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FOX DHX2 Factory Rear Shock: Rider Review

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

The Fox DHX2 rear shock has become one of the most well known enduro and DH coil shocks on the market. Its performance is top notch and looks like a piece of jewelry. Our customer Mark was looking to upgrade his rear shock and decided that the DHX2 was the perfect fit. Check out what he had to say!

Overview

Hi, my name is Mark Vorgic, and here is my review with first impressions and medium-term verdict. I recently purchased the 2021 Fox DHX2 to bring my 2018 Giant Glory into the same realm as the top of the line DH and Enduro bikes. I primarily ride at Trestle Bike Park in Winter Park Colorado ( MAD SHOUT OUT to the best in the West!!!!!) and a local DH / Singletrack in Erie Colorado where we can ride all year and really test daily suspension setups on what you would find at most DH parks and trails. My bike previously had a 2016/2017 Fox Van Performance coil rear shock squishy thing with 9.5” length (giggity ) and 3” stroke( double giggity) .

Why the DHX2?

After having a 2021 Fox Float 40 on order i really wanted to match and maximize the suspension potential with this rear shock after seeing reviews and testing an older version last year. The shock came fast (thanks again WorldWide Cyclery !!!!) and install was pretty easy, you will as with most shocks transfer or find the right mounting spacers or bushings for your frame! I used the OG 350lb X 3.00” steel spring ( i weight 185 lbs with gear and like a little more squish/ suppleness and sag). Setup is cake using the Fox manual and recommended settings. Immediately on the trail on fast flow and some bermy turns with chatter the ride is playful and traction is amazing without being harsh. I really tried to get the rear to break out or bounce but it kept glued like me to a Krispy Kreme on a hangover.

On Trail

After a few rounds at Trestle, I got to really know it better and fine-tune the rebound. Having the high and low-speed rebound adjustments are awesome especially when trying to tune for a good middle ground of suppleness and control especially when trails are a blend of jumps, flow, and some large chatter sections. The compression, both high and low-speed adjustment, is equally as easy to set up and fine-tune. After a week I upgraded to the SLS spring from Fox to really complete the package on the shock and new fork combo, and it helped, even more, bring out the benefits of the shock. So as far as positives; great control, easy adjustability that complements other new forks like the Float 40 and mirrors adjustments clicks, beautiful fit, and finishes as expected, keeps performing even after long repeated multi-mile descents.

Negatives; not too many, having the right mountings for your frame is a little fiddly but not a deal-breaker, on certain frames the high-speed rebound is a little harder to reach since it now is on the same side as the eyelet holes, but the smaller reservoir and location of the compression and low-speed rebound makes up for it.