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Submitted by
dr crazy frankenstien mou
a Cross Country Rider
from foco,colorado,usa
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | porcupine rim | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | seems to always be there. Enough suspension to hide most bumps and rocks. Tough as mick jagger's liver. Lockout feature is as stiff as a diamond in a hail storm. Easy switch to lock out. Easy valve. | | Weaknesses: | Either i did something wrong or its the shock but it seems pressure dives after a week. Yet to find a sweet spot with the rebound. Not enough travel to take big drops or hit rocks with speed. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis dakar xc pro | | Bottom Line: | I like it but at some point i need to replace it. Mostly takes care of itself not much maitnance needed. Easy lock out that is always rock solid. But im afraid that if i take too many hits with lock out engaged i may do some internal damage. However i do really like the propedal for flats when i open the shock up. If seeing to purchase this shock to replace an exhisting one (instead go nicer) but dont be afraid to buy a bike equipped with this shock. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bmalachuk
a Cross Country Rider
from Colonie, Ny
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Varies | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Came with my Idrive | | Strengths: | Works well
Easy to rebuild
Seems to be holding up well to my 210lb ass and a full load of water, pump, spare tubes, tools ect... | | Weaknesses: | Can get the stuck down situation if not taken care of
Have to maintain it - i suppose
| | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox rear air shock, Coil spring rear shocks | | Bike Setup: | 2001 GT Idrive Team still rocking 7 seasons of use, 2002 Psylo SL (yeah I know it's way more fork than this frame needs)
FSA Cranks, Avid BB7's, Shimano XTR Rapid Rise Rear, XT front, SRAM chain, SRAM rear cog, XT hubs, Easton monkey-lite bars. Could keep going.... weighs in around 26lbs IIRC | | Bottom Line: | The shock works, provided you set it up the way it needs to be for your frame. I would love to find a deal on a 6.00x1.25 Fox RP23 cause I think the pro-pedal feature would eliminate the little bit of movement my frame has when pedaling. pump up to 250psi, pull off pump, gives me about 220-230psi in the shock. Full weight with clothes, pack,water, and myself is about 220-230ish. Get the perfect amount of GT prescribed rear shock sag, and I'm off. Have to readjust the PSI downward as I drop winter flab, but that's a good thing.
sent the shock in for fox to do a warranty rebuild back about 6 years ago, as it was making a squeaking noise. Been great up till this season when it would loose air, bout 25psi an hour of riding. Rebuilt it myself for $13, still lost air, till i popped the schrader valve out and replaced the o-ring that seals to the aluminum body. $.09 at the hardware store (was not in the air sleeve kit) Holds air like a champ now, and I guess my rebuild was for not. Saved the parts though so if I need to rebuild again I have parts.
Could do the rebuild again in 10 minutes, first time took 20-25 cause I was putzing around. Super easy to do, dare I say a trained monkey could do it.
Guess on some frames one could b i t c if your frame requires you to run a low pressure, and you experience a stuck down situation. I was told to set mine to my body weight provided I weighed less than 300lbs. I've never bottomed this shock out as far as I know, especially at the pressures I run. perhaps that is why this shock has been so solid for my use?
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mckshred
a Cross Country Rider
from desert southwest
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Mrazek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | stock on Intense | | Strengths: | Works like a champ. Never failed. Lockout is exactly what it says. Used Lockout on the fly 100's of times. | | Weaknesses: | - It did require the typical minor rebuild for $20 at my LBS after riding it for 4 years.
- Too many rebound setting clicks from open to closed.
- Can accidentally hit the lockout lever with your leg occassionally. | | Similar Products Used: | RP23, Fox Alps4, Fox Talas Fork, Rock Shox Duke Fork | | Bike Setup: | 2 wheels, a frame, seat, bars, grips, chain and sprocket. | | Bottom Line: | I do not have one bad thing to say about this product after 6 years of high usage. I am a 165lb. cross-country rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R-DUB
a Weekend Warrior
from SEATTLE, WA, US
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Lightweight, manual lockout | | Weaknesses: | Lightweight, cannot self-service | | Bottom Line: | Shock came stock on my Specialized Enduro and has worked as well as to be expected for mid-range bike. Still isn't leaking air, as others report on this site. I weigh 225lbs and set the shock at about 200-225psi, but don't ride more than a dozen times a year so maybe that's the reson I've had good experience with it. Only problem I've had is that just recently it's getting gummy on the sealing surface - not sure from what. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Works well, is adjustable (maybe overly adjustable - who needs 35 clicks?), never leaks air, never needs maintenance. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bottom Line: | I weight 180 and ride pretty hard. But I don't do big jumps or drops and so do not ask a whole lot from the shock. (I don't think I would want an air shock if I were doing drops anyway.) Still it never leaks air. I check it with a pump/gauge every 6 months or so to make sure it's at 120 psi (my setting). But so far I have never seen it lower than 115 psi - and this was only 2 or 3 times in the last 5 years. I was going to relube it a couple years ago but the guy at the LBS said: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Seems to make sense, so I never have done anything to it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Works well, is adjustable (maybe overly adjustable - who needs 35 clicks?), never leaks air, never needs maintenance. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bottom Line: | I weight 180 and ride pretty hard. But I don't do big jumps or drops and so do not ask a whole lot from the shock. (I don't think I would want an air shock if I were doing drops anyway.) Still it never leaks air. I check it with a pump/gauge every 6 months or so to make sure it's at 120 psi (my setting). But so far I have never seen it lower than 115 psi - and this was only 2 or 3 times in the last 5 years. I was going to relube it a couple years ago but the guy at the LBS said: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Seems to make sense, so I never have done anything to it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
raph
a
from CA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | its smooth and the travel adjust works | | Weaknesses: | leaks, bottoms out and lock out kinda sucks | | Similar Products Used: | new, dhx 5.0 and vanilla | | Bike Setup: | 05 enduro | | Bottom Line: | not for my use, jumping and technil stuff. It will loose air and then for the rest of the ride yuo will not have active rear suspension. so bring your pump. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrice
a Cross Country Rider
from Boersch
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Efficient, smooth. I really like the lockable feature. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Bike Setup: | Yeti Kokopelli | | Bottom Line: | I'm very glad about this rear shock, works great. In the last 4 years, no issue so far, nor any maintenance needed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from wilmington NC New Hanover County
