FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 2-Position 2016 Rear Shock

(discontinued)

Review by Johan Hjord // Photos by Tal Rozow and Johan Hjord

We tested the new FOX Float X2 earlier this year, and we came away very impressed with the performance and adjustability it offers. We did not have many complaints or issues to report, but we did note the absence of any kind of lockout or climb function. With the recent release of the Float X2 2-Position Lever, FOX has addressed this issue, and in the name of being thorough we were of course eager to give it a spin. Read on to see how we got along.

2016 FOX Float X2 2-Position Lever Highlights

• Made for All-Mountain/Enduro/Freeride/DH use
• Kashima coated body
• External adjustments: low-speed compression, high-speed compression, low-speed rebound, high-speed rebound, 2-position compression lever, air spring pressure.
• Extra-Volume (EVOL) air sleeve
• Tunable air spring via volume spacers
• Travel options (with 2-position lever): 7.875 x 2.00, 7.875 x 2.25, 8.50 x 2.50
• Travel options (without 2-position lever): 8.75 x 2.75, 9.50 x 3.00, 10.50 x 3.50
• Weight: 520 grams (8.75x2.75, verified)
• MSRP: $629.00 USD

Initial Impressions

We knew what to expect when we unboxed the X2, since all that has visually changed between the version we reviewed earlier in 2016 and this one is the 2-Position lever, a small switch added to the top of the compression adjusters. For a complete run-down of the other features, please refer to that review.

However, digging deeper into the box, we found some welcome additions and improvements: there is a small, 2-sided hex key with a 3-mm and a 6-mm side included in the box, which happens to be exactly what you need to adjust the X2’s compression and rebound settings. A great little item to throw in your riding pack to make sure you can always adjust your shock when out and about.

FOX has also taken this opportunity to improve the volume spacer system. Instead of foam rings that have to be slipped onto the shock from the air can side, the volume spacers now clip onto the air can body from the side. This means that in some cases you can actually adjust the air can volume without even having to remove the shock from the bike. Also, apart from a shock pump, the procedure is now completely tool less – very cool. The overall volume of each spacer remains the same as the previous version, and so does the number of spacers you can fit in a given shock.

The Float X2 was developed for gravity applications mainly, and as such, it is among the bigger and burlier air shocks out there. Our 8.75x2.75 version weighed in at 520 grams, 5 grams heavier than the same shock without the 2-Position lever. Note that FOX does not sell the 8.75x2.75 version we tested with a 2-Position lever off the shelf, that option is only available on the 3 smaller sizes. The lever can however be retro-fitted to any of the X2 shocks (including coil versions), at a cost of $125 for the parts and $30 for the labor.

Since we already had our settings dialed from testing the non-lever version, we copy-pasted the set-up onto the new shock and headed out to see what a little blue lever might do for our tired, beat-up legs.

On The Trail

The Float X2 is fully adjustable externally, which means that the only thing you have to worry about when buying it for your bike is whether or not they make the right size, and getting the right hardware. The “base tune” is basically always the same, it’s up to the user to tune the shock to work with the characteristics of each particular frame (in special cases you can request a different tune, see below). Previous testing of the non-lever equipped X2 left us at about 180 psi, 3-4 volume spacers, and within 2 clicks of the recommended settings on all adjusters. That gave us a shock that doesn’t bob excessively, while remaining quite supple and active. With the added benefit of the 2-position lever, we could afford to back off the compression settings by 2-3 clicks, since we were now able to worry a bit less about pedal bob at base settings. In general, we noted a "livelier" feel to this shock, and as it turns out, there's an explanation: the 2 Position Lever version of the X2 has a slightly larger RVS ("Rod Valve System") port diameter than the non-lever version we tested previously, the idea here was to increase the range of the compression adjuster (towards lighter side of damping) to tailor the tune to trail bikes. Note that FOX also offers Compression Medium (CM) and Compression Light (CL) tunes should you for some reason really need a very different behavior.

The Float X2 was first and foremost built for descending, and being able to tune the shock specifically for this application really frees you up to take full advantage of the range of adjustability on offer. With less concern for uphill performance, you can really go for your preferred feel on the downs. The X2 offers a lot of control, and in the slightly softer setting we had now arrived at, a really good compromise between support and sensitivity.

