As the type designation already suggests, the new Fox Float DPX2 is a mixture of the existing Float DPS cross-country damper and the Float X2 enduro/DH damper. Accordingly, the new rear-end flatterer is to be used in trail bikes, all-mountain bikes and enduro MTBs. BIKE has already been able to ride the new damper in a Trek Remdey 9 RSL (test in BIKE 6/17) with a measured 158 millimetres of rear travel.
Facts about the Fox DPX2 at a glance:
- Weight: 532 grams (trunnion mount 230x57 mm)
- 3 selectable low-speed compression modes: Open, Medium, Firm
- 10-way adjustable compression damping in open mode in the factory version (with 3 mm Allen key)
- tool-free rebound adjustment
- Available for metric and previous installation dimensions and trunnion mount
- Maximum pressure 350 PSI (Float X2 250 PSI)
Price: 739 Euro
Info: http://www.ridefox.com
Technology in detail:
In terms of damping logic, the new DPX2 utilises the technology of its big brother, the X2. A separate compression and rebound circuit ensures optimised damping control. This improves the transition from compression to rebound in particular. Fox has adopted the air chamber technology from the DPS with increased volume and the larger negative chamber for fine response and less sagging in the mid-travel range. The separate damping circuit for the firm mode means that this is also controlled independently of the other two damping modes. This means that the firm mode for climbing can be configured independently of the damping in trail and DH mode.
Better than the Float X?
In addition to the improved damping control, the new DPX2 has two other impressive features. Firstly, it requires less installation space thanks to the slim reservoir, which leaves more room for a water bottle in the frame. The more compact design should also reduce the weight compared to the X2. In addition, the fiddly rebound adjustment is no longer necessary. On the DPX2, the rebound knob is easy to reach and can be turned in a defined manner. A 3-millimetre Allen key is only required for the 10-position compression adjustment (high and low-speed compression are both changed) in open mode.
Riding impression of the new Fox damper
In the Bischofsmais bike park, the new damper has already shown us what it's made of. The DPX2 made an excellent impression on our test bike. The rear suspension responded very sensitively even to small obstacles. Even on rough sections with quick hits, the new Fox damper ensured calm and optimum ground contact with full traction. The rear suspension worked noticeably more sensitively than the installed Lyrik RC. The stronger compression damping of the medium setting was clearly noticeable. In the firm position, however, the rear suspension still pumped slightly and is far from a lockout.
Test summary
The new Fox Float DPX2 makes an excellent first impression and is recommended for downhill bikes with between 130 and 160 millimetres of travel. Compared to the Float X2, the simpler setup and lower weight are impressive.
