Favorite rear shox?

captain sawdust · 06-19-2006, 06:11 PM

What's your favorite rear shock for FR/DH and why? I have an older Fox Vanilla RC that I like a lot, but it needs to be replaced. I'm not a big fan of 5th Elements or similar feeling shocks, they're great at keeping the tire glued to the dirt at high speed, but they make the bike feel sooo heavy even at the fastest rebound setting. I like to play a lot when I ride, bunnyhop, wallride, tiretap etc.

I love the way my '01 Boxxer feels, I guess I'm looking for a good match for that.

Raacerx · 06-20-2006, 09:58 AM

You dont like SPV/CVT shocks...so your choices are a Marzocchi Roco or a Fox DHX. As you might be aware, the DHX is the most popular shock used today. And there is a very good reason for that. Easy adjustments, very burley construction, exceptional lightweight, and I honestly have never seen or heard of any problems with them.

Ive been abusing DHX's since they were released a couple years ago and have been extremely happy. The DHX does act much more active then a SPV style shock, however there is a huge range of tuneability so there is no problem getting the shock to just suck the earth, but there is also no problem dialing it for dirt jumping or something more active. The bottom out function makes far more of a difference compared to other shocks as well.

That said, the Roco is a good shock too, however it lacks any type of pedal platform at all (where the Fox has anywhere from none to a ton, 12 clicks) There will definitely be more bob and a squishier sensation when sprinting. This is even worse on a single pivot bike. Its similar to a Fox Vanilla RC before they had propedal and you will find it diving into corners a little more then you may like.

2001 boxxers lack high speed compression, so the Roco wont feel unbalanced. However you can make a DHX feel just like a Roco, and like a Manitou or 5th, and like every other shock out there.

Raacerx · 06-20-2006, 10:00 AM

PS. You really need to post the frame you have, how much you weigh, and your riding style if you want a complete recommendation, however the DHX can work great on ANY frame because of its range of adjustment.

Rye Bread · 06-20-2006, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raacerx

you can make a DHX feel just like a...5th, and like every other shock out there.

noooo

-Ryan

StratGuy · 06-20-2006, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rye Bread

noooo

-Ryan

[rant]How long have you been riding a DHX? umm you dont have one so obviously you dont know much about them, or tuning them. Id trust Max much more than you when is comes to suspension because he has actually had time on one so he can tell us from his personal experience how the shock can be tuned and how it feels.
Thank you that is all.[/rant]

Raacerx · 06-21-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StratGuy

[rant]How long have you been riding a DHX? umm you dont have one so obviously you dont know much about them, or tuning them. Id trust Max much more than you when is comes to suspension because he has actually had time on one so he can tell us from his personal experience how the shock can be tuned and how it feels.
Thank you that is all.[/rant]

Ryan is just weird and likes his 5th.

However, has he ridden a DHX for awhile or had the time to play around with one, I do not know?

Darren · 06-21-2006, 10:14 PM

I can't chime in about the Fox DHX, but I'd definitely think about what max told you since he seems to have spent his time with quite a few products. For me, my old technology has liked PUSH and the Avy DHS. PUSH made my bike pedal a little better. Avy was more plush, strong too. Paying $550 for a rear shock blows, however.. but at least my bike doesn't blow the rear every 3 months now. With that being said, I don't think I've heard much negativity towards the DHX.

Sirbikesalot · 06-21-2006, 10:53 PM

hehe Ryan got owned. (He actually rides a "custom valved Romic" now)
I have a regular ol' Romic and its aight, I like it better than the RC I used to have. I don't have any complaints except the mounting bushings wear fast. A guy at Romic told me that their new bushings don't wear as quick so we'll see how my new ones last once they get here. A lot of Romics are goin for 100 bucks on Ridemonkey but I'd go with the Dhx if you can afford it cause Max convinced me above.

Raacerx · 06-22-2006, 10:35 AM

There are 2 big issues with Romics Im aware of. #1 yes their DU bushings wear quick, however this is more an issue with the Turner DHR, which just destroys bushings on all shocks. I do not know why they dont go to bearings like everyone else, but they have their reasons. #2, Romics need to be rebuilt every 2-3 months to keep their performance. I do not know what it specifically is about them, but the oil seems to dissipate into thin air and needs to be changed frequently. This is not quite as simple as just undoing a bolt and pouring in oil either. To further dis the Romic...just about everyone i know riding one is required to ride one due to their team. Not by choice.

That said, everyone seems to be relatively happy with the Romics long as they are working. But a shock that they recommend gets rebuilt 3-4 a year...just cannot compete with a shock that doesnt need a rebuild once every 2 years, and has more adjustability. The Romic also requires more internal tuning via shims, etc, and doesnt have the external adjustability the Fox and other shocks boast.

PS. I also want you guys to realize, although I fully stand behind the DHX and its performance... I am not a fan of Fox. Ive had a bad experience with them in the past that really has soured me. In fact, I promised to never ride another Fox rear shock again I was so angry at the company for the way they handled a situation that was their fault. However...there just is not a better shock out there and despite me wishing to never ride another Fox shock again, they make a damn good product and luckily I never need to deal with the warranty department anyways.

Just dont let Fox rebuild your shock at a race until your completely done racing...

Nemesis Gnat · 06-22-2006, 12:56 PM

i still think the 5th is better, its just a mater of feel.... and tommy is a dumb ass, fix your shock then you can talk, that being said, your a homey, just a homey with a bad shock, nothing personal, but id take ryans advice over yours on sshocks

StratGuy · 06-22-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis Gnat

i still think the 5th is better, its just a mater of feel.... and tommy is a dumb ass, fix your shock then you can talk, that being said, your a homey, just a homey with a bad shock, nothing personal, but id take ryans advice over yours on sshocks

i didnt say anything was wrong about 5ths