Air shocks aren't just for weight weenies anymore. The DHX Air 5.0 is designed specifically for the rigors of big-hit, big-terrain riding. Offering all the tuning options of the DHX coil - position sensitive, patent pending Boost Valve, adjustable bottom-out resistance, 15 click ProPedal adjustment, and external rebound adjustment - but featuring large volume air spring, the DHX Air 5.0 offers superlative small thru big-hit performance, in any terrain and any style of riding, in an incredibly lightweight package.
Submitted by
Matt Schisler
a Downhiller
from London ON Canada Date Reviewed: November 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
waterfall, a-line, r-shore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
beyond bikes
Strengths:
looks awesome, can be set up to acomadate many different riding styles
Weaknesses:
this is the 3rd time now that i have to send my rear shock in because of failure... the first 2 times was because of oil leaking out of the rear shock. now it sounds like there is sand in it when compressed. this was one of the first 09 shocks ever produced so i think that that may be a factor
Similar Products Used:
DHX 3, 4 rc4, roco tstr
Bike Setup:
07 bighit w/ 07 codes, 08 custom marzo 66 rc-3, axiom road gap 2 peddles, e13 srs chainguide
Bottom Line:
this is a great shock when working properly... fox's customer service is alright... but because its broken 3 times... im sending it to PUSH industries to get it custom tuned (because my warentee is up anyways)
hopefully you have more luck with your shock then what i have had
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jarrad
a Downhiller
from melbourne, victoria, australia Date Reviewed: May 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
UB
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
TBSM :D
Strengths:
The DHX5 is incredible. Everything on it works great! As soon as i got it it felt immediately better than my previous shock and it seems to just soak everything up. Recommended service is only once a year which is great for such a high performance shock. Once this shock is setup correct it will feel very responsive and has an endless feel to the travel. The Propedal is great as i live a fair way away fromt the local trails so i just cank up the propedal and it's so much easier.
Weaknesses:
absaloutly nothing so far.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi roco coil r, dhx3, vivid 5.1.
Bike Setup:
2008 Kona stinky. Marzocchi 66RCV, 2009 Fox DHX 5 FSA Pig DH headset, Da Bomb Head spin front hub, S-type rims, maxxis minions, kona bar and stem, Hayes Stroker Trail, X9 gearing, Sram 11-32 casseste, Sram hollow pin chain, E13 LG1, FSA Moto X cranks with a mega exo BB, Straightline pedals, Kona seat post, WTB rocket V seat, Shimano loose ball bearing rear hub.
Bottom Line:
If u want a shock that will last and last and give u all the adjustments and performance tihs is it.
PS: Visit www.tbsm.com for absaloulty outstanding bike products at very low affordable prices, there staff there will go out of there way to help u solve the smallest of problems and this is THE BEST bike store u will ever visit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirty kurty
a Downhiller
from sydney nsw australia Date Reviewed: January 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
ourimba
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
heaps of ajustments to get it right for u, fun to ride with, SMOOTH AS, dosent need servicing, reliable, works well with all forkswell its beter than the rockshox rear shok and cheeper than the boss
Weaknesses:
non at all
Similar Products Used:
rockshox
Bike Setup:
2006 turner dhr with rockshox boxxer team
Bottom Line:
buy buy buy get it now u will not regret it, all the ajusments u need r on there (bottom out,pro pedle, rebound, air valve and you sring to ajust the sag)it works very well for short and long shock sizes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Downhiller
from United States Date Reviewed: November 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
mount snow
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
fox racing
Strengths:
this thing is great, nice and smooth, propedle is great, everything is adjustable which is nice...
Weaknesses:
i havent found any yet
Similar Products Used:
fox vanilla r
Bike Setup:
specialized big hit, marzocchi 88rv forks, hayes 9's
Bottom Line:
this thing is great i highly recommend this shock, this is a serous DH shock it will work for cross country but it isnt great for that. i cant wait to take it off some big drops and jumps
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Waldi
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston Date Reviewed: October 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Middlesex Fells
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$485.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
reliable shock with lots of adjustments, propedal works great, coil is great for heavy guys
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla 06
Bottom Line:
initially I was confused by all the adjustment knobs available but you just have to play with them to eventually get what you need
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mjdthunder
a Downhiller
from Irvine, CA, Orange Date Reviewed: September 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
P & G
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Can take some good abuse and low maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Pro-pedal!!!! I am a free ride downhill guy, I dont want any damn pro-pedal in my shocks. Put pro pedal in the cross country guys shock...I want my shock as plush as possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi rocco, Manitou Swinger
Bike Setup:
Demo 8II 2008
Bottom Line:
This shock is a good starter shock but if you ride it, and read the reputation it has on the blogs and chat rooms, you will find that most people do not prefer it. The stutter sensitivity sucks because even though Fox says you can tune out the pro-pedal, there is a still some nagging pro pedal effect even if you turn it all the way off, which robs you of control on the fast choppy downhill. Also, they recomend that you keep 125 psi in the shock and it will not feel good unless you run a lower psi in it, but you are stuck wondering if the shock will be ruined. Bottom line, the shock suffers on the stutters and is choppy at best on the fast choppy, harsh terrain. The bottom out seems to want to buck you or spring you into the air if you bottom hard enough. Oh, and it is expensive!!!!! 1 flaming freak for this hunk of junk!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
improv.cycling
a Downhiller
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: August 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Drop out
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
takes a little getting used to the adjustments but its not very hard if you give a little time.