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Clay @wilmington NC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | has never bottomed out on me. lock out / pro pedal is cool. | | Weaknesses: | none that i can see | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Cannondale jeykll 800, lefty max, hayes HFX9 XC | | Bottom Line: | i started out just trail riding but i now do some lite downhill and freeride. i got the preload set for my body weight and have never had this thing bottom out. i beat the crap out of this thing and it keeps on working. previous post mettion air leak but i have never had that problem. as far as i am concerned this shock is pretty awsome. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drae Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Tustin CA USA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | whiting ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | came on bike | | Strengths: | The remote lockout is very cool its light and its pretty smooth. | | Weaknesses: | It bottoms out very easily even with a light rider. It worked fine for a while but then started leaking oil. Don't get it if youre in to big drops. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale gemini 1000 | | Bottom Line: | If you're a woman that weighs about a hundred pounds, go for it. If not then go for something else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Szumski
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampshire
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Strengths: | When it worked it was very nice, but this wasn't for long.. | | Weaknesses: | Lockout stopped working after about 50 miles, i'm always careful not switch it on off road but it broke anyway. After a few days riding in Scotland the damping stopped working correctly, and it hisses everytime it's compressed. | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Element Team Sc, Hope M4s, XTR/XT, Pace RC38LT (even worse than Fox) | | Bottom Line: | Lasted about 300 miles without being abused. I don't want to pay for a rebuild as from what people say here it'll probably just stop working again... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alon
a Cross Country Rider
from La Verne, CA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | ROCK'N'ROAD | | Strengths: | Lasted about three years. | | Weaknesses: | Leaks air now. Can't self-service. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this came stock. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Enduro (stock) | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy. There are better choices out there. I am gonna keep pumping my shock every ride, until even that will not work. Then straight to Cane Creek to get something that works. If this shock is on anyone's bike I hope it also came stock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jez
a Weekend Warrior
from Stamford, UK
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Fox Float RL (2002) - Worked well for 2 years - sweet as a nut. | | Weaknesses: | Expensive to service and leaks air | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bottom Line: | The shock came with the bike (Scott Strike Pro). Worked well for 2 years. Only occasionally leaking a small amount of air which is to be expected. Shock has now been back to Mojo twice this summer. Cost me £150 to "repair it" and still leaks so badly it is now unuseable. Having read other reviews I now see this is not a one off problem. For such a wide spread problem I'm suprised there is not wider bad press surrounding Fox. This will be the first and last Fox product I buy. Fox admit you have a problem and do something about it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Longmont, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | came with bike | | Strengths: | Good damping--no problems with air leaking. It has retained 150psi for months and months. Ride is smooth downhill and combined with my Rocky Mountain ETS-X techical uphills are easier than with my old hardtail. I've ridden many trails in the CO front range, Moab, and Fruita with this bike/shock over the past 18 months. | | Weaknesses: | Not sure of any, but I haven't had any long rides with any other rear shocks so can't compare too well. | | Similar Products Used: | ?? | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain ETSX-50 | | Bottom Line: | Wanted to give my 2 cents on the air leaking question--NO LEAKS for me and a solid ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonas Neeser
a Cross Country Rider
from Pocatello, Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | light, lockout option | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Trek Fuel 100 | | Bottom Line: | This shock works well for me. I once took it apart to service it and afterwords it leaked air badly. I tried again but this time I used Fox's rebuild kit. It was easy to do and it worked. The kit cost $20 at my LBS. I weigh 160 lbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Morristown, NJ
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Dont Ask | | Strengths: | Felt nice at first | | Weaknesses: | Where do I begin? | | Similar Products Used: | Cloud Nine | | Bike Setup: | Blur | | Bottom Line: | Not sure what to post here. Seems like after every ride the shock has been losing a lot of air pressure. When I goto put more air before every ride the meter is showing significant air loss from the last ride. Is this normal? Had some shops submerse it in water, no bubbles. Can someone tell me one shock that is just fantastic, no riff raff. Strong, RELIABLE and works for an aggressive XC rider? Thanks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Payson, Utah
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock trail in Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | with bike | | Strengths: | This is a great shock. The Lock out works real well and it is one of the best shocks that I have used. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Float R | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper Xc Pro, Manitou Black Elite, Sram 9.0 sl, Sram x-7 trigger, great bike. | | Bottom Line: | I can understand how others might not be happy with this shock, sometimes it leaks air. I have gone off 5 foot drops and not had any problems with this shock. I have had it for two years and haven't serviced it yet. This shock is one of the best ones that I have tried. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ThuBeav Gilbert
a Cross Country Rider
from Decatur, GA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Came with frame on Ebay | | Strengths: | Reliable, predictable performance. Lock out. Responsive adjustments. | | Weaknesses: | It's still only human. | | Similar Products Used: | Other, older, fox products. | | Bike Setup: | 21" Jamis Dakkar Pro 2003. Thomson seatpost, stem. Locking grips. XT hydraulic discs. Chris King. 14/15 Dbl Bttd. Mavic UST/Disc. XTR ders. XTR pod shifters. Maxxis Larsen TT UST. Fox Float 100RLC. RaceFace Next LP. Time ATAC. Legs of Steel. Stuff like that. | | Bottom Line: | My bike is down so I can stay up. And go fast. Because of the Fox lock out options, I can cover more ground faster and let it out when the going gets rough or squirrelly. The tune-ability of theses shocks helps make my ride work well in all conditions.
I weigh in at 206 and am not a smooth rider. My mechanic says Beavis, I know when you call you must have broken something. (Not true. Sometimes it's just bent.) The Fox shocks never quit, but they keep me Floatin'.
I did have to have my rear unit serviced after 2 years, but it was quick and fast and easy.
I guess I should misspell a few words to fit in with the other reviews. Nah. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. Lumberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Point Sublime Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Strengths: | Effective lockout. Relatively cheap. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't hold air.
Rebound settings don't do much- always has a mushy feel to it, very unresponsive.
Likes to bob when running lower gears. | | Similar Products Used: | Higher-end Fox, 5th Element | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock Yeti Kokopelli | | Bottom Line: | I had both a nice GT hardtail and a Raleigh road bike ripped off within weeks of each other some time ago. I'm a starving college student, so replacing them is proving to be a long process. I wanted to make sure that I was making the right choice and did tons of research before deciding on the Yeti, and I wasn't very amused to learn that the Koko was no longer in production. By the time I could afford (with a little help from my friend Master Card) I found only a couple stragglers @ bicylebuys.com. They had 2 in my size- a $2500 and the more basically-equipped frame for $1500 that I went with, knowing I'd be upgrading as I went along.
