[slipstream]

I'm looking at a rear shock replacement for my Pivot Mach 4SL, and looking at the two new offerings from Fox. Does anyone have any experience with either shock on the Pivot Mach 4 SL?
From the research I've done, it sounds like the Fox Float (mini DPX...) is much plusher and smoother on the descent but less pedalling support, and also a two position lever.
Float SL sounds more performance oriented, but with a lower volume of oil
Any real world feedback is appreciated!
Thanks

 

[Jayem]

IME, the regular Float DPS is still very XC performance orientated with a good firm lockout and decent enough compliance. I wouldn't want to go any firmer. I have a Sidlux shock too and that IS firmer than my DPS, no racing benefit though, doesn't make me any faster. The Float SL may be a couple grams lighter...but if it's firmer and not as compliant as the DPS, I wouldn't want it. I also run an RS Deluxe on the same bike and that is a lot more supple and plush than all the others and it does compromise the "XC race" handling/pedaling of the bike a bit.

 

[slipstream]

Thanks for your input. The few other things I've learned since posting is that there is less oil in the Float SL, which can overheat faster than a DPS on longer descents. One local rider had heat damage to his SL shaft (on a SC Blur) from one of the longer descents around here. It would also need more frequent oil changes.
The biggest downside to the new Float is an only a 2 position switch, no middle setting-which I did use on smoother climbs. But from the feedback I've heard, the Float is definitely a better descending shock than the DPS and the SL.
If I was racing only XCO, I think the SL would be the way to go.
Now it's between replacing with a new Float, or tracking down a new DPS (old stock)-if it ain't broke... to replace the original rear shock. I lean towards Fox mainly because there is a local suspension guy who can do all the service and custom tuning if necessary 5 minutes from my house. Not ready for electronic suspension yet..

 

[Jayem]

Thanks for your input. The few other things I've learned since posting is that there is less oil in the Float SL, which can overheat faster than a DPS on longer descents. One local rider had heat damage to his SL shaft (on a SC Blur) from one of the longer descents around here. It would also need more frequent oil changes.
The biggest downside to the new Float is an only a 2 position switch, no middle setting-which I did use on smoother climbs. But from the feedback I've heard, the Float is definitely a better descending shock than the DPS and the SL.
If I was racing only XCO, I think the SL would be the way to go.
Now it's between replacing with a new Float, or tracking down a new DPS (old stock)-if it ain't broke... to replace the original rear shock. I lean towards Fox mainly because there is a local suspension guy who can do all the service and custom tuning if necessary 5 minutes from my house. Not ready for electronic suspension yet..

This is confusing because Fox has changed the names over the years. The XC shock used to be the Float DPS. Then they came out with the SL, a little lighter. Both the Float SL and the regular float have the "Dual Piston System", they are the same damping arrangement. Both are still solidly XC shocks. So your last sentence is a bit confusing. You might have "DPS" on the side of your current Float...but it's the same as the current Float and the ones they've been making for years. There might be some extremely small tweaks...but they are largely the same. What do you have on there now?

 

[slipstream]

I have a Fox Float DPS Performance shock which I've had custom tuned (the compression and rebound were too light for 6'4", 190lb rider). I have also run the Fox Factory DPS remote lockout, but it was Push to Unlock, with which I had too many issues of inadvertent lockouts, so I went to the 3 position lever DPS Performance Shock (only thing available at the time during COVID).