RockShox and Fox make up the majority of rear shocks on mountain bikes sold in Canada. You can find one or the other on almost every bike at a local enduro race or bike shop.
So which one should you buy?
The honest answer is that both brands make excellent shocks. The question is not which brand is better, but which is better for you, your bike, and your riding style. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can make the right call without having to read through a dozen spec sheets.
If you are ready to shop, check out our full range of MTB rear shocks from both brands.
A Quick Look at Both Brands
RockShox has been making suspension since 1989 and is now part of SRAM. RockShox is the largest suspension brand in mountain biking, found on more production bikes than any other brand. World Cup racing feedback heavily influences their development, and they regularly update their lineup.
Fox Racing Suspension has been making shocks and forks since 1974. They have a strong following among BC riders specifically, and their factory-level products are known for their precise feel and tunability. Fox also runs one of the most extensive suspension service networks in Canada.
Both brands produce shocks at every price point, from entry level to flagship. Both sponsor top-level racers. Both make products that will last years if maintained properly.
The differences are in feel, adjustment options, and which platform works best for your frame.
How They Feel on the Trail
The feel is the most debated topic in the RockShox vs. Fox conversation, and the answer is genuinely subjective. But there are real, consistent differences that riders notice.
RockShox feel:
RockShox shocks are generally described as more active and supple through small bumps. The Charger 3 damper in their higher-end shocks has a smooth, flowing feel that works particularly well on rooty, technical terrain. Many riders find RockShox shocks more forgiving when the suspension setup is not perfectly dialled.
Fox feel:
Fox shocks tend to feel more composed and planted, particularly under hard braking and through fast, rough sections. The GRIP X2 damper gives a firm, precise feel that rewards riders who take the time to tune their suspension carefully. Riders who seek a more controlled and supportive platform often prefer Fox shocks.
Neither feeling is better. Some riders love the active suppleness of RockShox. Others prefer the planted composure of Fox. If possible, try both before committing.
Lineup Comparison: Model for Model
Both brands structure their lineup similarly: entry, mid, and flagship tiers with increasing damper sophistication at each level.
RockShox Rear Shock Lineup
Deluxe Select / Select+
The entry point into the RockShox rear shock range. The Select uses a simple two-position compression lever (open/firm). The Select+ adds a low-speed compression adjust knob. Good performance for trail riders who want straightforward setup.
Price range: $250 to $380 CAD
Super Deluxe Select / Select+ / Ultimate
The Super Deluxe is RockShox's most popular rear shock and is spec'd on a huge number of production enduro bikes. The Ultimate version uses the Charger 3 damper with independent high- and low-speed compression adjustment, one of the most capable trail dampers available at any price.
Price range: $380 to $750 CAD
Vivid Ultimate
RockShox's flagship coil shock for enduro and downhill. The Vivid is designed for bikes with longer travel and higher leverage ratios. A favourite among aggressive trail and enduro racers.
Price range: $700 to $900 CAD
Fox Rear Shock Lineup
Float DPS Performance
Fox's entry-level trail shock. Uses their FLOAT air spring with a single compression lever. Light, simple, and reliable. A solid choice for cross-country and light trail riding.
Price range: $280 to $400 CAD
Float X / Float X2 Factory
The Float X is Fox's mid-range trail shock with rebound and compression adjustment. The Float X2 adds a second compression circuit, giving you independent high- and low-speed control. The factory version uses Fox's premium Kashima-coated shaft for improved durability and feel.
Price range: $450 to $850 CAD
DHX2 Factory
Fox's flagship coil shock. Known for its precise, planted feel and excellent durability under demanding use. It is popular among enduro racers and bike park riders.
Price range: $700 to $950 CAD
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| RockShox | Fox | |
|---|---|---|
| Trail feel | Active, supple, forgiving | Composed, planted, precise |
| Best entry shock | Deluxe Select+ | Float DPS Performance |
| Best trail shock | Super Deluxe Ultimate | Float X2 Factory |
| Best coil shock | Vivid Ultimate | DHX2 Factory |
| Damper technology | Charger 3 (flagship) | GRIP X2 (flagship) |
| Tunability | High at flagship level | High at flagship level |
| Cold weather performance | Good | Good |
| Service intervals | Every 50–100 hours | Every 50–100 hours |
| Service availability in Canada | Wide | Wide (Fox has dedicated service centres) |
| Price range (CAD) | $250 to $900+ | $280 to $950+ |
| Best for | Trail, all-mountain, enduro | Trail, enduro, bike park |
| OEM presence | Very high | High |
Tunability: Which Brand Gives You More Control?
At the flagship level, both brands offer independent high- and low-speed compression adjustment alongside rebound. The difference is in how intuitive the adjustments feel.
RockShox uses a colour-coded system for most shocks, making it easy to identify which knob does what. Many riders find the Charger damper more forgiving of imprecise adjustments: if your compression is slightly off, the shock still feels decent.
Fox adjustments tend to be more sensitive. Small changes to the GRIP X2 produce noticeable differences in how the bike feels. This sensitivity is an advantage if you enjoy tuning your suspension and ride varied terrain. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, it can be frustrating.
For riders who want maximum tunability and are prepared to spend time dialling in their setup, Fox edges ahead.
RockShox is a more forgiving option for riders who want excellent performance without spending an afternoon fiddling with the knobs.
Serviceability in Canada
Both brands have excellent parts availability across Canada, and both recommend a lower leg service or shock service every 50 to 100 hours of riding.
Fox has a dedicated suspension service network in Canada, including certified service centres that can handle full rebuilds. If you are in BC, this service is straightforward to access.
RockShox service is widely available through SRAM's dealer network, which includes most independent bike shops. Mechanics across the country generally understand the charger damper, and they can easily source the parts.
For service specifically at Dunbar Cycles, our team has experience with both brands. You can also visit our Corsa Cycles Squamish: Expert MTB Suspension Service in the Heart of the Trails location for in-person suspension work.
Which One Should You Buy?
Here is a straightforward guide based on riding style:
Choose RockShox if:
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You ride a mix of terrain and want a forgiving, active feel
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You are new to adjusting suspension and want simpler setup
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Your bike came spec'd with RockShox and you want to upgrade within the same ecosystem
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You prefer a more supple, flowing feel over a firm, controlled one
Choose Fox if:
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You ride technical, chunky terrain and want a composed, planted platform
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You enjoy dialling in suspension and want precise adjustment response
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You have access to a Fox-certified service centre for long-term maintenance
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Your bike was designed around a Fox shock and you want to upgrade within that ecosystem
The honest truth:
At the same price point, both brands perform at a very similar level. The difference in feel is real but subtle. If you are upgrading from an entry-level shock to a mid-range unit from either brand, the improvement will be dramatic regardless of which brand you choose.
The best shock is properly set up for your weight, frame, and terrain. A well-tuned $400 shock will outperform a poorly set up $800 shock every single time.
If you want help choosing between specific models for your frame, read our How to Choose the Right Rear Shock for Your Mountain Bike guide or come into the shop.
Shop RockShox and Fox Rear Shocks at Dunbar Cycles & Corsa Cycles
We stock the full range of RockShox and FoxRacing at both Dunbar Cycles and Corsa Cycles in Squamish, alongside our complete MTB suspension range. Free shipping across Canada on orders over $150.
Not sure which model is right for your frame? Our team has been setting up suspension for BC riders since 1928 — and we handle full in-house servicing at both locations. Come in or contact us online, and we'll help you find the right shock for your bike and your riding.
