Fox Live Valve Neo vs Rockshox Flight Attendant: Who builds the better electric suspension?

The electrification of the world does not stop at mountain bike suspension. Sensor control and current signals promise - in the truest sense of the word - lightning-fast adjustment of the suspension to the terrain. If the industry giants Fox and Rockshox have their way, e-suspensions are the future. When suspension forks and dampers are energised, they can make setup changes quickly, situationally and with a frequency that mechanics, hydraulics or human hand movements can never achieve. The corresponding systems are marvellous pieces of technology and extremely expensive. In a head-to-head duel, we wanted to find out which electronic suspension works better for mountain bikers: Fox Live Valve Neo or Rockshox Flight Attendant? We start with an introduction to the opponents.

Fox Live Valve Neo in detail

Already In 2018, Fox presented the first Live Valve System and was thus a pioneer for electronically controlled suspension components in series production. A good six years later followed the Live Valve Neo Systemwhich dispenses with the cables of the original version and instead relies on a specially developed wireless protocol. In addition, the latest version does without a damping control on the fork. Only the damper is controlled, which is always closed and only opens on impacts. Sensor units are fitted to the front and rear brake callipers, which communicate wirelessly with the control unit in the shock. Fox's own Neo protocol transmits data 200 times faster than Bluetooth.

Based on the data that the sensors record on acceleration and terrain inclination, Live Valve Neo decides to open or close the compression stage of the shock via a solenoid valve. In principle, the system is not an electronic lockout and does not offer an intermediate stage. However, the enormous speed should ensure that the transitions are virtually seamless. Of course, all parameters can be customised in the Fox Bike App. The user can choose between preset or personally configured tunes. For example, efficiency or traction can be prioritised and the suspension can be specially adapted to each individual trail if required. In expert mode, settings for force thresholds, time and inclination values can be used, for example, to influence how long the compression damping should be open at which angle and depending on the incline or decline.

>> We had already subjected the predecessors of today's e-suspensions to a test duel.

The Fox Live Valve Neo system is currently only available for trail, enduro and downhill bikes and only on the shock. With their own suspension forks, the Americans do not yet see sufficient benefits from electronic control in this area of use. With the two models Float X and DHX, there is an air and a steel spring option. The shocks for the aftermarket are only available in the factory version. The damper base is the familiar model. The rebound and low-speed compression damping for open mode can be adjusted directly on the hardware in the usual manner. An additional lever regulates how hard the suspension becomes when the compression stage is automatically closed.

>> Fox has just unveiled its new 2026 fork line-up and you can find all the information here.

Facts about Fox Live Valve Neo

• System: electronic
• Communication basis: Radio (Fox Neo protocol)
• Number of energy sources: 1 rechargeable battery (damper), 2 button cells (sensors)
• Running time per charge (manufacturer's specification): 20-35 riding hours (dampers) / 1 year (sensors)
• Hardware setup options: air pressure, rebound, low-speed compression, compression control intensity
• Software setup options: preconfigured tunes / individual tunes (control behaviour depending on time, force and inclination)
• Required components: Damper, sensors, battery, charger
• Minimum RRP for ready-to-use suspension: 1893 euros (possibly + 1559 euros RRP for matching Fox Float 36 Factory fork)

Shock in test: Fox Float X Factory Live Valve Neo

• Suspension travel damper: 150 mm
• Price shock absorber: 1299 Euro
• Accessory prices: 594 euros (kit comprising sensors, battery & charger) / 99 euros (replacement battery) / 79 euros (replacement charger)
• Weight of damper ready for use: 669 grams (incl. sensors)

>> We have already tested the matching Fox Float 36 suspension fork in comparison to the Rockshox Lyrik.

Rockshox Flight Attendant in detail

2021 saw the introduction of the electronic system from Rockshox for the first time for trail use. At the beginning of 2024, the chassis experts then a version for cross-country bikes after. A little later the update of the components for trail, enduro and downhill use. Rockshox was the first manufacturer to allow suspension systems to communicate via radio, using the AXS protocol familiar from the corresponding Sram derailleurs. A control unit in the fork reacts to the information from the rear derailleurs and pedalling sensors in the crank. The networked components decide on the suspension setup based on the pedalling energy input, inclination and acceleration. There is a choice of three different damping modes: Open, Pedal and Firm. Small electric motors take over the adjustment - thanks to the "split-state function" also for fork and damper separately.

AXS controllers on the handlebars can be assigned various functions and, for example, override the decisions of the algorithm. "Bias Adjust" can be used to influence whether the automatic system should often opt for a firmer or a more comfortable setup. The Sram AXS app provides an overview of all settings. A special feature of Rockshox Flight-Attendant is that the system can learn on request. Riding performance can be categorised into certain levels that influence the suspension setup. If the data indicates a fit rider with noticeably higher wattage values, the settings are tighter than if the input and forces are lower.

