REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Cane Creek AD-12 vs. Fox Float?

2799 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Warp, Jul 23, 2004

Aqueous

Discussion Starter · Jul 22, 2004

I am trying to decide on a new rear shock for my '02 Sugar 3+. Most of my friends are encouraging me to get the Fox Float, as is a reply on another thread here, and even the darn Gary Fisher rep said it was the way to go. However, when I read the reviews on this site for the Fox Float the vast majority of the people just bashed it, had all sorts of problems with it, etc. Needless to say, that was a little bothersome. Also, I had some advice from a guy with a similar bike to just upgrade the AD-5 that came stock. So, I'm a little confused and would love to hear from some shock gurus out there that can help make my decision easy!

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fsrxc

· #2 · Jul 22, 2004

Aqueous said:
I am trying to decide on a new rear shock for my '02 Sugar 3+. Most of my friends are encouraging me to get the Fox Float, as is a reply on another thread here, and even the darn Gary Fisher rep said it was the way to go. However, when I read the reviews on this site for the Fox Float the vast majority of the people just bashed it, had all sorts of problems with it, etc. Needless to say, that was a little bothersome. Also, I had some advice from a guy with a similar bike to just upgrade the AD-5 that came stock. So, I'm a little confused and would love to hear from some shock gurus out there that can help make my decision easy!

What's wrong with your AD5? Do you want more adjustability, features (propedal)?
FWIW when Floats are working, they work well, and are dependable. My 2001 Float R had a floating piston failure (squishing sound), but once rebuilt by Fox it's been fine ever since.

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calgarydave

· #3 · Jul 22, 2004

Ad-12

FWIW, my wife has a 2001 Sugar 2 with an AD-12 rear shock that came stock on it. She has ridden the pi$$ out of her bike including about 100 hours of XC racing. She weighs 130/135 lbs. No problems at all to report and I've never even taken it apart for servicing. Hmmmm, maybe it's time. She would highly recommend an AD-12 for that bike.

Happy trails,
Dave

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cbchess

· #4 · Jul 23, 2004

the AD -12 is great

Aqueous said:
I am trying to decide on a new rear shock for my '02 Sugar 3+. Most of my friends are encouraging me to get the Fox Float, as is a reply on another thread here, and even the darn Gary Fisher rep said it was the way to go. However, when I read the reviews on this site for the Fox Float the vast majority of the people just bashed it, had all sorts of problems with it, etc. Needless to say, that was a little bothersome. Also, I had some advice from a guy with a similar bike to just upgrade the AD-5 that came stock. So, I'm a little confused and would love to hear from some shock gurus out there that can help make my decision easy!

I had an AD -12 on my Rocket88 and it was just awesome. Super Adjustable compression and rebound damping. very responsvie and extremely plush. super easy to self service. one of the most user freindly rear shocks I have ever used. I sold it with my bike and I miss it more than anything else. I have a Float R on my Enduro now wich I like but I really miss the compression damping that the AD-12 had.
Super light shock too.
chris

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Aqueous

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 23, 2004

Just looking for a better ride...

It is not that there is really anything wrong with the AD-5, I just think I can get a better ride and I hate to use the word when talking about an air shock but something a little "plusher." It also sounds like the pro pedal feature is a nice one to have. Here's the deal, my bike was in the shop and taking a long time to get fixed (which is sometimes what happens when you are good friends with the LBS mechanic and he finds himself way over-booked -- his friend is going to understand much more than that impatient customer that he's tired of dealing with...). At any rate, my friend felt bad so he let me borrow his brand new bike, which happens to be a bike he set up to be more of a trail bike. Well, this new bike felt sooooo nice. It was so plush, and yet still cornered really well and wasn't too heavy. It really got me thinking and wanting to improve my ride. Thus, the question (which shock is better). It seemed to me that I could improve the ride of my bike by either improving my current shock or by upgrading.

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fsrxc

· #6 · Jul 23, 2004

As I understand, the AD-5 and AD-12 are the same shock, except the AD-12 has *external* compression and rebound damping adjustments (apparently the AD-5's damping can be adjusted internally). So, I'm just wondering what improvements you might be expecting by upgrading to an AD-12? In theory, once it's set up, the AD-5 should work just as well (unless you want adjustability on the trail). Have you "dialled in" your AD-5 as much as it will allow for max plushness? I think the AD-5 and AD-12 both allow internal volume adjustment (4 choices?), so if your AD-5 is already set to maximum volume, an AD-12 at max volume should be no plusher.

I'm not saying "don't get a different shock", just asking if you have set up your current shock as "plush" as it will allow...

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Aqueous

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 23, 2004

That was one of the options

I am not 100% positive, but I believe the 5 and the 12 are the same shock -- the only real difference being the adjustability. You have a very good point -- no, I haven't dialed in my 5 yet and that was one of the things I was considering. From reading other threads here it sounds like that is exactly what a lot of other Sugar+ owners have done. In fact, I can't really come up with a good reason not to try that as it would only cost about $35 to dial in the 5 compared to approximately $250 for a new shock. So why not at least try, right? I guess part of what I was hoping to find out here is whether or not the Fox Float is a lot better shock. If it is a lot better than the AD-12, then it would be a lot better than a modified AD-5 too right? At least that was my thinking. I guess I should also probably have asked if I should get a higher end shock too (Cloud Nine, Talas, etc). If I would really feel a difference with one of those, or if I am well enough off with either a Float or a dialed-in 5/12.

Thanks!

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Warp

· #8 · Jul 23, 2004

Play a bit with your shock....

Use the extrems of adjustments, dial it little by little. If your shock is not "trail friendly" make adjustments at the garage and write them down so you know what you just did and start making adjustments little by little.

Start with what's stated on the manual and then play with it. Read COMPLETELY the manual so you should not skip some step or warnings that would send your shock to the Shock's Heaven.

It'll be a long but gratifying process where you could only end up winning and learning lots about shocks in general.

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