The shock was definately one area in which they shaved $$$. This frame has seen and will continue to see a lot of road use until I can afford a dedicated road bike and I appreciate the full lockout when on pavement. It still manages to lose air, though; I take it across a rutted gravelly lot, maybe a block out of my 5 mile one-way commute and the only section that I activate the rear sus, and each time I do it seem a little mushier. The rebound adjustment doesn't do $#!+; upping the pressure helps but you lose that pressure over the course of a week. On an actual trail, it's pretty pathetic; you quite often lock it out anyway as the suspension hasn't rebounded completely by the time you need it to compress again. I use the lockout a lot and so far haven't had an issue with it, but based on the other reviews about that and the serviceability I have more to look forward to with this POS. Yay. I can't decide whether or not to put on disc brakes or junk this thing first. I'm bummed Yeti chose to go the brand recognition route with the Fox name rather than putting in something like the Cloud 9 that's less known, but similarly-priced and highly rated. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MJ Rocky Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Hilton Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Silent Sports | | Strengths: | Nice performance when it works | | Weaknesses: | Service at least once a season, kept getting air or nitrogen in the oil damper, squishing sound, poor damping. | | Similar Products Used: | Cloud 9, see review, far better product! | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Element T.O., Reba Race, Juicy 7, King hubs, Easton Stem/Bars, XTR, Kooka Cranks, Carbon seat. | | Bottom Line: | I'm done with Fox and their overpriced mandatory service. $100++(cdn) everytime the damper sucks some air in, give me a break. Not user servicable. Good shocks when they work, but not worth the hassle. Cane Creek Cloud 9 has replaced it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nir
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Sullivan Cyn | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | OEM With my bike | | Strengths: | Light, unmatched reliable. | | Weaknesses: | Old school, Fox customer service almost unreachable, their voice machine always full.
| | Similar Products Used: | Fox TALAS (year), 5th element (2.5 years), RS Deluxe, float R, Vanilla, and more.. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized S-Works FSR 2001 with top level components. | | Bottom Line: | First time I was open for maintenance after 4 !!! years.
After a week of try to reach Fox service dept. they sent me a new seals kit for about $10 (inc. S&H), 15 minutes of work on it and it's like new.
Fox making a great products, with poor service availability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B. Goodman
a
from Bountiful, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Sovereign Trail, MOAB | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$525.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Company | | Strengths: | Simple to use. Durable. | | Weaknesses: | Outdated. Bobs (mainly due to the bike's design - single pivot) | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Vanilla R (1998), Fox Float RL (1999), Fox Float AVA (2004), Manitou Swinger SPV (2004) | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Santa Cruz Heckler X w/ Manitou Black Super, XT/XTR/Hayes components | | Bottom Line: | Shock: Fitment on bike is easy- correct bushings/eyelets sent from factory. Set-up is simple, RLC adjustments are straightforward, and the on-the-fly adjustments are accomplished without trouble. Very plush and linear in feel throughout its travel. Ramps up sharply near bottom but isn’t harsh. Durable with no noticeable leaks (oil/air) after two years of use. I lost an earlier version Float RL (’99) on another bike when the negative chamber blew-out. This shock served its purpose without fail, but I replaced it with a Manitou Swinger Air SPV. This is a whole new revelation and breathed new life into my bike.
Service I: I purchased the Float from The Bike Company (bikeco.com) of Lake Forest, CA. The shock I received was a used one. Evident from the dirt and grime embedded in the seals. To make a long story short, I ended up paying $150.00 in addition to the original purchase price because bikeco refused to exchange/refund the shock. I can’t blame Fox for the very poor representation of their product because I dealt only with Bikeco at that time.
Service II: When the ’99 Float failed, I went through my LBS to replace the shock. I replaced it with Fox shock. No hassle and a lot less expense. My recommendation to you all is GET YOUR REPLACEMENT SHOCK AT YOUR LBS.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | with frame | | Strengths: | Put air in it, set rebound, and forget about it. | | Weaknesses: | It bobs, and is outdated compared to today's platform shocks. | | Similar Products Used: | AD8, AD10, Stratos (POS), Vanilla | | Bike Setup: | '03 enduro pro frame purchased, the rest seems to rotate out. | | Bottom Line: | I just sent this out to Push to have the platform upgrade. It did not need to be rebuilt, but it is part of the platform update. It did not leak, and I have had no problems with it. I am an aggressive all mountain rider, but keep it to less than 5' drops. Since I am under 150 lbs everything seems to hold up well except the rear wheels (3 in past year). If you have to send your broken shock to Fox for a rebuild for $100, you might as well send it to Push industries for the upgrade. Yes it is $50 more, but they do it right the first time. They tailor it to your weight, riding style, frame type, etc. THey also upgrade many of the cheaper internals in the process. I would promise to repost upon reciept and after testing, but I will likely rather ride. So, expect to see a long term review when we get our first snow. Four flaming piles of ???? due to the fact it is outdated compared to today's platform shocks... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, CA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Smooth, easily adjustable. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing to speak of. | | Similar Products Used: | Crane Creek | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur | | Bottom Line: | Smoothest, most comfortable shock I have ridden on. Including set-ups I have used and set-ups that I have borrowed to go play with. I haven't had to deal with Fox's warranty which seems to be an issue with many, but beyond that I highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Che
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Came with frame | | Strengths: | Suppose it looks ok ?? | | Weaknesses: | Leaks like your outside tap in winter | | Similar Products Used: | Vanilla rc coil over, swinger 6 way coil over, 5th element coil over | | Bottom Line: | This came with my Marin Attack Trail pro frameset. Worked great......for a couple of weeks then it started leaking.
As I imported the frame it didn't come with a warranty so I bought a service kit. Fitted the kit and bingo, it worked again........for aout a month then started losing air again. Have to blow the bloody thing up every ride and sometimes half way on the big ones.
Thought this was a one off, but my mate has the EXACT same problem ??????
