2026 Fox suspension: More rear comfort with the revised Fox X2 & DHX2 shocks?
Laurin Lehner
· 31.03.2025
With the two downhill shocks, Fox presents a monotube construction that enables a pressure-balanced setup with 4-way adjustment. One Monotube construction means that the damper has one oil circuit (one chamber) in which the oil and the damping system are located. In contrast, there are also twin-tube dampers, which have two separate oil circuits and damping. According to the manufacturer, this is intended to improve traction and control and build up traction between the bike and the ground.
The developers have set themselves the goal of closing the performance gap to the Grip X2 Kartusian which was introduced in 2024. To achieve this, the diameter of the main piston was increased from 9.5 to 12.7 millimetres. Fox claims that this leads to greater strength and durability. The shock also has a larger bottom valve and more individual valves. In combination with the pressure-balanced tuning, the Float X2 should now work at the same level as the Grip X2 cartridge in the suspension fork.
Fox X2 & DHX2 shocks: Pressure equalisation for better performance
A central element of the new Fox X2 & DHX2 shocks is the pressure equalisation. According to the manufacturer, this enables the shock to react more quickly to rider input. The positive pressure in the shock prevents cavitation (foaming) and reduces oil ventilation, which can have a negative effect on performance. Better control of the rebound behaviour should make the rear tyre more predictable, leading to greater rider confidence.
The switch to the monotube design presented the engineers with the challenge of retaining the 4-way adjustability. Fox solved this with an adjustment system that uses a cam and a pair of gears to both rotate and axially move the rebound rod. This rotation turns the Variable Valve Control (VVC) plate for high-speed rebound adjustment.
Technical equipment and variants
The Float X2 is available in various sizes, both with conventional and trunnion mounting. The adjustment options include high and low-speed compression as well as high and low-speed rebound. The maximum air spring pressure is 350 PSI. The air volume can be adjusted in increments of one cubic centimetre. The starting weight of the Float X2 in the 210 x 55 millimetre size is 720 grams.
The Fox DHX2 shares the internal architecture of the FLOAT X2, but uses a coil spring instead of the oversized air chamber. Fox states that World Cup racers and coil spring enthusiasts can now combine the benefits of pressure equalisation with the small bump sensitivity and extremely low friction of a coil shock.
Application range of Fox MTB dampers
Fox compares the driving behaviour of the new dampers with that of trophy trucks equipped with Fox suspension. These could drive extremely fast over rough desert tracks, while the chassis remained relatively calm and the tyres stuck to the ground. Gravity riders should now also experience this feeling with the FLOAT X2 and DHX2.
With the performance benefits of pressure equalisation and four-way adjustability combined with the increased durability of the monotube design, the FLOAT X2 and DHX2 should make the decisive difference for enduro and downhill riders. Fox is positioning the shocks as top products for racing, where fractions of a second count.
Technical specifications
Fox Float X2
- Construction method: Monotube
- Adjustment options: High/low-speed compression, high/low-speed rebound
- Maximum air spring pressure: 350 PSI
- Air volume spacer: 1 cubic centimetre increments
- Starting weight: 720 grams (210 x 55 millimetres)
- Price: from 939 to 989 euros
Available sizes (eyelet): 210 x 50 mm ; 210 x 52.5 mm ; 210 x 55 mm ; 230 x 60 mm ; 230 x 62.5 mm ; 230 x 65 mm ; 250 x 75 mm
Available sizes (trunnion): 185 x 55 mm ; 205 x 60 mm ; 205 x 65 mm ; 225 x 75 mm
Fox DHX2
- Construction method: Monotube
- Suspension: Steel spring
- Setting options: Identical to FLOAT X2
- Price: from 909 to 959 euros
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Laurin Lehner
Editor
