Best shock to compliment the Pike fork

[MaxwellD]

Just need some help!

I have a stump jumper fsr, its a 2015 carbon and all the other things in the long name. I have the pike, and now the fox float CTD with the boost valve. I want to upgrade sometime and looking at the kane creek double barrel inline shock, or the fox float x factory shock 2017. Which one is better with the pike, or does anyone have any recommendations? Any better shocks than those for my bike? I ride with lots of uphills, and like to enjoy my down hills, i like shocks that don’t bob while up-hilling. The help is appreciated! 🙂

[Zoso]

It’s not so much about matching it with the Pike as it is with matching the bike and yourself.  If you’re beyond 1 standard deviation of the “normal” mountain biker (i.e. you weigh 200# for example), you’ll appreciate the adjustability of the CC or the Fox X2.  As far as the bike is concerned, you’ll likely want something with a climb switch to help in the ascents.  I’m of the opinion there’s not a whole lotta difference between your current shock and the Float X, but I’m sure other’s will have varying opinions.

[bikerboy15]

The Cane Creek is a very dialed and when you say complementing the Pike then i’m guessing your talking about the color match. The new Cane Creek DB air is completely black and looks VERY nice. It would look great paired with the Pike and with the color scheme of your bike. And the great part is that it is a very dialed shock. You could get it set up for your riding preferences and would have a great range of “feels”. My $0.02 Peace 😀

[MaxwellD]

Thanks for the posts, Zoso, do you have any specific shocks that you recommend? Thanks for the help though! All valid comments.

[Zoso]

Depends on your needs.  I personally am a fan of the X2.  Compared to the CC, it’s a bit more reliable (in my experience) and is much easier and cheaper to do the annual rebuild.  Both the X2 and the CC will give you a wide range of adjustments for your riding style and your heft (or lack thereof).  Many will argue that the X2 is more of a downhill shock vs a trail shock, meaning it may mute some of the playfulness.  Personally I think you can adjust it to be plenty playful.

Otoh, the Float X is cheaper and lighter.  If the Float meets your needs than I’d go with that.  Some bike designs benefit from a more sensitive shock with small/low frequency bumps, but I’d say that’s not a problem with your bike.  A Horst-link bike such as yours is quite plush, the downside being that it may not climb as well.  But honestly, if you’re not too picky, you won’t really notice.  I could tell a very slight inefficiency with a Horst link bike, but it didn’t bother me.

Bottom line, imo, for your bike, the Float X makes the most sense.  Hope that helps some?

[Jared13 ✓ supporter]

Can you swap shocks on Specialized bikes? I thought they had a proprietary yoke…or is that just their Enduro model?

[Zoso]

Good point Jared.

There’s this:

http://bikeyoke.mysimplestore.com/products/bikeyoke-for-specialized-stumpjumper-fsr-20102015

[MaxwellD]

Thanks for the help. So will the yoke that you sent me Zoso allow me to put other shocks than the ones that specialized initially puts on?

 

[Aaron Chamberlain ✓ supporter]

Can I ask why you want to swap it in the first place? Is there something it is or isn’t doing right for you?

The reason I ask is because it may not be as simple as just bolting on a new shock, unless you go with one of the highly adjustable options such as the X2 or the DBAir. Apart from just picking the shock, manufacturers will work with the suspension companies to develop a tune for each particular model. There may be different things they do with volume spacers, shim stacks, etc. to get the bike to ride how they want. The tunes may also vary between sizes, so a size small Stumpy may have a different shock tune than the XL frame. Also, as Jared pointed out, you’ll need the yoke to make it all work.

It’s a lot of money to drop on something just for the sake of upgrading. Personally, I would really figure out what I wanted the shock to do better (firmer pedaling, better mid stroke, more active descending, etc.) and then reach out to a suspension tuner like Push Industries or Suspension Experts to develop a custom tune for you. The Fox Float is just about the most common shock out there and it’s a great platform for tinkering with.

[GTXC4]

MaxwellD, the others make great points. Biggest thing is, how do you ride and what are you looking for…  If your savvy enough, you can make the adjustments on a shock that you desire depending on its capability. Personally, I’d go with the Float X. However, “Will it fit your bike?”, is something that obviously must be checked.  When it comes to “matching” suspension, other than preferred travel, it’s all in matching the performance to your riding style and needs. Hopefully, you find the right fitting shock.

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