Similar Products Used:
Van, DHX 3.0, roco(brief)
Bike Setup:
iron horse, hayes, marz, truvative, 5050, sram...
Bottom Line:
The shock is absolutely amazing, although it is a downhill shock it works great for freeride(or anything for that matter). With a couple of pumps into the boost valve it transforms from super plush downhill set up to dialed free ride firm. I heard that even with the shock stiff that it retained really good small bump absorption, and unbelievably so, it does. If you need a new shock, you would be foolish to not consider it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wayne nagata
a Weekend Warrior
from los angeles Date Reviewed: May 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
chesebro, agura, cal
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
wheelworld culver city
Strengths:
Looks super cool on the bike. easy to set up, and is has a super plush ride. I love coil over air any day.
Weaknesses:
retail price, I got a decent price because of continuing issues with the OEM RockShox Pearl; 1 scratch from the factor, 2 failed air bladders, 1 broken valve stem.
Similar Products Used:
Fox RP2, Roxshox pearl both I hate. blown air bladders, fox leake oil.
I pushed down on two identical bikes, one with the DHX coil the other with the air. The coil's down stroke felt plush and smoother than the air and the Marz rocco.
Like someone else posted up, when on the trail I didn't notice the rear shock at all. The DHX coil 5.0 was doing it's job, dampening the bumps.
After blown air bladders with my last two shocks, I'm hoping the coil will take the hits better than an air chamber. Funny thing I didn't even do any bike hits with the other shocks and air chambers blew.
pedaling was great, didn't notice any bob on the flats. 1st run, set the preload by guesstimate, approx 15 mm sag, 1 click on the probedal. 125 lbs air pressure, compression rebound with less compression than rebound, 3 clicks from center.
You should buy it if you hate air shocks and love plush coil shocks. Fox is leader in the off road industry. Curnutts can compare at twice the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tomi Eloranta
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampere, Finland Date Reviewed: April 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Tftuned
Strengths:
Very smooth, no hassle with air pressure as in DHX air
Weaknesses:
None so far... Oh, almost twice as heavy as DHX Air but that is no problem.
Similar Products Used:
Vanilla RC, DHX Air.
Bike Setup:
SC Nomad, Fox 36 van RC2, PUSH-tuned DHX 5.0, Shimano/Sram drivetrain, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Selle Yutaak GelFlow saddle.
Bottom Line:
Got mine from Tftuned,PUSH-tuned and set to my specifications. This is a great shock, don't know how stock DHX compares to this one but ride is very smooth frome smallest stuff to medium range (i don't ride very big). I'm bit on the heavy side so coil suits me better than air shock, and is more set and forget-type than DHX Air. I was looking for CC Double Barrel but after serious thinking decided that DB is too excessive for me with all it's tuning possibilities (easy to get it completely wrong...). And after all, Fox service is right around the corner from where i live so there you have it ;-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Menai, Sparrow Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles
Strengths:
Mid range performance
Weaknesses:
Low speed performance, small bump performance
Similar Products Used:
Cane Creek Double Barrel, Fox Vanilla RC, Fox Float R, Fox RP3
I could never get the low speed or small bump performance from the DHX-C 5.0 that i wanted. I tried changing the pressure in the boost valve, had the PP set to the lightest setting, tried running more sag, lubing pivots, etc. With this shock i cold feel some chain pull in the granny/3rd gear combo on the Nomad.
I think the appearance of the DHX-C is a little cheap, but that's a personal thing.
