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Submitted by
Guilllz
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | KTA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Good shock until it started loosing air | | Weaknesses: | After 10 rides it started loosing air (50 pounds in 4 minutes) | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Devinci Remix SL3 08 | | Bottom Line: | It's being fixed right now, it's still under warranty. I'm just surprised to have problems after so little time.
We'll see what happens. After reading the other reviews... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Mahoe
a Downhiller
from Canadian Rockies
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Came on my Rocky Slayer | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Shock stuck 1/2 way down on my third ride | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Float R | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Slayer 6/6" travel with a fox 36 fork | | Bottom Line: | My shock sucked (sucked being the key word) on my 3rd ride! Less than 20 kilometers ridden. I thought it was a factory defect and am currently awaiting my new one in the mail. Now that I've read some reviews I'm pissed off big time! My advise would be "Stay Away From This Shock!" Now that I've purchased it FOX has my bent over the repair bench once again. I'm not going to but ANY more fox products period! I'm sick of their crap.
Mike | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Farwell
a
from griswold, CT. USA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | It seemed to be great for about 5 months. | | Bottom Line: | The shox came with my Kona Dwag...LOVE the bike!!! BUT,... seconds before my first ride at pachaug forest the shock completely bottomed out. stuck down!! went back to the shop where I bought it and no problems they gave me a new one.
A great shop by the way,... Mystic Cycle.
but guess what,.. 5 months later now the bike is in the shop to have the shox fixed for the same problem, stuck down.
After reading the other reviews I guess I am not the only one having a problem.
After the holidays I will upgrade.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Weir
a Cross Country Rider
from Ballarat Vic
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | None, it was pretty bad. | | Weaknesses: | Dam thing doesnt hold air and it blew up on my second ride, it felt saggy and sloppy while i was out on the trail to. I am only a cross country rider and it couldnt even handle that. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Vanilla | | Bike Setup: | Diamondback X-link | | Bottom Line: | I wouldnt really recomend this shock to anyone, at the price i wasnt to worried that it blew up but you would need to spend more money to get a better quality shock. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trent Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The Luge | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Ladera Cyclery | | Strengths: | Looks good, adjustability, plush, reliable | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Jamis xlt1.0,x-7, hayes nine, wtb weirwolf tires, mavic crossmax xl wheel, truvativ crank/bars/seatpost, fox float r rear | | Bottom Line: | it has been awesome so far. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guayo Sheid
a Cross Country Rider
from ABQ, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | weight, durabilty, good small/medium bump absorption | | Weaknesses: | limited adjustability, possibly expensive rebuilds | | Similar Products Used: | earlier Fox air and spring shocks | | Bike Setup: | Elsworth Truth, XTR drive train, Hope Minis 6in. fr/bk, Tubeless DH wheel set, Fox 100RLC front shock, Frog Speedplay, cross country oriented all else | | Bottom Line: | It is worth its weight. It came with my frame. With my pack, I'm ~210 lbs. I have USED this product in primarily dry conditions though some 'caught in the rain' rides.I gave it a 'wipe-off & spray-lube' maybe once a month, if that. After 14 months it wept oil slowly, noticeably. But I rode it. After 19 months it really leaked air. So I pumped and rode it. At 25 months I had to have the seals/oil replaced (cheaply and professionally) for $20.00/labor + $6.99/parts in Crested Butte, CO at the Alpineer. Thanks Mark. It has performed as a high quality air shock can be expected to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Bratton
a Cross Country Rider
from Breckenridge, CO
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Mountain Sports Outlet | | Strengths: | Adjustability (air pressure, rebound, long/short travel) | | Weaknesses: | reliability? | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 2002 FSR, marzocchi bomber front shock, mish mash of xt and lx components, rhyno lite wheels, race face xc crankset | | Bottom Line: | I ride frequently (5 days a week or so, average of 2.5 hours a ride) and pretty hard over a lot of tough, abusive terrain (i'm a cross country downhiller in the rockies. they don't call em the rockies for nothing.) The bottom reducer wore out in half a summer of riding. The damn thing is a pain in the a** to remove for a part that is going to have to be replace twice a year. It's also expensive. I've had no problems with losing air pressure or seizure but I'm getting worried after reading the reviews above. This will be my third summer on the shock coming up. I have a feeling it may be the last. It bobs way too much on climbs, unless pumped up to a pressure that is unacceptable on the plunge (my whole reason for climbing). Bottom line: Buy this shock if it's all you can afford. Buy something higher end if you have the cash. You get what you pay for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thom Iverson
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirkland, WA USA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Bucket | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | came with FSRxc | | Strengths: | Smooth. Some user servicing, although the manual contradicts this by saying ONLY Fox can service. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy aluminum bushings that wear out fast and replacements are hard to come by and need special tools to install. Requires aftermarket Lizard Skin Boot to last at all. | | Similar Products Used: | Hard Tail | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSRxc, Avid Discs, rock ring, XT hubs, factory Manitou fork. Smoke-Dart tires, grip shift. | | Bottom Line: | Less than a year and the bottom "reducer" has quarter inch of play and a bent bolt, and it is apparently NOT available mail order anywhere, including from Fox. I do NOT do air, just tight technical rollover stuff. This shock apparently costs more to maintain a year than my Nissan truck, with shop/factory maintenance required. And why are rear shocks so expensive, but just another oragami part? More tissue paper componentry. You MUST get a Lizard Skin boot on the Fox from day one. At least I learned THAT by researching on mtbr.com! Better alternatives seem to be insanely pricey. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darrell
