Fox vs. RockShox

[rsutton1223]

Lately, RockShox has really stepped up their game in the suspension fork industry by providing some super plush and stiff forks. Do you think they are better or worse than Fox at this point?

[Bigred15]

My Epic and Stumpjumper 29er FSR both have Reba's while my SS and my old Stumpjumper FSR had a Fox. So I have experience with both ends of the spectrum.

The main attractions to Rock Shox are the price, availability, durability, and selection. There are several models of Rock Shox forks available at different price points for different budgets. Rock Shox top-of-the-line offerings, SID not with standing, are usually priced $200 less than comparable Fox forks with no measurable difference in overall performance. The Rock Shox customer service is also excellent and their shocks do not need to be rebuilt very often. Lastly, you don't have to be a dealer to get Rock Shox suspension components, you can get them from Hawley, QBP, or several other bike parts suppliers.

Fox seems to be the exact opposite. There is only one level of forks available for retail purchase. They only sell high-end parts to normal buyers. Their lower level stuff, like the Evolution line, is only available to bike manufacturers. The customer service sucks, their components are usually slightly heavier, they are expensive, and their fork constantly need to be rebuilt. So why would anyone buy a Fox? Simply put, their parts are the best. The feel of Fox is simply amazing. Plush yet firm pedaling, no brake dive, almost zero stiction. There are some that prefer the feel of Rock Shox, but most don't get Fox because the reasons listed above.

For my bikes, I am willing to deal with all the Fox BS because I like the way they feel. I feel faster and more confident when I ride a Fox equipped bike. Feeling fast, confident, and not thinking about the suspension is a big part of racing. If you don't trust your equipment, it will constantly mess with your head. I spent the last race season racing on a Reba RLT and I will not go back because I was constantly worried how the fork would react. That is not the case with a Fox.

Fox is the stupid hot, high maintenance girl that everyone drools at in the bar. Rock Shox is the not quite as hot, low maintenance friend that most end up marrying.

[ssinga]

LOL!!!!

Fox is the stupid hot, high maintenance girl that everyone drools at in the bar. Rock Shox is the not quite as hot, low maintenance friend that most end up marrying.

I'm totally with ya on this one. I want stoopid hot for my bike and don't care about a long term commitment (for bike parts).