Once i replaced the DHX-C 5.0 with a CCDB all of the problems i had disappeared. The CCDB cost more than the DHX-C, but only by about 1.3 times as much and the better performance is definitely worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from davis, ca Date Reviewed: January 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
i think its responsive to some small bumps but also soaks up the big ones in the rock gardens, biggest flat to flat on this was about 5 ft. i dont wanna go much bigger
Weaknesses:
the bottom out resistance is hard to adjust with your hands
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
yeti as-x
Bottom Line:
its good and maybe the only shock that tops it is the roco but i havent tried that. and why do people buy the dhx5 air? i looked it up and its actually heavier than the coil one, so whats the advantage? its not as responsive and more $$$ so why do ppl buy it?
thats all
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eder Savio
a Downhiller
from Florianópolis - Brazil Date Reviewed: March 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Boqueirão da Serra
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Ever and all works fine. No leaks, no bottom out.
Weaknesses:
No so sensitive like old Fox RC, but maybe I'm old to...
Similar Products Used:
Fox RC, Romic, Rock Shox Super Deluxe, DNM air, Fox Float R.
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky 05, Hope, MonsterT, XTR.
Bottom Line:
I feel it is not so smooth like Fox RC, but it works great at the trail. I would like to try it at a FSR frame, because 4bar Kona is a little hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Seattle Date Reviewed: June 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Whistler
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Wheel World on 05 Stinky Supreme
Strengths:
Buttery smooth stroke from start to finish. Shock will not bottom, and setup is simple and effective for high end shock.
Weaknesses:
Stock spring is super heavy. I must of got a lemon. After three days of downhilling it started spitting oil from the resovoir, and making a wierd squeaking sound. Another day and the resovoir was pissing oil and the sound turned to gnarly metal on metal sounds. Fox customer service has been very easy to work with.
Similar Products Used:
Progressive 5th Element
Bike Setup:
05 Kona Stinky Supreme, 888, pimped
Bottom Line:
I had about 70 DH runs at local trails and Whistler on this shock before it failed. I'm not super abusive, but the shock did fail. I'm thinking it was just broken out of the box and that's how it goes. Seems like a great shock. Much smoother and better feeling that the 5th. I've had several to flat landings and the shock never bottoms. Adjustments are easy to make and actually make noticeable changes without having to go to either extreme. It looses one chili for the failure but overall is an smooth and great feeling damper with easy to use adjustments.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Downhiller
from Kailua, Hawaii Date Reviewed: April 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything with a drop or a jump
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$327.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Everything!
Weaknesses:
Spring, but I got mine with a Ti, so no issues with it.
Killer shock, even better that it came with a Ti spring for 327.00!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt j
a Weekend Warrior
from hansville WA U.S.A Date Reviewed: March 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
T.P.A.U trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
downhill zone
Strengths:
everything!! the 4 out of 5 of the adjustments i use or adjust all the time, i always have the need to change something if i am doing xc, downhill, freeride, or change the travel on the frames rear shock mounts, the shock always fufills the need, the only one thing you can't change easily is the schrader valve adjustment,which is no big deal for once it is in the perfect spot you don't need to change it. it looks awesome and is extremely durable, it ramps up nicely or how ever you have it set up it will ramp up the perfect amount for almost anything you do, propedal is definately very effective although it takes some of the plush feel out of the travel all you do is turn it down or off on the downhills and works just like a marzocchi roco with a no pedaling platform feel.
Weaknesses:
the bottom out resistance knob is sometimes extremely hard to turn and have to use a 4mm allen key to turn it but i always have a set of allen keys so it's no big deal.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi roco, 5th element, manitou swingers and revox, fox float, vanilla and dhx 5.0 air, rockshox ario,
Bike Setup:
versus blitz 4,5,6" travel frame with mainly freeride components at about 34 LBS, pretty lite for a freeride bike but no strength was compromised, cept for the fox vanilla 130 RLC fork, which actually does quite well for freeride but on big hits can hurt alittle more than a 150mm or 200mm fork, but still quite durable.
Bottom Line:
it's a great shock, it's just as good as anything out there, the closest competitors would be marzocchi roco, manitou revox and swinger 6-way and thats about it. i would definatly choose this shock over all these competitors, it's amazingly plush and absorbant in any setting of the shock yet finds ways to take big hits like there is tons of travel left over and absorbes cigarette butts on the road and is probably the most efficiant shock i have ever tried. i love it but if you want something a little lighter and you have the extra money go for the dhx 5.0 air although the coil does feel a little more plush they are both still very good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Racer
from Portland, Or Date Reviewed: March 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
wildcat lower 1
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Trail Head Cycles
Strengths:
Super Adjustable. Set it up however you want it, for racing or freeride.
Weaknesses:
The OEM spring rate is kind of soft 300 lbs(this could be bc i'm a heavy som biach).
