: after 20 minutes on mild singletrack w/mid size bumps, rocks, etc. the shock lost air to the point of complete sag. 2nd ride, more air before the ride - just in case, 28 minutes to failure. I still gave FOX the benee o doubt and gave them a call. That was as wastefull as the leftover aircraft metals that went into this paperweight. I give it one flaming FOX design engineer for overall & one torched quality controll goof for rating - becasue I couldn't give it 0. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spike Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from wfish
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | weight | | Weaknesses: | Leaks from the get go...seems a bit | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 99 fsr xc stump | | Bottom Line: | Nothing worse than feeling like you dropped big coin on a piece of crap. I love the fsr frame nice and light , puts you in a good position but the suspension components bite for the $1500. Not all that impressed by the manitou sxe either. My fox vanilla lost all air 3 times in the first 3 months of riding. Yes I am a fat boy but at least I am not a poser. Looking for a new shocks. I was going to upgrade to a better fox but it sounds like a Cane would be better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Penn
a Downhiller
from Harleysville, PA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Jim Thorpe | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | light, looks good, durable, lastly doesn't leak | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | rcokshox, cane creek, fox coil | | Bike Setup: | rocky mountain pipeline, z-1 Bam(5 in), XTR and race face components | | Bottom Line: | It's a good shock and works well. I am a lighter rider so maybe the shock works better with lighter riders. Compared to coil shocks it is a lot lighter and more adjustable. Adjusting the PSI is easy and can be done with a air pump. Overall, it is a good shock and has been perfect so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from MA , USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Snow | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light, Very Smooth, Great at soaking up bumps, absolutely feels great | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't come with a shock pump, I think its leaking already after three rides, makes a sucking (or wheezing) sound during rebound | | Similar Products Used: | none, demo'd the cane creek AD-5 which is much stiffer | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Specialized Stupjumper FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | I cannot explain how much I love the feel of this shock. I am a little disappointed that it seems to be leaking already. I have ridden this bike three times and I THINK that it is losing a little bit of air. I WEIGH ONLY 135 LBS. It also makes a wheezing noise during rebound. I can live with checking PSI frequently, but if the loss of air and noise mean its not working right, then I'm really upset.
PLEASE, IF ANYONE KNOWS WHAT THESE SYPMTOMS MAY LEAD TO PLEASE CONTACT ME!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ADAM
a Cross Country Rider
from TN
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | TSALI | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | HMMMN?? | | Weaknesses: | LOSES PRESSURE FASTER THAN A FLAT TIRE. YOU MEAN THIS THING HAS DAMPENING? | | Bike Setup: | FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE MY BIKE AND HATE THIS SHOCK. IT LEAKED FROM DAY ONE. ITS NOT THAT BAD WHEN IT WORKS, BUT HOW OFTEN DOES THAT HAPPEN? IT NOW MAKES A SQUISHY SOUND AND I THINK THE DAMPENING IS GONE. I WEIGH 155LBS. AND GENERALLY TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY EQUIPMENT, SO IF THIS THING WAS GOING TO WORK FOR ANYONE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME.THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT IT DIDN'T. I WOULDN'T BUY IT AND IF THE BIKE YOU WANT COMES WITH IT MAKE THEM CHANGE IT. I AM INVESTIGATING A AD5/AD10 SHOCK TO REPLACE IT ANY SUGGESTIONS? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirtpuppy
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Perry Lake (yes, there IS great riding in Kansas...) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Slicky, no-sticky, even if you're nit-picky. | | Weaknesses: | Well, I suppose if an air shock doesn't hold air, that WOULD be a weakness, wouldn't it? | | Similar Products Used: | None. But you don't have to sample all varieties of shellfish if your first oyster makes you puke. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpy FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | Up it pumps, down it slumps.
Okay, enough of the wise-cracks. Here's what you need to know:
With air shocks, either they work or they don't. If it leaks at all, it doesn't work. Steel springs will never sack-out, unless, of course, you look like Junior Samples. Coil-over shocks weigh a ton more than our toothless Hee-Haw humorist, too. So, we buy air shocks because they are light. Yet if they don't hold air, they are as worthwhile as nipples on man-titties.
Given that premise, if you were buying this shock from a population of high-quality units (say, a 95% no-leak population of all units produced -- a very lenient proportion if you ask me), it's like selecting snakes from a bag filled with 95 harmless garter snakes and 5 copperheads. When you grab a snake from the bag, you have a 95% chance of living long enough for the next ride with your buddies. Pretty safe odds, I'd say.
Now, go back and read all the reviews of this product.
