Coming as part of a fresh update to the brand’s enduro and downhill rear shocks, the Fox DHX2 boasts a whole new design. With that, it introduces a new level of performance, resulting in a very sensitive and plush character, even compared to other coil shocks. But that performance doesn’t come without a sacrifice to weight and your wallet.
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Fox DHX2 Factory – Technical details
Fox has graced the latest version of the DHX2 with a ground-up redesign, boasting that it’s the first coil shock to get a four-way monotube construction. The brand says that it’s a simpler design that’s more durable, but it also means that the shock grants the user the full suite of adjustments. So that’s high and low speed rebound as well as high and low speed compression. Additionally, Fox has built something into the shock dubbed pressure balancing, which is said to produce more sensitivity and support.
As for those adjustments, the shock provides eight clicks of high-speed compression and high-speed rebound with 16 clicks of low-speed compression and low-speed rebound. The compression adjustments are accessible via the correct allen keys, whereas the rebound adjustments are external dials located towards the lower of the shock. On this 2-pos shock, there’s also an independent firm mode switch.
To aid that boost in suppleness, there’s, of course, the coil spring, but the shock employs ultra-low friction seals while the MCU bumper and damper add progression into the shock for better support during bigger hits.
One of the biggest drawbacks of coil shocks is that they can break when ridden on certain bikes, namely those that employ a clevis mounting style (like Specialized’s Levo). These bikes can transfer lateral forces to the shock, which can snap the damper shaft. Fox has directly addressed this by equipping the DHX2 with a half-inch diameter shaft.
The DHX2 is only available at Fox’s Factory level spec. There’s also the full gamut of spring weights available, whether that’s the weightier steel spring or the lighter weight and very orange SLS spring. For my test, I ran a 500lbs SLS spring, which will set you back an extra £160. The steel alternative is more modestly priced at £47.
As for weights, with that spring, the DHX2 comes in at 973g, which means that it’s certainly no featherweight. Cane Creek’s Tigon is lighter at 905g, and Ohlins’ TTX22m.2 is lighter still, at 865g. RockShox’s Vivid Coil DH claims to weigh 948g with a 250lbs spring.
Fox DHX2 Factory 2-Pos – Performance
With the complete redesign comes a whole bunch of improvements, but the most immediate are the accessibility of the dials. As before, the compression circuit requires allen keys to get to, but Fox has moved the rebound dials to sit more externally than before. This means that any rebound adjustments don’t need tools at all, whereas on the old shock, an allen key came in handy on certain bikes. The Firm mode switch is super easy to get to, too, as it sits by itself on the side of the shock.
But it must be said, the new very external layout of the rebound dials does mean that you’ll need to remove them when swapping springs around. It’s easy to do, only requiring a small allen key to unwind a single bolt.
On the subject of the Firm switch, the independent Firm mode does exactly what it says on the tin, which is helpful given the shock’s extra few grams. Flicking the shock into Firm mode literally firms up the bike’s rear end, but it’s not a complete lockout, which is a good thing. That’s because there’s still a bit of movement that takes the edge off of harder hits when pedalling and climbing. And thanks to that bit of movement, there’s still something there to boost traction.
As for the quality of the damping, it’s a step above any other coil shock I’ve tried so far. Fox’s work in upping the DHX2’s sensitivity has not been in vain, as it achieves real suppleness. When smashing into high-frequency webs of roots that’ll usually unstabilise a bike, the shock does an excellent job of both forcing the rear wheel to track and hug the ground, while reducing a surprising level of feedback and vibration that’ll otherwise be transmitted to the rider. Because of that, the shock provides a tangible boost in control and confidence when storming into very technical and rough trails.
And because the shock is so supple, rear wheel traction is plentiful. It helps the rear wheel hook up in flatter corners, which again, provides a boost to confidence and overall speed.
Although I’m a fan of a coil shock, I’m also a fan of progression in my bike’s rear end, and to achieve that, I wound on a good handful of low-speed compression, just to keep the bike supported through heavier compressions. However, that came with very little sacrifice to overall small bump sensitivity. As mentioned before, the shock has remained supple, allowing me to have my cake and eat it.
Fox DHX2 Factory 2-Pos – Verdict
The value of the DHX2 is an interesting one. It’s certainly reaching towards the premium end of the scale at £829, but compared to others and even the likes of the £889 Ohlins TTX22m.2, it does have more to offer. It has the full suite of adjustments, and Fox’s work in making the shock more supple has certainly paid off. However, the DHX2 is weightier than most of its competition.
For example, the Cane Creek Tigon isn’t especially light, but it’s £750 and gets that interesting air chamber that controls progression, which shouldn’t affect any of its other adjustments.
RockShox 2025 Vivid Coil Ultimate is more affordable again at £660. It’s claimed to be lighter, but it forgoes independent high and low speed rebound settings. It does get you the hydraulic bottom-out adjustment, however.
If you can forgive a bit of extra weight, and you’re happy to spend a little more, then the Fox DHX2 Factory 2-Pos is certainly one of the best coil shocks on the market. It’s suppler than the competition, and its wide range of adjustment brings support but without completely sacrificing small bump sensitivity. Its Firm mode works wonders too.
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Product purpose:
Build extra:
Pressure Balancing for Coil – Increases small-bump sensitivity and improves shock control under extreme loads.
4-Way Adjustability – Fine-tune High-Speed and Low-Speed Compression and Rebound.
Increased Main Shaft Diameter – 12.7mm for enhanced strength and durability.
Unmatched Sensitivity & Traction – Ideal for riders who demand precision and confidence at high speeds.
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Product construction extra:
Product performance
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Product comfort
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product value
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