float x travel adjust

2022 Fox Float X

Size Tested: 210 x 50 mm

Blister’s Measured Weight: 479 g

MSRP: $600 USD

• 190 x 45 mm
• 210 x 50 mm
• 210 x 52.5 mm
• 210 x 55 mm
• 230 x 57.5 mm
• 230 x 60 mm
• 230 x 65 mm
• 185 x 52.5 mm
• 185 x 55 mm
• 205 x 60 mm
• 205 x 62.5 mm

Bolted to: Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol

Reviewer: 6’, 170 lbs / 183 cm, 77.1 kg

Test Location: Washington

Test Duration: ~4 months

The Fox DPX2 was a bit of a mixed bag. While it worked well on some bikes, for some riders, other folks struggled with a lack of small-bump sensitivity and sometimes inconsistent performance as the shock heated up. Fox went back to the drawing board, and the result is the new Float X. The Float X replaces the DPX2 (in metric sizes; the legacy imperial DPX2 lives on) and its design is very, very different from the shock it replaces — and the on-trail performance is a lot different, too.

The Float X gets an entirely new damper design (which is shared with the DHX , its coil-sprung counterpart) — and in a major departure from the DPX2, as well as Fox’s Float X2 and DHX2 gravity shocks, it’s a monotube design, rather than a twin-tube one. And since Noah Bodman already covered the basic design differences really well in his DHX review , I’ll just quote him here:

“The main difference between a single- and twin-tube damper is that, in a single-tube damper, oil is pushed back and forth through the main piston head, and much of your damping force comes from the valving there. In a twin-tube damper, oil is pushed up by the main piston head, through the damper valves, and then recirculates down through a second tube (the “twin” tube) to the back side of the main piston head.

This can all get pretty complicated, so I’ll let the pros at Vorsprung explain it a bit more concisely — the visuals in their video on the subject definitely help.

The quick and dirty takeaways are that, in a perfect world, either damper style can yield the same performance, and perfection really comes down to the valving and tune of each specific damper. Twin-tube dampers have the advantage of being a bit more suited to a wide range of external adjustability, and they can have a narrower shock shaft that has smaller seals and less friction. Single-tube dampers can be a little simpler and have a bigger shock shaft that might hold up better to lateral loads, which can be especially troublesome on bikes that use a yoke to extend the rear shock.”

The adjustments on the Float X are similar to those found on the DPX2, but pared down slightly. In place of the three-position open / pedal / climb switch there’s a more conventional two-position affair. Tool-free low-speed compression adjusters round out the damper adjustability. Both sweep through their entire range in a single turn, and the settings are numbered for easy tracking. The compression knob has 11 settings, labeled 0 to 10 (having it go to eleven was right there ); the rebound one gets 14 settings, labeled, for some reason, 2 through 12, with a couple more clicks available past the etched numbers.

The indicated numbers are counting clicks from close (i.e., a compression setting of “4” is four clicks from maximum damping). Smaller numbers therefore correspond to more damping, which might be a bit counterintuitive, but counting clicks from closed is considered to be the best practice for mitigating the effects of assembly tolerances in comparing settings from one shock to another. And anyway, the compression and rebound knobs are also labeled with an arrow that says “firm” and “slow”, respectively, in case you lose track of which way is which.

As per usual for Fox, the Float X is available in three different trims — Factory, Performance Elite, and Performance. The Factory and Performance Elite shocks feature the same damper design, with the only difference being a shiny gold Kashima coating on the Factory version, whereas the Performance Elite model gets a black anodized finish. Fox says that the Kashima coating reduces friction compared to the black finish, but while we haven’t tested both versions of the Float X back-to-back to compare, we haven’t found it to make much difference in other Fox products over the years. Finally, the Performance trim gets the black finish of the Performance Elite, but with a pared-down damper that loses the compression adjuster. The Float X Performance is only available on complete bikes, but the other two versions can be purchased aftermarket.

The Float X also features a substantially bigger air piston than the DPX2, and the result is that a given rider on a given frame should need significantly lower air pressure than with the DPX2. That will be most beneficial to heavier riders and/or folks on higher-leverage-ratio bikes, who could find themselves bumping up against the 350 psi pressure limit for the DPX2. And indeed, I wound up running about 30 psi less in the Float X than the DPX2 I used for comparison on our Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol test bike (190 psi vs. 220). As per usual for an air-sprung shock, the Float X has provisions for a variety of sizes of volume spacers to tune the amount of spring ramp-up deeper in the stroke. The spacers are available in 0.2 through 1.0 cubic inch sizes, in 0.2 cubic inch increments, plus an 0.1 cubic inch mini spacer that can be clipped onto any one of the other spacers to split the difference between sizes. Volume spacer installation is tool-free, by simply unthreading the air can by hand (remember to let the air out first!) and snapping a new spacer into place.