True, only people with extreme opinions write reviews, so the sampling of reviews in this arena is hardly a random one. But ask yourself this question: If this shock were high quality, that is, if 95% of all models did not leak, then would this many people be writing bad reviews? My answer: I think not.
The point is, enough of these shocks leak that you are taking a great risk if you purchase it. If you are considering buying this shock, then you are reaching into a bag of 100 snakes with far more than 5 deadly ones in it. More like 30, I'd guess.
Don't buy this shock. Statistical quality control is a precarious perch, especially when the quality you're trying to control involves gaseous material contained within running/sliding joints subjected to dirt, sand, water, mud, cold...you get the picture.
Do your homework, read these reviews, and don't buy this shock. Both of my last two shocks leaked worse than a Texaco men's room condom. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | None | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR | | Bottom Line: | The shock developed a wheezing sound and began leaking air within one month. It has been rebuilt and the seals replaced twice and finally seems to be holding air, although I've only ridden twice since the second rebuild. I must confess that I have my doubts about how long it will hold up.
My hats off to my LBS. They've done everything they can to resolve the situation even though Fox hasn't been willing to acknowledge the problem.
One more hint of a problem and I plan to replace it with a Cane Creek AD-10.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Stevens
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamden, Ct.
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | west rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, easy to clean, makes a good paper weight | | Weaknesses: | colapses after short intervals, re: air in the negative spring chamber. | | Similar Products Used: | Older Alps, Sid | | Bike Setup: | Giant XTC DS1, Z2 bam | | Bottom Line: | No one has mentioned that this shock collapses after the negitive spring chamber fills with all the air from the positive (main spring) chamber. The manual stresses not to do anything to the shock if it is in the collapsed state when there is no pressure. That is because the f!@#ing thing could take you head off. kids dont try this at home. My shock leaks neither air nor oil (yet)and has had a lizard skin from day one. To Fox's credit they are sending me a seal rebuild kit overnite air for free. But the bottom line is it works unpredictably and there have been no upgrade/recall options so far. Just wait until someone gets hurt!!!!! 5 Craps for Fox (thanks William) on the phone. -4 for screwing up my rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Antioch, CA
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Chabot | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | HAS NEVER LEAKED! | | Weaknesses: | Fat boys complaining that this shock leaks. Lose some weight Fat boys!! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | FSR-XC | | Bottom Line: | I have rode over 1,000 miles in the past year, and have never had problems with this shock. It has never, NEVER, leaked. I pay no attention to it, it is bombproof. Maybe it is because I am a slim 135 pounds? I have a feeling that a lot of the people giving this shock bad reviews have weight problems? Perhaps this shock just isn't built to handle 1,000 pounders! Well, it works for me and that is all that really matters! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamz
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Aust.
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | I've got a few.... | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Good action, heaps better than the old air shocks
light | | Weaknesses: | Not quite as supple as a coil
no rebound adjust, and it needs it
does leak air
where's the pump?? | | Similar Products Used: | coil shocks
my headshox has an air spring (and it is total crap) | | Bike Setup: | 2000 CDale super V 800 | | Bottom Line: | This shock does work well, and has far less stiction than any other air shock I've seen. It is not as good as a coil over but is lighter. In some cases a little bit of stiction is good for XC.
This shock really needs more rebound dampning, my next shock will definately have adjustable reound as the cannondale needs it.
While I havent had the problems some of the other reviewers have had, the shock does definately leak air, the more you ride it, the more it leaks. If you dont ride it then it doesnt leak as fast. I like to run the shock hard (260psi) for my 170lbs, and after a 24hr race I did recently I noticed the shock had lost 70lbs (in 24 hours).
Anyway, 5 for the action
minus 1 for the air leaks
minus 1 for the rebound and
minus 1 for the pump (where is it fox you cheap ars es??)
