FOX DPX2 shock absorber in test | liquid-life

Jun 14, 2017

The Float X makes way for a new powerhouse that is intended to bridge the gap between DPS and Float X2: The FOX DPX2 shock! The new architecture in combination with an improved EVOL air chamber, three selectable compression modes, finely adjustable open mode and tool-free rebound adjustment makes it the ideal partner for theFOX 36 EVOL.

FOX DPX2 – at a glance

Trail riding is becoming more and more aggressive. What manufacturers describe as aggressive trail riding are usually products that are between cross-country and enduro - the trend is more towards enduro. It should also be able to cope with rougher riding styles on rough terrain and with less suspension travel. Float X is being replaced by the FOX DPX2 and combines various technologies from DPS, Float X2 and automotive dampers from the Ford Raptor, which is also equipped by FOX.

Technical data FOX DPX2 shock absorber

air spring
progression adjustable (via volume spacer)
Compression damping of the open mode adjustable (3 mm hexagon socket)
rebound adjustable without tools
Three compression modes (adjustable via lever on the damper)
Imperial and metric installation lengths available
Trunnion mount available

A closer look

The FOX DPX2 sparkles in the well-known Kashima: The EVOL air chamber is one-piece and is available in different sizes (depending on the manufacturer's requirements). Things get exciting when you move on to the expansion tank. The fiddly adjustment of the rebound stages with a thin hexagon socket has disappeared, and instead there is a three-stage compression stage. In open mode, this can be adjusted to 10 different levels to suit the rider's needs using a 3mm hexagon socket key. The compression lever and rebound wheel are easy to operate with and without gloves.

retrospective

In 2013, the enduro sector became increasingly popular. The trails became harder and the material was therefore required to perform more. So FOX launched the Float X, which was designed to meet these demands with an expansion tank and a larger oil volume.

In 2016, the FOX Float X was updated with a two-part air chamber, the so-called EVOL sleeve. This update greatly improved the shock's support and, above all, minimized sagging.

Just last season, we saw a wide range of technologies being used by the pros in the EWS. Downhill runs that were several times longer than a Downhill World Cup run required consistent damping and better heat management. Float X2 and steel-sprung X2 dampers were being used in more and more pro bikes.

Construction

Bikes with a water bottle option rarely have any space left over, which is why the FOX DPX2 shock has less overall volume than its predecessor, the Float X. Manufacturers can choose between the well-known (imperial) and the new (metric) shock installation lengths in order to save space, especially via the trunnion mount.

suspension & damping

This explains exactly how the suspension and damping works on the new FOX DPX2 shock absorber.

assembly

All bushings are identical to those of previous FOX model years. All you have to do is measure the correct width of the frame to mount the shock. The setup is very simple. Set the air pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions or your preference (sag), adjust the rebound and set the compression to the middle of the adjustment range using a 3 mm hexagon socket (10 clicks total range). Of course, you can adjust it later according to your preference, but this setting offers a good starting point.

On the Trail – Uphill

Whether a shock absorber wobbles or not depends primarily on the rear triangle of the bike being used. We didn't notice anything negative on our test bike, even with other shock absorbers. Even in open mode, it was very quiet. But if the blue compression lever is moved to the middle position, a clear difference is noticeable. The shock absorber increases the counterforce and propulsion is implemented even more efficiently. In the "Firm" setting, the bike turns into a true climbing miracle - but not because a complete lockout is available.

The separate reed valve gives the oil a bypass option in the event of force from the ground. This transition is very smooth and you don't get the feeling of riding hard against roots or losing momentum in any way. All in all, you get a decent grip and the bike climbs purposefully upwards.

downhill

In the past, heavy riders often had problems getting the rebound under control due to the high air pressure in the main chamber. The compression damping was often not great either. Nothing like that can be said about the FOX DPX2. To accommodate the more backward flat pedal position, the air pressure should be increased by 10 psi compared to the manufacturer's recommendation. Every click of compression change via the 3 mm hexagon socket is noticeable and allows adjustment to the respective preference or to the route profile.

If you're expecting a steel spring feel, you won't get it here. Compared to its predecessor, the Float X, the DPX2 offers a very fine response; this is particularly beneficial on unfamiliar routes when you have to quickly adjust your line.

With a weight of around 96 kg (ready to ride) up to the maximum pressure of 350 psi, just over 100 psi remained. This makes the shock particularly interesting for heavy riders who reach their limits with the Float X2 and its limit of 250 psi.

What is particularly remarkable is the control that the shock absorber brings to the chassis. With clipless shoes, this is usually not an issue, but with flats, it can occasionally knock one or two riders off the pedal in rougher passages - but with the DPX2, this did not happen once. If you want even more support for flow and jump trails, you can quickly and easily flip the blue compression lever and get a very tight rear in exchange, with a lot of low-speed compression, which ensures a lot of pop and jump height.

durability

In general, the air chamber service at FOX has been simple and inexpensive for several years and can be carried out by the end customer themselves. The cost of a service kit is around 20 - 50 euros, depending on the provider and the scope. Warranty claims are not lost in this case.

Conclusion on the FOX DPX2

FOX has achieved a great success with the DPX2. It not only bridges the gap between DPS and Float X2, it will even compete with its big brother, the Float X2, in some bikes. Its simplified adjustment options make it easy for riders who are less keen on tuning to find a good setting. The counter-hold has been improved and the "Firm" mode of the shock absorber with its reed valve enables high traction in technical climbing sections with a pleasantly smooth transition when hit from below. On the descent it impressed with a lot of traction on the ground and with platform pedals there were never any problems with sole contact even with heavy impacts.

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