Similar Products Used:
Romic dual adjustable. 5th.
Bike Setup:
06 iron horse sunday world cup (the sickest). 06 boxxer air, DHX (with Ti spring), hayes mad hd ti brakes, funn direct mount stem and fatboy bars, crank bros mallet mag pedals, fsa xtreme cranks, e13 guide, hope hubs with mavic 823's w double butted spokes (set up tubeless), shimano dura ace cassette, sram hollow pin chain, I beam seat and post, maxxis 40 duro minions 2.5's(fronts on front and rear), BFL brake levers. Sram XO shifter and XO short cage der.
Bottom Line:
Shock's good. Bottom out and compression controls work really well. The air pressure adjustment is dollars (really makes the shock work for your needs). The only thing that would make it better would be if it came with a Ti spring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordo
a Downhiller
from Colo. Spgs. CO Date Reviewed: February 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Keystone DH
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
EP
Strengths:
As long as you set it up right it works awesome. super burley and takes a beating
Weaknesses:
leaks a little from the piggyback near the bottom out control...but no biggy
SICK!!! if you buy this shock you will never go back. once it's set up it is good to go forever...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Plummer
a Downhiller
from Thousand Oaks, California Date Reviewed: February 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mcgill Trail Mt. Pinos
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$269.00
Purchased At:
Employee Purchase
Strengths:
Super Adjustable.. Completely Silent Throughout Travel.. No issues with brake jack and loud noises like with the 5th Coil. Really Nice Look and Feel.. FOX QUALITY PRODUCT!!
Weaknesses:
None. Anyone who has experienced problems has either had a lemon or is a moron who doesnt read instructions.
Similar Products Used:
Progressive Suspension 5th Element Coil 5way Progressive Suspension 5th Element Air Fox Float RL 100 Fox Vanilla Fox RP3 Manitou Swinger 6-way (yuck) Romic (demo'd) Risse Jupiter 5r
Bike Setup:
05 SC Bullit, XT Crank, XT D-train, Hayes HFX-9HD 8 inch mud cutters, DHX (duh), sun rhynos hadly hubs, Panaracer Fire FR 2.4, Azonic Ultracross Bar (sweeet), Zoke 888rc, Chris King NoThreadset, Odi Lockons, WTB Pure v race ti rails, Primo Tenderizer Pedals.
Bottom Line:
Best Rear shock ive seen yet. Fox really kicked the rest of the markets arse on this one. Keep Up the good work. If setup properly this shock will not make noise and will pedal like a dream. Be sure to get real scientific with the setup because it will payoff on the trail. If you just blow through the setup proccess you may damage the shock or lose out on performance. -- Bottom Line -- SWEET
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from melbourne Date Reviewed: January 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
narbethong
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
Everything about this shock is the best
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Fox float
Bike Setup:
2006 norco shore one
Bottom Line:
Get this shock fully ajustable, done 7ft to flat the bottom line you got to get one to believe it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a
from New Hampshire Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Waterburry Yellow Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
Through Fox, Employee Purchase
Strengths:
Super ajustability, increadably smooth and supple, fairly easy to tune, value and price.
Weaknesses:
can be easy to get lost in all the adjustments for a beginner shock tuner.
Similar Products Used:
Fox vanilla r.
Bike Setup:
05 Gemini 900
Bottom Line:
Super smooth, wicked adjustable, great ride. Bottom line. Buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tad
a Racer
from Maine Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Great bottoming-out resisting. Very smooth.
Weaknesses:
Nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou 6wy-4wy and 5th Element
Bike Setup:
04 Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0, with Manitou Sherman aFlick fork.
Bottom Line:
Great rear shock, I can do DH, FR, and XC with it! If You want a do it all shock get this shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dimitri Hon
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: August 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
here there and everywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
private sale
Strengths:
The shock looks amazing as you can see, it rides even better. In a nut shell, you dont really notice it doing anything, this, at first, can worry some but its a good thing. Its not the shock which isnt noticeable, its the series of boulders raming their way past your rear wheel. its quite amazing how well this shock works, its very rare for a product to really break the mould but fox has done this ten-fold with their '05 stuff.
Weaknesses:
none, take time setting it up and leave it alone.
