Average Joe Reviews The Fox RP23

I guess you are either a lover of Fox or you aren't but you cannot deny that they are still at the top in the suspension world and the RP23 was a revolution for me when long term tested.

Id suffered for a long time on the Kona with really bad pedal bob with a standard Float R rear shock and thus when the RP23 came along it was always going to be worth a go. Essentially looking like a float shock with an extra dial and lever on, this unit doesn't look that complex but the sheep's clothing hides a real fantastic beast beneath.

The pro-pedal settings are really simple (1=a little, 2=a bit more, 3=most) and the shock can run without pro-pedal by having the lever switched one way and with whatever setting you have when pushed the other way. All controls are easy to use and while the pro-pedal isn’t as adjustable as on other models this really is a set and forget concept which works well for trail bikes.

For me the unit has been set at 3 (and not moved) and this is where the unit is so clever. With the pro-pedal on 3 it makes the bike feel almost like a hardtail but with the ability to take hard hits almost to the full length of its travel. With it off it is a full-on active shock.

This means that on the way up you can have it engaged and at the top flick a switch and you are back to full bounce; it really is that simple. In short I've not come across a product that has transformed a bike so much. Instantly frog to prince, from a pig on the climbs to something much more passable.

www.mojo.co.uk