Fox’s revamped Float X shock range has a reputation as one of the best MTB enduro dampers. Now they’ve used the same damping tech in an inline Float shock to create a lighter trail choice that still keeps a lot of heavyweight control. The Float SL goes even lighter for XC racers but also gets new damper internals to give you extra guts on descents too.
2024 Fox Float
According to Fox, the new Float shock is where "Exceptional bump compliance meets exceptional efficiency", so it should be great for riders who like to push on descents but pedal back up again as easily as possible. It uses a similar ‘Dual Piston’ valve design to the latest Float X which is claimed to improve both rebound and compression flow over the existing Float design.
Support/threshold character can be controlled on the fly via Fox’s signature DPS low speed compression damping lever. This gives three positions – Open, Medium and Firm – with three further fine tuning levels of the ‘Open’ mode.
The new shock gets fresh graphics, a lightweight one piece EVOL air can and standard fit 190 x 40mm to 210 x 55mm options, or 190 x 40mm to 185 x 55mm in Trunnion mount format. Remote lockout fans can also get a slice of the action too, although sizes are limited from Imperial 6.5 x 1.5in to 7.5 x 2.0in in standard format or 165 x 40mm in trunnion.
2024 Fox Float SL
Racers into remote lockouts are probably going to be more interested in the new Float SL though. That's because Fox say its the lightest shock they’ve made with a weight of just 235g for the smallest 170 x 35mm version. Given how much rougher XC courses are these days though, Fox has also given it an all-new 2024 Float derived main piston, floating piston and valving circuit. This is said to deliver “improved traction and consistent damping”. Presumably that means better flow for faster compression and rebound responses and more seamless ground contact. The SL also has a wider range of adjustability so you can set it up tighter for charging the climbs or more open for getting loose. There are both DPS or remote control versions for chasing settings on the fly and 170 -190mm sizes in standard format or 145 - 185mm in trunnion.
Pricing and testing
Prices on the shocks are between $349 to $499 USD for the Float and $349 to $519 USD for the SL. I’ll be back with first ride reports on both shocks as soon as our samples clear customs and I've got them bolted into appropriate bikes. But for now, head to ridefox.com for more info.