Somewhat unusually, changing the stroke of the Float X is also an easy DIY task. It’s accomplished by removing the air can (as you would to change volume spacers) and then removing the two bolts that secure the plate that the bottom out bumper runs into, and adding or removing spacers behind it as desired. Spacers are available in 2.5 mm thicknesses and can be stacked on top of each other as needed. If you’re making a significant change one way or the other you’ll also need replacement bolts (standard M3 x 0.5 flat head cap screws) of an appropriate length to compensate for the change in spacer thickness. On a lot of bikes (including the Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol that I tested the Float X on — check out the review for more on that) it’s possible to increase the shock stroke to bump up the rear travel slightly, but it’s critical to check for clearance before you blindly go longer — you may run into issues with linkage parts interfering, the tire hitting the frame, or other such issues, depending on the bike in question. Consult with your frame manufacturer if you’re not sure.

All of that does come with a slight weight penalty as compared to the DPX2 — our 210 x 50 mm Float X test shock weighs in at 479 g, 60 g heavier than a DPX2 in the same size. That’s probably not make-or-break for most people (and the folks who do care would likely be better off with an inline shock, such as the Fox DPS anyway) but it’s still worth noting. How it works on the trail is a whole lot more important than any minor differences on a scale, so let’s get into that part of the Float X story.

On the Trail

Setting up the Float X for our Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol test bike was straightforward — I set sag per usual, started with both damping adjusters in the middle of their ranges, and hit the trail. After a bit of experimentation, I wound up running the rebound a bit faster (9 clicks from closed), the low-speed compression a bit firmer (3 or 4 clicks from closed), and a touch more air pressure than I started with (190 psi). The 0.4 cubic inch volume spacer that the shock shipped with felt on the money, and I wasn’t tempted to do anything different on that front.

Compared to the DPX2, one of the first things that jumps out about the Float X is that its small-bump sensitivity is greatly improved. The Float X is a whole lot smoother and feels quite a bit lower friction. Especially if you firm up the low-speed compression to try to add support when you start hitting bumps harder, the DPX2 is prone to feeling like there’s a bit of a platform that you have to break through to get it to start moving before the damping opens up. That’s gone with the Float X.

In his review of the DHX, Noah Bodman noted that the small-bump sensitivity was very impressive, but the shock felt like it blew through the deeper part of the travel too easily, and lacked support when you really started pushing it harder. And since the DHX and Float X share a damper, I was a bit concerned as to how the Float X was going to shape up on that front.

Now, it’s important to remember that rear shocks, in particular, can be had with a ton of different damper tunes directly from the factory, so comparing two versions of the same shock that are set up for different bikes isn’t always the most meaningful. But the good news is that this particular tune does feel a lot more dialed than the one Noah had on the DHX. I’d personally probably prefer a little more high-speed compression damping, but it hasn’t risen to anything close to what Noah described, and overall the Float X has worked really well. That said, it definitely hasn’t made the Float X2 feel redundant in Fox’s lineup, either — the bigger, more complex Float X2 definitely still has a place for more aggressive riders, especially on longer-travel bikes. The Float X2 is a bit more supportive and considerably more tunable — especially in terms of dialing in more high-speed compression damping. But it’s also more expensive, heavier, and more complicated to set up, and the Float X makes a lot of sense for Trail bike applications, especially for riders who’d rather just go ride than put a lot of time and effort into dialing in suspension setup.

I haven’t directly A/B’d the two on the same bike, but the current shock that the Float X reminds me of the most is the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate. It’s not a perfect 1:1 comparison though — in most tunes that I’ve tried so far, the Super Deluxe feels a touch less supple and low-friction right off the top, but a bit more supportive, and with a little firmer high-speed compression damping. Again, both the base tune and the kinematics of the bike that it’s bolted to have a big impact on a rear shock’s performance, and that makes comparisons tricky. But at least as set up here, the Float X feels quite a bit like a Super Deluxe that’s tuned for a little more plushness and sensitivity, at the expense of a little support.

The climb switch on the Float X is also tuned quite nicely. It’s substantially firmer than any of the versions of the newer 2021+ Float X2 that I’ve been on (and I’ve tried a lot by now), but a touch less firm than the norm for the RockShox Super Deluxe. I think that’s a good range to be in — and to be clear, the Float X and Super Deluxe are in a similar ballpark, and the gap to the Float X2 is a whole lot bigger. Nobody’s making you use the climb switch any time you’re climbing, so having one that makes a modest difference feels largely pointless to me. A very firm climb mode isn’t always ideal to be sure, especially when climbs get rougher and more technical, but you can just turn it off in those scenarios. I’d much rather do that, and have a climb mode that’s very effective when you do choose to use it than one that’s fine to leave on for pretty much any climb, but also doesn’t make much of a difference. The Float X hits a nice balance there.

I don’t have much to report on the durability front — the Float X has held up well and performed reliably in my time on it so far. I don’t think I’ve quite hit Fox’s 125-hour recommended service interval yet, but I can’t be that far off it either, and it hasn’t given me anything to comment on. So far so good.

Bottom Line

The Fox Float X is a good all-arounder Trail bike shock, and one that I think will work a lot better for most people than the DPX2 that it replaces. Folks who are on a bike with an imperial-sized shock are unfortunately out of luck, and the Float X isn’t going to take the place of the Float X2 (or DHX2) for riders who want a more tunable, more supportive option for longer-travel bikes. But it’s a good performing shock that’s easy to set up and hard to make feel too out of whack, as long as the base tune is decent, and that makes it a good option for a whole lot of people.

9 comments on “2022 Fox Float X”

Great review! Thanks for posting.

