Only recognisable from the outside by the small sticker, the damper manufactured by Fox contains a new compression valve based on the "regressive damping" already proven in motor racing. What does that mean? In simple terms, the damping remains very firm during slow movements (such as when pedalling), but allows the rear suspension to work sensitively and sensitively during faster impacts (such as when riding over obstacles).
Practical test of the RE:aktiv suspension from Trek
RE:aktiv impressively emphasises the importance of damping for suspension performance. The technology hidden in the shock is an innovation with real utility value. It turns the often-maligned mid-travel trail mode into the "modus operandi" for almost all situations. Wonderfully bob-free and with only minimal loss of sensitivity, the rear absorbs impacts of all sizes very effectively - without any noticeable transition for the rider. The open mode on the CTD damper is only necessary on long downhills, and the firm climb mode is almost no longer needed. The geometry adjustment via flip-chip (by 0.7°) is another useful option.
PLUS In trail mode: optimum combination of pedalling efficiency and suspension performance off-road
PLUS Ride almost everything in trail mode - "one for all"
MINUS Almost too sensitive and linear in descend mode
Variants of the Trek RE:aktiv
As a technology to maximise the efficiency of medium suspension travel, RE:aktiv suspension struts can currently be found in the top models of the All Mountains Remedy (seven models in 27.5 & 29 inch from 3999 to 7499 euros) and the Fuel EX (seven models from 3499 to over 8000 euros, again in 27.5" and 29er format).