Total crap. Give me a swinger or fifth any day. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson AZ
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Fantasy Island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Tucson Bike Swap meet | | Strengths: | It works | | Weaknesses: | some pedal bob | | Similar Products Used: | fox vanilla coil shock | | Bike Setup: | Jamis dakar | | Bottom Line: | Awesome upgrade from the coilover shock, much lighter, better control. I can ride the same sections of trail faster with better control than before. This shock works like a champ. I never even think about it during a ride, it just works. I have had no problems with it leaking down. I wieght 195lbs and it was easy getting the air pressure and rebound adjustment right for me. Thanks to Fox for sizing their bushing the same in many of their Shocks, the replacement was a piece of cake. I whole heartedly recommend this shock to anyone looking to upgrade from a coil shock | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Henderson, NV
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bootleg Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | works great at the proper pressure, very consistent in leaking air | | Weaknesses: | leaks air | | Similar Products Used: | fox float | | Bike Setup: | jekyll | | Bottom Line: | it was leaking a month after i bought it, called fox and they said they would fix it but it would be at least four weeks. they offered to mail me a rebuild kit and directed me to their service videos on the web. not too hard to rebuild but still leaks slowly and needs to be pumped up to pressure every two or three weeks. this is my third and hopefully last fox shock. the bike shop guys love to sell them, i think because they know you'll be back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin mather
a Downhiller
from storres ct usa
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | my back yard | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | with bike | | Strengths: | lock-out worked strong for about first 4 months | | Weaknesses: | leaks air the lock out tab brakes ealsy, shock moves after a 4 ft drop (wow) | | Bike Setup: | cannondale jekyll 600 | | Bottom Line: | shock is ok | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a
from Corona CA USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Moves in and out | | Weaknesses: | Leaks Air! Lock out is POS... in less than a year mine has gone out 3 times and been repaired by Fox.... Third time I give up! | | Similar Products Used: | Fox R | | Bike Setup: | 03 Enduro Expert | | Bottom Line: | I am looking for something to replace this POS with. Let me put it this way.... Fox is like McDonalds, Yea they sell more Hamburgers than anybody else but, thier burgers are still terrible. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jayjay
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Road | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The lock-out is nice. | | Weaknesses: | LEAKS AIR!!! | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Yeti Kokapelli, Duke fork, Shimano lx/xt drvetrain | | Bottom Line: | I rode this shock with no problems for one year. It started leaking after the first service from my LBS ($25). They had to send it to the factory ($100 plus shipping to and fro). 3 months later, it's leaking again. Fox claims that it has not been serviced at the proper 40 hour intervals. What a convenient disclaimer. If this shock, or any shock for that matter, has to be broken down every 40 hours, then it's time for the rocket scientists to go back to the drawing board. This shock is a piece of crap. I blame Fox for producing this crap but I put more blame on the bike manufacturers for installing this crap as oem on their bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joshster
a Weekend Warrior
from ca
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | eldridge | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | came with frame | | Strengths: | plushie, relatively simple set up, lightweight | | Weaknesses: | slow leak | | Similar Products Used: | rebounder trampoline | | Bike Setup: | squishy in the front, squishy in the back | | Bottom Line: | Lock it out on the way up, engage full squishies for the ride down... So far this thing's doing it's job. It's been exposed to fine silty mud & fine silty dust, but hasn't wavered in it's performance. It's on a Kokopelli frame (3.7" of travel), so it's taking a fair share of hammerin' XC abuse, but no big drops or anything that will squeeze the bejesus out of it. The slow leak isn't any cause for mailing it off; I ride it @ 170ish #s and have to add a few dozen pounds every other ride.
Overall, I can't complain (yet?), so high remarks. Expensive though, so a bit lower on the value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Thunder Bay ON Canada
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | came with frame | | Strengths: | Ride quality when set up right. adjustable rebound, shoothness of stroke | | Weaknesses: | difficult to adjust properly, expensive to rebuild although I have not had too, lockout lever a little feeling | | Similar Products Used: | rockshox post on hardtail | | Bike Setup: | 03' Jamis Dakar Xc Pro loaded with various parts | | Bottom Line: | I'm using mine with a lizard skin to keep the crud out. This may help durability. I've had no issues with this shock yet and by no means am I a lightweight. 240 lbs.
I will update the durability issue if there is any change.
Bottome line I love ride on this shock gives me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Liam
a Cross Country Rider
from home, ma
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | stock on bike | | Strengths: | Does it's job (when it works) | | Weaknesses: | Leaks air, oil and breaks easily...lockout goes first | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Vanilla | | Bike Setup: | K2 Razorback (Pull shock) | | Bottom Line: | Count me as another disgruntled Fox RL user, My First Fox shock blew up at 12 months and two weeks (Fox refused to honor 1 year warrantee-cost me an inexplicable $100 bucks)-ugh!). It was sent off to the regional shock rebuilding plant..where, and this is tell-tale, they were very busy and it would be an 8 week turn-around (hmmmm). Thankfully my very awesome Bike shop and proprietor (Bob at Bicycles Unlimited in Greenfield, MA-check him out!) loaned me another Fox Float RL xso I was able to ride. Bottom line is, neither Float I've had holds air (I refill every ride), and one year is awfull quick for a light xc guy to burn thru a short travel shock...I'd buy another except the razorback can only use the Fox Float RL...oh well. I hear the cane creeks are nice! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Denis
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda, CA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ones you can't ride | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | came with the frame | | Strengths: | light and easy to maintain. lock-out works, rebound does too but not very useful to my taste or riding style | | Weaknesses: | leaks air at the exterior thread of the valve, where it mounts into the body. teflon tape took care of it, but it was not easy to detect the cause of the leak. I assume since it is a tolerance design flaw, that a lot of these shocks exhibit the problem.
Also careful not to tighten the body too much or it will be impossible to unscrew it the next time | | Similar Products Used: | none, but impressed by the Fifth element | | Bike Setup: | Santacruz Superlight | | Bottom Line: | easy to find these shocks at discounted price on Ebay or other classifieds. If you get one for $160, it is a good buy.
at retail value, it is not | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Brussels
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Strengths: | lock out works well. plush and everything when it's on the bike (and not at the shop...) | | Weaknesses: | reliability | | Similar Products Used: | rock shox | | Bike Setup: | santa cruz superlight | | Bottom Line: | I had the seals changed twice last year + the valve. Everything usely worked fine for 2-3 weeks. then i had to bring it back to the shop to get it fixed again. I'm going to buy a DT Swiss (and pray that it works better than Fox) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Hammond
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Kiddy Fiddler | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | K2 direct Switzerland | | Strengths: | Smooth ride and great lock out | | Weaknesses: | Air leaks | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | K2 razorback standard shimano stuff | | Bottom Line: | This my 1st full suspension bike and I was over the moon with the product. After changing the vavlve many times due to air leaks as I felt the shock should not be leaking after 9 months, I have sent it back to a Mr Gery Peyer at www.suspensioncentre.ch who has been amazingly helpful and comitted to his product. He has sent me the vavles free of charge, a seal kit free of charge and now is doing a full rebuild free of charge. I am sure the shock will come back in fine working order, and for a lightwieght, easy adjustable shock, I hope to be able to use this shock for a long time and I think will continue to use Fox. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lee bloggs
a Cross Country Rider
from uk
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | cleveland | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | uk | | Strengths: | non | | Weaknesses: | all | | Similar Products Used: | none but going to try some | | Bike Setup: | specilized enduro 03 xtr throughout maz drop off ect | | Bottom Line: | iv had these shocks for 3 years on 2 bikes and for what it has cost me in services, i may aswell of bought new ones.whats the point in building something that is really only designed to last a race or two.these should never of been released to public racing only, 1 race | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$279.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet | | Strengths: | Lockout worked fine. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Float R | | Bike Setup: | Ventana El Saltamontes, King wheels/headset, Hope, Raceface, Sram X.O., etc. | | Bottom Line: | To all the reviewers that have had any, and I mean any problems with their float...Get it PUSHED! Push Industries will rebuilt the thing completely with a platform internals that are designed and set up to your riding and weight. For $138.00 you get your float redone to the best shock you will ever ride. They are very cool guys and told me that the Fox Float is one of the best built air shocks made. Once they totally gut and put new internals, you end up with the best shock on the market. Do it...you will not regret it. www.pushindustries.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Racer
from philly
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | got dirt? | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | no bob when you pedal (its the pro pedal version), performs very well, smoother the harder you ride | | Weaknesses: | all the bad reviews have me worried, somtimes the lockout clicks on by itself but i think my cable housing is hitting it when i use a lot of travel | | Similar Products Used: | vanilla, vanilla rlc | | Bike Setup: | this is my xc bike, set up top of the line with all the lightwieght goodies, but not to light i am 185. | | Bottom Line: | i was ridin tday and was thinkin how well this thing performs, so i decided to write a review. then i saw all the negative stuff and, now im worried. ill update if i have any problems.