as for value rating, doesnt count with OME | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerald Daniele
a Cross-Country Rider
from Budd Lake, N J
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ches Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light, adjustable | | Weaknesses: |
None Yet | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
1999 Stumpjumper FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | I feel bad for the people who have experienced trouble with this shock, and I hope that I am not one of them in the near future. I wiegh about 150 lbs, and maybe that is why I haven't had trouble. I think that I ride pretty hard, and I go over alot of drop offs and jumps, and the shock feels great. I have had no problem with air leaking. I have little patience with component failures, and if I do have trouble, I will just get a Cane Creek, and take the loss. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Encino
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Caballero | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Nice ride characteristics | | Weaknesses: |
Just began leaking oil, and after reading the reviews on this site, I expect to be in for quite a ride in trying to resolve this issue. | | Similar Products Used: |
none other | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn S9(six).10 | | Bottom Line: | For a shock to be unreliable is inexcusable. How long have Motocrossers had shocks? The idea that these things can't be built to last is beyond me.Sounds like a class action in the making, to me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Pink Starfish, Grouse Mtn | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great suppleness, and easily servicable by hand. Same inner as a regular Vanilla, which is very reliable. | | Weaknesses: |
None so far. I have had two on bikes so far and they have not leaked oil at all. Not for 200lb+ guys (wont take high enough pressure) | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock shock, Manitou, Marzocchi, and many headshoks. | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale lefty which is shore ridden, 6' to 7' wheel drops on every ride. | | Bottom Line: | I am very happy with this shock | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bike Master Mike
a Racer
from Canton, MI
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Island Lake | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Very Little stiction
Light Weight | | Similar Products Used: |
Vanilla, Alps 5R, Noleen | | Bottom Line: | What are you guys smokin? I work at a shop and we never had to do warranty on an Air Vanilla. It has practically no stiction, especially when you compare it to that pile o crap Alps 5 shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Tobias
a Weekend Warrior
from Newbury Park, CA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Guadalasco | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Works. | | Weaknesses: |
High ramp rate.
Damper breakdown.
Only available as an OEM.
Not user serviceable. | | Similar Products Used: |
Stratos XC Pro | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized FSR LTD 98 | | Bottom Line: | Blows-up frequently. $80 to fix. Doesn't work as well as some others.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Bry
a Racer
from Cadillac,Mich
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
nth. Country | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight,works well when functional | | Weaknesses: |
Pukes oil | | Similar Products Used: |
A coil over shock on my old Obed FS. | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized FSR XC Pro Float R | | Bottom Line: | The damn thing puked oil after only 5 rides.Will give Fox good review for quick service.One week turn around and am on repared shock that is working fine.After reading reviews went down and checked air pressure.Rode 31 hilly mies 6 days ago.Air pressure was down 15 lbs.Will moniter this more closely.Also wrapped it up in a lizard skin to keep crap out.Hard to rate.5 for shock when working,5 for Foxs good service,but worried about future problems. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bret Moss
a Cross-Country Rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hulls Gulch | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
No strengths yet, Paper weight maybe? | | Weaknesses: |
Leaks Air/Oil
Air from the start
Oil after the second ride | | Similar Products Used: |
Alps 4/5 | | Bike Setup: |
Trek Y Bike | | Bottom Line: | You have to ride this shock with a lock out switch so when you start to lose air you can stiffen (reduce quality of travel) it up so it can deliver. I was hesitent to take the air pressure to 300psi, now I know to start my ride with full pressure and maybe I'll get the right pressure in the middle of the ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Levy
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Wonderful ride characteristic (when it works) | | Weaknesses: |
Leaks oil. Leaks air. Completely unreliable. Fox do not deal with the problem head on. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rockshox SID
Stratos StrataPro
Stratos XC Pro | | Bike Setup: |
Trek Y22 standard with Fox Air Vanilla RC | | Bottom Line: | An unreliable product with a good ride characteristic when it works.Within the first 2 weeks of purchasing the bike new, I was onto my 3rd Fox AirVanilla RC (Initial two had severe oil leaks, not those used as an excuse by Fox as a minor grease lubricant weeping). 3rd shock lasted 5 months then started leaking both air and oil severely.Then got a Rockshox SID from Trek as it is their '99 standard for carbon Y frames. This was even worse than the Fox with a harsh ride characteristic, grinding noises and air loss from day one.Finally, was given a the '98 Stratashock Pro which had a very good ride but weeped oil slowly and continuously. Am now finally on their '99 XC Pro which also rides nicely and does not seem to have the oil leak problem.Through all this, all replacements have been under guarantee which was fully honoured by my bike shop, the local Trek agent, and Trek USA. I am mightily impressed with that aspect.I had substantial direct communication with Fox by email at an interim stage to try to resolve the issues; whereas they were prepared to swop their product for any of their others of my choosing, I was unimpressed by their inability to acknowledge a real problem with their air shocks (my experience was such an exception they said). Nor could they guarantee to me that any of their improved air-shocks would last say 2 years beyond the warranty period or be more reliable.So :Top marks for the Fox ride characteristic.
Top marks for Fox being prepared to swop a shock.
Nil marks for Fox reliability in design and quality control.
Top marks for my LBS, local Trek agent & Trek USA, honouring their warrantys in a willing and pro-active manner.
