Fox FLOAT X2 - User Manual

This document is a tuning guide for a FOX FLOAT X2 shock absorber, designed to help users optimize its performance for their specific riding style and conditions. The guide covers essential setup procedures, including sag adjustment, damper adjustments (compression and rebound), and additional tuning options like volume spacers.

The primary function of the FOX FLOAT X2 shock is to provide suspension for bicycles, absorbing impacts and vibrations to enhance rider comfort, control, and traction. It features a highly adjustable damping system that allows riders to fine-tune the shock's response to various terrains and riding preferences.

Sag Setting

The guide emphasizes the importance of proper sag setting as the foundation for optimal shock performance. Sag is defined as the amount the suspension compresses under the rider's weight and riding gear. The recommended sag range is 25-30% of the total shock travel. To set the sag, riders are instructed to:

1. Start by setting the shock air pressure (psi) to match their weight in pounds. While the air pump is attached, the shock should be slowly cycled through 25% of its travel 10 times to equalize positive and negative air chambers. A crucial warning is provided: "Do not exceed 300 psi, the maximum FLOAT X2 air pressure!"
2. Remove the pump.
3. Sit still on the bike in a normal riding position, using external support like a wall or tree.
4. Pull the sag indicator o-ring up against the Dust Wiper.
5. Carefully dismount the bike without bouncing.
6. Measure the distance between the sag indicator o-ring and the Dust Wiper. This measurement is then compared to a "Suggested Sag Measurements" table provided in the guide, which lists sag measurements for various shock travel lengths (e.g., 51 mm/2.00 in travel corresponds to 15 mm/0.60 in sag for a plush 30% setting).
7. The shock should be cycled 10 times while adding or removing air pressure until the desired sag measurement is achieved.

A visual aid in the guide illustrates the O-ring, Dust Wiper, and the sag measurement area, clearly indicating the 25-30% sag range. It also shows the "TOTAL SHOCK TRAVEL" and "EYE-TO-EYE DISTANCE" for context.

Damper Adjustments

The FOX FLOAT X2 shock features both compression and rebound adjustments, categorized into low-speed and high-speed settings. These adjustments allow riders to control how the shock responds to different types of impacts and terrain.

Compression Adjustments:

• Low-speed compression (LSC) adjustment: This setting is useful for controlling shock performance during rider weight shifts, G-outs, and other slow inputs. It is adjusted using a 3 mm hex wrench.
• High-speed compression (HSC) adjustment: This setting helps control shock performance during bigger hits, landings, and square-edged bumps. It is adjusted using a 6 mm hex wrench.

The guide also details a 2-position lever, which provides on-the-fly adjustments to shock performance. This lever is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride.

• Open mode: In this mode, the standard HSC/LSC settings are utilized. The preset high- and low-speed compression adjustments only affect damping when the lever is in the OPEN position.
• FIRM mode: This mode provides a very firm low-speed compression setting, making it useful for climbing and sprinting.

Rebound Adjustments:

• Low-speed rebound (LSR) adjustment: This adjustment helps control shock performance under brake bumps, technical climbing, and off-camber cornering, where extra traction is needed. It is adjusted using a 3 mm hex wrench.
• High-speed rebound (HSR) adjustment: This setting allows the shock to recover quickly enough from bigger hits and square-edged bumps to absorb consecutive impacts. The HSR has 8 total clicks of adjustment. Rotating the HSR adjuster clockwise slows down HSR, while rotating it counter-clockwise speeds up HSR. The HSR adjuster can be turned with a 2 mm hex wrench or a similarly sized tool.

Recommended Settings Table

A comprehensive table is provided to help users find suggested starting RVS damper settings based on their air spring pressure. The table lists air spring pressures from 90 psi to 300 psi and corresponding recommended clicks from closed for LSR, HSR, LSC, and HSC settings. Users are instructed to turn all four damper adjusters to the closed position (full clockwise) until they stop, then back them out (counter-clockwise) to the number of clicks shown in the table. The table clarifies that "O Clicks = Closed." For example, at 150 psi, the recommended settings are 10-12 clicks for LSR, 5-6 for HSR, 13-15 for LSC, and 6-7 for HSC.

Additional Tuning Options: Volume Spacers

Volume spacers are an internal adjustment that allows riders to change the amount of mid-stroke and bottom-out resistance.

• If the sag is set correctly but the shock is bottoming out too easily, more spacers can be installed to increase bottom-out resistance.
• If the sag is set correctly but the shock is not using full travel, spacers can be removed to decrease bottom-out resistance. Installation procedures and further tuning options for volume spacers are available online at ridefox.com/ownersmanuals.

A "TYPICAL AIR SPRING CURVES" graph illustrates the effect of volume spacers on shock force versus shock travel. It shows two curves: "MAX SPACERS (LEAST AIR VOLUME)" resulting in a steeper curve (more progressive, higher bottom-out resistance) and "NO SPACER (MOST AIR VOLUME)" resulting in a flatter curve (less progressive, lower bottom-out resistance). Both curves start at "FULL EXTENSION" and extend to "FULL COMPRESSION."

The guide emphasizes that the recommended settings are a "starting point" to get users on their first ride quickly. It encourages riders to adjust settings as they ride and become more familiar with their new shock. Detailed information and videos are available in the online owner's manual.

For further support, the guide mentions that each shock has a 4-digit ID code on the shock body, which can be used on the Help page at www.ridefox.com to find more information, including shock travel.

The document concludes with contact information for FOX FACTORY, including their website (ridefox.com), phone number (1.800.FOX.SHOX, 831.768.1100), and physical address (915 DISC DRIVE SCOTTS VALLEY, CA 95066 USA). It also includes a copyright notice (©FOX FACTORY, INC. 2019) and a revision number (605-00-222 REV B), along with the hashtag #RIDEFOX.