FOX FLOAT X2 FACTORY 2POS-ADJUST SHOCK

This iteration of the X2 has a redesigned body and damper, with Variable Valve Control high-speed rebound damping and linear damping elsewhere. It features a high-flow piston, and a finned internal structure to reduce hysteresis (lag). There’s a more progressive air spring, too, tuned with volume reducer tokens.

We set it up according to Fox’s recommendations, but their suggested damping settings choked the shock’s movement, reducing suppleness and giving a harsh feel over harder squareedged hits. On the plus side, there was plenty of mid-stroke support.

A bit of experimentation led to us leaving the high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping adjusters fully open. In this setting – which worked on a host of different bikes – the X2 became one of the best shocks we’ve ridden, blending the masterful off-the-top feel of a coil shock with the mid-stroke support of an air spring. Set up like this, it had a stable and predictable feel deeper into its travel, with the air spring ramping up gradually towards the end of the stroke and the MCU bumper helping to reduce the number and severity of bottom-outs.

If you can get it set up to your liking, the X2 has to be one of the best performance upgrades around. Alex Excellent depth and range of on-trail performance make this shock one of the best upgrades money can buy