anyway, so far this shock has been great. i do recommend runing the pressure a little less than you normally would because, the propedal damping makes it a little rough on the light bumps. but its worth it caus my bike pedals so much better since i upgraded from the vanilla | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steven foley
a Weekend Warrior
from Tujunga, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | rainbow trail, continental divide trail, colorado trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | came on bike | | Strengths: | It is very plush | | Weaknesses: | It is crap. Foxs customer service is crap as well. They want to charge me $100 to change $3 worth the parts. And They were extremely rude to me over the phone. Someone needs to give their employees a class on professional courtesy. | | Similar Products Used: | RS SID rear | | Bike Setup: | weyless, full xt, thompson stem/seatpost, race face cranks | | Bottom Line: | Fox needs to pull their head out of their fourth point of contact (ass). They are extremely lacking in quality and customer service compared to Answer and Marzocchi. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil
a Cross Country Rider
from mukilteo, wa
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | came on frame | | Strengths: | Works pretty well when it works. | | Weaknesses: | It doesn't work for very long | | Similar Products Used: | First and only full suspention...don't ride this bike much because it's such a pain...viva la single speed hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Superlight with lots of chi chi parts | | Bottom Line: | Fox charges 100+ bucks to rebuild this shock. It works pretty well for a few hundred miles then turns to crap again. Had it rebuilt twice now. Just gonna ride it till it's completely dead or till it makes so much noise that I wish I were dead, whichever comes first. Wont buy another one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Bartow, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Fine when it worked. | | Weaknesses: | No confidence in warranty service | | Bike Setup: | Intense Tracer | | Bottom Line: | Shock would not fully extend on several occassions. Fox will not provide warranty service claiming a seatpost scratch is causing the problem. Yeah right! I used the shock for eight months after the scratch with no problems, and the scratch is just that--a scratch. Looking to buy elsewhere next time. . . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slowman
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Wally World, Wilders | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | The Off Ramp, Santa Clara | | Strengths: | The first 6 months of service. It seems to soak up the bumps and never bottom out when it holds air. Doesn't bob much at all when pedaling hard. | | Weaknesses: | Leaks Air | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first dual suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Disc | | Bottom Line: | Since day 1 I have had to check the air pressure on a weekly basis, but I thought that was normal. Apparently not. Anyway the shock finally leaked so bad (after half a ride I was bottoming out) I took it back to the LBS where I bought it, luckily I was back to silicon valley on another work assignment.
Fox is rebuilding it under warranty. I thought these were supposed to be a good shock and Fox were the best. I replaced the front shocks with a Manitou Skareb Platinum and it is great. If this rear shock blows again, I am thinking of replacing it with a manitou air SPV type shock.
My hope is that Fox have had this problem enough to have made some engineering changes which they will install when they rebuild it and I'll never see the problem again. Look, I just saw flying pig!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Methling
a Cross Country Rider
from Rocky Ford CO 81067
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Holds air | | Weaknesses: | The oil mixing with the nitrogen | | Similar Products Used: | Cane Creek coming up | | Bike Setup: | Specalized FSR King hubs Jet lites Thomason Conti Gravity tires Race Face cranks MXC fork Avid Discs CPS | | Bottom Line: | After about 500 miles there was a sucking sound coming from the shock ...called Fox and said that it was the nitrogen mixing with the air and it SOMETIMES happens ...i was thinking that was not going to happen again for some time but in 500 miles after that it happened again but now it is out of warranty and they told me it was going to be about 100 bucks if it is an occasional problem why is it happening about the 500 mile interval that is not a well desigined product when it is needing to be serviced once a year expically when i baby my stuff cause I am ordering the Cane Creek AD 12 and that should work better and give me a .25 inch of travel over the stock fox and from what i was hearing that it is much more realiable | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Basil
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin, CA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Boggs Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Came with bike frame | | Strengths: | Shock works well enough considering it's light weight. Since this shock is on a more downhill style frame it is nice to have the lock out. | | Weaknesses: | The shock has three adjustments while riding. Open and ready for business, locked out and hardly any spring then sort of locked out but no totally. The last position doesn't seem to make any difference, the bike will still bob when you stand on it, so I just open all the way or lock it. | | Similar Products Used: | Cane Creek shock | | Bike Setup: | Marin Mountain Attack Frame, Marzocchi FR Z1 ETA Fork, Avid ball bearing 8 inch discs. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a big boy, 220 lbs so what you light weights call a Free ride or downhill bike is my cross country bike. This is my second Fox Shock and Fox shocks work pretty well, what I hate is the hidden cost. You go out and buy this shock and if you win the lottery it lasts for a couple of years, but if you don't it ends up eating up all those bills you hide in your wallets secret compartment that your wife doesn't know about. It starts leaking oil then air then you can't pump enough to keep it working, solution send it to Fox, no riding for two to three weeks till Fox sends it back after separating you from a minimum of 60 bucks or more. Then two months later do it again.