Nil marks to Trek USA for selecting the Fox before testing it properly.And the final Stratos shock. I'm holding my breath and hope it holds its own. It has a good reputation.On balance the product does not work sufficiently long to deserve any reasonable score. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slippery
a Cross-Country Rider
from Parsippany, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
does anyone see a trend here? all of that have f'd-up foxs' all owm cheap stump jumpers. get with the program jackass' and return the ride. | | Weaknesses: |
fat chicks and pizza | | Bottom Line: | i'm so hot for her
i'm on fire for her
i'm so hot for her
but she's so cold. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross-Country Rider
from TO/ON
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
THE FACT THAT IT CAN BE REMOVED, AND CHUCKED IN THE TRASH. | | Weaknesses: |
1) Will not hold air.
2) FOX's failure to correct this problem. | | Similar Products Used: |
Many
(none had to be pumped up every
couple of days) | | Bike Setup: |
FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | I can accept (even expect) equipment to reach
production with design flaws from time to time.
However, the way sly FOX has chosen to deal with this problem is not very cunning at all. Apparently, they believe sticking their heads in
the sand will make the problem go away.
Apparently, they can hold their breath longer than their shocks. One flaming ostrich egg,
for a company that should change it's name. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Indy
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
? | | Weaknesses: |
Leaks air. Shop staff thinks all is well. I am 185 lbs. shock at 210 psi allows 1/2 travel. After short ride air leaks. | | Similar Products Used: |
none yet | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Super V 800 | | Bottom Line: | I will return this bike to dealer for refund if they can't replace with a shock that works. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Boardman, OH
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Morraine MTB trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light, works well when it works | | Weaknesses: |
Quality control problems | | Similar Products Used: |
None (yet) | | Bike Setup: |
'99 Stumpjumper FSR XC Comp | | Bottom Line: | After 2 weeks, the Air Vanilla Float that came stock on my FSR XC developed a wheezing noise and rebound damping disappeared - Fox said the damping cartridge had leaked and offered to rebuild it. My LBS let me swap for a Vanilla Float R so I didn't have to wait, and that's worked reliably since (riding 3 times a week for the last 2.5 months). I love the shock, and so far it doesn't leak air, but I'm waiting for the problems to hit, based on what I've seen here. If I have problems, I may just pony up for a Cane Creek AD-10 rather than dealing with Fox. I've heard you can get an AD-10 to fit the FSR XC and it's much more reliable and adjustable. 5 chilis for performance, minus 2 for the first one crapping out after 2 weeks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a Cross-Country Rider
from Brooklyn
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light | | Weaknesses: |
At 195 lbs I have 1 inch of room left when I am on the bike . Down hill it bottoms out . too much sag ,Specialized
owners manual states rider Wt. 210-150-165 PSI . thats bull! . | | Similar Products Used: |
spring | | Bike Setup: |
1999 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC
BIKE OF THE YEAR | | Bottom Line: | what the F#@&^ OVER !
Love the bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dom
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Weight
good ride when holds pressure | | Weaknesses: |
leaks air | | Bike Setup: |
Stumpjumper FSR-XC | | Bottom Line: | disapointed with the quality. Will send Fox my comments, and hopefully will get fixed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Gordon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Worcester
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
single track | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
good when works | | Weaknesses: |
The thing leaks air oil,anything that will come out!
I have the unit with adjustable lockout. | | Bottom Line: | The product must in my opinion have a design defect and is not fit for purpose. When are Fox going to address this. The distributor in the UK is of no help. Don't buy one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Franco Groppi
a Weekend Warrior
from Piacenza, Italy
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
I own an RC model. It is really ight, robust and fine tuneable. | | Weaknesses: |
You must do the maintenance steps at required intervals. | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized S-Works FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | I am really happy with this shock. It works very well, but you have to do a patient tuning to get the best performance. It is very sensitive to controls. Also the maintenance is really important to get your piece working well for a long time. I have placed a rubber protectionj over the inner tube, in order to protect it form dust, water and mud. Also the SAG need a good tuning. I have to check the pressure one o two time every month. A litte pressure loose is absolutely normal but,m remember to do air sleeve service at least on time every month. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
norm
a Cross-Country Rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Petes trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | hey if you guys want to complain to Fox directly their e-mail is: sales@foxracingshox.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Very plush and very rigid for climbing, when there is no leak in air pressure. | | Weaknesses: |
I had the shock less than a month and after two rides, I started losing air pressure in my Rock Shox Air Vanilla Float R. I noticed the loss in air pressure, when my I noticed my the suspension becoming softer and not as rigid when I was climbing. | | Bike Setup: |
I have a Specialized FSR XC Pro with a few after market upgrades such as Azonic 2.5 riser bars, Synchros seat post, and Salsa brake boosters. | | Bottom Line: | When I can maintain by rear shock air pressure with having to check air pressure several times during my ride, I couldn't ask for a better performing bike. Since my bike is brand new, everything is under warranty my local bike shop is sending the shock back to be replaced. I sure hope, this ends my problems with the shock. I sure hope the replacement shock ends my problems with the rear suspension. If not, does anyone know of any way to prevent further loss of rear shock air pressure or a possible upgrade to prevent the problem.Overall rating I have to give it only 2 chillis, because of the leak in air pressure in the rear shock. When the bike is dialed in, I have to rate it 5 chillis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AARON
a Cross-Country Rider
from CINCINNATI
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
light and stiff when needed | | Weaknesses: |
leaks air and my local dealer thinks I'm lying!!!!!! | | Bike Setup: |
FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | Fox should do a recall on this shock because it oviously has a problem with holding
air. All owners of the shock who have similar problems with the shock should contact
fox and report their problem with the shock. Maybe they will do a recall.