The Float X would be perfect for me if the 3 position switch was carried over. I love leaving the DPX2 in “trail” mode for local trails to give it a bit more pop.

I too was a big fan of the 3pstn Switch/lever and wish it got carried over.

I have 2022 RM Instinct with a Fox DPS. If I can find a 2022 Fox Float take-off with the exact tune I need, would I notice any difference in performance, or is the piggy back only for longer descents? I just really want a compression adjustment, but I don’t like the weight penalty going from in-line to piggy.

This shock is always compared with the DPX2, but what about changing a DPS with a DPX2 (Santa Cruz Hightower 2). Would that make much difference?

Change DPS with Float X I mean ofcourse :-)

Thanks Mr. Golay for the helpful review. I’ve got five rides on my new Stumpjumper Evo, which comes with the Fox Float-X shock. It felt pretty good right away with the stock settings, but after stepping up my riding a bit, I felt like I was blowing through the travel too easily on jumps and drops. My air pressure and sag were correct, so I swapped to a larger volume reducer. It came stock with the 0.2″ spacer. I’ve got the 0.4″ spacer now and that feels better. I’m 175 lb. I’ll keep experimenting.

Interesting quirk of the performance model: if you remove the black cap over where the compression adjuster is on the factory and PE models, you can actually access the compression adjustment. Gearwork on instagram has 3D printed a dial to adjust it on his Turbo Levo, and it works a treat.

You wouldn’t happen to know the tune ID on the shock?

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Tested: FOX Float X CTD w/Trail Adjust

The not-so-minor details.

FOX Float X CTD w/ Trail Adjust

Noticeably plusher and more controlled than a regular Float shock.

Rebound adjuster is terrible.

Gravity enduro is so hot right now. So hot. But when it comes to suspension, all that hotness is the enemy! Heat build-up decreases suspension performance, and that’s one of the biggest challenges facing suspension manufacturers today; how can suspension be kept light and efficient enough for the climbs but still deliver the control and consistency needed for serious gravity enduro use?

The Float X is FOX’s answer to this question. We’ve now run the Float X CTD with Trail Adjust on two bikes (a Yeti SB66c and a Giant Trance Advanced SX ), over the course of almost eight months, and we’re convinced it’s a winner.

The Float X may have the same bones as the regular Float shock, but the large piggyback reservoir clearly marks it as a different beast. The larger oil volume the piggyback affords is key; more oil equates to less heat, better damping performance and more control over long descents. There are other obvious external differences too, with the CTD lever located on the side of the shock reservoir, and the rebound adjuster in-line with the damping shaft.

While we’re on the topic of the rebound adjuster – what the hell? We don’t know whose fingers the rebound adjust dial is designed for, but it’s practically impossible to adjust without an Allen key or small stick (a bloody stick!). Thankfully rebound is largely a set-and-forget element once you’ve established your baseline settings/pressures, but this aspect was very annoying during the first half a dozen rides when we were still making tweaks to the suspension setup.

So does it all work as planned? Can I get a ‘hell yeah’? If you’re accustomed to the feel of a regular Fox Float shock, you’ll immediately appreciate the on-trail differences of the Float X. For lack of a better term, the Float X just feels ‘plusher’, much more like a coil shock than the standard Float. On our Giant test bike in particular, the bottomless feel had us re-checking our suspension sag, convinced that we must be running things too soft, but it wasn’t the case –  the shock is just superbly smooth throughout the whole stroke.

The buttery responsiveness of the shock on small and medium sized hits is amazing. In our experience, FOX still has the edge over Rockshox when it comes to pure smoothness and suppleness. Whether it’s a product of better sealing tolerances, the new five-piece shock hardware, shaft coatings or lubricants, we’re not sure – we just know that the Float X has better small bump response than any Monarch Plus shock we’ve ridden.

When we pushed hard, the Float X always had the answer, and longer runs we didn’t notice any spiking or inconsistency that we’d usually associate with an air shock being taken beyond its limits. For us, the ultimate vindication of the Float X as a serious piece of descending equipment came when Jared Graves raced on this very shock at the Pietermarizburg World Champs… and almost bloody won.

The CTD system is effective and easy to operate. With the lever on the side of the shock, it’s very easy to access. The three positions are clearly defined, and the Trail mode is a great compromise for adding some welcomed efficiency to a longer-travel bike. We did find that the lever could get a little jammed up in very sandy or dusty conditions though, so cleaning and lubing around the lever junction isn’t a bad idea occasionally.

Would we consider upgrading from a standard Float shock to the Float X? That’s a tough one. The performance benefits are there, and the weight difference is minimal, so it’s really a matter of justifying the spend. From our standpoint, we’d probably be more inclined to look for the Float X as desirable feature when considering a new bike purchase, rather than dole out the cash to upgrade an existing bike.

We’ll be running this shock for another six or so months and we’ll update this review should anything new and noteworthy emerge, but for now we’re very impressed!