a Racer
from Round Mountain, NV USA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Thunder Mountain, UT | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | T-Rix Mountain Bikes | | Strengths: | Smooth, reliable, easy to set up. | | Weaknesses: | None whatsoever. | | Similar Products Used: | Coil sprung shocks | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bottom Line: | This shock is great. I've been running one on my Superlight for a year and on my Haro for a couple years with absolutely no problems. My wife has one on her Superlight and my brother is running a Float on one of his bikes. Out of these 4 shocks, with lots of miles on each one, we've never had a single problem nor have we rebuilt any of them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light | | Weaknesses: | Leaks air, needs too much mainteneance, poor ride quality | | Similar Products Used: | Romic Second, Stratos | | Bike Setup: | Ellesworth Truth, Pace Proclass 2 forks | | Bottom Line: | I replaced the Fox Float R on my Ellsworth with a Romic Second. The transformation in ride quality was amazing. Only when you switch to a quality shock do you realise how bad the Fox Float is. My mates have them on their bikes, they leak air, bushings seize etc. I will never use a Float R again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave kraig
a Racer
from pojoaque, nm
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | smooth, nice ride | | Weaknesses: | reliability, user servicability, customer service policy | | Bottom Line: | i have had fox shocks on my two bikes and my wife's bike and each one has had to be sent back to the factory for failures within the 1st year (neither of us do anything gnarly, just regular cc riding). now the replacements are failing and fox doesn't honor the warranty because they are "more than a year old". they want me to pay $100 for a rebuild and they back this up by saying that their manuals state clearly that their shocks should be sent in at least annually for a complete rebuild (at my expense). i was told by their customer service chief that cyclists are lucky there is any warranty at all, that there is none on motorcycle components. i don't feel all that lucky. then, my rebound adjusting knob didn't hit the stop as i unscrewed it and it came out in my hand. i thought i'd just put it back in but the rod it operates is nitrogen charged and it had to be compressed in order to get the knob back in. called fox and they told me i'd have to send it in for a full rebuild even though i had done nothing wrong to cause the problem. sorry, but i consider this totally inadequate customer service. i don't believe a customer should have to pay $60-100/yr for maintenance. i am switching to cane creek becuase the reviews over there indicate the shocks are user servicable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Bergen
a Weekend Warrior
from Omaha, NE.
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | came with bike | | Strengths: | Light weight | | Weaknesses: | Creeks and squeeks like my date on prom night. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots of other shocks | | Bike Setup: | who cares | | Bottom Line: | Shock works fine. However, after 5 to 10 minutes of riding it squeks and creeks bad, and I mean bad. LBS did a bench service on it, but after 3 rides it came back, with more personality than ever. LBS advises me FOX is still the best manufacturer of rear air shocks, so I will probably buy another one. I must be crazy, but I have to try something, this thing is a problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a Weekend Warrior
from Dunedin, NZ
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Naseby | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Performs as an air shock should | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Fox coils | | Bike Setup: | Marin FSR | | Bottom Line: | Reliable, hasn't ever leaked (running at 225), easy to change spring-rate/maintain, lightweight, rebound adjust works. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike White
a Downhiller
from Keynsham,Bristol,Uk
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | local trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle surgeon | | Strengths: | Brilliant ride with this rear shock. Does all it lives up to and more. Great ajustment with 12 clicks which can be changed on the trail. | | Bike Setup: | My dh bike is a custom built club roost dh8. with this shock and super monster t's up front. Hope mini disc f+r, mrp devise race face crank and xtr group set. also i run a custom barracuda trials bike and a custom built identiti bsx beast also my brill onza. | | Bottom Line: | Great rear shock. Would recomend to any dh er. Also i would trust all there other products to be just as good | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from MARYSVILLE
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper BIdwell | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The adjustability . Air allows numerous set ups. The dampening works well. | | Weaknesses: | Requires alot of maintenace. Bottom line air shocks fornt and rear require more maintenance. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shock deluxe on 98 FSR | | Bike Setup: | Santacruz S/L XT drivetrain /w race face cranks , Avid arch rivals , Thomson post , easton stem , mavic 517 and a psylo r | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up review. The shock has worked very well for me. I have sent the shock back to FOX three times in the last 2 years. I had to send the shock in after a year for bushing wear and it cost me 60$. I got it back and about two months later it got stuck in the compressed position. I sent it to FOX and they repaired it for nothing (must have been there fault on the rebuild). I just sent it in again it got stuck in the half compresed position after some 3 ft. plus drops. I guess it was due it started to get bushing play. Fox accidently sent the shock to my old address and told me it was UPS. I called to ask UPS about it and they said FOX sent it to the wrong address. I attempted to get it back but they told me they never received a package which was a lie. I called Fox back and they said it was there fault and I now have a 2002 Fox shock and it works very well.It works good but I feel it works no better than my 2000 shock did. Bottom line Fox has been good to me but at about 60 to 100$ for a rebuild I think my next bike will have a Cane creek which I can rebuild myself. I know the Ellsworth ISIS comes with a Cane creek . HMMMM OH ONE MORE THING IF YOU OWN A FOX AND DO NOT WANT DOWN TIME DURING REBUILD OWN A EXTRA SHOCK OR ANOTHER BIKE. I OWN BOTH. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Atlas
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Came installed on bike | | Strengths: | Easy access to valve.
