Posted on April 23 2024
(Updated 23.4.24)
The Fox Float X2 rear shock has been Fox's flagship air shock since late 2016. When released, the Float X2 delivered performance characteristics of a coil shock, but carried with it the tune-ability of an air shock, the best of both worlds. Packaged in a familiar architecture seen in Rockshox's first generation Vivid Air (that came out a couple of years earlier but didn't seem to reach the hype) Fox's Float X2 was mind-blowingly good, delivering a planted but bottomless feel, and more tune-ability than one would ever need. It was also quite a reliable shock, and whilst it wasn't exactly user friendly for servicing, it certainly wasn't as involved as what RockShox came up with for servicing of the first generation Vivid. Even with a recall in 2017 (air can), Fox's X2 popularity wasn't going to be hampered, and continued to dominate in both OEM and the aftermarket worlds, becoming one of the hottest and most commonly asked for rear shocks in 2017 through to 2020.
Original 2016 Fox Float X2
Now the introduction being out of the way (not that the shock needed it), the X2 was revamped in 2021 with some fundamental changes and a new design that could be considered more of an 'evolution' of the earlier models, rather than a complete 'revolution'. Fox promised a complete redesign with some simplified 'GRIP2 like' adjustments (VVC), progressive MCU bumpers, and a reduced reservoir length allowing for more bike fitments, however in reality it was just packaged slightly differently. Anticipation with the launch of the new model, quickly turned to frustration as an overwhelming percentage of shocks from new, or near new, presented with varying issues, mostly premature cavitation (air in the oil), resulting in not only an annoying squelch, but a significant drop in performance. Fox were quick to acknowledge some sealing issues with the first generation shocks, and some early 2021 updates were provided (updated seals). More updates followed not long later in early 2022, however reliability issues were still prevalent, and the shock's reputation was beginning to be tarnished. Whilst there has been (and continues to be) good post-service outcomes, globally there seemed to be a growing dissatisfaction towards the shock - A massive shame given its incredible history and proven reliability with earlier generations.
2017/18 Fox Float X2
Fast forward to today. There's a lot of 21-23 Float X2's out there that probably haven't caused any issues for their faithful owners, and for this we still hold the Float X2 shock in high regard. However, with a reputation to uphold, Fox have recently begun a loosely titled program named 'Update or Replace'. The program allows us to facilitate an update of your shock to MY24 internals, or outright replacement (Fox's discretion) for your 21-23 Float X2 shock with a MY24 equivalent Float X2, all for minimal cost, and for far less that what a service would have cost.
So what's changed? Whilst the 2024 models won't look any different, several internal changes have allowed Fox to put closure of some tumultuous couple of years for the shock.
These changes include, but are not limited to:
- Updated Eyelet for strengthening
- Updated Damper Body for strengthening
- Updated Seal head
- Updated Seals
Simply book it in for service, mention 'update or replace program', and we'll handle everything. The service charges shown include the freight in all directions, the handling, and setup of specifics (i.e. hardware / or removal / installation onto bike).
For further information, contact us.