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Fox float X performance feedback

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Building a new frame up which comes with a float X performance. I haven't used many fox shocks, had a dps on my specialised with I disliked, other than that it's been mainly rs sd Ultimates, ohlins and a Mara Pro. I haven't used a shock with such limited adjustability for so long in thinking I'm going to be a little annoyed. Looking into replacement options I can see: 1. Install a LSC adjuster on the performance. Some say the shim stacks needs to be changed as well done say it doesn't and both say fox told them so either way 🤷 not sure what to believe here. Besides looks like the knob is out of stock most places I have access to. 2. Buy a float X performance elite and hope I'm happy to live without a HSC adjustment. I do like how the float X travel spacers are removable without needing a rebleed. 3. Buy something else... Kitsuma, Mara, topaz. Not sure which though. Was planning a lighter build for this one so not looking to go heavier than the float X. Frame has a low lr curve with about 13% progression on a 230x65 shock. I'm not a heavy rider, about 160#. Any thoughts?  

Spend any time in this subforum and you’ll be amazed that anyone is able to make it down the trail without custom-tuned suspension.  

It makes sense if you’re outside of the bell curve in terms of weight or riding ability. If you’re right in the middle, just run the damn thing and get the LSC knob upgrade. I like the Float X pretty well on my Ripmo.  

I talked to Fox about adding a compression dial to make it an elite. The part is out of stock until 9/11/23. They confirmed it’s just bolt on. No new shim stack needed. 25 dollar upgrade.  

Perfect, yeah I noticed it's out of stock everywhere. I found a sale for a float x2 factory at almost half price which got me thinking about this. I don't care at all about Kashima, in fact prefer the blacked out look, but the extra adjustmentability would be nice. I think I'll just try get a knob for this shock and leave it at that.  

My bike came with a Float X Performance. I was fully expecting to dislike it and replace it with something better. That was a year ago and it's been working out much better than I expected. No disappointment. I weigh about the same as you do.  

Mine works fine; no complaints whatsoever. Most likely the bike manufacturer set the compression to a good setting for your leverage curve. You can still adjust the Float X performance if you pull the plastic cap off where a compression adjuster would normally go. There are 4 possible settings with that cap. I have a RS SD Ultimate Coil that I use most of the time, and it certainly is better — but I do swap the Float X back on for big days to shave a pound and save a little energy. It rides just fine.  

Be interesting to understand how the float stacks up against the rs sd ultimate air. From my experience Ive had to run that wide open on compression and minimal rebound, it was ok but much prefer the adjustability of the ohlins or Mara pro  

Two Float X in my fleet of bikes. Both work really well  

Here's the post I put in the Stumpy Evo thread about Mudguard's Float X: Dedicated 2021 SJ Evo Thread @Mudguard bought his SJ EVO Float X down for a visit and I dyno'd it. Here's the "tune code info" from the serial number: Part number: 979-63-017 Description: 2022, FLOAT X, P-S, A, 2pos, Evol LV, Specialized, SJ EVO S2-S6, 210, 55, 0.2 Spacer, CL, RF, Rezi LF, Standard, Neutral Logo, N/M Performance series with the LSC adjust in the shock body but no easy to turn blue knob. So I left it as that was set. A means Anodised Black (not Kashima) 2pos is the climb-switch. Evol LV is the air-can type. Specialized, SJ EVO S2-S6 says the same spec is used across those sizes. 210, 55 is the size, 210mm long, 55mm stroke. 0.2 Spacer means a 0.2 cubic inch positive volume spacer in the air-can. CL is the main piston compression valving. L means Light. RF is the main piston rebound valving. F means Firm. Rezi LF is the base-valve (piggyback) valving. LF could be linear firm but I'm guessing. Standard, Neutral Logo, N/M is the stickers. So what did it show? The total compression forces are medium-soft but they don't come in nicely, they instead ramp up as the shock builds lots of pressure and this pressure doesn't drop until the very end of the stroke. This leaves shocks feeling weird. It's the same feeling you get from a normal shock that's got foamed up oil inside. Low speed compression is very soft. The rebound is firm, basically rebound open is the same as the Mara Pro fully closed. The rebound from about position 8 is the same as open. Rebound doesn't change compression (they have check valves inside for this). The climb-switch is very firm. The stock tuning schemes give high internal pressures a little like the current X2's. Causing lag in how the shock responds to bumps.  

Dougal said: Here's the post I put in the Stumpy Evo thread about Mudguard's Float X: Dedicated 2021 SJ Evo Thread @Mudguard bought his SJ EVO Float X down for a visit and I dyno'd it. Here's the "tune code info" from the serial number: Part number: 979-63-017 Description: 2022, FLOAT X, P-S, A, 2pos, Evol LV, Specialized, SJ EVO S2-S6, 210, 55, 0.2 Spacer, CL, RF, Rezi LF, Standard, Neutral Logo, N/M Performance series with the LSC adjust in the shock body but no easy to turn blue knob. So I left it as that was set. A means Anodised Black (not Kashima) 2pos is the climb-switch. Evol LV is the air-can type. Specialized, SJ EVO S2-S6 says the same spec is used across those sizes. 210, 55 is the size, 210mm long, 55mm stroke. 0.2 Spacer means a 0.2 cubic inch positive volume spacer in the air-can. CL is the main piston compression valving. L means Light. RF is the main piston rebound valving. F means Firm. Rezi LF is the base-valve (piggyback) valving. LF could be linear firm but I'm guessing. Standard, Neutral Logo, N/M is the stickers. So what did it show? The total compression forces are medium-soft but they don't come in nicely, they instead ramp up as the shock builds lots of pressure and this pressure doesn't drop until the very end of the stroke. This leaves shocks feeling weird. It's the same feeling you get from a normal shock that's got foamed up oil inside. Low speed compression is very soft. The rebound is firm, basically rebound open is the same as the Mara Pro fully closed. The rebound from about position 8 is the same as open. Rebound doesn't change compression (they have check valves inside for this). The climb-switch is very firm. The stock tuning schemes give high internal pressures a little like the current X2's. Causing lag in how the shock responds to bumps. Click to expand...

