The Float X has replaced Fox’s long-running DHX Air as the go-to shock for all-mountain bikes. It is, however, a much different beast than its predecessor. There’s still the piggyback reservoir, which increases oil volume and staves off heat and damping fade on long downhills, but the Float X is more well-rounded; there’s good midstroke support, and on-the-fy tuning makes it simple to go from super plush and bottomless to snappy and frm.
The Float X features
Fox’s CTD Trail Adjust low-speed compression damper. In a nutshell, you have
three main positions (Climb, Trail and Descend) and the ability to dial in
three increasing levels of frmness for that middle ‘Trail’ setting. If you’re
all about switching things up from the comfort of your handlebar, Fox also
sells a remote-activated version of the Float X for $595.
The distinction
between each suspension setting is very noticeable – the wide-open ‘Descend’
mode feels crazy supple and deep, the ‘Trail’ setting offers plenty of range
for general riding and ‘Climb’ mode is quite stiff. If you favor hauling up
climbs on top of a stiff lock out setting, this is your pony. I fnd ‘Climb’
mode so frm that I only use it when riding the asphalt back to my house. To each
their own. My only complaint: Adjusting the rebound requires poking at the dial
with a hex wrench. Annoying. Fortunately, you do it once or twice and never
bother with it again.
The Float X is a good
option for anyone who wants a wide range of tuning options but doesn’t want to
work hard to dial in that perfect ride quality. Simple. Versatile. Effective.
There’s a reason this shock is so popular.
PRICE 575$
