​First Look: FOX Float DPX2 Shock

​New piggyback shock combines some of Fox's best technologies in one package

FOX's new DPX2 shock combines some of the best features of its Dual Piston System shocks and existing X2 piggyback shock. The company claims the new shock, aimed at aggressive trail riders, offers excellent tuneability and overall ride feel.

The DPX2 is suited for medium-travel trail bikes, bridging the gap between the lightweight, XC-oriented, Float DPS and the suitable-for-DH riding X2. The DPX2's piggyback design provides more tuning options and greater heat capacity than the Float DPS, but it is lighter than an X2, and the DPX2 provides a three –open, medium, firm–on the fly compression settings, while the X2 has two (open and firm).

The DPX2 borrows its recirculating oil system from the X2. This system, says FOX's literature, relies on lower internal pressures to provide better sensitivity to smaller bumps early in the shock stroke. The DPX2's open mode offer's micro-adjustable compression damping via a click wheel.

RELATED: First Look: 2018 FOX Suspension

The redesigned Evol sleeve offers more volume in the negative spring, which helps create that more supple small-bump sensitivity early in the shock stroke via a linear spring rate. In mid-stroke, the shock rate gets more progressive for better support so you don't blow through travel. While lighter than the previous version, the new Evol sleeve also gets more bushing overlap to reduce shock friction from side-load forces.

Though the DPX2 does not offer the four-way adjustment (high and low speed compression and rebound) of the X2, the DPX2 is smaller, which makes it easier to fit in a frame, and won't interfere as much with water bottles. Additionally, a DPX2 weighs less than an X2. Approximate weights for a 230x57.5mm sample: X2, 611 grams; DPX2, 501 grams.

In the aftermarket Factory level with low-friction Kashima Coat anodizing, it will retail for $549 and be offered in both imperial and metric sizes.

Joe Lindsey is a longtime freelance journalist who writes about sports and outdoors, health and fitness, and science and tech, especially where the three elements in that Venn diagram overlap.

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