Have replaced 2 Float X shocks on Transition Sentinels with Mara Pros. A significant, but not life changing upgrade. Basically made the same bike much plusher and feel like it picked up 25mm in travel, with no loss in pedaling performance. I have a feeling that a good retune of the Float X by Full Flow or Avalanche would result in similar gains.  

ashmtb said: How does the LSR adjuster affect the HSR on these shocks? Is it just dependent on the shimstack inside? Click to expand...

Cary said: Have replaced 2 Float X shocks on Transition Sentinels with Mara Pros. A significant, but not life changing upgrade. Basically made the same bike much plusher and feel like it picked up 25mm in travel, with no loss in pedaling performance. I have a feeling that a good retune of the Float X by Full Flow or Avalanche would result in similar gains. Click to expand...

cookieMonster said: Spend any time in this subforum and you’ll be amazed that anyone is able to make it down the trail without custom-tuned suspension. Click to expand...

Dougal said: You only know the best you've ridden and most production stuff is seriously underwhelming. Most riders go up a notch or two in confidence, ability and speed with the right tune. The best riders however are fast in spite of their equipment and it takes a lot wrong to slow them down. Click to expand...

I have a Float X in my spare parts bin. I bought a Specialized Status frame and decided to keep it as a spare and run a Cane Creek DB Air CS. I love the feel of my CC!  

This is the shock that comes with the frame 2023 FOX FLOAT X F-S K 2pos-Adj Evol LV 230 65 0.4 Spacer CL RL LMB1 Neutral Logo @Dougal looks like a light rebound and compression stack, low volume can? Not sure what lmb1 means.  

LMB1 is Lever Medium Bleed 1. They have notched shims to create extra oil bypass.  

Here is my FLOAT X info ... 2022, FLOAT X, F-S, K, 2pos-Adj, Trunnion, Evol LV, Giant, Trance X Adv Pro 29, 185, 55, 0.6 Spacer, CXLLH002, PRM, Rezi LMB1, TA-3450 Gloss/YS-728 Matte_Stealth, Neutral Logo The CXLLH002 is very confusing to me !! Any ideas ???  

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Fox Float X or X2: Which Rear Shock Rules The Trails?

On the hunt for the perfect shock to take your mountain biking to the next level? Look no further than the Fox Float X and X2. 

These two shocks are among the most popular on the market, but which one is right for you? 

In this article, we’ll compare the Float X and X2, covering everything from air spring systems to performance and handling. Whether you’re a cross-country rider, enduro enthusiast, or downhill daredevil, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s get started and take a closer look at these performance-packed rear shocks.

Table of Contents

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Short Overview of Fox Float x

The Fox Float X is a rear shock for aggressive trail riders. It comes with: 

• Low-speed rebound and compression adjustments for improved comfort and handling on various terrains.
• 2-position adjuster for quick adjustments on the fly.
• New chassis for more aggressive riding styles and challenging terrain.
• Lightweight damper for better maneuverability.

Pros and Cons of the Float X

Short overview of fox float x2.

The Fox Float X2 is a direct upgrade to the  high-performance rear shock that delivers ultimate control and performance on rough terrain. It features the following:

• A Genuine Kashima Coat on air sleeve and body for performance and longevity.
• The XV EVOL air spring for a more controlled and comfortable ride.
• Advanced Rod Valve System (RVS) damping for extra tunability. 

Pros and Cons of the Float X2

Float x vs x2 comparison table.

Here’s a quick look at everything before we go into details.

Fox Float X Vs X2 Detailed Comparison

In this section, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison of the Fox Float X and the Fox Float X2. 

Damper Design And Performance

Winner: Fox Float X2

The Fox Float X and Fox Float X2 both offer high-performance suspension, but differ in their damper designs. 

The Float X2’s Advanced Rod Valve System (RVS) provides superior tunability and control with high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments, as well as the ability to easily adjust progression with clip-on volume spacers and climb switch.

Meanwhile the Float X offers a simpler system. It’s easier to set up, but the X2 offers ultimate customization and precision in suspension tuning.

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Overall Feel and Responsiveness

Winner: Tie, depends on user preferences.

The Float X2 provides excellent small bump compliance and sensitivity, resulting in a controlled and comfortable ride on challenging terrain. 

Meanwhile, the Float X offers a smooth and plush ride that can effectively absorb bumps and vibrations, providing superb control and comfort on rough terrain. 

However, most riders find the Float X’s rebound damping too firm, potentially affecting their comfort and control. 

Handling and Terrain Compatibility

Winner: Tie, depends on riding style.

The Float X2 can handle more aggressive riding styles and technical terrain, with more adjustment options available for fine-tuning the suspension to your preferences. 