Can be self-serviced easily. | | Weaknesses: | Dampening knob difficult to access.
Requires constant servicing. | | Similar Products Used: | Stratos XC Pro | | Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 98. XT/XTR throughout. LP Ergo barends. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that the FOX Float-R is a medium-end performance shock and you should expect this when you buy it. I would highly recommend that if you're considering this shock that you purchase the Float-RL with lock-out...you'll be glad that you did.
Performance-wise, the Float-R is extremely pogo and does not hold its dampening or pressure over an extended period of time. When newly serviced (which you can do yourself very easily) and set to your preferences, the shock performs very well. As riding time increases, however, my shock would start losing pressure and the dampening would "undampen." There have been rides on this shock where I had to get off mid-way through the ride because I was riding a pogo-stick.
Fox recommends servicing the shock every 40 hours, which is about every two weeks for me. That's way too often to have to remove the shock from the bike, remove pressure, unpack the shock, clean, regrease, repack, reinstall, repump, and reset preferences. Actually servicing only takes about 15 minutes, but readjusting the preferred settings takes time.
I switched to the Stratos XC Pro. I'll never go back to Fox. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from North Georgia
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Strengths: | Seems Indestructable | | Weaknesses: | Can get bouncy if rebound is not adjusted properly | | Bike Setup: | Specialized 1999 Stumpjumper FSR XC Pro | | Bottom Line: | This has been a very good shock. I'm 215 lbs and regularily abuse it on fast, baby-head rocky downhills without any problems. I did pack the cap with shock lube (slick honey) and have only adjusted the air pressure a few times...never because it leaked. It seems like a good product though I get the impression that Fox has some quality control issues due to other people's flames of this product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from York, Pa
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Works well when it works. | | Weaknesses: | Came with bad seals. Indifferent customer service. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Klein Adept | | Bottom Line: | Started leaking oil and then air, slowly at first then progressively worsening. My dealer told me to bring the bike in and they would ship the shock to Fox. Fox told my LBS that it would take 3 days to ship to, 3 days for repair and 3 days for return shipment. After three business days I called Fox and I was told it would be shipped out the next day. Three days later I called my LBS and they had not received it. When I called Fox they then informed me, and subsequently my LBS, that they did not receive the shock. I was then told that it was probaly shipped out for ground delivery, after being informed it was my fault the shock broke for failing to service it every 30 hours. I have no idea where the shock is now. Fox blames my dealer. Hmmm, do it blame my dealer who has always been honest with me, who promptly return my calls, and has always treated me with the utmost respect, or do I believe a service rep who blamed me for the shock failure, and continued to do so after I informed him that another rep told me that my shock was part of a batch manufactured with bad seals? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Delhi, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dick's Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Came on bike | | Strengths: | -plush paired with my Mantra
-lots of tuning options
-durable | | Weaknesses: | -requires more maitenance than coil over | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | '99 Klein Mantra Comp, LX/XTR | | Bottom Line: | This shock works great so far. I installed a Lizard Skin shock boot to prevent dirt from getting inside and blowing my shock. Its a great match for my Klein, delivers a plush 5+ inches of travel. I've had no durability problems over the past 6 months of use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Warren
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | windy gap "Elijay" Georgia | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | super bikes | | Strengths: | very plush and easy to tune | | Weaknesses: | I am just now begining to get a grimey noise from the shock.but I beleive maintanance will cure this. | | Similar Products Used: | cane creek ad5 ,and AD10 | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Truth,marzzoci X-fly 100,Xtr,hope,chris king | | Bottom Line: | I ride this bike off of 6' walls on to concrete and it has never let me down.If you are riding mostly cross country with the occasional big drop this could be a good shock for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from MARYSVILLE CA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | South Yuba (all 16 miles) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | Ligt weight. Easy to take apart and lube.Air shocks allow alot of adjustability. | | Weaknesses: | Bushings wore out in 10 months.Fox screwed up first rebuild. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock shock deluxe on FSR. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight. Chris king headset,Thomson stem & seatpost,Raceface XT drive train, 517 rims w/ XTR hubs. Avid V brakes Psylo R. | | Bottom Line: | Very light and easy to adjust. The shock works very well.Very easy to pull sleeve back and lube.
I have had my Santa Cruz about 18 months and the shock came with the bike.The bushings wore out at about 10 months. I ride alot about 6 times a week April through Nov and then about twice a week (Ski season).
I bought a Fox Vanilla R to use as a spare before I sent the Float R to Fox for a rebuild. I sent the shock to Fox and they got it back to me in about two weeks. I did not put it back on the bike because I liked the coil shock (Vanilla R).
I finally put it back on the bike and rode it maybe 5 times when it would not fully extend. Tried pumping the pressure up and it would not extend. Sent it back to Fox and they got it back to me in about two weeks free of charge.I did not call them to find out why it was free .They did not they say on the bill why it was free.I am sure they must have screwed up when they rebuilt it the first time.I am very pleased with the service I recieved even with there screw up.
The shock has worked well since then but I do not do much serious riding in the winter I ski 3 to 4 days a week.I will beat it here really soon. I have the coil shock (Vanilla R) back on the bike.I actually prefer the performance of a coil shock over air.