Similar Products Used:
5th elements, past fox's, avalanches, loadsa mottocross stuff
Bike Setup:
'03 kona stinky pimped up coz i work in a bike store. ner ner
Bottom Line:
A really special piece of kit, looks the biz, feels.....erm.. doesn't feel just DOES what its meant to. I refuse to say that it will improve your riding because this is up to YOUR skills, however, it will encourage and push you to ride better and will give the rider a noticeable improvement in control. if your even slightly into your "free-ride" then I'd heavily recomend you get your mitts on one. the only bummer is that it costs loads for a fork that performs at the same level
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Johnson
a Downhiller
from Port Angleles, WA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Limbo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Private transaction
Strengths:
Adjustability Light for a coil shock Fox service THE RIDE!
Weaknesses:
Mine leaks oil from the can The steel spring is a boat anchor
Similar Products Used:
5th Element coil Romic twin manitou swinger fox float rl Magura Oden (great CC shock)
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi VPX: Fox Forty, Hadley, Race face, Sram. Only one shimano part (front dir)
Bottom Line:
I do more free ride than downhill on this bike but they don't have a pigeon hole for that do they? This is the best down/free rear shock I have ridden. The rear wheel stays on the ground through studders and chops. It takes drops and big hits in stride. Sweeeet climber coupled with the virtual pivot. What more could you ask for? Something lighter is always nice. I got one with a problem. Oil is leaking from the reservoir. Enough to drip on the frame. It has developed that air-in-shock-squish-suck-noise that we all love. I'm sending it back to Fox after I land a DHX Air 5.0. I see Go-Ride has these for $399 w/$40 in-store credit. An RCS Ti spring is $200 which is a chunk for .5 lb. So for $599 you can have truely awsome "light" rear suspension but still heavier and more expensive than a DHX Air ($479). Of course a little weight doesn't much matter if you don't peddle up. The DHX 5.0 is a wouderful thing and I would buy one if I had to. As it is I'll get this one fixed and keep it as a spare in case I blow the DHX Air or it doesn't perform as well. Try it if you can. You'll be all giggles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Downhiller
from Texas Date Reviewed: July 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
looks are killer, propedal works Unbelievably, the bottom out ramp up is awsome, super plush.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
swingers, vanillas, 5th element
Bike Setup:
kona stinky
Bottom Line:
Fox has done it this time. The dhx is the best shock out there for downhill/freeride. It is hard to think of how i lived with out this shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC Date Reviewed: June 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Oil Can
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very sturdy and good for everything (drops, street, dirtjumping, trail riding). Fairly easy to adjust and the adjustments make any type of riding fun (not like swinger 6 way which so hard to adjust that it takes hours to adjust it to the right setting).
Weaknesses:
You cant adjust it on trails like a vanilla RC (but you cant adjust alot of rear shocks in the middle of a run).
Similar Products Used:
Vanilla RC, Vanilla R, 5th Element, DHX 4.0 (dont buy them, my brother's was seriously wrong which made me think about getting rid of my DHX 5.0, but I like it).
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Switch S3 with Saint everything and 66rc.
Bottom Line:
This is a great rear shock! It makes all moutain biking fun (even riding on streets) and has easy adjustments. I dont know how it would hold up on extreme free-ride because I only have 6 inches of travel (drops 20 feet or bigger). Dont cheat yourself by buying a DHX 4.0 because they feel really bad. If you have the money, buy this rear shock!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benny
a Downhiller
from Sydney, NSW Date Reviewed: June 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lizard Rock @ Oxford Falls
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
-Performance -Tunability -Looks sweet -Weight; its light, if you care about that -Build quality
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none!!
Similar Products Used:
Romic Double Manitou Swinger Other Fox shocks
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit, Marz 66RC, FOX DHX, Mavic Dee Max, Hayes, Truvativ, yadda yadda...
Bottom Line:
Seriously folks, i could not beleive the difference this shock made to the performance of my Bullit.
With other shocks the brake jack factor was quite noticable; you brake goin over sharp shuttery type bumps and the rear tyre skips all over the place...but not with the DHX; the rear tyre has a load more traction than ever before.
But this shock feels completely different from others; you have plushness but you also have bob-control; As you are probably aware, the adjustments on the Fox operate seperately from eachother so you could have a really firm compression but a very low ramp-up for example...the possibilities are endless.
Just a quick note about preload; many people dont know the damage they can cause their shock if they dial-up the preload more than two turns. If you need to do this purchase a heavier spring.
I tell ya, you wont be dissapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Lee
a Downhiller
from Seoul, Korea Date Reviewed: June 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Han's
Strengths:
It's very adjustable and progressive. Super and I mean super plush even better than my 5th dialed in.
Weaknesses:
My first DHX died on me the first ride. It made a "thunk" sound at the beginning of the stroke and never fully compressed. There are a few lemons out there still. You just have to try them out and pick and choose. Fortunately my dealer was very quick to swap it out with another one. Luckily this one is working REAL FINE.