On the other hand, the Float X offers great mid-stroke and bottom-out progression, preventing compression spikes and packing down, which can be great for riders seeking control on rougher trails and terrain that has sudden drops or obstacles.

The latter can also be a better choice for cross-country riding and smoother trails.

Maintenance

Winner: Float X

Both shocks require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity, especially with how good they are for mountain biking. 

However, the Float X2 is more complex to service due to its more advanced damping system, which requires additional effort and cost. 

In comparison, the Float X’s simpler damping system is easier to maintain.

Suitable Riding Style

Winner: Tie, depends.

The Float X2 is ideal for enduro and downhill riding, where the terrain is more challenging and riders demand more from the suspension. 

Meanwhile, the Float X is better for cross-country riders who prioritize weight and efficiency, as well as all-mountain riders who want a balance of comfort, control, and versatility.

Fox Float X vs x2: Which One is Right for You?

The Fox Float X2 is better for advanced riders who want precision in their suspension tuning and ride more technical and aggressive terrain. 

On the other hand, the Float X is good for riders who are just starting out, are on a budget, or prioritize weight and efficiency. 

Here are some factors you can consider:

• Your Weight And Skill Level: Look at the tunability and see if you can take full control of the potential.
• Terrain: The type of terrain you ride on will impact the shock you choose. Rough terrains require a shock with more travel and a better damping system, while smooth terrain needs less travel.
• Compatibility: Choose a shock that is compatible with your bike’s suspension system. Ensure it has the correct measurements and mounting hardware.
• Maintenance Requirements: Different shocks have varying levels of maintenance. Ensure you can care for your shock properly and prolong its lifespan.

What is the travel of the Fox Float X?

The Fox Float X has 150mm of rear-wheel travel when used on a Marin Alpine Trail XR with a four-bar suspension system.

Does the Fox Float X have a lockout?

Yes, the Fox Float X has a two-position lockout lever with a lock mode for pedaling and an open setting for everything else.

What is the maximum air pressure for the Fox Float X?

The maximum air pressure for the Fox Float X air shock is 350 psi.

Does the Fox Float X2 have a lockout?

Yes, the Fox Float X2 has an independent lockout lever, which is firmer than the outgoing shock.

How much air pressure should I put in my Fox Float X2?

You should set the main air chamber to between 50-300 psi to prepare to set sag.

Can you adjust the stroke on Fox Float X2?

Yes, the Float X2 (2022 variant) uses a stroke spacer that can be reconfigured to adjust shock stroke.

Final Thoughts: Fox Float X vs x2

Both are exceptional rear shocks offering advanced features and benefits. Whether you’re looking for more control over rough terrain, smoother suspension, or better climbing efficiency, there’s a shock that’s right for your needs. 

Just remember, don’t settle for a mediocre ride – with a good shock, you can experience the thrill of a smooth, responsive ride that’s tailored to your enjoyment.

Hi dear visitor! I’m Sebastian, a bike maniac who loves to spend a lot of time on two wheels in nature (I love white chocolate, so I absolutely need a calorie-burning balance that’s fun to boot ). Blogging is my second great passion. That’s why cyclinghalloffame.com regularly features new bike-related content.

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FOX FLOAT X Factory

Regular price $ 599.00.

Unit price / per 

THE MASTER OF ALL-MOUNTAIN

From aggressive trail to enduro, the advanced damping, fade free performance and class-leading durability of FLOAT X makes it the versatile and lightweight choice for All-Mountain riders earning their descents.

Float X Specs

ALL-NEW chassis and damper High-flow main piston Air seal package Volume spacers with smaller increments MCU bottom out bumper Numbered tool-free 12 position single-turn LSC (Low Speed Compression) adjuster Independent firm mode circuit – Clockable 2 position adjuster Increased rebound adjuster range (over DPX2) Optimized reservoir lengths per shock size Hydraulic top out feature Reduced damper noise Larger air sleeve bore reduces average rider pressure by 40 psi vs. DPX2 Bearing hardware compatible both sides Air valve location offers improved frame fitment and pump access

Tuning & Product Manuals

Shipping & returns policy.

We offer  free standard shipping on all orders of $99 and above.  We offer standard flat rate shipping for $10 on orders under $100 and expedited shipping based on your location.

Please note we do not ship outside of the USA. Please Visit our Canadian FOX Shop for shipments to Canada. Typically you will receive a tracking number within 2 business days following your order.

Within 30 days of purchase online FOX will accept returns of all returned with original packaging in unused condition. To initiate the return please fill out the returns form and await contact by email from our Customer Service Team. Please note shipping charges will not be refunded.

All Terrain Adaptability

Tool-free adjustment for compression and rebound means the FLOAT X can be quickly and easily set up or tuned for the current trail and riding conditions. The numbered 11-click low-speed compression dial and 2-position (Open or Firm) lever switch run on independent circuits, giving all-mountain riders the descent tuneability they need with the convenience of a single switch for climbing.

Well-Rounded Weight and Performance

Each size of the FLOAT X is paired with a specific length of piggyback reservoir, giving the shock just the right amount of volume for maximum performance-to-weight ratio. Paired with the large EVOL air chamber, ride feel remains consistent over long descents. A hard-hitting shock geared for the gamut of aggressive trail and all-mountain riding while fitting a wide range of frame designs and geometries.

