The Stage RLX is X-Fusion’s new all-mountain/enduro shock, which may not be obvious at frst. Where is the piggyback reservoir? All shocks need piggybacks to accommodate the extra oil that helps keep performance consistent on long downhills, right?
Nope. In this case, X-Fusion adds oil volume by equipping the shock with the same oversize (31.5 millimeter) damper body and compression piston that’s housed in its Vector Air shock. So you get the benefts of downhill-damping in a slim, lightweight, in-line package. A lot of frames won’t accommodate piggyback shocks. If you own one of those, the Stage RLX makes particularly good sense.
The Stage is equipped
with adjustable rebound damping and a three-position compression-damping adjuster
that functions a lot like Fox’s basic Climb-Trail-Descend damper. Those
settings work, offering increasing amounts of low-speed compression damping and,
consequently, frmer pedaling platforms. For another ffty bucks, you can bolt
X-Fusion’s Quick Flip remote to your handlebar and switch between settings
without reaching between your legs.
The X-Fusion dishes
out solid performance with good midtravel support. The 12 rebound clicks are a
bit vague when you’re twiddling the knob from fast to slow, and if you enjoy
fne-tuning your shock’s feel, you’re better suited with a more
bells-and-whistles model like the Cane Creek. Also, X-Fusion offers the Stage
in just three lengths, which limits frame compatibility. The simpleto-operate
Stage RLX is a good choice for riders who want consistent descending
performance but don’t get excited about tweaking their suspension six ways from
Sunday.