Get Up Stand For Your Rights!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
norm
a Cross-Country Rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Petes trail | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
worked great for the first 200 kms | | Weaknesses: |
leaked air after only 200kms | | Bike Setup: |
Stumpjumper FSR xc | | Bottom Line: | what the hell is up with this leaks air this quick thats crap. and no pump plus the price of one is crazy | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross-Country Rider
from La Verne, CA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Single Track | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Excellent feel. Looks good. Light. | | Weaknesses: |
None yet. Hope it holds up. | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
Stock Stump FSR XC Pro. | | Bottom Line: | Love it. Just hope it doesn't start leaking like many others are reporting here. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve A
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cheyenne
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
When it hold air it works fine | | Weaknesses: |
Does not hold air | | Similar Products Used: |
None. | | Bike Setup: |
Y11 | | Bottom Line: | It is a shame so many good mid-priced FS bikes use this shock. FOX better get this thing to work, because this product is doing damage to their reputation. Anybody know of a good after market upgrade, that will prove more reliable? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bernd Kunrath
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pleidelshem
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Single Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Might be light | | Weaknesses: |
After about 5.000 miles i thinkl i need the fourth, because the others leak air. I wish i could exchage it with any other ! | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy IT ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Williamston,Mi
Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Highland | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light | | Weaknesses: |
no damping, leaks air | | Similar Products Used: |
Super Deluxe | | Bike Setup: |
Stumpjumper FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | I sure wish that I didn't get stuck with this shock. I think my XC would be alot better with a quality coil shock. I don't care if it is a third of a pound heavier it sucks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt McMurdo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Trenton, Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
First week worked great. | | Weaknesses: |
After the first week it wouldn't even hold enough air to go on a short ride. | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR-XC Comp. | | Bottom Line: | When it works it is good. But after awhile it loses air. I heard FOX will be doing a recall on all of these shocks because of a defect. After I get it waranteed I'll give it another chance. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yohji
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
mandai trails | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Hey after 3 weeks .. this shock has been leaking air from the valve. I'm asking my Specialized dealer to contact FOX, and I want to change the shock to something with lockout. Hope I get a replacement!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from atlanta, ga
Date Reviewed: April 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
McDowel Mtn | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
it works | | Weaknesses: |
-no dampening
-two ride min before it needs to be repump
-pump should be supplied
-pump should be cheeper | | Similar Products Used: |
STOCK; MARIN/SANTA CRUZ/ DIMONDBACK/GT/K2/CANNONDALE $1500 BIKES WITH REAR SHOCKS | | Bike Setup: |
stump fsr xc | | Bottom Line: | compaired to the other stock rear shocks i tested while bike hunting this one by far felt better (at the time i was doing parking lot riding). It feels great on the trail......But I'm about 210, and have it pumped to the max, so when it hits a big bump, i get the coushin....but then it does the pushin..... Me right of the seat. It would be nice to have a little dampening. I think a rear shock with dampening will be my first upgrade. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yohji
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
mandai trails | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Its clean, plush, looks cool and hey, its a FOX. | | Weaknesses: |
No damping/rebound adjustment. No pump provided. | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant GTM Rear Shock (this junk sucks) the shock came off 2 times! I'm just 110lbs! | | Bike Setup: |
1999 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC | | Bottom Line: | This shock came with my new bike. It works quite well. Plush and clean, doesnt leak oil. But too bad it doesnt have damping/rebound adjustments. I would prefer something more adjustable. | | Overall Rating: |
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