Is the Float DPS Factory the Best Rear Shock for Mountain Bikes?

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The Fox Float DPS Factory [paid link] Rear Shock is a top-tier component, renowned for its performance and versatility in the world of mountain biking. It has earned a reputation for offering excellent handling, comfort, and control, which makes it a popular choice among both professional racers and recreational riders. This article provides an in-depth guide on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the Fox Float DPS Factory [paid link] Rear Shock, while also comparing it to other models in its class. Additionally, we will explore how to customize and optimize this shock for superior performance on your mountain bike.

Installation of the Fox Float DPS Factory Rear Shock

Tools Required:

  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • 8mm and 10mm hex wrenches
  • 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • Shock pump (for setting pressure)
  • Isopropyl alcohol or degreaser
  • Clean rag
  • Grease (preferably suspension-specific grease)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide:

  1. Preparation: Begin by ensuring your bike is stable and secure. Use a bike stand [paid link] or place it on a padded surface.
  2. Remove the old shock: If you’re replacing an existing shock, use the 8mm and 10mm hex wrenches to remove the mounting bolts. Keep the bolts for reuse if they are in good condition.
  3. Clean the mounting area: Before installing the new Fox Float DPS Factory shock, clean the shock mounting points on the frame using a clean rag and isopropyl alcohol or degreaser.
  4. Install the shock: Slide the eyelets of the shock into the mounting points on the frame. Ensure that the shock’s air sleeve is correctly oriented to avoid any interference with the frame or linkage.
  5. Secure the mounting bolts: Once the shock is in place, use the 8mm and 10mm wrenches to tighten the mounting bolts. Make sure to apply grease to the bolts before tightening them to prevent corrosion. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification using a torque wrench [paid link].
  6. Set air pressure: Use a shock pump to inflate the shock to the appropriate pressure based on your rider weight, riding style, and bike geometry. Typically, the recommended pressure is printed on the shock’s air chamber.
  7. Check for proper function: Push the shock through its full travel to ensure smooth movement without any binding.

Adjustment and Maintenance

Adjusting the Float DPS Factory Rear Shock

The Fox Float DPS Factory rear shock comes equipped with multiple adjustments that allow you to fine-tune your ride. These adjustments are essential for optimizing the shock for different trail conditions, rider preferences, and bike setups.

  1. Air Pressure: The most critical adjustment, air pressure should be set to match your rider weight. Too much air pressure can make the shock feel harsh, while too little can cause it to bottom out. Refer to the Fox air pressure chart for guidelines based on your weight.
  2. Rebound Damping: Located at the bottom of the shock, the rebound damping controls how quickly the shock returns to its original position after compression. Adjust this to ensure a controlled, smooth ride without excessive bouncing. Start with the rebound setting at neutral (mid-range) and fine-tune based on your riding style. Faster rebound works better for smoother trails, while slower rebound is preferable for aggressive terrain.
  3. Compression Damping: This controls how much resistance the shock offers when compressed. The Float DPS Factory features both low-speed and high-speed compression adjustments. Use low-speed compression for small bumps and high-speed compression for larger impacts. Adjusting the compression allows you to balance comfort and control based on trail conditions.
  4. Lockout: The Fox Float DPS Factory shock comes with a 3-position lever: Open, Medium, and Firm. The “Open” setting offers the most traction and comfort, while the “Firm” setting locks out the shock for efficient pedaling on smooth terrain.

Regular Maintenance

  1. Clean After Rides: To maintain the shock’s performance, clean it after each ride to remove dirt, mud, and debris from the shock body and linkage areas.
  2. Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect the shock for any signs of air or oil leaks. If you find any, contact a certified Fox service center for repairs.
  3. Grease the Mounting Hardware: Every few rides, re-grease the mounting bolts and eyelets to prevent wear and ensure smooth performance.
  4. Air Sleeve Maintenance: Perform a basic air sleeve service once a year or every 50 hours of riding. This involves removing the air sleeve, cleaning the internals, and re-lubing the seals to maintain smooth action.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

1. Shock Not Holding Air Pressure

  • Cause: The most common reason for loss of air pressure is a faulty seal or damaged air sleeve.
  • Solution: Check for any visible leaks around the air valve and seals. If the shock is losing air rapidly, it may need to be serviced by a professional.

2. Excessive Bottoming Out

  • Cause: If the shock is bottoming out frequently, it might indicate that the air pressure is too low or the compression damping is not set correctly.
  • Solution: Increase the air pressure slightly and adjust the compression damping. If the issue persists, inspect the shock for any internal damage.

3. Too Much Rebound or Bounce

  • Cause: If the shock returns too quickly after compression, it could lead to excessive bounce, especially on technical terrain.
  • Solution: Slow down the rebound damping by turning the rebound adjuster counterclockwise to achieve a smoother ride.

4. Noisy Shock

  • Cause: A noisy shock can indicate a lack of lubrication or contamination in the shock body.
  • Solution: Clean the shock, lubricate the seals, and inspect for any foreign debris in the shock. Ensure the mounting bolts are properly tightened.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

The Fox Float DPS Factory shock is highly customizable, offering riders the ability to tailor it to their unique riding style and terrain preferences. To optimize your shock for maximum performance:

  1. Adjust Air Pressure for Your Riding Style: For cross-country or trail riding, aim for a higher air pressure setting to avoid excessive sag. For enduro or downhill riding, lower the pressure slightly to ensure the shock can handle bigger impacts.
  2. Compression and Rebound Settings: Fine-tune the compression and rebound settings to match your specific terrain. Softer compression settings and quicker rebound work best for fast, flowy trails, while firmer settings and slower rebound are ideal for rough, technical trails.
  3. Lockout Lever Usage: Use the Firm setting for long climbs or when riding on smooth roads to avoid energy loss from the shock’s movement. Switch to Open when descending or riding rough terrain to maximize comfort and control.
  4. Air Volume Adjustments: The Float DPS Factory shock allows you to fine-tune the air volume by swapping out spacers. Adding spacers increases the bottom-out resistance, while removing them makes the shock more linear in its travel.

Comparison with Similar Models

When comparing the Fox Float DPS Factory to other rear shocks like the RockShox Super Deluxe or DVO Jade, the Fox model stands out in terms of performance and weight. The Fox Float DPS offers superior adjustability, with its 3-position lever and high-speed/low-speed compression adjustments, allowing riders to finely tune their suspension. The RockShox Super Deluxe, on the other hand, offers a simpler adjustment system but is known for its durability and smoothness over long periods of use. For riders looking for a more budget-friendly option, the DVO Jade may be a solid choice, offering good performance at a slightly lower price point.

Understanding Compatibility

The Fox Float DPS Factory Rear Shock is designed to be compatible with a wide range of mountain bike frames, but it is essential to check your bike’s specifications to ensure proper fit. The shock comes in various sizes to accommodate different frame geometries and mounting standards. Always verify the shock’s eye-to-eye length and stroke length to ensure it matches the dimensions of your bike.

In terms of drivetrain compatibility, the Fox Float DPS Factory is designed to work seamlessly with modern 1x and 2x drivetrain systems, including Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. The shock does not interact directly with the drivetrain, but proper suspension performance can significantly affect overall ride quality when paired with specific gearing setups. Always ensure your suspension is tuned correctly to match your riding style and drivetrain configuration.