[Closed] Cotics X-fusion 02 shock

I have the O2 RCX on my Flare. Has handled everything I've thrown at it so far. The four-position lock-out is useful, too. Pretty easy to service.

I liked it when I demo-ed the FlareMAX last year.

If I were buying a frame or bike from them I think I'd get the X-Fusion and perhaps upgrade later.

I got one from Cotic to replace the original RP23 on my 26” Rocket as there are no spares for this shock now and it has been excellent easy to set up, no regrets.

PS. I suspect it might be just the job for the Flare or FlareMAX, but that a more "enduro" shock would suit the Rockets better.

Thanks, something to think about. I was just thinking how when building a frame you tend to choose your fork very carefullly yet the shock tends to be just whatever you get...

http://www.cotic.co.uk/news/2016/shocktuning

Gives the Cotic view about the differences between the shocks they offer.

I demod the Rocket at stainburn last year. First few laps were with the xfusion shock and it was ok

Then Sam swapped the shock for his own CCDB air and the difference was huge. Better climbing, cornering and descending. The bike felt more supported and quicker. I’d pay the extra for the CC, no question whatsoever

imo the shock is the heart of the whole bike- more important than the fork because there’s less shaft travel so damping quality becomes more important

The one I had on my Norco in 2013 was not great. Very basic. May have improved in recent years however.

I've been running one on my RocketMax for 18 months now and really like it. It's simple to use/adjust and works very well in all but really rough stuff when pressing on. Even then it's not a problem but i'd imagine a more adjustable, more expensive shock could be made to work better. And that's one of the reasons i like it. I can't be arsed fiddling with dials and levers all the time as i'd rather just ride the bloody thing 😀

The 4 settings on the Cotic tune are pretty sorted. Firmest works great for climbing, flatish stuff and jumping. 2nd firmest is probably where mine gets the most use. I hate squishy suspension and prefer mine fairly firm but i come from a BMX background so if it's soft i feel like my bike is broken. 3rd firmest works well for DH trails for me. Softest hasn't been used for over a year. Me being a big lump @ over 15st i can't get if firm enough not to blow through it's travel constantly without it being too hard in the other 3 settings. I'm sure you could get it tuned to remedy that if you were that way inclined.

My initial concerns when i got the bike were similar to yours not having ridden X-Fusion stuff before but both the shock and the fork have been a pleasant surprise.

The 4 settings on the Cotic tune are pretty sorted. Firmest works great for climbing, flatish stuff and jumping. 2nd firmest is probably where mine gets the most use. I hate squishy suspension and prefer mine fairly firm but i come from a BMX background so if it’s soft i feel like my bike is broken. 3rd firmest works well for DH trails for me. Softest hasn’t been used for over a year. Me being a big lump @ over 15st i can’t get if firm enough not to blow through it’s travel constantly without it being too hard in the other 3 settings. I’m sure you could get it tuned to remedy that if you were that way inclined.

I'd echo that - it stays in the 'locked out' position for road/fire road etc, 2nd position for slightly more bumpy off-road flat and climbing, 3rd for easy descending and techy climbs where traction is an issue, and fully open for anything more rocky downhill. Tend to run it slightly softer than recommended pressures, haven't had it bottom out from there.