AIR-SPRUNG SHOCKS used to be a rare sight on the DH World Cup circuit, but the introduction of Fox’s X2 has helped change this. It was ridden to numerous podiums in 2015 and used by Aaron Gwin to win the series title. So, just how good is it?
The X2 uses a twin-tube design (proven in the MTB world by the likes of Ohlins and Cane Creek) with four-way damping adjustment. Fine tuning requires tools – a 6mm Allen key for the high-speed compression (which is controlled by Fox’s Rod Valve System and offers 24 clicks of adjustment) and rebound damping, and a 3mm Allen key for the low-speed compression and rebound. The spring curve can be altered with volume spacers and there are six shock lengths on offer, though the diameter of the X2’s EVOL air can means it won’t fit all frames.
Bolted to a Pivot Phoenix DH bike, we were surprised by how much of a difference the X2 made in terms of grip and composure. Riding it back to back with its coil-sprung equivalent, the DHX2, it was clear that the air shock had the edge in certain scenarios. Over harsh, repetitive braking bumps it properly takes the edge off the chunder, and it’s more than comfortable tackling the big hits too. It’s through rough high-speed corners that it really impresses though, remaining composed and keeping our feet glued to the pedals and our tyres gripping the trail, without numbing too much of the feedback through the bike. Ultimately, the X2 gave us more confidence to attack the trail, which is a big part of the battle. But what of that old ‘air shocks can’t handle heat’ issue? We had no problems at all with damping consistency on long runs.
The X2 is designed for enduro as well as DH use, so a variety of testers tried it on a number of different trail bikes, helping us to really get the measure of this shock. While some may wonder if all that tunability is necessary, the X2’s adjustments are properly ride-altering, which meant we were able to work around some less-than-desirable ride characteristics on certain suspension platforms. This is by no means a five-minute job, but if you’ve got the patience the results really do pay off. The only downside is that you need two Allen keys to do this on the trail.
Overall, our testers were all in agreement that this supple, highly tunable bump-eating monster of a shock is a force to be reckoned with, delivering impeccably measured control in some seriously nasty situations.
A seriously impressive, confidence inspiring damper that helps flatten out even the harshest of repetitive hits
Price 748$