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FOX Hits Back For 2014

Cool Features

SHOCK- 2025 FLOAT SL and FLOAT X

Installing your shock, before you ride, using the evol air sleeve, setting shock air pressure, adjusting rebound, adjusting compression damping, using the 2-position remote, tuning with air volume spacers, service intervals.

For general information and installation instructions click  here »

WARNING: Rear shock setup and configuration varies greatly between different bicycle manufacturers. Be sure to refer to the owner's manual for your bicycle. FOX products should be installed by a qualified bicycle service technician, in accordance with FOX installation specifications. Improperly installed shocks can fail, causing the rider to lose control, resulting in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Check for clearance before riding.

If you are installing your shock on a bike for which the shock was not original equipment, follow the steps below to ensure proper clearance before riding.

• Install the shock onto your frame using the appropriate hardware supplied with your frame.
• Remove the air cap, attach a shock pump, then SLOWLY  release all air out of the main air chamber.
• Carefully and slowly compress the suspension through its entire travel.
• Check that no part of your shock contacts any portion of your frame or linkage as it cycles through its travel.
• Add air pressure to the main air chamber in ~50 psi (3.4 bar) increments, slowly cycling the shock after every 50 psi (3.4 bar) addition.
• Set your main air chamber to between 50-300psi to prepare to set sag as described in the "Setting Shock Air Pressure" section below.

All shock mounting hardware will have some inherent level of axial float which is required to achieve smooth performance. This is normal and is not a safety or performance concern. If your shock mounting hardware exhibits what you believe to be excessive float or makes noise, please contact FOX for assistance. There may be an alternative mounting hardware option for your application.

Make sure that your shock is ready to ride

• Do not  use any solvents or de-greasers as these products can damage the shock's exterior finish.
• Do not  use a high pressure washer or spray water directly at the seal/shock body junction.
• Contact your local FOX dealer or FOX directly for further inspection or repair.
• Make sure that your quick-release levers (or thru-axles) are properly adjusted and tightened.
• Check your headset adjustment. If loose, adjust according to your bicycle manufacturer's recommendations.
• Check that all brake cables or hoses are properly fastened.
• Test the proper operation of your front and rear brakes on level ground.

The EVOL air sleeve comes standard on FLOAT SL and FLOAT X models. The EVOL air sleeve provides an external negative air chamber integrated into the main air sleeve to significantly reduce the force to initiate travel, providing excellent small bump performance. The system is also more linear in its progression offering improved mid stroke support and better bottom out resistance. It is important to add or remove air from the EVOL sleeve as detailed below to experience the best possible performance.

When adding air to the air chamber, it is important to equalize the positive and negative air chambers by slowly compressing the shock through 25% of its travel 10-20 times after every 50psi addition.

• Adding air to the shock without periodically equalizing the air chambers can lead to a condition in which the shock has more pressure in the positive chamber than the negative. In this condition the shock will be very stiff and can top-out. You can equalize the air chambers by slowly compressing the shock until you feel and hear a transfer of air. Hold the shock at this point for a few seconds to allow the air to transfer from the positive to the negative chamber.

When releasing air from the air chamber, it is important to do this slowly so the shock can transfer air from the negative to positive chamber and then be realeased through the Schrader valve. 

• Releasing the air pressure too quickly can induce a condition in which the negative chamber has more pressure than the positive chamber. In this condition the shock will compress into its travel and not fully extend. You can remedy this by adding air pressure until the shock extends, then slowly compressing the shock through 25% of its travel 10-20 times.

FLOAT SL EVOL and FLOAT X shocks have a maximum pressure of 350psi (24.1 bar)

FLOAT SL Non-EVOL shocks have a maximum pressure of 300psi (20.7 bar)

NOTE: Pressure measured at an ambient temperature of 70-75F. Normal operating temperature range for FOX products is 20-140F.

Sag should be set to 25 - 30% of total shock travel

To achieve the best performance from your FOX suspension, adjust the air pressure to attain your proper sag setting. Sag is the amount your suspension compresses under your weight and riding gear. Sag range should be set to 25–30% of total shock travel.

Watch the sag setup video at ridefox.com/sagsetup

Your shock has a 4 digit ID code on the shock body. Use this number on the Help page at  www.ridefox.com to find out more information about your shock, including shock travel. 

• Start by setting the shock air pressure (psi) to match your body weight in pounds. With the air pump attached to the shock valve, slowly cycle your shock through 25% of its travel 10 times as you reach your desired pressure. This will equalize the positive and negative air chambers and will change the pressure on the pump gauge. Do not exceed the maximum FLOAT air pressure!
• Remove the pump.
• Sit still on the bike in your normal riding position, using a wall or a tree for support.
• Pull the sag indicator o-ring up against the rubber air sleeve seal.
• Carefully dismount the bike without bouncing.

• Add or remove air pressure until you reach your desired sag measurement.

Rebound controls how fast the shock extends after compressing

The rebound adjustment is dependent on the air pressure setting. For example, higher air pressures require more rebound damping. Use your air pressure to help find your rebound setting.

Turn your rebound knob to the closed position (full clockwise) until it stops. Then back it out (counter-clockwise) to the number of clicks shown in the table below. 