Similar Products Used:
Progressive 5th, Manitou Swinger 6way, Fox Vanilla...
Bike Setup:
S.C. Bullit, 888RC, Mavic 729 laced with saint front hub, Atom lab rear, Raceface Diabolous stem, handle-bar, ChirsKing headset, Thomson seatpost, Maxxis Highroller F/R, and Saint crankset.
Bottom Line:
Given that you have the right shock and not a lemon, DHX 5.0 just kills them all. This feels so much and I mean so much better than my 5th. I currently have 3 shocks on hand (5th, Swinger 6way, and DHX) but I can't find a good reson to go back the 5th or Swinger. Don't get me wrong cuz 5th, too is an awsome shock when dialed in and I can't say much for Manitou Swinger, it blows, but I just can't justify my self for using anything else than DHX 5.0. Hands down winner. Very progressive, smooth, and ramps up nicely. I don't know if this shock is the best for dropping 10 meter or higher but for what I use it for (mostly downhill and some freeride/drops) nothing crazy, it's da bomb. Now go out and get one. Be sure to get the proper spring rate cuz that'll make or break your ride. I use 350lbs X 2.80 and it's just perfect for my weight(150lbs.) and type of riding I do.
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Submitted by
Cole
a Racer
from Glens Falls NY Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Plattekill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Placid Planet
Strengths:
All around great adjustments my pro pedal has worked very well so far people say that there are troubles with the pro pedal making noises but mine hasnt done that so far its a fox product of course it is going to be a great product
Weaknesses:
none that i have had so far
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Swinger, 5th element with Ti spring
Bike Setup:
2005 Santa Cruz V10, Manitou Dorado DH, Intense Mag 30's, Huji hubs, Hayes HFX magHD carbon.
Bottom Line:
If you have the money to spend on the shock or it came on your bike then ride it, it is great for every thing that i have rode with it so far DH Racing and Free Riding i can even pedal it around town or go jump with it every once in a while. Any one who races DH or freerides should buy this shock.
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Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Lethbridge, Canada Date Reviewed: January 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Top Gun
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
Ascent Cycle
Strengths:
Everything. This shock is the best thing that has ever happened to my bike.
Awesome shock for the price it is as smooth as my friends avvy and just as plush. Fox really did awesome on this one. This shock is great for anyone with a full suspension. Id recommend it to anyone looking for a new shock.
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Submitted by
JASON WILLIAMS
a Weekend Warrior
from SEATTLE Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
THE DOWNHILL ZONE
Strengths:
SUPER TUNABILITY.PLUSH,EVEN WITH THE PRO PEDAL MAXED OUT THE SHOCK STILL HAS GREAT SMALL BUMP SENSATIVITY.
Weaknesses:
MY SHOCK FAILED IN ABOUT 20 MILES OF STREET RIDING.THE PRO PEDAL WAS KNOCKING/BAD STICTION
Similar Products Used:
FOX,CURNUTT,5TH ELEMENT
Bike Setup:
HECKLER,NIXON,KING,RACEFACE
Bottom Line:
GREAT SHOCK,BUT LIKE THE FIRST MODEL YEAR OF A CAR THERE ARE GOING TO BE ISSUES.i WILL REPORT WHEN I GET MY REPLACEMENT.OH YEAH THE DOWNHILL ZONE ROCKS(AS USUAL)THEY EVEN HAD A LONER SHOCK.IF YOU ARE EVER IN SETTLE DEFINETLY CHECK OUT THIS SHOP.
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Submitted by
Radie Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from South Texas USA Date Reviewed: December 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any and all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
Very adjustable and tuneable. Great low end damping and equally capable hucking, jumping, dropping. Just as comfortable on the trails.
This shock is very reponsive and feels plush yet firm when set up properly. The harder you push the shock the better it feels. As an insider from Push Industries stated in the Freeride/Downhill threads, this is currently the best shock on the market. The Manitou Swinger SPV is right there with it, however the Fox is more easily adjustable. An excellent product from Fox.
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Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Warrenton, VA, USA Date Reviewed: December 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This review is a follow-up to the one I posted below. I have since replaced my SGS with a 2005 Yeti ASX, which comes stock with the DHX. I am, again, very impressed with the build quality and adjustability of this shock. I have yet to bash the crap out of this one, but the two test 'n tune rides I've gone on have reinforced my earlier impressions of the shock. In fact, I've ordered one for my "all mountain" bike.
Weaknesses:
None so far, but I hope I don't have the same experiences as the gentleman below...