The shock definately performs well and has ease of adjustment.The service from Fox was good in my opinion.If you ride alot and hard it will need new bushings and a rebuild. Full suspension bikes rule but they are more maintenance.Frame air shocks are super light about half of a coil but are alot more maintenance. Coil shocks are much more plush and still superior ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | none as of yet! | | Weaknesses: | The shock came stock on my new FSRxc frame. After building my new bike up from scratch I quickly noticed that the shock wasn't holding air worth a crap. Turns out that is was a bad seal... on a NEW shock. I was pissed. My local shop contacted Fox and they are sending new bushings. Hopefully that will fix it. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Stumpjumper FSRxc, XT, KORE bars, Thompson seatpost, JudyT2 100mm, IRS kevlar tires, mustang rims | | Bottom Line: | I was looking forward to a high end rear suspension and just hope the Float R lives up to my expectations. I will post again once I get this shock problem taken care of and get some miles on the new bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | -The best customer service I have ever experienced (no lie)
-Smooth compression and rebound
-Adjustable Rebound
-Predictable handling
-Seals seem to be more improved than the older models
| | Weaknesses: | Long term reliablility still questionable | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to my previous review. After almost a year of use, my '99 Fox Air Vanilla Float R started having problems. First, the seals were leaking. Next, after a mildly muddy ride, I noticed that my shock started making gasping sounds (caused by nitrogen and air mixing in the internal compression chamber).
After each problem, I contacted Fox and was surprised by the excellent support I've received each time. When my seals were leaking, Fox sent me a new seal kit without any hassle. Their quicktime movies (available from their website) also clearly showed me how to regrease the shock and replace the seals myself.
When my shock started gasping air, I quietly sulked for awhile, then decided to raise hell with Fox. When I talked to Fox, they simply told me to send in the shock with a copy of my bike receipt. Since the shock was less than a year old, they didn't just fix the shock, within a week THEY SENT ME A BRAND NEW 2001 shock with stickers and a 2002 product catalog at NO EXTRA CHARGE!
I am very impressed with Fox's customer service. Although some of the users (in the reviews below) may have had poor experiences with Fox in the past, I have to say that I have not had any such experience. Fox, keep up the good work with the customer service!
So in the end, I am giving them a 4 for value and a 4 overall simply because I feel that despite the great service I received, a shock of this quality should not have failed within the first year due to exposure to mud. If any of you ride in dirt or mud, please pay the 8 bucks and get a lizard skins cover as an extra precaution against the elements.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | -Smooth compression and rebound
-Very tunable rebound adjustment | | Weaknesses: | -Poor durability - weak seals
-Moisture, mud and dirt easily penetrates seals | | Bottom Line: | The shock is great.... in clean conditions. However, light exposure to dirt, moisture or mud will cause the shock to make loud gasping noises (nitrogen and air mixing from contaminants getting through the seals). The negative spring is also hammered and does not return very smoothly after it is compressed. This only after less than 6 months of intial use. The shock hasn't lost air yet, but the gasping is really getting annoying. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leo
a Cross Country Rider
from Gothenburg, Sweden
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bockstensturen | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Came stock with my Marin | | Strengths: | This shock was actually the only thing I was worried about when I bought my Marin Mt Vision 1999. Still, back then it had got good reviews and the competitors were not even close. I've not used the bike wintertime, I have an old hardtail to beat in the snow and salt. So far the shock has worked without problems(no leaking to mention) for 3400km/2100miles(lots of tecnical riding and endurance racing). | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Marin Mount Vision 1999 | | Bottom Line: | It's still rocking, I just wonder how long it will work before something happens... Maybe it overlives the bike! ;-)
/Leo
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Davis
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | Came stock on my Stumpy FSR XC | | Weaknesses: | I blew 2 shocks in my first two weeks. It was mildly damp and I think that as the shock is placed to serve also as a 'fender' and gets lots of mud thrown on it that it caused the leak. SuperGo was great!!!!!And got me going the same day each time. I got a Lizard Skin and it seems to have solved the problem for now. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | I like the shock when it works and it is vey light. But to have two go in 2 weeks with a little mud is not right. Don't even think about going out without a Lizard Skin. Hope this is a long term fix as I love the shock so far when it works....5 for when it works, 0 for durability...so I'll average it at 2.5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chubb | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | The Touring Cyclist | | Strengths: | Adjustability. | | Weaknesses: | Leaks air, FAST. cheapo seals blow on even small jumps. Bad customer service. | | Similar Products Used: | SID XC, Cane Creek AD-12 | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Fuel 98 with Marzocchi Z1 100mm bomber, raceface cranks | | Bottom Line: | This shock worked great... for about 2 weeks. Then it started leaking air. I'd have to fill it up once a ride. Then it sucked. Fill it up 3, 4 times in one ride. So i called Fox, and they sucked, they were rude and demeaning, and tried to rip me off. Screw them, i just ordered a Cane Creek Cloud Nine, and the people that work there are nice as all get out. Plus, all my buddies that ride Ellsworth have AD-12s on their bikes that never have problems. Stick with the companies that work, man. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger
a Cross Country Rider
from Nebraska
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Platte River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Stock on Klein Mantra | | Strengths: | Not sure yet. | | Weaknesses: | Had this bike for less than 1 month. Less than 5 short rides and the "negative air spring is not functioning properly" | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Sid | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Klein Mantra Comp. Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike from a LBS, a holdover that had been on layaway. My first ride I had problems with the front shock and now the rear one is giving me fits. After riding for about 20 minutes I noticed my crank arms would touch the ground on turns and small rocks. The air fill valve was hidden behind the frame and the shock appeared to be compressed. The kid at the LBS checked the pressure and told me that I didn't know what I was talking about. The next ride and I was hitting bottom after 15 minutes. Finally the manager listened to me and sent the shock back in to Fox. 3 days to get there, 3-5 days to fix it and who knows when I will get it back. So I ride my Schwinn with a SID while I wait. We will see how it works when I get it back if the snow isn't flying and it doesn't have to sit all winter. If it is a piece of s___ I will put a SID on it if I can make it fit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
King Kikapu
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | + light
+ rebound adjust
+ indefinitly tunable (air pressure up to 300 psi)
+ looks cool
| | Weaknesses: | - Needs a lizard skin if ya freeride. Mud kills the poor thing.
