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Submitted by
Oswald Otte
a Cross Country Rider
from Brakel, BelgiumDate Reviewed: January 29, 2007
Strengths: Easy setup, dependableWeaknesses: Could be lighter, but the new ones are :-)Bottom Line: This thing keeps on going. I've done so many marathons and xc races with it. I kept it from a frame that cracked after 3 years of use, a GT Idrive Team, best bike I ever had :-(
My new frame had the same shock, so I use the old one during muddy races and in winter. This way I can keep the new one in good condition.
Can't really say much about it. It's one of those parts that bug you when they don't work, and that you don't notice if they do work. This one works, so... I recommend it!
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Purchased At: ChainReactionCycles
Similar Products Used: RS Sid
Bike Setup: Has been on 3 bikes :-)
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Angleles, WADate Reviewed: November 29, 2003
Strengths: Did every it was supposed to do. Great compression and rebound adjustments.Weaknesses: BushingsBottom Line: I have to write this. This thing lasted for almost three years without a whimper. It has almost 2500 SINGLE TRACK miles on it. I had it dialed in and have consistantly blown other riders away with technical uphill hook-up and very late braking over rocky crap. Time and technology march on so I will rebuild this trusty shock and keep it as a spare for the Romic double tube w/ Ti spring I have on order. Changing out the bushings is cheap and easy and mus be done twice a year up here in the rain forest. Put a Panaracer greenlight tube section over the shock to protect it and it will last a LONG TIME. I hope the Romic does as well.
Favorite Trail: Gold Creek
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At: Cambria
Similar Products Used: None
Bike Setup: Tracer
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CaDate Reviewed: August 19, 2002
Strengths: Light, easy to rebuild.Weaknesses: Have to rebuild after 6-8 months. Aluminum shock mount bushings get worn out and rattle around when riding.Bottom Line: A good shock until the seals and aluminum shock mount bushings get worn out. The shock mount bushings got worn out after one winters worth of riding. I ended up boring out a little bit of material from the shock eye and pressing in a couple of sealed bearings, I had to make new bushings also. It seems kind of stupid that shocks aren't made this way to begin with. Then the air seals gave out and it wouldn't hold air over medium sized bumps. I got a rebuild kit from Cambria Bicycles, it cost about $12. They also had the lube for it but that was $25. They said any light oil with teflon would work and they gave me some Pedro's lube for about $7. The shocks are very easy to rebuild if it's just the air that's leaking. After a little bit of searching I found an online rebuild manual on the fox wesite, they even have a .pdf downloadable version.
Favorite Trail: annadell
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Purchased At: cambria
Similar Products Used: none
Bike Setup: Intense Tracer
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from N. ILDate Reviewed: July 3, 2002
Strengths: Never left me stranded. When new, the thing rocks. No pogo.Weaknesses: It needed a rebuild in just over a year of riding in the midwest. If we had "mountains" to bike on, it probably would of tanked much sooner.Bottom Line: Was great for a year and four months. I was riding on just air for 8 months (to lazy to send it in). Sent it to fox for a rebuild, THEY LOST IT!!!. Sent me a 2002 RL (good customer service). If it blows up in one year, I'm going to find something else.
Favorite Trail: To many...
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: N/A
Bike Setup: FSR XC Pro
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Goggin
a Cross Country Rider
from TruckeeDate Reviewed: June 18, 2002
Strengths: When working it works great.Bottom Line: This is a follow-up to my previous review. My LBS sent the shock back to FOX and within 2 1/2 weeks I was back riding again. Fox replaced the shock with a new one. I would have to say that their turn around time was pretty good. And I am enjoying the ride, again. And the good news is there was no cost to me.
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Purchased At: Pacos/came with bike
Bike Setup: Specialized stumpjumper fsr pro
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Gus Miron
a Weekend Warrior
from NJDate Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Strengths: Light-adjustable-lockoutWeaknesses: none so farBottom Line: No problems so far. I enjoy the lockout feature for when I ride on te road. The shock is very adjustable but will take some time to properly tune for your ride. I am about 180lbs and pump this shock to about 270#'s and never have a problem uphill or bottom out. I highly recomend!!
Favorite Trail: Skyline/Ringwood
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At: online
Similar Products Used: float
Bike Setup: SuperV700sx XTR-XT-LX-Advid discs-USE alien-Easton-WTB Rocket Laser.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Goggin
a Cross Country Rider
from truckee, caDate Reviewed: May 15, 2002
Strengths: lightWeaknesses: In less than 1 year, the squishy noise presents itself.Bottom Line: Nothing this expensive should break this soon especially when being kept clean and used properly. After reading these reviews I can just imagine what to expect when I try to have Fox service it.
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Purchased At: pacos
Similar Products Used: my hard tail
Bike Setup: 2001 specialized FSR XC PRO
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
K.
from SLCDate Reviewed: April 28, 2002
Strengths: Good ride when it worksWeaknesses: many - see belowBottom Line: OK - I've finally become fed up enough with Fox that it's time to write a review. I've had two FS bikes with Fox rear shocks. they both have had the same problem - the shock only works for 6-12 months before needing service! And you can only get service by sending it back to Fox, putting your bike out of commission for 2-3 weeks. You need to have two shocks, or two bikes, just to keep riding.