Bike Setup:
2005 Yeti AS-X, DHX 5.0, Boxxer Team, Race Face Diabolus stem & bar, Thomson seatpost, Love Seat, etc.
Bottom Line:
Beefy shock that does the job. Inexpensive, comparitively speaking.
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Submitted by
Schlomo
a
from Sandy Eggo Date Reviewed: December 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Nice shock when it is working properly
Weaknesses:
There is a serious issue with the Pro-Pedal making clunking noises.
Bottom Line:
These things are getting returned to Fox left and right because they make a clunking noise/feel at the top of the compression stroke. Mine started it after the first 10 miles. Check out the forum inputs by others that have had the same problem.
Submitted by
Tim Clark
a Downhiller
from Cape Town South Africa Date Reviewed: November 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tokai forrest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came on my rig
Strengths:
plush, plush and plush, pro-pedal is the best, no bob at all.
Weaknesses:
your going to have to tell me what weeknesses are cause i really don't now?
Similar Products Used:
rox shox sid air shock, fox vannila r, shock works.
Bike Setup:
2005 SANTA CRUZ VP-FREE, manitou sherman slider with spv,sram throughout, shimano xt front derailer,titec hellbent handlebars and stem, formula b4+ hydrolic disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
I'm only 14 so I'm still ligth and the rebound doesn't chuck me off my rig when I'm riding, got it with on SANTA CRUZ VP-FREE rig, you should get this shock if you have a freeride or DH bike and want the smoothest, plushest travel there is available to man.
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Submitted by
Mike Lawrence
a Weekend Warrior
from Welly, New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything fast
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Go-Ride.com
Strengths:
Ease of setup, Smooth feeling compression action, Pro-Pedal adjuster, lite weight.
Weaknesses:
Long reservoir.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SPV swingers (Coil)
Bike Setup:
Giant AC (2004), 7.5" x 2.0" Fox DHX 5, Manitou Shermans soon to be replaced by Marzocchi 66RC's... yeah baby!!
Bottom Line:
Fortunately for me I emailed Fox to get the measurements for the length of the reservoir and how far it stuck out from the main shaft. On my AC the fit is cosy, but even on the bike’s lowest suspension setting and under it's full two inches of compression I’ve got (only just) room between the Schrader value and the frame.
I agree with t he other reviewers, Fox have really done their homework on this one. This shox is lite, has an excellent feel while under compression. I’ve noticed a reduction in the amount of chain slap that I'm used to with a Mantiou SPV on the rear. The real noticeable difference is in the Pro-pedal. It really kicks in when standing on the pedals and applying the power. I would go as far as saying you could fooled into think you were on a hardtail. Downhill, the shox eats the bumps so smoothly and if you’re a weed like me the rebound doesn’t bounce you off your set when the trail gets a little sketchy.
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Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Warrenton, VA, USA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Adjustability, smoothness, build quality, looks!
Weaknesses:
Very long reservoir.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Swinger 6-way, Vanilla R
Bike Setup:
'04 SGS FR Expert, with Manitou Breakout Plus (130mm/170mm) front (replacing original Flick).
Bottom Line:
So far, I must say I have no complaints at all. Fox shipped it with a stiff spring (700#), since I'm 200lbs, so I did have to reduce the compression damping a bit. I've dialed back the ProPedal a bit, since I ride mostly on steep, rocky trails, not requiring a great deal of pedaling. The fact that the ProPedal and the compression damping are essentially de-coupled is a major plus. The action is smooth, and the build quality appears top-notch. It looks the biz, too. ;)
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Submitted by
James Howery
a
from Prescott, AZ Date Reviewed: October 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Private Reserve
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Fox EP
Strengths:
Tunability, suspension action (activeness), smooth ramp-up, high speed and low speed damping.
Iron Horse SGS Pro, deviations from stock: Shiver DC with int. stem, CB Mallet C pedals, fox DHX rear shock.
Bottom Line:
I finally have more than just a couple days on this shock, so I feel I can give it a decent review now.
The DHX is great. The best thing about it is that I can tune it to essentially match my front end in terms of feel. With the shiver save-my-a$$ fork, the rear end can be tuned to be ultra-supple and responsive just like the front. I really appreciate this feel in slow technical sections that are filled with drops. The rear end simply does the same as the front, absorbs, flows, doesn't ever get harsh.
