Mountain bike shock Black Friday: discounts Fox

Your measurements and your frame: what you need to know before ordering

A shock absorber is identified by two values, the spacing between the mounting axes, and the stroke, the distance it compresses. The metric dimensions are written in millimeters, such as 210 x 50 or 230 x 65; the older imperial sizes are in inches, such as 7.875 x 2.0. These are set by the frame manufacturer: a different spacing changes the bottom bracket height and steering angle.

Then there’s the mounting, either standard with eyelets at both ends or trunnion, which screws onto the sides of the body, followed by the spacers and washers, matching the width of the link. Be careful with shock absorbers designed for a specific frame, whose title includes the bike model, and the Flight Attendant versions require an compatible electronic system. The complete guide is available on the permanent page for bike shocks.

Shock absorber on sale: the same version, not just the same measurement

Two 210 x 50 shock absorbers may have the same name but different settings. The crossed-out price should only be compared if the version, tuning, and contents are identical, with the product sheet open:

• The version: Factory, Performance Elite or Performance from Fox, Select or Ultimate from Rockshox indicate distinct variants of the same model.
• The settings: the letters following the name, RL, RCT or RC2T, summarise the available rebound, compression, and lockout adjustments.
• The factory tuning: codes like M/M or Reb55/Comp34 refer to the hydraulic setup chosen for a specific frame kinematics; two shock absorbers with the same measurement may vary.
• The air chamber: standard or large volume, such as the SV and LV mentions by Fox, and number of tokens included.
• What’s included: handlebar remote, mounting washers and, for a spring model, the spring itself, often sold separately.

Air or spring, and the parts around the shock absorber

An air shock is adjusted using a high-pressure pump based on your weight; a spring model is adjusted through the spring stiffness, chosen with the frame kinematics, and only fits declared compatible frames. Shock body, knobs and mounting tools are used to service an existing shock; seals, pistons, and maintenance kits can be found in the suspension spare parts for Black Friday. For the front, see the MTB forks for Black Friday, or the full range of suspensions in the event. After the event, check the clearance sales and the new arrivals for suspension.

Mountain bike shock brands during Black Friday

Fox Factory includes most of the Fox offerings on the page: Float SL and Float, Float X and Float X2 air shocks, DHX and DHX2 spring shocks, with the DHX also available in the Live Valve Neo electronic control version.

Rockshox ranges from the SIDLuxe for cross-country to the Vivid Coil for downhill, including the Deluxe and Super Deluxe; several are available in the Flight Attendant electronic control version.

Marzocchi is limited here to its Bomber family, the Bomber CR spring shock and the Bomber Air, in metric sizes and trunnion.

Manitou offers the Mara Pro, with a separate reservoir, the Swinger Pro Dual Can, and a McLeod replacement body.

Suntour is present with the RS18 Triair, RS19 Edge, RS21 and RS22 Edge Plus, in metric sizes or trunnion.

Frequently asked questions

Why replace your shock absorber during Black Friday?

Focused on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the event occurs outside the main MTB season, when the bike might stay for a few days at the workshop. And as Vélo-Store spreads its discounts on shock absorbers throughout November, there’s no need to order before you’ve measured the spacing.

What does trunnion mean on a shock absorber?

It’s a mounting method where the top of the shock is secured with two side screws onto the body, instead of an eyelet crossed by an axle. It allows for more stroke in a shorter spacing; only a frame designed for trunnion can accept it.

How do you set the sag on a rear shock?

The sag is the depression of the shock under your weight while seated in riding gear. Inflate, get on the bike, then measure the movement of the o-ring on the shaft; adjust the pressure to the value given by the frame manufacturer, expressed as a percentage of the stroke.

Do you need a special pump for an air shock?

Yes, a high-pressure pump with a small volume, equipped with an accurate gauge and a nozzle that doesn’t let air escape when disconnecting. A standard tyre pump won’t suffice.

Can a shock from another brand fit my frame?

Yes, if the spacing, stroke, and mounting are identical, and if the body doesn’t touch the frame throughout the stroke, which is especially important with a separate reservoir. Shocks designed for a specific bike model are exceptions.