This particular shock worked fine for about 10 months, then the damping sort of just went to hell. Had to put in about 50 psi more than I had been just to make it rideable. Sent it back to Fox and after a few months it's starting again - now past the 90 day warranty. It'll have to go back to Fox soon. Maybe someone else likes investing $100 in their rear shock every 6-12 months? I don't. The need for repeated rebuilds wouldn't be so bad if you could do it yourself or have it done locally, but that would slow down the Fox money train I suppose.
This is more or less the same story I had with the Alps 5R on my other FS.
Other complaints? You know that rebound damping? Hey, guess what, it's also compression damping! That's right - you don't get separate adjustments for each - somehow Fox never mentions this in all their advertising.
I just can't understand why all the magazine guys rave about Fox - maybe because they never have to keep the bikes for more than a month? The shock worked great for a while (except for the lack of independent rebound damping), but for long-term ownership, it's a headache.
Finally - does anyone else out there think that it's a really bad idea to have an aluminum-in-brass bushing setup? Just looks like a recipe for short life - I guess it's in line with the rest of the Fox philosophy.
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Bike Setup: Intense Tracer
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Googy Boogey
a Cross Country Rider
from AustinDate Reviewed: April 8, 2002
Strengths: Light... Adjustable... Lockout... Rebound works...Weaknesses: Became ill wihtin 3 months... Leaked air... Squishing soundsBottom Line: The shock works great if it's not leaking air. I would fine tune the pressure to the desired setting and within a few miles see that I was at 50% sag (which feels good but sucks for climbing and apparently is not good for the poor sucker). Then there's the squishing noise it makes when it compresses and rebounds. Apparently, that naughty oil got mixed with the nitrogen and there's some bawstards running around in there. I sent it off to Fox to get reformed.
Aside from those problems, it works great. Being able to jack up the spring rate with just a shock pump is great for versatility. The rebound works nicely and give a good latitude of adjustment. And the lockout is a nice feature although I only used it like twice.
Overall, a good shock if it would only stay healthy. Good versatilty and reasonably plush if setup correctly. We'll see how Fox Float RC, Jr. handles.
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Purchased At: came on bike
Bike Setup: two wheels and a frame and other shiny junk
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
from CA baby!Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002
Strengths: This is a review of the service I received from Fox for my Float RCBottom Line: My Fox Float RC took a dump awhile back. Something strange happened -- the shock inadvertantly locked out near full compression (WTF??). While I was scratching my head and looking at it, it suddenly released itself. The shock appeared to be working fine after the event, however the lockout feature did not work. Although I never use the lockout feature, I was sceptical that something else was wrong with the shock, so I contacted Fox.
I called their 800 # and worked through the phone tree to the service department. Unfortunately (they must have been busy), I had to leave a message rather than speak to a live person. Within 24 hours "Joe" returned my call. Within about 5 minutes he had all the information and I had an RA#.
The shock was about 9 months old and still under warranty. I mailed it through the USPS on a Monday using 2-day priority. The shock was returned and waiting for me at home on Friday. I'd say that is pretty good service!
Now, I'm not exactly sure what they found upon examination, or what they did to the shock, but I have an invoice with a long list of items that reads like this:
Valve
Fastener
Piston Assembly
Rebuild kit
Bearing, External
Damping Adjust Part
Air Valve Parts
I'll be reinstalling the shock on the bike today and taking her for a ride to put her through the paces and make sure everything is OK, but for right now, I'm pretty damn pleased with Fox service.
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Bike Setup: another damn Santa Cruz Superlight
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
ernesto freyre
from miami, floridaDate Reviewed: March 4, 2002
Strengths: Smooth, gives you the feel of stiff or soft control. It is like an airbed. Feels like cadillac or like a sporty car.Weaknesses: Needs to adjust to meet the proper comfort. I use 110PSi works for me.Bottom Line: I have heard number of times from friends who have told me fox shox are awesome because it ranges from Cadillac to a sporty car.
From my experience in riding this bike, I could always adjust hard or soft, For example: When i go off road I use 110 psi, when I go long hard road up hill without dirt, i use 120psi.
I rode my bike once with less than 100PSI, I had trouble controling my bike. Then I add it up to 110 was perfect for me. It is all depends on your weight and feel. I would suggest for starters, not to start below 100PSi, you will be in big trouble. Honest it is a good start, and gives you comfort. I am happy with it. IN 3 months I will comment again and let you know from my experience.
Favorite Trail: oleta park
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Purchased At: bike tech
Similar Products Used: First time, never own it before
Bike Setup: STOCK
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Sammy Al-Doory
a Weekend Warrior
from Akron,OhioDate Reviewed: February 10, 2002
Strengths: Seems to be holding up well, though I have not really thrashed it yet.Weaknesses: Rebound adjustment is a joke. The thing goes dead after a few turns of the knob.I either get bucked off or I end up riding a hard tail.
I feel that the shock is overpriced and not worth it. The lockout is unnecessary and also adds a lot to the price. I am switching to a romic coilover. I want more sensitivity, more adjustability, and a softer ride.