- Until warmed up, its squeaks and sucks air for a few compressions. | | Similar Products Used: | sid rear, cane creek, fox rc, deluxe | | Bike Setup: | '01 rockerhopper fsr pro | | Bottom Line: | Air shock? Coil shock? Make sure you know what you want to buy ... so far this is great for an air shock. Its light, easy to tune, and cleaning is easy too. But, if you love the squishy feel of a good 'ol fox rc coil or a Rock Shox Deluxe, this will feel harsh. But it is a great Cross Country/trail shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
King Kikapu
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | + light
+ rebound adjust
+ indefinitly tunable (air pressure up to 300 psi)
+ looks cool
| | Weaknesses: | - Needs a lizard skin if ya freeride. Mud kills the poor thing.
- Until warmed up, its squeaks and sucks air for a few compressions. | | Similar Products Used: | sid rear, cane creek, fox rc, deluxe | | Bike Setup: | '01 rockerhopper fsr pro | | Bottom Line: | Air shock? Coil shock? Make sure you know what you want to buy ... so far this is great for an air shock. Its light, easy to tune, and cleaning is easy too. But, if you love the squishy feel of a good 'ol fox rc coil or a Rock Shox Deluxe, this will feel harsh. But it is a great Cross Country/trail shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B O'D
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Been to long to remember | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | with bike | | Strengths: | Adjustibe | | Weaknesses: | Very Very poor service | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper Pro - probably the worst bike ever produced | | Bottom Line: | It has been 6 weeks since the shock was sent to the NO service centre in Edmonton Canada. Then with a phone call they finnally got off there slow asses and looked at it. Now they tell me it will be TWO more weeks to get a part. Yeah right. And for this great service they want to charge me $160-200, wish they were as fast with the repair as they are with figuring out the cost. FOX SUCKS!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Pullman, WA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Easy to setup. | | Weaknesses: | Reliability. The shock blew on the first jump I attempted. Now it sounds like it's sucking air when ever the shock is compressed and allowed to rebound. Haven't gotten it fixed yet as the local shop says that I'll be without my bike for "at least a week". | | Bike Setup: | Came stock on Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bottom Line: | I'm going to wait to see how long the rebuild lasts before I start looking for a replacement. So far I'm not real impressed with the Fox shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra Australia
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ACT & Surrounds | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Hammer & Cycle | | Strengths: | Light weight - smooth and responsive. | | Weaknesses: | Shock came with my GT XCR - It's blown (lost ability to rebound) 3 times in 4 weeks. Hammer and Cycle have been fantastic in after sales service. Fox has been pretty good with trying to fix the problem. I've just got the shock back and hopefully it will do what it's designed to do - not leave me with my butt dragging on the ground (STAY TUNED FOR FOLLOWUP REVIEW IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS)
I'm running 250psi | | Similar Products Used: | Shock Works Coil over - Good fun and reliable - generously supplied by Darryl at TLC Cycles in CANBERRA | | Bike Setup: | GT XCR 2000 I-Drive - XT/LX Z3 QR20 etc | | Bottom Line: | On balance and when it has worked - FANTASTIC. Definately worth taking through its pacers during the warranty period to iron out any glitches (thank you to Dirt Works). ALL in ALL the difference is the shop you purchase the shock or bike from. I can't rave enough about the assistance and followup from Hammer and Cycle and also TLC Cycles in Canberra. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Eriks | | Strengths: | This review is for the plain old Float, not the "R" or "RC", since that category is not available. Doesn't leak. Quality build and machining. Looks pretty. | | Weaknesses: | No rebound dampening. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd: Float R, Float RC | | Bike Setup: | '00 FSR with all sort of upgrades - New rear shock next | | Bottom Line: | Came on bike. Acceptable, but lack of rebound dampening can chuck you out of the saddle at times. Installing a Float R when my Mountainspeed kit arrives. Upside - the kick you get from loading/unloading the rear end w/o dampening boosts your bunny-hopping ability if you know how to use it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ Watts
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, AB Canada
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rainbow Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | River Valley Cycle and Snowboard | | Strengths: | Reliable
Easy adjustment
Rebound adjustment works well | | Weaknesses: | Slowly loses air (10lbs/wk but it's no big deal) | | Bike Setup: | '01 Rocky Element Race, Chris King Headset, Hayes HMX-1 front brake | | Bottom Line: | I tried a few other rear shocks but I found the Fox line had the market cornered. It came with my bike and I'm glad it did! I initially thought the lockout would be nice but unless you are a "f-i-t s-h-i-t" who climbs for forty miles at a time, I just don't think it is necessary. If you are road riding lots, just jack up the air pressure and it will resemble a hardtail. I love this product! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from MASS
