Float x2 (2020) tuning questions

[Squidfayce]

Hey all,

Thought I'd consult the brains trust after doing some searching on the forum and online and not finding the info I need.

So I'm a heavy rider (130kg kitted up), 6'1.

Without spacers, setting the psi to my weight brings it right to the upper end of allowable PSI and would see bottom out. The bike shop has used spacers to help alleviate this and make it more progressive.

The questions I can't seem to find the answers to are:

1. Do you still pump the psi to the rider weight (pounds) with all the spacers in? I'm curious whether the spacers allow for a lower pressure to be used or will I still need to hit the recommended psi chock full of spacers when adjusting sag?

2. Does the max 300psi rating relate to the initial pressure or the final bottomed out pressure? I'm assuming the former given fox give settings up to 300psi.

3.If the former, how significant a hit would have to occur to the shock to make it dangerous at the end of its stroke? At this point I have to assume that the shock is safe compressing 300psi right to the end of the stroke and then some to prevent dangerous outcomes.

4. Does reducing the volume with spacers and having a high pressure and bottoming out the shock increase the max possible pressure (in effect making it more dangerous) at the absolute end of the stroke (If it's even possible to get into it that far)?

Just conscious of mtb shocks not being built with a heavier rider in mind.

 

[leitch]

Max pressure is definitely max static pressure. Obviously avoid exceeding the max pressure, but don't worry about your shock exploding if you're running 297psi.

Still use the recommended settings for your weight with the volume spacers in, but as always adjust to desired %sag - the recommended settings are linkage agnostic so you might need more/less pressure to achieve target sag dependent on linkage leverage rate in the first third of travel. Make sure you adjust sag with compression damping adjusted to minimum, then set damping settings once desired sag is achieved.

Volume spacers would only really allow you to run a lower pressure if you were compensating for damping with spring rate (i.e. running more pressure/less sag to avoid bottoming out) - can't tell from your post whether you were achieving target sag at the recommended pressure or not.

If you get to a point where you're achieving desired sag, have a shock full of volume spacers and your HSC damping wound right up and you're still getting regular bottom outs, then you might need to send it off to Cyclinic/NSDynamics for some custom valving.

Check out Vorsprung's Tuesday Tuned videos, there are a couple of good ones about LSC/HSC and LSR/HSR damping adjustment that look closely at the X2 https://www.pinkbike.com/u/VorsprungSuspension/blog/

 

[Squidfayce]

Thanks. When at the bike shop we spent some time setting sag and pressures and supposedly hit the mark, I should have paid more attention.

Though when I checked it out today it seemed closer to 40% sag and the shock pressure was lower than what would be reccomended for my weight.

Will have a look at the videos linked and have a play around. Now that I onow the max pressure is static pressure I feel a bit more comfortable pumping away

 

[Asininedrivel]

Just conscious of mtb shocks not being built with a heavier rider in mind.

Rest easy, the X2 is designed and recommended for the larger lad / lass. It's got a big air can too so higher pressures aren't something to be wary of (even if it's a bit of a culture shock if like me you came from spindly little RP23 / CTD shocks that needed 180psi tops).

However it's also a complex little unit which rewards tinkering and nerd. The factory settings are a good baseline but as @leitch says places like Cyclinic will be more than happy to give you a hand if you require custom support. I'd definitely recommend chucking them an email if you're curious as to what else can be done.

I also found messing around with spacers to make a huge difference in using lower pressures to get desired sag and making a much perkier feeling bike that still rides like a tank when needed. How many you running?

Did your bike come from Summit? From your profile pic it kinda looks like it did Give them a call too - store manager has spent a lot of time on SB150s and would be more than happy to help out.

 

[Squidfayce]

It did come from summit. Both Corey and Nathan worked on getting the suspension sorted. Though it seemed to be giving them some trouble initially. Probably don't get many guys in that sit at the end of the weight table.

Was planning on learning about the set up more than relying on them to fix stuff up in the short term. In any case when it's time to take it in for the 1month look over, if I've not got it dialed by then, I'll have them take a look.

As to spacers I'm unsure, definately 2 or more. Like I said I should have paid more attention.

The big takeaway for me at the moment is now I know I can take the psi to documented levels even with the spacers in. That in its self will give me the confidence to tinker away.

I'm comfortable I understand the setting of the sag and the various rebound and compression settings enough to play around, just wasn't sure about the above stuff impacting the safety of the shock.

 

[The Reverend]

Definitely have a specialist look at it if you're not getting the ride as desired.

On my Prime I found it (X2) was harsh regardless of how open I had both compression circuits. Cyclinic looked after it at service and revalved it. Came back like butter and I've been happy with it ever since.

I'm a reasonably hefty unit myself so I feel some of your pain.

 

[Squidfayce]

Definitely have a specialist look at it if you're not getting the ride as desired.

On my Prime I found it (X2) was harsh regardless of how open I had both compression circuits. Cyclinic looked after it at service and revalved it. Came back like butter and I've been happy with it ever since.

I'm a reasonably hefty unit myself so I feel some of your pain.

I haven't ridden it enough to say it's harsh. Really the opposite actually. Though when it's time for a service, I'll def look at sending it to one of the above mentioned shock service specialists.

 

[teK--]

At 130Kg surely you're gonna be at the limits (or past the limits) of the adjusters. May need to be reshimmed to give you more useable range.

300psi is static pressure. When at bottom out particularly with maximum allowable spacers installed it would probably reach 1,000psi if not more.

Also don't discount going with a coil shock (with a progressive spring if needed). At that sort of weight it can get hard to balance adequate bottom out resistance, with sufficient midstroke support but still have nice sensitivity off the top. Also the wear and tear on air piston seals is so much higher when you're pushing that kind of weight around.

 

[Squidfayce]

At 130Kg surely you're gonna be at the limits (or past the limits) of the adjusters. May need to be reshimmed to give you more useable range.

300psi is static pressure. When at bottom out particularly with maximum allowable spacers installed it would probably reach 1,000psi if not more.

Also don't discount going with a coil shock (with a progressive spring if needed). At that sort of weight it can get hard to balance adequate bottom out resistance, with sufficient midstroke support but still have nice sensitivity off the top. Also the wear and tear on air piston seals is so much higher when you're pushing that kind of weight around.

It is the upper limit of the shock. 294 psi to be precise. This is short term in any case.

 

[The Reverend]

I haven't ridden it enough to say it's harsh. Really the opposite actually. Though when it's time for a service, I'll def look at sending it to one of the above mentioned shock service specialists.

For me it was more to do with the bike's leverage curve and my tastes.

Sag was fine but even fully open I didn't like it. Apparently it needed lighter valving so when that was done it just made it feel plush and supportive instead of harsh and supportive.

 

[goobags]

Set the pressure off sag. Weight is a tricky one as your seated position can change the effective centre of gravity, therefore loading the shock/fork differently depending on weight distribution.

Then set the dials off the recommended pressure from the X2 manual then go from there.

Don’t forget to cycle shock to equalise positive and negative chamber. Forgetting to do this step will give you a lower pressure overall.


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