I'll ride this one till it blows then bail, Cane Creek makes good shocks that you can rebuild yourself for about 12 bucks in about 20 minutes. If you want to rebuild your Fox shock get a degree in Engineering then buy a bunch of special tools and then sneak into the factory for a skematic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Uthman Ray IV
a Racer
from Los Angeles, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all Santa Barbara trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light weight, on-the-fly lockout, rebound adjustment handles higher air pressure well. | | Weaknesses: | No compression adjustment. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox SID Rear shock. | | Bike Setup: | Intense Tazer, Fox Float 100 RLC fork, WTB rims, tires, saddle, and grips, Hayes brakes, Easton bars, Thomson stem and seatpost, Truvativ cranks and BB, Sram shifting, | | Bottom Line: | Provides rigidity and light weight that most coil over shocks do not. I had this shock on my slalom/mtn cross race bike, and needed it to be stiff and progressive for the large jumps on many of the current race courses. At first I was worried that the rebound adjustment might not be able to handle the air pressure I wanted to set the shock to (max pressure @ 300psi---I weight 190 lbs). The rebound countered the high pressure prefectly, and I rode the shock hard for a whole season without a any problems, or rebuilds. If you're looking for a reliable, light weight, adjustable rear shock, I would definately recommend looking into what Fox has to offer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville, FL
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Easy, on-the-fly adjustment. Rebound adjustment galour. Super-light. | | Weaknesses: | unpredictable reliabilty. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar, Fox Float RL rear shock, full XTR drivetrain, XT brakes, mavic crossride wheeset, 100mm RS Judy SL. | | Bottom Line: | I upgraded from a 2 y/o factory fox vanilla coil. What the hell was I waiting for? I should have done this upgrade the day I got the bike! After installing and taking it for it's first ride I was floored & amazed at how much better the bike handled. I was actually grinning ear to ear as I was riding! I was able to carve corners like never before and carry speed over the rough stuff that before, I struggled to keep control over. NOW I know what rebound control is! I never knew it could make such a difference. Add the flexibilty of lock out and limited travel, and this shock is a requirement on your bike if you have anything less.
My only worry is the irratic and unpredictable reliability the Fox Float shocks seem to have according to these MTBR reviews. They are either way bad, or really good. I guess only time will tell. Overall, I am extremely happy to date. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edgar Nolasco
a Cross Country Rider
from El Salvador, Central America
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | El Cincho, San Salvador | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Adrenalinebikes.com | | Strengths: | Very light, smooth, nice plush, adjustability, lock out performance | | Weaknesses: | I have not found anyone.... | | Bike Setup: | Yeti ASR SL 03, manitou XVERT 02 fork, full XT, mavix 517 wheelset | | Bottom Line: | It just feels great to ride this yeti ASR with it, great descending, very plushy, makes the bike very stable and responsive, and combined with the manitou Xvert, gives a lot of confidence. The lockout works great when climbing and can be done on-the-fly. Really feels like a hardtail. No air leaking, easy to fine tune with an air pump. Easy maintenance with the tech video downloaded from the Fox web page. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric W.
a Cross Country Rider
from Henderson NV
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any where | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Came with bike. | | Strengths: | Holds air for long periods. | | Weaknesses: | Reducer bushings were pressed in way to tight.
Its started leaking oil, with only about 900 mls on it.
When it was new, the last three clicks towards "slow" on the rebound dial would lock the shock up. ( strangely enough, the rebound knob is working correctly, now that some of the oil has leaked out from around the shock shaft seal, inside the shock ).
I think its haunted???? | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Fox FLOAT R/C. That was an excellent shock; it was reliable ( for 4000 miles ) and had a better air chamber design that let me use much less pressure for the same amount of travel. | | Bike Setup: | Custom 2003 FSR xc. | | Bottom Line: | I've taken care of this 2003 FLOAT, the same way as I did my 2000 FlOAT , "by the book" and yet its a pain in the a$$.
With less than a 1000 mls on it, its totaly crapped out.
It needs new eyelet bushings and has sprung an internal oil leak.
My old 2000 FLOAT, went 4000 miles without a single problem.
Unfortunatly, I had to give up the original shock, when my frame was replaced under warranty.
Bottom Line; I don't like the current version of the FLOAT, at least not the way Fox and Specialized set up the 01-03 Stumpjumpers.
As a parting shot; I noticed Specialized changed back to the good old, 6.5" eye to eye, 1.5" stroke shock on the 2004 stumpjumpers, instead of the custom designed
"micro-shock", piece of "doo-doo" on the 01-03 Stumpjumpers.
HMMMMMMMMM; I wonder why...NOT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bjorndoggie Cruiser
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento CA, USofA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Forresthill Divide Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Smoooooth. Oh yea, it's light too. | | Weaknesses: | Lockout bit the dust. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Fox Float RC (great shock, no problems) | | Bike Setup: | '03 Stumpjumper, Marzocchi MX Pro, XTR, Monkeylite, Thomson, blah, blah you know the story. | | Bottom Line: | I had to warranty my '01 Stumpjumper Pro frame and Specialized sent me an '03. They were kind enough to give me a new shock on my new frame. Too bad they didn't put my old shock on the new frame. On my second ride the lockout wouldn't work. So here I have to go back to my LBS (American River Bicycles) and ask them to send it back. The guys at my local shop have been great about helping me out. I'm just pissed that I'm going to be bikeless again while this gets straightened out. I'm a little suprised because I had a very good experience with my first Float RC. Bjorndoggie's MTB Lesson #1 buy dependable products even if you have to pay a more or they're a little heavier. I'm going to rate this at 5 flaming Chihuahua's because it was free and only knock it down to 3 for Overall 'cause my first one was very dependable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Atlas
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Ease of installation. | | Weaknesses: | Cam threads stripped out. Unlocked position frequently switches on its own to locked position. Have had to replace seals twice in one year (~ 1,500 miles). | | Similar Products Used: | Stratos XC Pro | | Bike Setup: | 2003 XTR throughout on a TREK carbon fiber frame. | | Bottom Line: | This is the second bike I've owned that came with a FOX rear shock. Both FOX shocks were replaced due to unpredictability (i.e., seals failing 20 miles out from the trailhead). The lockout on one of my FOX shock failed to work properly (similar to another reviewer's problem) and the cam threads stripped out (why FOX uses aluminum threads baffles me).
If you're going to be spending big $ on a rear shock, I'd recommend a Stratos XC Pro. I have this shock on two of my bikes and have never had a problem with them One bike has just about 4,000 miles and the Stratos shock has only had to be filled three times over this distance.
One last comment with regard to the seals failing....I do not believe it is the seals themselves that are failing in FOX shcoks. Rather, I believe that the piston tube is warping due to stresses experienced during riding. Compare the FOX piston tube to all others manufacturers' rear shocks in the market and you'll notice how flimsy the FOX tube is.
Save some money and buy a competitor's rear shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | Lockout is a true lockout, unlike many other shocks. | | Weaknesses: | Leaks air like a sif. Not user rebuildable like some other shocks. | | Similar Products Used: | Cane Creek Cloud Nine | | Bike Setup: | XCE, Superlight, others over the years. | | Bottom Line: | This shock did not impress me. It worked okay in the first couple of months, but then it began to leak air. I would have to pump it up before every ride (what a pain). Then it got to where it leaked air so bad I couldn't get through a ride without it going flat. I purchased the "O" ring kit and also relubed it. This helped for about another month. Then back to leaking air really bad again. SO finally I sent it to Fox for repair under warrantee. Down time was about three weeks total. It worked quite well for about 5 months, then back to leaking air really bad again. I ride XC never any drops. The shock was never abused.