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Case Mountain in Manchester, CT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS (came on my bike) | | Strengths: | A+ Fox customer service and Warranty. Great shock for the price. | | Weaknesses: | My first one leaked air | | Similar Products Used: | NA | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock 99 Stumpy FSR XC w/ monkeylite bar and Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | My bike came with a Vanilla Float. It was an okay shock for the 1st year, then died on me. It failed to keep more than 50lbs of air. I had my LBS send it back for me. 1 week later, FOX mailed me a new FOX Float R. No questions asked! How can you ask for better service than that!? 4 flamers across the board. Not a bad shock for the price. I would have given it a 5 if it hadn't died on me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry Giese
a Cross Country Rider
from Irving, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, smooth, never bottoms out. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | GT XCR-2000 | | Bottom Line: | This is the best rear shock that I have ever used. Its light at the same time. This shock soaks up 8 foot drop offs and laughs at me afterwards. It Just makes me want to sh$t when I see people riding those k-mart full suspension bikes that have cheap shocks shocks on them. I would never settle for less then this shock. Buy one of these shocks. I promise that you'll be glad you did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Reliability
Adjustability
Weight | | Weaknesses: | Rebound adjustment knob is difficult to get at, but thats due to the frame. | | Bike Setup: | 2001 specialized enduro expert, shorter stem, thomson elite seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I have not been experiencing the problems that are listed in some of the reviews below. The shock has lots of adjustability, and has not seemed to leak (I play with the pressure lots from 145psi - 185psi)
Might not be the best shock out there, but it is still a very good product.
Not much more can be said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | What I'm riding at the time | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Rebound damping adjustment is quite effective and gives a good range of adjustment. The shock responds well and loads up smoothly. Found it very easy to dial in both compression and rebound settings. | | Weaknesses: | The thing failed on me with less than 100 miles on it. The shock went flat during an easy fire road ride - apparently a seal failure. Seal failures on a brand new shock with little to no time should never occur. I'd rate it one flamming chili if it weren't for the fast FOX customer service. The shock was returned good as new in less than three days. We'll see how it holds up. | | Similar Products Used: | Cane Creek AD-10 on a Fisher Sugar. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Specialized FSR XC Comp - stock. | | Bottom Line: | Great customer service from FOX, but a failure that never should have happened with such a low amount of ride time on the shock. Hopefully it will stand up to the FOX reputation. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Chico CA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | John's Drop to Bloody Pen to South Rim. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Fairly linear feel for somone my weight(160#).
Yet to malfunction. | | Weaknesses: | Not the plush feel I am used to after hopping off of a KTM 250, but that is to be expected.
The product seems to attract Whiners! | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Sock Coupe De-Lux, Stratos, old school Noleen. | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Stumpjumper FSR Pro, XTR/XT, RST Delta HL, Fox Vanilla Float R, Pro Tapers & Shorty Stem. (DS/Freeride) | | Bottom Line: | Being the giant Hack that I am, I am quite surprised at how well this peice of equipment has held up. I have run the thing covered in dry mud numerous times and I still have not had the problems that I have been reading about in these reviews. Not to mention that it is a 1998 unit that came on a demo bike! But who knows, maybe I just jinxed myself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Destin, Florida
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Super Go | | Bottom Line: | The shock came with the XCR 1000 frame I ordered from Super Go. From the start, the shock would lose air and stabilize at about 170psi. I run 230psi to get the proper sag. I disassembled the shock to examine the air seal O ring and all looked good. Cleaned it up, lubed it, back on the bike and it still would not hold air. I called Fox and they advised that the round section O ring used up until the middle of '99 has been changed to a square section ring and that they would send me a couple (my wife also rides an I-drive with same shock--has had no problem) of the improved rings. This cured the problem. No pressure lost during the last week and the shock performs flawlessly. This kind of customer service is rare these days so 5 flaming burritos to FOX.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from DC
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Strengths: | great shock, absorbs the small much better than my sid did, light, great adjustibility, just awesome | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | rock sux sid | | Bike Setup: | gt xcr-1000 xt race face hayes thomson | | Bottom Line: | great shock, you would be hard pressed to find a better performing shock, especially when you gte it for $40 brand new, if you have sid, GET RID OF IT NOW,they are awful compared to a fox | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Leicester
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Skiddaw DH | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | stock on bike | | Strengths: | Plush .. easy to adjust... easy maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | none so far, though some of these reviews are worrying me now! | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | marin Mount Vision 2000... | | Bottom Line: | Don't know if it is the bike or the shock or both, but the ride is fantastic.. not had the bike long but the rear end stays on the ground- great traction.
and how light it is.. approx 200 grams.. incredible!
make sure your bike has one of these..
