FIRST LOOK: Fox DPS Rear Shock w/EVOL Air Can

Earlier in the year, Fox Racing Shox announced a massive overhaul of its suspension lineup. Both their fork and rear shock lines experienced significant changes on 2015 models, with a wholesale change that saw Fox quietly shelve their previous CTD nomenclature. Up front, the new 2016 forks feature the redesigned FIT4 damper cartridge, while has been very well received. For more information on the damper and air spring changes, check out our editor’s review of the 2016 Fox 32 FLOAT fork.

With competition heating up across the board, Fox is beginning to feel some pressure in a market that it has traditionally dominated since they invented the first air shock back in the 90’s. Looking to reestablish their reputation as the undisputed kings of rear suspension, Fox unveiled the new FLOAT DPS rear shock earlier this year. Using a new Dual Piston System, the reworked damper promised improved ease of use and was quite simply ”redesigned for better downhill performance”. On top of that, Fox also released a new air can for their rear shocks, called the EVOL. Standing for ‘Expanded-Volume’, the EVOL air can increases the size of the shocks negative air spring, which helps to add suppleness to the starting stroke and improve sensitivity through the mid stroke. The EVOL air can is available as an upgrade for existing rear shocks, and you can read Aiden’s first impressions of that upgrade here.

Looking to further evaluate the performance advantages of the new EVOL air can in partnership with the DPS damper, we’ve recently been testing out a 2016 FLOAT shock on our Avanti Torrent longterm test bike. We’ll be performing some further back-to-back testing on the new rear shock over the coming summer season, along with some fine-tune tweaking with air volume spacers. For now, check out our first look of the flashy Kashima Gold slider, along with confirmed weights and detailed images.

“FLOAT shocks with our new Dual Piston System (DPS) feature three on-the-fly settings – Open, Medium, and Firm – to allow riders to adapt to a wide variety of terrain. The new valve design provides full lockout without compromising bump compliance, ride control and efficiency. Factory Series shocks feature an additional 3 clicks of low-speed compression adjust in the Open mode.” – Fox Racing Shox

The Fox FLOAT DPS Rear Shock features:

• Fox’s Highest Performing Inline Air Shock
• New design offers improved bump absorption and firm lockout
• New DPS damper with three positions to match any terrain
• Optional EVOL air sleeve increases initial sensitivity
• Factory Series models feature Genuine Kashima Coat
• Spring: Air
• Adjustments: Spring Pressure, Low-speed Rebound, Compression
• Sizes: 5.5 x 1″ up to 8.5 x 2.5″
• RRP: $679

In the above left photo, you’ll be able to make out the shapely curves of the new EVOL air can. The larger section at the base of the air can houses the new larger negative air spring, which acts to counter the force of the positive air spring. This helps ease the shock into its travel, with the promise of increased sensitivity. In the above right photo, you’ll see the blue lever that controls the shock’s DPS damper. Flicking the switch to the right engages the Open mode, for plush and uninterrupted shock movement. In the Open position on the Factory model, you also get 3 additional clicks of compression adjustment, which can be made by rotating the black dial. Flick the blue lever into the middle position, and you’ll engage a firmer pedalling platform. Flick the lever to the left engages the Firm mode, which closes off the low-speed compression circuit for a super firm platform. A handy blowoff feature allows for oil flow when you encounter a big hit in the Firm mode, so the shock will still suck up the hit and prevent any internal hydraulic damage.

Our Avanti Torrent test bike comes stock with a Fox FLOAT CTD Factory Series rear shock. Aesthetically there isn’t too much that separates the two shocks, with the slick Gold finish offering buttery smooth performance. Weight wise, the new FLOAT DPS shock with the EVOL air can is a touch heavier – over 30 grams in fact. However, initial riding impressions would suggest that these 30 grams are well worth it!

Our review of the Fox FLOAT DPS rear shock will be appearing in the February issue of AMB Magazine. We’ve got some serious testing time lined up between now and then, including some shuttle-assisted downhill shredding that should test the heat dissipation abilities of this little gold shock. Will the new DPS shock allow Fox to reposition themselves at the top of the suspension tree? We can’t be sure of that just yet, but we can guarantee you that we’ll certainly aim to find out!

Sola Sport

Website: solasport.com.au