2021 trek fuel ex 9.8. I found out this fox thru-shaft reaktiv was like a marketing gimmick back then. curious if replacing it would improve performance overall?
by Gooser3000
2021 trek fuel ex 9.8. I found out this fox thru-shaft reaktiv was like a marketing gimmick back then. curious if replacing it would improve performance overall?
by Gooser3000
9 Comments
No. Proper sag, and volume reducer for ride style is more important. A new shock won’t change the frame kinematics, the 4-bar system Trek had was known to bob under heavy load.
Unless something is wrong with your shock (like its broken), pedaling efficiency is more a function of the frames kinematics than the shock. I havent ridden the thru-shocks specifically though. Do you feel like youre not getting enough compression damping?
Reactiv isn’t really a gimmick, it’s very effective and the frame was built around it. The thru-shaft, maybe not so much but the damper was outstanding.
These do make using the lockout more important- the trend has been away from that but Trek were going for a <really> open, really fluid suspension setup when wide open, it’s soggy for pedalling but fantastic for chatter and bump response. But on the other hand the reactiv damper makes staying in the lockout more practical, because it functions a bit like a blowoff and means that if you do hit something rougher or harder things relax a little. Basically for everything other than descents I’d always be in the lockout, and even for some fast smooth descents.
In the end, it is a more active suspension system than many, but that brings with it lots of good stuff. Brilliant bikes imo, a really great aggressive trail bike.
Get a hardtail.
Pedal more
This linkage design wasn’t really meant for pedal efficiency. They want you to use the lockout switch. A new shock won’t change the suspension kinematics. In fact, it might make things worse. Realistically I would service this shock and keep using it while trying to leverage that switch more and if it’s really not doing it for you and your riding, unfortunately I think a frame which is more focused on good pedaling performance when the shock is open might be in order.
I hated that bike for exactly why you like it. It stayed so stiff from rider input but was supple from bumps and hits. I try to pump or preload it and the bike was like nah, then I do a drop and it blows through it travel. I could never tune it to my riding style. If you want a pedaling efficient bike that is what you have. The only thing better would be a lock out.
You would proberly benefit from a shock with adjustable low speed compression (if this doesn’t have it, unfortunately looks like a model without). I think this bike has anti-squat at around 90% so should be a pretty capable pedalling platform with the right shock, but obviously it would make it feel a bit harsher, but atleast you could configure it yourself. I use this adjustment myself and loosen the Shocks LSC 2-3 clicks if going to a lift ride, it also helped me getting the shock to feel how i like it in general. (old DPX2 factory).
You could consider a Fox Float X Elite/Factory, but ofc it’s an expensive shock and you would need some patience to get it to where it is 98% how you want it 😅 and i can’t promise you miracles.
Are you looking for pedaling efficiency while climbing flat sections of fire roads or are we talking about technical climbs? I ride a 2017 fuel ex with similar overall suspension layout. It’s very active on tech climbs, but that’s what you want so the wheel digs in. On fire roads and flat climbs I do flick the lockout sometimes.