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter mccann
a Racer
from Houston,TX
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | All around perfrmance. | | Weaknesses: | Could be more affordable | | Similar Products Used: | Fox vanilla coil,Stratos AR-1 | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Aeon, Z2XFly, King, Raceface, Thomson, XT/XTR, sram twisters | | Bottom Line: | I received this shock as a replacement on a '99 that had locked down on me. Good C.S.@ Fox. It seems that the bugs have been worked out for 2k as this product has lived up to the Fox reputation for 700 miles of off road pounding - no air loss- just set and forget. Compaired to the Stratos AR-1, the fox is much more responsive due to better damping qualities. The stratos is set up with stiffer damping that provides less bob, but also less traction (it may be tunable through valving and/or oil weight). This shock keeps your wheel on the ground where it needs to be. Going to have to go with another Fox if this one ever needs replacement. I'm using the Stratos as a backup but doubt I'll need it-might be good for a really smooth, fast XC course under race conditions but the Fox has plenty of adjustabilty so I probaly wouldn't benefit much if at all from the swap. Buy one and enjoy the ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Horsetooth Rock - Wathen trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very adjustable, it took me less than a week to get a setup that I was happy with. Easily adjustable damping. | | Weaknesses: | Blew a seal after 4 months. Fox replaced entire shock within two weeks and it has been perfect ever since. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Klein Mantra Race, Manitou SX up front, lizard skinz boot on shock. | | Bottom Line: | Great shock, loads of quality travel, good damping, and light weight. What more do you need? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris D
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fun Trail, Who's Your Daddy | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Unlimited adjustability, as plush as any coil, rebound dial works, light & strong. | | Weaknesses: | Could seep air over time. Hasn't lost 1 psi in 1 month of riding. No boot?! | | Similar Products Used: | Only trail tested other rear shocks | | Bike Setup: | Heckler, X-Vert, XT V's, Mavic rims, Schwable tires | | Bottom Line: | The first thing that I did when I got this shock was take a 99' Rock Shox Judy boot and zip tie it on both ends of the shock. There is a groove on the edge of the air sleeve that worked perfectly with this setup and tied at the bottom where the stepdowns are. If your front shocks come with boots, why not use them for the rear?! I work in a shop and ride a lot, even when it is sloppy and rainy and after 1 month of those conditions I looked under the boot and it was totally clean!! I would recommend this anyone up to about 220 or if you are launching drops over 8 feet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Downhiller
from Danville, California
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mr. Toad's wild Ride in Lake Taheo | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
the schock is really reliable. It is real plush. It is perfect for light weight people like me. | | Weaknesses: |
I own a GT i-drive and although it climbs up hill well the schock is still a bitch because you can't lock it out. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock shock coils and air shock. | | Bike Setup: |
GT xcr 2000
LX/xt components
Marzocchi z3 Qr20. | | Bottom Line: | This shock is made for light riders. So if you hear someone complaining about how the shock can't be pressurised enough what they should do is get a coil shock. Most people would know this but it is not there fault that they don't research there stuff before they buy them. The shock works real great and I love it. It got best technoligy for this year and it is said to be more relieable than rock shock. If i was to pick a shock for my bike again I would pick the fox air RC. That way I can lock it out and climb hills a lot faster. Before you buy the shoch make sure that you fit the weight catagorie that it was made for. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Carleton
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Downieville Downhill | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight
good action | | Weaknesses: |
unreliable
unreliable
unreliable
bad service
slow service
constant need of service
can't hold even 170psi
bad design
cheap
fox bad at making air shocks
Fox doesn't stand behind their products.
can't buy after market replacements (not that I would) | | Similar Products Used: |
Cane Creek | | Bike Setup: |
M4
manitou titanium triple crown front
stock | | Bottom Line: | This shock may be a good idea but the mechanics don't work yet. Need more reliable valves, seals. I have had my bike 6 months and have only been able to ride it about 2 months becasue this shock has been in the mail or still being looked at Fox has their head up their rearss and should be able to send out a xhock within 2 days. Cheapo's! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Forestell
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mackenbach Germany
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rodalben Germany | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
light as all get out
works great when it works
chics dig it | | Weaknesses: |
unreliable
fox service in erope is poor | | Similar Products Used: |
fox alps 4
fox alps 5
fox vanilla R (spring) | | Bike Setup: |
cannondale super V 1000 disc (european) | | Bottom Line: | great shock when it works. Blew out the first time after only 6 days, it took fox over a month to get it back to me. blew out the second time about 4 months later (I was in Kosovo for one month of that time)this time it only took three weeks to get it back to me, cha-ching close to two months with out my new bike in summer, thank you fox racing. I,m now trying to get my hands on a rock shox super deluxe | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arl. Hts.
