Just treated myself to a Saracen Ariel 60, came with the fox x2 performance elite and to my disappointment it’s the 2022 version.
What am I looking out for? I’ve read a lot about slurping/squelching sounds?
Should I just contact fox and send it for the 2024 upgrade?
nothing, use it when it makes a noise then send it.
Yes, just ride it, but... I had a dodgy X2 last year and the symptoms I experienced were:
- Climb switch didn't have any noticeable effect
- General lack of support on compression, wallowy feel, basically couldn't get the bike feeling good
No untoward noises really
Was replaced under warranty with the 2024 model by Fox UK, supposedly more reliable - but I sold it on while new so never found out
Just treated myself to a Saracen Ariel 60,
New? Fox should do it under warranty if you have Proof of Purchase.
If second hand, its £180. I asked TF to tune mine and they said they couldnt as it needed the MY24 update before they would touch it, but they replace so much of shock it might as well be £180 for a new shock. Fox service was fine.
Bike was a second hand Orange, but the shock, while described a new in the advert, was off a specialised evo, so rode like a bag of crap. Got both ends of the suspension done and revalved to suit at the same time, which has made a huge difference.
Its obvious whether a second hand drivechain is hanging, but you dont know the providence/history of a second hand suspension setup.
Mine tends to go squelchy after about 18 months even with embarrassingly little use. When I had it serviced I queried how it was needing services with not a lot of riding between, and they pointed out that even if not being ridden then the seals were still having to hold back very higher pressure, so if I was not using it much then it would be a good idea to let a good chunk of air out of it between rides. Seemed to make good sense to me. Bare in mind that mine is 2016 vintage, so they might be better now. It did go back for a compulsory recall early in its life.
Thanks for responses. The lockout doesn’t really seem to do anything, assume that isn’t normal. No weird noises though. Will just carry on riding it and see how it goes.
Thanks for responses. The lockout doesn’t really seem to do anything, assume that isn’t normal.
Email Fox UK and tell them this, they may ask you to send it back for warranty inspection.
Basically that's what I did and they gave me the updated 2024 model with the fix, not the new 2025 monotube version - but that may have changed now if they've used up the old stock.