The Fox DHX2 Performance Elite Rear Shock is a high-performance shock designed for riders who demand precision, durability, and exceptional control on rough trails. Whether you are an experienced mountain biker or just getting into more aggressive riding, the DHX2 Performance Elite offers an unparalleled combination of features. This guide covers its installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, customization, and how it compares to similar models.

Installation of the Fox DHX2 Performance Elite Rear Shock

Installing the Fox DHX2 Performance Elite Rear Shock requires careful attention to detail to ensure proper functionality and safety.

Step-by-step Installation Process:

1. Remove the Existing Shock:
   • Use appropriate tools to remove the old shock from the bike frame.
   • Loosen the bolts securing the shock to the frame. Keep track of washers or spacers used.
2. Prepare the New DHX2 Rear Shock:
   • Ensure that the shock is correctly set for your frame size.
   • Check that the shock’s mounting hardware matches your bike’s specifications.
3. Install the Shock:
   • Align the shock with the mounting points on the frame.
   • Insert the shock’s eyelets into the mounting holes.
   • Tighten the bolts securely with a torque wrench [paid link] to the manufacturer’s recommended torque values.
4. Verify the Installation:
   • After installation, compress the shock manually to ensure there is no binding or resistance.
   • Check that the shock is aligned properly and functions smoothly without any noise.

Adjustment of the DHX2 Performance Elite Rear Shock

Adjusting the DHX2 Performance Elite Rear Shock for optimal performance requires an understanding of its key features, including the rebound and compression settings. These adjustments are vital for fine-tuning the shock to suit your riding style and terrain.

Rebound Adjustment:

• The DHX2 features a rebound adjustment dial that allows you to control how quickly the shock returns after compression.
• To adjust, turn the dial clockwise for a slower rebound (suitable for rough, technical trails) or counterclockwise for a faster rebound (ideal for smoother trails).

Compression Adjustment:

• The DHX2 offers both low-speed and high-speed compression adjustments.
  • Low-speed compression affects the shock’s response to small, slow impacts (e.g., small bumps and trail chatter).
  • High-speed compression influences the shock’s response to larger impacts (e.g., drops and big hits).
• Use the dial to adjust the low-speed compression, typically for fine-tuning your ride quality on typical trail conditions.
• Adjust the high-speed compression for aggressive riders who encounter big hits, ensuring the shock doesn’t bottom out.

Air Pressure Settings:

• Set the air pressure to match your body weight and riding style. This plays a crucial role in how the shock performs.
• Start with the recommended pressure based on Fox’s specifications for your weight, then fine-tune for comfort and performance.

Maintenance of the DHX2 Performance Elite Rear Shock

Regular maintenance is crucial to extend the life of your shock and maintain its performance.

Cleaning:

• Clean the shock after every ride to remove dirt, mud, and debris that could damage the internal components. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the shock body.
• Pay special attention to the shock’s seals, keeping them clean to prevent dirt from entering the shock internals.

Lubrication:

• Every few rides, lubricate the shock’s moving parts to ensure smooth performance. Use a shock-specific lubricant to maintain seal integrity and reduce friction.

Full Service:

• Fox recommends performing a full service on the DHX2 Performance Elite every 50 hours of use or annually, whichever comes first. This service should include oil changes, seal replacement, and a thorough inspection of internal components.
• Take your shock to a professional mechanic for this level of maintenance if you’re not comfortable performing it yourself.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Despite its precision engineering, some common issues may arise during the setup or use of the DHX2 Performance Elite. Here’s how to resolve them:

Shock Bottoming Out:

• Cause: Too low air pressure or too much high-speed compression damping.
• Solution: Increase the air pressure to match your weight or adjust the high-speed compression to allow the shock to absorb more significant hits without bottoming out.

Unresponsive Rebound:

• Cause: Incorrect rebound setting or oil degradation.
• Solution: Adjust the rebound setting to find a better balance. If the issue persists, consider servicing the shock to replace degraded oil or seals.

Noise or Creaking:

• Cause: Lack of lubrication on the shock’s mounting hardware or improper installation.
• Solution: Check all mounting bolts to ensure they are properly tightened and lubricated. Clean and re-lubricate the shock’s eyelets if necessary.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

The DHX2 Performance Elite offers a wide range of customization options to improve performance for different types of terrain and riding styles.

Fine-tuning Settings:

• Experiment with the compression and rebound adjustments to find the sweet spot for your riding style. Consider dialing in more low-speed compression for smoother rides or increasing high-speed compression for technical trails with bigger impacts.
• If you ride predominantly in one terrain type, optimize the settings specifically for that—softer for smoother trails, firmer for rougher conditions.

Upgrading Internal Components:

• For riders who want even more precision, Fox offers different internal upgrade kits, such as the Boost Valve system, that enhances the shock’s ability to handle bigger impacts while maintaining control.

Comparison with Similar Models

When considering the DHX2 Performance Elite, it is useful to compare it with similar shocks in the market, especially within the Fox product line. For example, the Fox Float X2 is another premium rear shock that competes in a similar category.

DHX2 Performance Elite vs. Fox Float X2:

• Performance: The DHX2 excels in aggressive, high-speed riding, offering superior compression and rebound adjustments that are particularly responsive to big hits. The Float X2, however, is more versatile for all-around trail use.
• Weight: The Float X2 is slightly lighter, making it a better choice for riders looking to minimize weight.
• Customization: The DHX2 offers more custom tuning options, particularly for riders who want more control over both low-speed and high-speed compression.

Both shocks have their merits, and the choice between them will largely depend on your specific needs: the DHX2 for aggressive riders and technical trails, and the Float X2 for more general all-mountain use.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

When selecting the DHX2 Performance Elite, it is important to ensure compatibility with other components on your bike. The shock’s performance will be influenced by how well it integrates with your frame and drivetrain system.

Frame Compatibility:

• Ensure that your frame is designed to work with the DHX2. Check the shock’s mounting system, eyelet configuration, and stroke length to match the frame’s specifications.
• Some frames require specific adapters or bushings to work with the DHX2, so make sure you have the right parts.

Drivetrain Compatibility:

• While the DHX2 is part of the suspension system, it works best with modern drivetrain systems that offer enhanced control over power delivery.
• If you are using a high-performance drivetrain like SRAM Eagle or Shimano XT, ensure that your suspension setup complements the precise shifting and pedaling efficiency these drivetrains offer.

By selecting compatible components, you ensure that both your suspension and drivetrain work together for a smooth, responsive ride.