Showdown: Fox DHX vs Manitou Evolver

The two competition shocks from Fox Shox and Answer-Manitou show the direction in which the material in downhill racing will continue to develop. The "Evolver" from Manitou offers an unrivaled low weight as an oil-air shock absorber in addition to the "SPV" anti-roll system. The part appeared for the first time at Interbike in a new Intense "M3". In cooperation with various team riders, Fox Shox has further developed the proven "Vanilla DH": Thanks to the new "BoostValve" technology, the damping of the "DHX" adapts to the respective compression depth, which allows the combination of fine response and optimum bottom-out protection.

"Boost Valve Technology": This is what Fox Shox calls the answer to the "Stable Platform" technology, which first caused a sensation with Progressive Suspension with the "5th Element" and then Manitou with the "SPV" system. While the "Pro Pedal Damping" already eliminates the annoying bobbing during sprints, the "Boost Valve Technology" ensures that the damping adapts to the respective compression depth: This allows the new "DHX" shocks to be adjusted so that they react sensitively to small bumps without having to put up with the suspension bottoming out on rough landings.

Easy adaptation to needs as a goal
The various adjustment options of the "DHX" shocks keep the downhillers on their toes during training sessions: according to the Vice President of the Fox Bike department, Mario Galasso, the characteristics of the "Pro Pedal Damping" on the top models can be adjusted from comfortable to sporty and firm, as well as the bottom-out protection. The aim is clear: the best traction for control and optimum acceleration, without bobbing when setting off and bottoming out in extreme situations. And all this on a shock absorber that even people without an engineering degree can easily adapt to their requirements. The "DHX" shock absorbers will be presented to the general (and sober?) public at the "Sea Otter Classic" in April.

Evolver: Lightweight despite a massive look
Manitou, on the other hand, relies on the "Evolver": This oil-air shock offers all the adjustment options of the proven "Swinger Coil 6-Way" downhill shock, including the "SPV" anti-sway system. However, because an air chamber absorbs the shocks instead of a steel spring, the "Evolver" saves 400 grams of weight despite its bulky appearance ? without compromising on the suspension. On the other hand, Manitou doesn't think much of the solution of installing expensive titanium springs in downhill suspension struts: this is inconsistent, if you want to achieve a low weight, then use air as the spring medium.

The "Evolver" is currently still being optimized in cooperation with the Intense race team, and a market launch is not expected before mid-2004. And then the price is likely to be significantly higher than that of a "Swinger Coil 6-Way" shock absorber. After all, the "Evolver" represents the latest stage of development, which is always somewhat more sought-after, but unfortunately also more expensive.