The Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock is a high-performance, coil-sprung shock designed for downhill, enduro, and aggressive trail riding. Known for its incredible adjustability and durable design, the DHX2 is a favorite among riders who demand precision and reliability from their suspension. Tuning this shock to suit your riding style and terrain is crucial for getting the best performance out of your bike. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of the Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock.

Tools Required

• Fox DHX2 shock tool kit
• 10mm and 8mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
• Torque wrench [paid link] (range: 0-60Nm)
• 2mm and 3mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
• Grease (light)
• Shock pump
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Small flathead screwdriver (for damping adjustments)

Installation of the Fox DHX2 Factory

Installing the Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock requires some precision, as improper installation can affect performance and cause damage. Follow these steps for a proper installation:

1. Prepare the Bike: Place the bike in a secure stand and ensure that the rear suspension is free of any debris or obstructions.
2. Remove the Existing Shock: Use the appropriate Allen wrenches to remove the bolts securing the old shock. Ensure you retain any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
3. Install the DHX2 Factory Shock: Carefully align the DHX2 with the rear shock mount points on your frame. Install the upper and lower shock bolts, ensuring they are properly seated.
4. Torque the Bolts: Use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications (usually around 20-30Nm). Avoid over-tightening as this can damage the shock or frame.
5. Check for Clearance: Once installed, check for any potential clearance issues between the shock body and surrounding components, such as the frame or swingarm.
6. Inflate the Shock: Attach a shock pump to the air valve and inflate the DHX2 to your preferred sag setting (usually between 25-30% of total shock travel).
7. Final Inspection: Ensure the shock operates smoothly through its full travel without any binding. Check the shock’s mounting points to make sure everything is secure.

Adjustment and Tuning of the DHX2 Factory

The Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock features a range of adjustments to fine-tune your suspension to suit your needs. These adjustments include rebound, compression, and spring preload settings, which allow you to customize the shock’s performance for different riding conditions.

Compression Adjustments

The DHX2 allows for high-speed and low-speed compression adjustments, making it highly adaptable to different terrain and riding styles.

• Low-Speed Compression: This adjuster allows you to fine-tune the shock’s response to smaller impacts such as roots or rocks. Turn the dial clockwise to increase compression and reduce the shock’s responsiveness to small bumps. For smoother, more active riding, decrease the compression by turning the dial counterclockwise.
• High-Speed Compression: The high-speed compression adjustment controls the shock’s ability to resist larger impacts like drops or hard landings. To make the shock stiffer, turn the dial clockwise. For a more plush feel on rough terrain, reduce the high-speed compression by turning it counterclockwise.

Rebound Adjustment

Rebound controls how quickly the shock returns after being compressed. Too much rebound can cause the shock to extend too quickly, making the ride feel harsh. Too little rebound will make the shock sluggish and slow to recover.

• To Adjust Rebound: Use the rebound dial located at the bottom of the shock. Turning the dial clockwise slows down the rebound, while turning it counterclockwise speeds it up. Adjust until you find a balance between comfort and control.

Spring Preload

The DHX2 Factory is a coil shock, which means it uses a coil spring to support the rider’s weight. The preload adjustment allows you to adjust how much the coil is compressed when the bike is at rest.

• To Adjust Preload: Use the provided spanner wrench to tighten or loosen the preload collar. Tightening the collar increases the preload, which can be useful for heavier riders. Loosening it will reduce the preload, making the shock feel softer.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Lack of Plushness or Harsh Ride

If you find that your DHX2 Factory rear shock feels harsh or not plush enough, here are some potential causes and solutions:

• Inadequate Sag Setting: Ensure the shock sag is properly set. If there’s too little sag, the shock will feel too stiff. If there’s too much, you may bottom out too easily. Adjust the air pressure or spring preload to achieve around 25-30% sag.
• Compression Settings Too High: If the shock feels harsh on small bumps, check your low-speed compression setting. Too much compression can make the ride feel stiff, so decrease the setting for more sensitivity to small impacts.

Bottoming Out

If the shock bottoms out too easily during aggressive rides, consider the following adjustments:

• Increase Spring Preload: Tighten the preload collar slightly to ensure the shock resists bottoming out under hard impacts.
• Adjust High-Speed Compression: If bottoming out is frequent during aggressive riding, increase the high-speed compression to provide more resistance to large hits.

Excessive Rebound

If the shock feels “bouncy” or the rear end pops up too quickly after compressions, the rebound may be set too high.

• Reduce Rebound: Turn the rebound dial clockwise to slow down the rebound and help control the rear end’s movement. Gradually adjust until the shock feels controlled without feeling sluggish.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

The Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock offers several opportunities for riders to fine-tune the shock for optimal performance. Customizing these settings will help improve the overall handling and comfort of your bike.

Adjusting for Rider Weight

The DHX2 is designed to be tuned to a rider’s weight, with preload and spring rate being key factors. If you find the shock too stiff or too soft, you may need to change the coil spring to one that better matches your weight.

• Light Riders: If you weigh under 150 lbs, a softer spring will provide more compliance and comfort.
• Heavy Riders: Riders over 200 lbs will benefit from a stiffer spring to prevent bottoming out and maintain control.

Fine-Tuning for Terrain

The DHX2 is particularly adaptable for different terrain. Riders who frequently encounter rocky, technical sections may prefer a firmer compression setting to prevent the shock from being overwhelmed. Riders on smoother trails might prefer a softer, more responsive setup for better traction and comfort.

• Technical Terrain: Use more low-speed compression and higher rebound settings for better control through rocky sections.
• Smooth Terrain: Use softer compression and more rebound for an active, plush ride.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock is compatible with most modern mountain bike frames, provided the frame supports coil shock options. It is essential to ensure that the shock’s travel, mounting hardware, and spring rate are compatible with your bike’s rear suspension system.

• Frame Compatibility: Verify that your bike frame is designed for a coil shock and that the shock’s travel matches your frame’s specifications.
• Drivetrain Compatibility: The rear shock does not directly interact with your bike’s drivetrain, but ensuring that your drivetrain works smoothly with your suspension setup is crucial. Incorrect suspension tuning can lead to inefficiencies in power transfer and control.

Conclusion

The Fox DHX2 Factory rear shock offers unmatched adjustability and performance for serious riders who need a shock that can handle the most demanding terrains. By understanding the installation process, adjusting the shock’s settings, troubleshooting common issues, and optimizing its performance for your specific needs, you can unlock the full potential of your DHX2. Proper tuning will ensure that you enjoy a smoother, more controlled ride, whether you’re shredding downhill trails or tackling technical enduro courses.