Finally I got fed up and bought a Cane Creek Cloud Nine. I've had this shock now for 6 months. I've only pumped it up ONCE, and that was when I first put it on. Still at the same pressure I originally placed in it. Much better shock too, much more plush. It's just a better shock than the Fox. I'll never again buy another Fox product.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | gary fisher oem | | Strengths: | holds air | | Weaknesses: | remote lock out | | Similar Products Used: | sid, stratos | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher team issue | | Bottom Line: | due to broken frame Gary Fisher replaced it with Team issue/ fox rl setup (no lockout) I purchased the lockout lever direct from Fox. the problems are, aluminum cam threads strip too easily, and the lockout wont stay unlocked! 3 bike mechanics and myself have put way too many hours trying to get this pos to work. unlock the lever, ride 1 minute, instant hardtail. Fox tech support says it has to work and none of us know what we are doing.?
shock itself seems fine comparable to sid but don't try the remote lockout kit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Grutter
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Table Mountain, Cape Town | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Compared to the ALPS5, inferior. | | Weaknesses: | Repeated failure of rebound, air leaking. I'm onto my 3d one now & rebound just failed. To my preference it is not possible to slow the rebound down enough(start losing travel) | | Similar Products Used: | ALP5S. Fantastic. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Jekyl with Lefty | | Bottom Line: | This one is lemon, both in terms of reliability & functionality. Anyone can make a mistake. But not to acknowledge it? If you are the market leader? As a final user one is told the newer unit is an improvement? Anyway, as far as I know I'm going to have to sell my Jekyll to lose the Float. Pity Cannondale. Poor show Fox intnl. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zeke Khatchaser
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | locally - Lost Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | came on bike | | Strengths: | Lots of single track riding, cross-country and the dirty, temperature gradient world of daily commuting in Alaska. I have never cleaned the air sleeve as recommended. I run it soft (150 psi) so it is always working hard with my 180lb pizza fed body + pack with lunch and work clothes.
This shock gets used in the cold (avg 15 -20 F and as cold as -15F) and sits in my warm office all day - back to cold and then the house to thaw, repeat.Hasn't been problematic like my fork in these conditions. | | Weaknesses: | After nearly two years of abuse it is starting to leak some air I adjust the pressure once a week. Probably to be expected. | | Similar Products Used: | Rox Shox on a GF Sugar, leaked day-one chamber to chamber | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Turner XCE (4 spot?) - the Float RL is significantly lighter than the coil over it was spec'd with. Marzoch front Bomber Z1 x fly (2001 model still working too)on the other end - other pricey stuff, bike is 25lbs in race trim, heavier for cross country adventures and Huffy weight for winter commuting. | | Bottom Line: | I seldom drop off any thing bigger than two foot. This shock is a pleasure on long cross country rides and daily commutes, probably what it is designed for and suceeds at. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Berns
a Cross Country Rider
from Encino, CA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | T-2 at Reseda | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World | | Strengths: | Brilliant quality, simple rebound adjustment, lockout is just a flip of the switch | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Float R | | Bike Setup: | 03' Specialized stumpjumper FSR, stock but put on avid mechanical disc breaks | | Bottom Line: | Awesome rear shock, i had a hardtail before and this just amazing, amazing technology. Fox's quality cannot be beaten by Rock Shock or Manitou. Great stuff. It proves to be an amazing piece of equpitment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Albert Karsai
a Weekend Warrior
from Austria
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Plush suspension, Lock-out, | | Weaknesses: | None so far, little air leakage - in about 2 weeks it looses about 10 Psi. | | Similar Products Used: | Vanilla R (coil)for 5 years | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp | | Bottom Line: | good rear shock, works as good as my Vanilla R, rebound adjustment a bit fussy, looses only little air, which is acceptable. A good deal, I'd say. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric W
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasanton, CA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any East Bay Ride | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Came with 2003 FSRxc | | Strengths: | Durable and doesn't leak much air. I can go as much as a month before I have to check the pressure. | | Weaknesses: | No compression adjustment.
Rebound knob locks out the suspension when its three clicks or less from the full "slow" position, keeping me from getting enough rebound damping, when I'm in the 90mm setting on the rear of my FSRxc.
Can't use full travel because of insufficiant air volume.
Fox knows this too, thats why they offer the AVA air sleeve,for aftermarket sale.
Reducer bushings were pressed in so tight, I couldn't spin them by hand when I removed the shock for its first "air sleeve maintanance." This led to frame and suspension link wear, because the bushings were spinning in between the frame and upper suspension link mounts, instead of inside the shock-eye's pressed in bushings. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Float R/C. (now that was an excellent shock.) | | Bike Setup: | 2003 FSRxc. | | Bottom Line: | I loved my 2000 FLOAT R/C, but this new 2003 model of the shock is not as good.
The shock is reliable, it doesn't lose air for weeks at a time, but the rebound adjuster problem is not acceptable. I can't use full rebound damping, at higher air pressures, because the shock's compression circuit locks out, at the last three clicks towards "slow" on the rebound adjustment dial. (I tested this several times to make sure it wasn't my imagination, or that I wasn't accidentaly hitting the lock-out lever.) I'd like to know why the "rebound adjuster" affects the compression circuit at all. Needless to say, It shouldn't!
The other major problem, is the reducer bushings were pressed in way to tight. In fact they shouldn't be "pressed in." The reducer bushings are supposed to spin freely inside the "shock-eye" bushings (the thin metal sleeves pressed into the shock-eyes.) I fixed that myself by honing the shock-eye bushings, ALTHOUGH I SHOULDN'T HAVE HAD TOO!