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light | | Weaknesses: |
psi limitation | | Similar Products Used: |
getting a new Helix Expert | | Bike Setup: |
Wild Hare in 4.5 mode | | Bottom Line: | Seems like an ok shock. Nice a light but I had to get the new reducers since the old one were almost completely destroyed. That aside I have to pump up the shock to 375 to get the proper sag and I only weigh 185. Fox says don't exceed 300psi. I give FOX zero stars for making a shock that doesn't work on my bike but it might work fine for others and it is light. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gordon
a Cross-Country Rider
from mill valley,ca
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
plush, light, doesn't squeak (any more) | | Weaknesses: |
not user serviceable, recommended maintaince schedule | | Similar Products Used: |
helix expert & pro, noleen nr-2. | | Bike Setup: |
wild hare w/x-vert | | Bottom Line: | i actually have the rc not the r. i had a lot of problems with this shock at first. it blew it on one of my first rides. fox fixed it in a timely manner, one week. the shock has worked great ever since, except that it squeaked constantly. after hearing from other owner that fox had replacement bushings and reducers, i called fox and got new ones. now, the shock makes no noise whatsoever. i run it with 160psi (i weight 160), and it doesn't leak. i also have a helix pro, which is an excellent shock, but now that the float rc is working properly, i like it better than the helix. the float rc seems plusher and more responsive than the helix. the weight savings is also a plus. i was pretty frustrated and angry with the shock at first, but fox's service has been excellent, and it seems that they have worked out the initial problems with the float series. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mabmz
a Weekend Warrior
from Georgetown,Penang,Malaysia
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
2 many 2 mention | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light, compression limiter as good as manufacturer claimed, simple to adjust rebound & air-preload. | | Weaknesses: |
Pivots should be lubricated before each ride,specially if in rain/muddy condition or else will creak slightly. | | Similar Products Used: |
Noleen/Rock Shok Super Deluxe/SID. | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized S-works FSR XC. XTR Gruppo, Control Tech Team Issue Stem/Easton Monkey-Lite bar, Thompson Seat-post, 434 SPD, Cross-max, Manitou Sx-Ti 80mm. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best rear shock I've used. It has been bomb-proof from day one. I have yet to suffer any of the problems mentioned by other reviewers, air leakage etc. When using the Fox air-pump it is advisable to put in a little more air so as to compensate for slight air loss when removing/unscrewing the hose/valve from the shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich C
a Weekend Warrior
from Edwards, CO
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Two Elks Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Works like a coil shock and it weighs less. | | Weaknesses: |
It would be nice to be able to put a little more air into it, maybe 350 pounds. | | Similar Products Used: |
Fox Coil with rebound adjustment. | | Bike Setup: |
Psycle Werks Wild Hare, XT, Zoke Z-2 from '97, Mavic 517, Ti spokes, CK Hubs. | | Bottom Line: | Originally I had the coil shock. My Hare was very heavy, now it isa little heavy. In an effort to lighten up the bike I replaced thecoil shock with the FLOAT R. I wanted a lighter shock that behaves like the coil shock.Perfect, I got just what I wanted. The shock goes through the first half of its travel pretty fast then ramps up quickly after that. I have been to the big hits of Moab, the local trails here in the mountains, and done the Leadville 100. Never a problem. I run it pretty high, about 280 - 300 pounds and have never bottomed out. No leaking, no stiction that I could notice, no problems. This does everything I want it to. Being able to pump up the air pressure to what I want gives more flexibility than the coil shock. I do reserve the right to adjust my rating if it does leak however, as for now . . . . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from Acworth, GA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tsali | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
lightweight, great dampening, doesn't leak, smooth action | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Cane Creek AD-10
RS Deluxe | | Bike Setup: |
Ellsworth Truth, RS Judy SL w/85mm Englund air cartridges | | Bottom Line: | this is probably the best shock I have ever used. it hardly ever bottoms out, but it is still plush. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Dodd
a Racer
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
smooth, clean action
very very very light
easy to adjust | | Weaknesses: |
their web page is far beyond sad (www.foxracing.com)
didn't send a pump with the shock | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock shocks delux | | Bike Setup: |
Xcr 4000. lots new goodies, but the best so far is the new shock | | Bottom Line: | Im in love. This shock is perfect. It eats up everything from little bumps to the big drops, and laughs at you after. Its super light, very durable, and looks pretty shnazy too. I got it as a replacment for another shock, and it was the best addation to my bike yet. 5 flamers to the shock, and 4 to fox.. need better support and web sites and catalogs and so on | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby
a Downhiller
from ny
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | THIS SUSPENSION REAR SHOCK IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER USED! I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY STICTION WITH IT AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM ADJUSTING THE REBOUND OR COMPRESSION RATE. I WOULD RECOMEND THIS SHOCK TO ANYBODY WHO WANTS A STRONG,LITE AND QUALITY REAR SHOCK! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Shaw
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Durham Forest Tree Rocks | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Factory component on Jamis el diablo, dial in proper air pressure, dial in rebound and ride | | Weaknesses: |
none found | | Similar Products Used: |
Stratos,shockworks | | Bike Setup: |
Jamis el diablo Zokes JRT 5 | | Bottom Line: | Excellent shock,just dial in your weight factor and rebound and. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any Happy One | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Reliable
Light weight
Very good adjustability
Can be serviced locally
Great support at races | | Weaknesses: |
None for the shock.
No web page. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rigid Bike
Fox ALPS4
Fox ALPS5R
RockShok Coupe Deluxe
Fox Vanilla | | Bike Setup: |
Titus Ti RacerX
Titus Al RacerX | | Bottom Line: | The shock came stock our 1999 Titus Racer Xs replacing the ALPS5R from last year. Having raced the bikes for most of the Arizona race season we have had zero problems with either shock. They were easy to set-up and dial-in with the air pressure needing little attention after the short break-in period. Invest in a shock pump, its hard to really to experiment and dial-in the shock (and the bike)without one. Compared to the ALPS5 the AV FLOAT seems to set-up softer but still handles the big hits fine. Balancing the front a rear suspension was not a problem. The Fox AV FLOAT matches up well with the White Bros. SC90s up front.The shock does its job very well with no creaks or squeaks; so well I don't even know its back there. Any component that works well enough that I can forget about it is high on my list. Unlike the ALPS5R, the AV FLOAT can normally be serviced locally.
The Titus RacerX performs great with the Fox AV FLOAT rear shock. While no bike can compensate for a poor shock, a lot of shock problems can come from the design and construction of the bike. Shock manufacturers don't design bikes. If the bike manufacturer doesn't get it right, everything suffers. | | Overall Rating: |
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