The ramp-up feels great. This is more of an aspect of my bike than the shock, but the 5th elements ramp up did not feel anything like this. The best way to describe it is "smooth", my bike gets progressive, but the rate at which it does this is just smooth. What this doesn't feel like is a bike that starts out too linear, and ramps up too fast. It just works well. I've tried adjusting the progression adjuster just to see if it works, it does, and it seems to have the same smooth ramp up, but my bike doesn't seem to need any adjustment here, so I leave it at zero. No bottoming, off of drops, jumps, etc. I haven't gone over 8-10 feet with it yet, but the travel seems pretty bottomless. I don't know if this thing has any progressivness when it's in the "zero" setting like I have it, but my 5th with a 50lb lighter spring was not overly progressive, it didn't bottom but it was nowhere as smooth and consistant in the rate as the DHX. Still, my bike with the DHX on "zero" ramp-up is very progressive.
Rebound is good, the clicker doesn't seem to have quite as much range as the old vanilla RC, where you could adjust it so far that it would actually take like 2 min to return to extended, but then again that is utterly useless. I don't run much rebound, maybe 7-9 clicks. This helps keep it from packing at higher speed. One time I over-rotated on a double which made me touch down front wheel-first (this is where the shiver and monster Ts we were using comes into play ), so the "springy" feeling is there if you want it. I prefer a "springy" feeling because it usually means good high speed absorbtion, but my adjustment most likely contributed to this over-rotation. (but the guy after me did the same thing, landed on his monster, we both rode it out fine, the 3rd guy that did it was funny, he landed the double headed straight for a tree, so he bailed and he went one way around the tree, and the bike went the other way). In addition to high speed stuff, I've done lots of low speed drops, rolls, and technical sections with it. It doesn't buck me or anything, it simply works very well with my front end to provide a very balanced feel, and while some refer to the 5th as being "glued" to the ground, this feels like it tracks the ground better because it is absorbing stuff and using it's travel at the same time.
The propedal adjustment works well, it blows off seemlessly, and doesn't detract much from the performance of the shock. Going to a high propedal setting makes a more noticable difference, but this isn't like the 5th element where when you set a "threshold" the shock "ignores" all inputs below that threshold, this simply is low speed compression damping. Low speed compression damping won't ignore low speed impacts, it will simply act "slower" when you dial it that way. Low propedal settings, 1-10 or so, don't seem to have a negative effect on the shock. Even so, I ran it at zero today, and loved the feel. If I was racing on a course, I would find this adjustment usefull, and I ride my DH bike up some serious mountains anyhow, so I do use this.
Air pressure is the big mystery adjustment. It doesn't work the same as the air pressure in a progressive shock. In the DHX the air pressure seems to control the high speed compression. Around 150psi is what I used today, and it seem to be very nice. The usefull range of the shock is about 120-200. The manual says you can go lower than 120, but I've been warned by fox shox people that less than 120 could allow oil/air to get past the piston and screw it up, by going to 120 as your low-end setting you eliminate the possibility.
One thing that is nice about this shock is the "usefull ranges" of adjustments. Some adjustments like propedal and air pressure don't have huge changes between "one click" and the range of the adjustment doesn't seem excessive. The reason that this is cool is that fox seems to have nailed down the usefull range, where if you used any more propedal the shock would be completely like a$$, and if you used any more compression damping the same would apply. As I said, the rebound range is less, but it is still PLENTY, it's not lacking. All of these things seem to contribute to a very tunable shock that you don't need a Phd to tune.
With the propedal adjustment you get to have your cake and eat it too in terms of the sacrifices you make with a 5th element. Going to an excessive propedal adjustment will make it a bit harsh, but this does not feel like the 5th. You get to have that buttery vanilla-type high speed reaction, and it definitely feels "springy" compared to the 5th. The adjustments allow you to take the shock wherever you want though, increase low speed compression for better pedaling, increase progression, etc. The word with this shock is "smooth" and it performs well at high and low speed. The ramp-up rate just seems perfect. It won't pedal as well as a 5th element that is turned up a lot, but I wouldn't want to ride a 5th like that anyway. The propedal is somewhat subtle, but it's there and doing it's job. IMO, this thing blows away the 5th, feels a good deal better than the romic, has very usefull adjustments, and can work for a wide range of riders and bikes. It was worth the rediculously cheap EP price , but at $399 retail it's not a bad deal either, at least if you are looking for more active suspension that does what suspension is supposed to, suspend.
The only real downside so far is that it doesn't fit all frames. The resi is pretty long, and on some turners and others, they are finding that they can not fit it. This thing was worth it though, and I am starting to see that it's being speced on many new bikes. Fox seems to have done their homework with this one, and it's definitely upped the playing field IMO.
I haven't ridden an avalanche in a long time, so it's hard for me to compare to that, but i've owned all the other shocks in the "similer products used" and the DHX is head and toes above all of them.
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