To be able to use Rockshox Flight Attendant, you need an AXS pedalling sensor in addition to the fork and damper or an appropriate power meter. In the test, we used a cheaper levelling sensor, the more precise and more expensive Powermeter should enable the system to make even faster and better decisions according to Rockshox. Although a Sram AXS rear derailleur is not mandatory, it also improves the data for the algorithm. To be able to use certain functions, an AXS controller or pod is also required. Electrically controlled fork models are available in the Pike, Lyrik and ZEB series. For the cross-country faction, there is the XC system for the SID series. Flight Attendant is available for Super Deluxe, Vivid and Vivid Coil shocks. However, the latter two are reserved for bike manufacturers. "Analogue" suspension forks with Charger 3.1 technology can also be converted to Flight Attendant with specific control modules.

>> Rockshox also recently presented a revised dropper post with AXS wireless technology.

Facts Rockshox Flight Attendant

• System: electronic
• Communication basis: Radio (Sram AXS protocol)
• Number of energy sources: 3 rechargeable batteries (fork, shock & rear derailleur), 1 AAA battery (pedalling sensor), at least 1 button cell (gear lever/controller)
• Runtime per charge (manufacturer's specification): 20-30 h (fork) / 30-40 h (shock) / 200 h (pedal sensor) / 200 h (shifter/controller)
• Hardware setup options: air pressure, rebound damping
• Software setup options: low-speed compression damping, "Bias Adjust" (steering behaviour), "Adaptive Ride Dynamics" (adaptive adjustment), performance zones
• Components required: Fork and shock (each with battery), charger, pedalling sensor/power meter, Sram AXS rear derailleur
• Minimum MSRP for an operational landing gear: 2580 euros (flight attendant upgrade kit)

Fork and rear shock on test: Rockshox Lyrik & Super Deluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant

• Fork travel: 160 mm
• Suspension travel damper: 150 mm
• Price fork (incl. battery & charger): 1749 euros
• Price shock absorber (incl. battery & charger): 1049 euros
• Accessory prices: 63 euros (replacement battery) / 46.75 euros (replacement charger)
• Weight fork ready for use: 2100 g
• Weight of damper ready for use: 560 g

>> We have already tested the latest Rockshox shocks without electronics here.

Test setup

In order to be able to compare the electronic suspension systems from Fox and Rockshox with each other, we have tested them in two identical designs and features. Mondraker Foxy All Mountains tested. All the required AXS components were used on the bike with the Flight Attendant. In addition to the shock and sensors, we fitted a Fox Float 36 Factory Grip X suspension fork without electronic control to the Live Valve Neo model for comparability. For our test rides, we used trails in Finale-Ligure and in the Odenwald. The impressions of a total of four experienced test riders were incorporated into our assessment.

Both systems require the installation of the appropriate app during initial setup. Both provide clear and uncomplicated guidance through the set-up process. Pairing and calibrating the sensors should not pose any challenges for the average user either. Overall, the competing E-suspensions are ready for use quite quickly. During the test, we had to update the Fox shock via Bluetooth and reinstall the app due to a connection error. If you don't read the small print at Rockshox, you'll receive annoying emails in your inbox. In addition, the AXS app did not respond to the back button on our Android smartphone. In the test, the AAA battery in the pedalling sensor discharged noticeably quickly. We suspect an error when deactivating the shake-to-wake function. Little things in the brave new world of suspension on both sides. For all their user-friendliness, e-suspensions do bring additional complexity.

>> Fox recently presented an update for its X2 and DHX2 shocks. Here's the info for 2026.

Battle: Who builds the faster e-chassis?

The Fox Live Valve Neo sensors record terrain data 400 times per second. Thanks to the super-fast wireless protocol, transmission to the controller unit in the shock takes just one millisecond. This is about five times faster than the Rockshox protocol needs to transmit the data from the pedalling sensor and rear derailleur to the controller in the fork crown. For comparison: a human blink takes around 400 milliseconds. In fact, both systems communicate so quickly that bikers cannot perceive this as a delay. For both Fox and Rockshox, users do not need to worry that their E-suspension will not react quickly enough to the signals. However, what is interpreted as a signal differs - more on this later. When landing after a jump, all reserves are seamlessly available in both cases.

While with Rockshox the bias selection and the watt input determine the mode but not the speed of switching between them, with Fox all hobby computer scientists can really let off steam. Theoretically, Live Valve Neo allows the compression damping to be adjusted 70 times per second. In reality, however, it does not constantly switch between open and closed, but remains in open mode for a definable period of time. The time window can be set separately or influenced by a preconfigured tune. For example, the opening time is 750 milliseconds in the softer Plush tune and only 300 milliseconds in the harder Firm tune. Depending on the setting, the damper opens and closes one to three times per second. There are major differences in the operating principle: The Fox damper is basically closed and opens when required, while the Rockshox suspension is basically open and closes when required.