So what about that little lever then? It works by essentially blocking off the main compression circuit, leaving just a tiny trickle of oil able to get through under load. Flick the switch, and you get a very firm feel – not entirely locked out, but quite close. The bike will sag under weight, but slowly, whilst remaining unaffected by shorter, sharper movements like those of your weight transferring with each pedal stroke (chief cause of pedal bob). Pedaling efficiency is thus greatly improved, specifically if we’re talking about those long fire road grinds that get you back to the top of your favorite run. The main blow-off circuit (situated at the main piston) still functions, which is great for when you lack the brain power to remember to open the shock again when you get up there. You’ll soon be reminded, but in the meantime, you’re still getting a bit of travel out of the shock if you happen to run into something big while locked out. This event is actually fairly linear, you do feel a bit of a “step” as the blow-off valve opens, but it’s not as significant as you would perhaps expect it to be.

The rebound circuit is not affected by the X2’s 2-position lever, leaving the shock free to recover as per usual in those instances where you exceed the blow-off threshold. This differentiates the X2 from the Cane Creek Double Barrel Climb Switch, where the lever affects both circuits, albeit only on the lo-speed side. You could argue that the Cane Creek offers a superior solution for technical climbing in that you are actually able to independently adjust the behavior of both circuits in climb mode, but we are getting pretty close to a level of adjustability that may well be beyond most users to care about. Be that as it may, the X2 2-Position shock is clearly aimed at those "just" looking for a convenient way to improve pedaling efficiency on the way back up to the next run, much more so than those looking for any “trail-mode” type of platform selector.

The 2-position lever is easy to use, just tight enough to make sure it won’t shift around during riding, but smooth enough to operate in any position. The shock has two modes, open and firm, although you can actually stop the lever anywhere within that range to achieve an intermediate setting of sorts. There is no indexing however, as this is not what the shock was designed to do, so it’s not like you can easily recreate a particular “platform” feel using this aspect of the lever. That is done with the main adjustments of the compression and rebound circuits, as well as air spring tuning. And on that topic, once dialed in, the X2 offered a marked improvement over the stock shock on our test bike, from small bump compliance to big hit capabilities.

Probably the biggest appeal of the X2 is the amount of adjustability it provides. 4-way independent damping adjustment, air pressure, and air can progressivity go a long way to making sure you can get as close to your preferred set-up as possible. Add in the new 2-position lever, and the shock becomes even more versatile. For 5 grams and $30 (when fitted as new from the factory), we can’t think of a single reason NOT to go for the lever-equipped version for your enduro or trail bike.

Things That Could Be Improved

$629 certainly feels like it’s the wrong side of $600, but this is pretty much the going rate for a shock of this caliber in today’s market. If it’s maximum adjustability you need, this is the price to pay. Is it worth it? For you to decide, but the performance is certainly there and the massive adjustability is user friendly to the point that all you’ll ever need are two allen keys and a shock pump.

Long Term Durability

We’ve been on the X2 with the 2-position lever for about 2 months now, with no noticeable performance degradation of any kind. FOX recommends a full shock service (by a FOX-certified technician) after 125 hours, which is not particularly onerous. Note that a basic air spring service is not officially required before the 125 hours are up. We will continue to test this aspect and more, and we’ll come back and update this review if we uncover any particular long-term issues down the line.

What’s The Bottom Line?

Smooth, coil-like performance in a highly adjustable, airsprung shock – the Float X2 provides the perfect solution for those looking to drop weight from their DH bikes or add another dimension of descending prowess to their trail bikes. The tuning range is wide, but remains largely usable even at both ends of the spectrum. Finding a good setting is well within reach of the intermediate rider willing to put in a bit of time with a pair of allen keys, while expert racers will be able to eke out every last drop of performance thanks to the multitude of tuning options. The 2-position lever adds another dimension to a shock that already had us convinced, which enables the rider to take one more step towards the perfect suspension set-up.

More information at www.ridefox.com.

About The Reviewer

Johan Hjord loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After many years spent practicing falling off cliffs with his snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Ever since, he’s mostly been riding bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many flaws as a rider. His 200-pound body weight coupled with unique skill for poor line choice and clumsy landings make him an expert on durability - if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much okay for anybody. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style that he describes as "none" (when in actuality he rips!). Having found most trail features to be not to his liking, Johan uses much of his spare time building his own. Johan’s other accomplishments include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly on 11.