Fox's FLOAT is not what it used to be, if you are in the market for an aftermarket shock, I'd go for something else (if you can) until Fox Racing gets their act back together. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biker Guy
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Triple crown | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | NO leaks
Light weight
Ajustable
Lock out
Durable | | Weaknesses: | no compression dampening adjust | | Similar Products Used: | RS SID
Fox Vanilla R
5th element | | Bike Setup: | Norco Fluid | | Bottom Line: | Great shock, does not leak - I have not had to add air since I got the bike (3months) and I've been riding good drops and fast downhill. Not as stable as the 5th element but lighter and more durable (5th element blew a seal on the second ride on Santacruz Heckler...)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Staniszewski
a Cross Country Rider
from Roseville, CA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Clementine loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Cycling Emporium | | Strengths: | Good reliability, tough performer | | Weaknesses: | Expensive - remote lockout is expensive and a tremendous waste of money! | | Similar Products Used: | Cane Creek | | Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 80 upgraded to a Fuel 100 | | Bottom Line: | Shock performs well with no incidents. On the other hand, I disconnected the remote lock-out which is a poor, unreliable, rinky-dink piece of garbage! This thing is poorly designed (they don't even give you a cable), crappy (I stripped out the soft aluminum components and fittings -and then they charged me $25 for replacement fittings) - DON'T BUY THIS - IT IS A LOUSY, CHEAP RIP-OFF. Also, I realized you really don't lock out the rear very often anyways! I have a Trek and the aggressive cable turns scraped the paint on the frame as well. You don't need this! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SEAN
a Cross Country Rider
from WHEN I M ON THIS BIKE
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ANYTHING I YOU CAN RIDE | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | CHESHIRE CYCLES AND REPAIR | | Strengths: | Lockout,air,rebound control,FOX,active and smooth | | Weaknesses: | none at all | | Similar Products Used: | fox vanilla r ,element ,sid | | Bike Setup: | stock(for now)2003 Haro werks xls 2.0 | | Bottom Line: | i v done 3 footers,woods,20 miles of road from shop to home and i see this shock lasting
i m 165 lbs and ride good but hard this shock can take it
you should have one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Ellingwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Keene, NH
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Drummer | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Norms | | Strengths: | Everything had it for a year and a half and love it. I check ari about every 3 or 4 rides and it still right at 100 psi. | | Weaknesses: | Sent it with bad seals I was not happy but sence I work at a bike shop I just took one off a demo for about 3 weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Trek fuel 100 2002 | | Bottom Line: | I'm knocking on wood right now reading all the other problems people have had. But mine has been great and I'm not easy on things. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Beeson
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Strengths are slightly hard to describe when your shock arrives with air leaking(and mixing) into the oil chamber, resulting in an interesting gurgling sound and a complete lack of damping adjustment. Thus, I cannot relay strenghts aside from mere looks. It looks like a nicely built product. | | Weaknesses: | Poor build quality. Extreme customer service flaws that must be remedied before I purchase, or recommend, another Fox product. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | 03' Yeti ASR-SL | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line for the Fox Float RL rear shock is, simply put, it has failed to perform whatsoever. After sending the shock back to Fox, on the recommendation of a inside CD rep, with the Yeti swing-link attached(did not want to remove the pressed-in sealed bearings) I thought my problems with the irratant would be solved and my riding blues cured. Unfortunatly, this was not the case. I did recieve the shock back, though not as I had requested to the CS rep. A Fox technican had taken it upon himself to remove the swing-link without my permission, and, in the process of pushing the pivot back in through the bearings, damaged both the link and bearings beyond repair. Not only this, but also leaving the link separate from the shock, also against my instructions. I do not have access to a bearing press in fix this problem. I now am forced to send the shock and remains of the link to Yeti(wait another few days) and have them solve a problem Fox should have never started.
To Fox's credit, I had been able to speak with a manage, though nothing fruitful was birthed in any form. Yeti is solving a problem Fox should be responsible for. Utter dismay at this obtrusive slap at a previous admirer of Fox's products has been acknowledged.
Fox, I will no longer support your company nor your products. As soon as financial means are avaliable, I am selling this shock for a Cane Creek replacement. Customers beware of shoddy customer service, no matter how good the product seems to be.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SkAb
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | National trail, pheonix | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | velo | | Strengths: | Smooth compression, decent rebound, lockout handy. | | Weaknesses: | I have blown the seals on mine twice in the six mounths i have had it. i sent it in to fox to have it rebuilt twice (it took two weeks each time). I also managed to break the lockout. im afraid of what i will do once my warrenty expires. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox vanilla | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Tomac Six shooter, manatou black 100/120, shimano xt/xtr, race face dh cranks, IRC backcountry tires | | Bottom Line: | this is a great product, i just wish it were more durable. something this expensive should be able to stand up to the moderate hits i have put mine through. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
enduro_boy
a Downhiller
from so cal
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that requires getting hung up in thorns | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Awesome shock | | Weaknesses: | what weaknesses?? | | Similar Products Used: | cane creek(crap) | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Enduro Pro | | Bottom Line: | This shock is sweet. Nuff said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Racer
from chicago
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | stock | | Strengths: | Easy to adjust compression and rebounding. Smooth, reliable and light weight. | | Weaknesses: | Loses some air in the cold but not a concern. | | Similar Products Used: | My first FS. | | Bike Setup: | Fuel 100 w/goodies | | Bottom Line: | Has proven very reliable. Very easy to adjust compression and rebounding, reach down and lock it out for the big ass climbs. Once your setting is dialed in, forget it and ride. I have no other to compare it to other than the titanium rear triangle of my old bike. I try to take care of it and keep it lubed and wiped down after rides. I've seen some other than have blown the seal as well with oil leaking, not mine so I won't complain. Between racing, epic riding and flying over log piles, works well. Best over the ATV ruts on the XC courses. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BrokenSpoke
a Cross Country Rider
from Ithaca, NY
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | OEM on StumpJumper | | Strengths: | Nice adjustability, consistent ride. | | Weaknesses: | Quality and attention to detail are weak at Fox. The air valve leaks where it screws into the shock body. The air valve is too short, so the nut hits the body before the valve can seat against the O-ring. In my opinion, that indicates poor quality control (hmm, close enough, slap it on there!) The shock lost half it's air on the first ride. Apparently there was a problem with defective seals (again, no attention to quality or detail!) Fox sent me a new seal. I replaced it and the shock was fine for about a month. Then it started losing air every ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox Vanilla, Cane Creek AD-12 | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpy | | Bottom Line: | I will never buy a Fox product again (replaced the shock with a Cane Creek AD-12). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryder Drumm
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Angeles Crest firetrails where I learned | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Foes Fabrications | | Strengths: | Well built, great rebound, not too heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Lets see, it broke after about 5 races but while it worked it was fine. | | Similar Products Used: | Romic, Curnutt, Vanilla..... | | Bike Setup: | Foes FXC, full xtr, fox float 80 rlc, float rl, all the goodies. | | Bottom Line: | The shock was fine while it worked, adjustability on rebound it great, hard to get to and hard to turn but a wide range. Air shock is easy to adjust. Rebound is good, travel is plush. Fox is being very anal about fixking it for me because there are some scratches on the can from some cables. It leaks air from the filling valve, not the core but where the valve screws in. I also thought that the shock itself is a bit overpriced for what you get. There is no piggyback but an internal nitrogen chamber, no travel adjustment and you cannot even run sag on it because you cant let too much air out. I would say it is a solid XC shock, not the best, customer service sucks and is a pain to deal with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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