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Rear shock upgrade ...
 

Rear shock upgrade time, goodbye FOX X2, choose between FOX Float X or Ohlins?

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[#13535396]

So my FOX X2 has started making squelching noises again, the shock cost £700 new and has had that spent on it again in the last two years on replacement parts that were found to be damaged when FOX performed its yearly service

The X2 is known to have reliability issues (especially my 2020 version) when used on a Spesh Levo E-MTB so time to get rid and try something else

So i don't ride big drops and jumps etc.. any more, just trail, XC and some Enduro so was thinking of going for a lighter shock like the FOX Float X Factory, are there any known issues with these?

Im running FOX 38 Factory forks and a FOX Transfer Factory seatpost so would like to stick with a FOX Factory rear shock 

Not interested in any other brands apart from maybe Ohlins as i can get a very good discount on Ohlins and could over look the loss of the matching Factory finish on my forks, shock and seatpost for a cheap Ohlins 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 
Posted : 03/05/2026 5:31 pm
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From those two, Ohlins every time. If you're going to one day get a custom shock tune, I believe the internals of the Ohlins have more scope for tuning.


 
Posted : 03/05/2026 5:34 pm
 mrl
Posts: 507
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I have a float x factory 2024 on my stumpjumper evo. I have found it a bit of a pain to get set up. I am still not there with it. I am going to swap out for a rs vivid. So if you want a 210x55 I have one going! 


 
Posted : 03/05/2026 6:42 pm
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Ohlins, but mainly due to a personal beef of having to spend so much more for same piece of kit but with a gold finish from Fox.

If it was Fox, I'd be going for the level of shock that is same as the factory but without the cost-extra gold finish. I don't see any of this stuff when I'm riding my bike so makes no real odds to me how the bits look.

Now I've got that grumble off my chest - Ohlins would be my choice.

Says me who is a Rock Shox rider, so happy with only the 1 colour of stanchion!


 
Posted : 03/05/2026 6:45 pm
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No matter what I did to my Float X (+ 2 services) I couldn’t get it to my liking. Tried bag of spacers, wide range of pressure and all settings.

Bought discounted Manitou Mara Pro, felt miles better than Float X but soon realised that I can’t use it because reservoir would hit down tube on full compression. 
Bought discounted Cane Creek Kitsuma Air, thought that I should learn more about suspension theory to utilise all the features fully. I skipped that and then set the damping very roughly and realised that this is now the best shock I have ever tried. Year and a half later, I almost understand the settings and am still happy with the shock. It is really heavy for air shock but I don’t vare  

I should order parts for Mara Pro, super short reservoir should clear the downtube bur it seems only one stocking all the parts is that Dougal dude in NZ  

 


 
Posted : 03/05/2026 7:50 pm
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I've had the same experience with Fox and refuse to give them anymore money.

All Öhlins here and very happy with it. Zero problems in over 4 years.


 
Posted : 03/05/2026 8:29 pm