This shock does not deliver.Bottom Line: For me, not worth it. Would not recommend to a friend.
Favorite Trail: pigeon roost WVa
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At: Beyond Bikes
Similar Products Used: rock shock
Bike Setup: Ellsworth Truth xc
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from SingaporeDate Reviewed: November 4, 2001
Strengths: Ultra light weight,superb dampening,lockout feature,good adjustability.Weaknesses: None to dateBottom Line: This is the coolest rear shock i have ever owned and its the BEST!.The lockout system was pretty useful as i could lock out the rear shock when going uphill and the adjustablity of the shock was great 200lbs of air pumped into it was all that i needed to get me started ! The fox rear shock is really a state of the art equiptment and i would reccomend it to people of all ages!I LOVE IT!!
Favorite Trail: Any rough terrain that i can find
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Purchased At: Treknology bikes
Similar Products Used: Rockshox Judy, Cane creek
Bike Setup: Trek super lite 300 (1999)
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Wolff
a Cross Country Rider
from Salida, CODate Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Strengths: It still holds air. The lock out is niceWeaknesses: It keeps braking... Fox customer service is the worstBottom Line: Fox sucks. After only a couple of months my shox broke. It leaked oil, the lock out stopped working and it made the worst squeeking noise. Strangly, it did still hold air.
The worst part was not the product but the customer service. When I sent it back to be repaired, Fox lost my shox!! It took them 5 weeks to get it back to me!! They said it was sitting on someone bench, under a pile of stuff. At the time I was even wrenching in a shop, and they still blew me off. I stopped recommending (and buying) fox products.
After two months of riding since it was repaired it is broken again. This time the noise is back, but it now also makes a clicking noise (I think it is the valve rattleing around inside). Strangly, it still holds air!?
Fox (the company) sucks. I could fix the shox if fox would sell seal kits but they keep that service for themselves, which means it has to go back to them for repair (hopefully not for another 5 weeks).
This is the weird part... most people I know with santa cruzs and float RCs have broken shoxs?!?! What is the deal? I love my bike but do these shoxs not hold up under the superlight's geometery or is this just a weak product? You be ther judge... I just want to ride without my rear shox screwed up.
I like the lock out (when it works). It is nice on roads, steep climbs and makes doing a wheelie easier. I am impressed that the shox still holds air after all the problems I have had.
I have yet to find a good rear shox that is as light as air and performs like a coil. I just hope these new ti rear coil shox turn out to be everything they say ther are.
The 2 value chillis are for the lock out, and its light weight.
The 2 overall chillis are only for the holding air factor so I did not have to walk back to the car.
I understand things will break, but their customer service is a joke. If you buy Fox, it will break, so good luck with their customer service.
Favorite Trail: Monarch Crest Trail
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Similar Products Used: Other fox Shoxs, Rock Shox, Cane Creek
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Superlight, XTR, Z2 Atom Race, avid disc (ft), avid 7 (rear), Fox Float RC
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
John Rudick
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga, NYDate Reviewed: October 23, 2001
Strengths: Lightweight and SimpleWeaknesses: Extremely poor Customer Service. History of not holding air.Bottom Line: I recieved this shock from Specialized after they warranteed a broken frame with incredible speed (new frame on it's way the day we called!). The previous frame had a Fox Float which did it's job fine.
The new shock has never held it's pressure from the day I got it. I have to fill up the chamber every 30 minutes of my ride. So, I called Fox to let them know I got a defective shock and need to get another sent to me. What they did next is a textbook case of a company that is usually in serious financial troubles:
The customer service said that I need to service my BRAND new shock by taking it apart and checking to see if there are any problems with the seals. They wouldn't send me a new shock, nor even accept having me send it back until I serviced it. This was odd since the shock was brand new and thought servicing is something you do to a used shock. I went ahead with it, but with concern since I am not a mechanic and was just glad I am mechanically savy to pull this off.
So, I serviced the shock, put it back together and it still leaked air. I called up Fox and they said they would still not send me a new one, but that I would now have to spend my money to send it back to them to get it fixed. This would take two weeks, which is unacceptable since I would not give up my riding time for their inability to make sure their shock was working properly before it left the factory.
So, I sent them a letter and cc Specialized, the bike it came on. Specialized came back to me concerned and understanding my frustration. Fox came back to me with a letter restating their warranty and that it the shock would not be covered if damaged from abuse, or improper service.
At this point I was furious. How could the shock be abused if it was brand new. Second, if it was improperly serviced it was because they told me to service it.
OK enough venting....BUY CANE CREEK. They rock! I warn you about FOX. They don't look reliable from the friends I know that have had multiple problems with their Fox shocks. Shocks are complicated and may need service once in a while. Fox Racing Shox's commitment to customer sastisfaction is nil to non-existent in my experience.
In final thoughts, I am still battling this one out, mind you on my own valuable time. I will update everyone if for some reason FOX pulls their head out of their ass and figures out what to do.
Favorite Trail: Stables
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Purchased At: Mountain Goat, Massachussets
Similar Products Used: Fox Float
Bike Setup: Specialized FSR Pro
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