How to Set Up Fox Float's Rear Shock

Fox makes shocks and suspension products for outdoor sports including mountain biking. The Fox Float series of shocks are air shocks that use compressed air in a sealed chamber to give rebound and sag to the bicycle's rear suspension. To set up a Fox Float you need a special shock pump. The pump uses a calibrated air pressure gauge. Pump to the desired PSI with the pump and read the display on the pump to ensure you get the proper setting. Experiment with different air pressures to fine tune your ride.

Instructions

    • 1

      Unscrew the Shraeder cap on the air valve of the Fox Float. Place the pump nozzle onto the valve. The air hose fills with air at this point, giving a gauge reading approximately 10 to 20 PSI lower than the pressure actually in the shock.

    • 2

      Pump the shock until the gauge reads between 50 to 300 PSI. Never fill the shock up beyond 300 PSI as this leads to blown seals and expensive shock replacement.

    • 3

      Set the shock at a lower PSI for rides that include big drops or hard jumps. The lower the PSI the higher the sag, but the mushier the suspension will feel. To start, pump the shock to approximately 150 PSI. Sit in the bicycle and let the shock compress. Get up and look at the O-ring on the shock. Look for at least 1/2 inch of distance of the O-ring to the base of the piston. The O-ring moves under pressure. If it moves less than 1/2 inch, press the small metal rod in the center of the valve on the shock and let out approximately 10 PSI, push the O-ring down and sit on the bike again to check the O-ring movement.

    • 4

      Pump the shock to a higher PSI for rides over hard pack roads or singletrack. The higher the PSI the less sag there will be in the shock, but the more responsive the rear suspension is to small dips and bumps.

    • 5

      Experiment with the shock settings. Bring the pump along for the first few rides to bleed or add air to the shock until you find the sweet spot. Stop after hard hits if the suspension feels too stiff and unscrew the valve cap and press the rod to release 10 PSI from the shock. If the shock feels too soft, screw the pump to the shock and inflate by 10 PSI increments. Test ride the bicycle and make these adjustments until the suspension feels right for your riding style and terrain.