Fox Live Valve Neo and Rockshox Flight Attendant on the trail

The Fox Live Valve Neo damper is located out of the rider's field of vision and performs its duties absolutely silently thanks to the solenoid valve. The additional technology is quickly forgotten. Not so with Rockshox. Not only do the small servomotors whir quietly again and again, but your gaze is often initially drawn to the LEDs on the fork crown. These provide information on which input zone the wattage measurement is signalling and which of the three positions "Open", "Pedal" and "Locked" the suspension is in. Fox leaves the rider in the dark about the damper setting while riding. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The transparency of the Rockshox system inspires confidence, while the Fox counterpart is more intuitive. All of our testers found the hardware base slightly better with Fox than with Rockshox and thus confirmed earlier test results of the powerful Float 36 and Float X components. In open mode, Fox is even more stable in its travel and offers slightly more sensitivity. Without electronic control, however, the Fox fork crumples when pedalling - a noticeable but negligible disadvantage in enduro use.

In the delivery setup, we found the efficiency of both Fox and Rockshox to be overemphasised. Flight Attendant locked out the suspension noticeably often on sporty tours and remained in Lock mode for a long time. This didn't bother us as much when testing the XC version, but on the All Mountain we often found ourselves in Lock mode on flat trails where active pedalling was required. The additional database from the pedalling sensor then sets the suspension to forward drive. As a result, small impacts reach the rider almost unfiltered. Trained racers can get over this in competition, but for everyone else it is advisable to tune the behaviour of the automatic system towards more comfort. Adjusting the bias adjustment to -1 or even -2 or correcting the watt thresholds upwards can help here. However, the efficiency advantage of the electronics is gradually lost. The average mountain biker is better off with conventional Rockshox suspension.

The situation on the bike with Fox Live Valve Neo is very similar. Here, the seven-stage firm lever on the shock has a major influence on the perceived performance. In the middle setting with the compression damping closed, comfort on gravel is still okay without having to fear a loss of traction. If you turn up to full efficiency, the closed suspension passes on many bumps. Back in the medium setting, we still noticed an inconsistency that we had already observed when testing the steel spring model: On many small bumps, such as on very coarse gravel, or on individual medium bumps, such as a pothole in the tarmac, the shock repeatedly hit the obstacles with the compression stage closed and only surprised us by opening up shortly afterwards. As the phenomenon primarily occurs at low speeds uphill, we suspect the programmed force thresholds. If these are not reached, the damper does not open. Without the additional power of an e-bike, the values must therefore be carefully corrected downwards in the app in favour of comfort on uphill and flat terrain. Meanwhile, the system reacts well and quickly to larger impacts.

The e-chassis cannot look ahead. You could also say that they cannot act, only react. The Fox system is undoubtedly fast, but in slightly bumpy uphill situations, the ride feel on the Bio-All-Mountain sometimes feels unnatural. A medium compression setting between open and closed could help and would theoretically even be infinitely variable thanks to the solenoid valve. Unfortunately, the continuous, seamless adjustment would require so much energy that the battery would soon be drained. Rockshox manages the transitions between the modes harmoniously. Flight Attendant also feels a little more natural when changing terrain quickly, such as when transitioning from gravel to trail, thanks to the pedal mid-stage and split mode. But only as long as the rider stops pedalling. Otherwise, the suspension remains closed for too long for our taste.

On steep downhills, pedalling is irrelevant anyway. Here, Rockshox Flight Attendant is open all the time. Fox Live Valve also remains reliably open in rough downhill sections. Both systems deliver the usual good downhill performance of the analogue top models. We were able to identify a small advantage for Fox on flowing trails. While the Flight Attendant stays open without pedalling, the Live Valve Neo is a little more active and sometimes closes when pushing over a pump to pick up speed. What both rivals are impressively good at is accelerating out of corners. This is where the efficiency advantage of the electronics is most noticeable. The suspension locks at the right moment and the rider can increase the speed at the exit of the bend by pushing or pedalling without losing power. There is also a common weak point: if the bike is pulled into the manual on level ground, the tilt sensors suggest that it is going uphill. We repeatedly initiated the move on our test bikes with the suspension closed - a counterintuitive feeling with the all-mountain full-suspension bike. Only when the front wheel was lowered again did the suspension open up.

BIKE summary by Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

The electronic suspension systems from Fox and Rockshox are maximally fascinating and the duel is an extremely close head-to-head race. In both cases, handling via radio is easy. Both systems emphasise efficiency in the basic setup. For the majority of downhill-orientated bikers, Live Valve Neo and Flight Attendant are therefore currently not worth recommending. More comfortable settings can be found, but remain a compromise and are simply too expensive for hobby riders. Technically experienced racers can benefit from the incredible number of setup variables and minimise speed losses. If you can do without a locked-out fork, Fox offers a slightly better component base. Without any pedalling data, Live Valve Neo also brings the rare advantages of a closed damper to the downhill and therefore currently offers all-mountain bikers the slightly better package.