                               FLOAT SL:

                                  FLOAT X:

Easy on-the-fly adjustments for unprecedented control and performance

3-Position Lever : The 3-position lever is useful to make on-the-fly adjustments to control shock performance under significant changes in terrain, and is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride. You can use the OPEN mode during rough descending, the MEDIUM mode for undulating terrain, and the FIRM mode for smooth climbing.

FOX recommends beginning with the 3-position lever in the open mode.

*Open Mode Adjust : Open mode adjust is useful to control shock performance during rider weight shifts, G-outs, and slow inputs. Open mode adjust provides 3 additional fine tuning adjustments for the OPEN mode. Lift the open mode adjuster, rotate it to the 1, 2, or 3 position, and press it in to lock the position. It is recommended to make these adjustments with the 3-position lever in the Medium or Firm mode. Setting 1 will have a more plush feel and setting 3 will have a firmer feel.

FOX Recommends beginning with the open mode adjust set to 1.

FLOAT X Low-Speed Compression : The Low-Speed Compression knob allows for changes in low-speed compression damping. Turn the knob clockwise to increase compression damping and counter-clockwise to decrease compression damping.

FLOAT X 2-Position Lever:    The 2-position lever is useful to make on-the-fly adjustments to control shock performance, and is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride. The OPEN mode utilizes your standard LSC, preset low-speed compression setting. The preset low-speed compression adjustment only has an affect on compression damping when the lever is in the OPEN position. The FIRM mode has a very firm low-speed compression setting and is useful for climbing and sprinting.

*Factory and Performance Elite Series non-remote shocks only.

The 2-position remote is designed to be used in place of a front shifter, under the handlebar on the rider's left side. The 2-position remote can be used with 2 cables to control both the front fork and rear shock simultaneously.

The 2-Position Remote lets you to switch between the OPEN and FIRM modes while riding.

• Push-to-Lock  – Push the actuation lever to set the fork to FIRM mode. Push the release lever to set the fork to OPEN mode.
• Push-to-Unlock  – Push the actuation lever to set the fork to OPEN mode. Push the release lever to set the fork to FIRM mode.

Changing volume spacers in the shock is an internal adjustment that allows you to change the amount of mid stroke and bottom out resistance. 

• If you have set your sag correctly and are using full travel (bottoming out) too easily, then you could install a larger spacer to increase bottom out resistance. 
• If you have set your sag correctly and are not using full travel, then you could install a smaller spacer to decrease bottom out resistance.

• FLOAT SL (9mm shaft) Air Spring Volume Tuning Kit: PN 803-01-250
• FLOAT X Air Volume Tuning Kit: PN 803-01-725

Detailed information on FLOAT X volume spacers can be found here: FLOAT X Volume Spacer Installation »

The Video below shows basic instructions for installing or removing air volume spacers from FLOAT based shocks.

WARNING: FOX suspension products contain pressurized nitrogen, air, oil, or all 3. Suspension misuse can cause property damage, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT puncture, incinerate or crush any portion of a FOX suspension product. DO NOT attempt to disassemble any portion of a FOX suspension product, unless expressly instructed to do so by the applicable FOX technical documentation, and then ONLY while strictly adhering to all FOX instructions and warnings in that instance.

WARNING: Modification, improper service, or use of aftermarket replacement parts with FOX forks and shocks may cause the product to malfunction, resulting in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT modify any part of a fork or shock, including the fork brace (lower leg cross brace), crown, steerer, upper and lower leg tubes, or internal parts, except as instructed herein. Any unauthorized modification may void the warranty, and may cause failure or the fork or shock, resulting in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: Never attempt to pull apart, open, disassemble, or service a FOX shock that is in a "stuck down" condition. A "stuck down" condition results from a failure of the dynamic air seal (located between the positive and negative air chambers within the non-EVOL shock air sleeve), resulting with the negative chamber retaining a higher pressure than the positive chamber. To test whether the shock is in fact "stuck down":

• Remove the air cap and depress the Schrader valve, to completely release air pressure from the positive chamber of the shock.
• If the shock body retracts into the air sleeve near bottom-out after the air is released from the positive chamber, attach a FOX high pressure pump and pressurize the shock to 250psi (17 bar).
• If the shock does not fully extend, it is in a "stuck down" condition.

Any attempt to service FOX air shocks in the "stuck down" condition can lead to SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. Contact FOX or an Authorized Service Center for repair.

To best maintain the performance and durability of your product under normal use, FOX recommends that you have regular fork and shock maintenance performed according to the service intervals listed below.

* Suspension product will require more frequent servicing the harder they are worked.  For those who ride lift-accessed DH, Park, or Extreme Freeride or in extremely wet/muddy or dry/dusty environmental conditions where trail debris is sprayed onto the fork or shock while on the trail, or e-mtb's, FOX encourages riders to perform maintenance earlier than recommended above as needed. If you hear, see, or feel something unusual, stop riding immediately and contact a FOX Authorized Service Center for proper servicing.

WARNING: FOX products should be serviced by a qualified bicycle service technician, in accordance with FOX specifications. If you have any doubt whether or not you can properly service your FOX product, then DO NOT attempt it. Improperly serviced products can fail, causing the rider to lose control resulting in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Distributor and OEM service documents access

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