So here's a question - RP2

[BeDrinkable]

This is not something I noticed since I have what might be called a cement butt. Little changes are out of my range of perception. So, I was a bit surprised when I changed the seals on the FOX RP2 on the Giant. I turned up the rebound damping to max when I was putting the cannister back together and ... SPRUNG! No damping. All the way off, exactly the same. So obviously the damping is inoperable and probably has been the entire time I've owned it. Anyone else ever deal with this?

[Wasatchvoyage]

Not too sure about the RP2, though it seems the RP23 I use on mine is very similar. I rebuilt mine last fall with a kit, and basically replaced one seal at a time, with the help of a youtube video.

Here's a couple links from Fox's website which might help:

http://www.foxracingshox.com/fox_tech_center/owners_manuals/07/eng/rear_shocks/air_sleeve_maintenance.htm

http://www.foxracingshox.com/fox_tech_center/owners_manuals/07/eng/rear_shocks/float_rp2.htm#General_Maintenance

From what you've explained it sounds like the mechanicals within the valve itself might have an issue. Hard to tell without one in my hands.

[BeDrinkable]

Thanks, I have the links. I already replaced the seals, the only isue is the rebound damping. I'm going to call Fox and see if they have a suggestion, but if it invloves sending it in I am not going to bother, at least until winter. As long as the propedal switch works, I don't care all that much.

[BeDrinkable]

Ok. This will hopefully help others with Fox shock issues in the future. As an FYI, I have a link below to a great thread over on MTBR that covers a lot, lot more. So, the design on the RP* shocks is an interesting one. I guess I'd say less finesse, more brute overpowering of the forces of physics. That said, they are a marvel when you consider how well they do a lot of things. So, part of my issue with this shock has been the need to use propedal, even on a bike that should be designed to not need it. The reason, which I uncovered with the recent seal replacement, was the lack of any rebound damping. Rebound damping is controlled through a small port that allows a controlled amount of oil back into the reservoir. It is a COMMON issue with these shocks that a seal fails and air makes it way into the reservoir negating any damping function. Essentially making this an expensive spring. This requires a rebuild, unless you're willing to crack the sucker open and attempt it yourself.

So, two possily routes for me, neither of which are going to be travelled until the fall. One, send this into Push where they will rebuild the shock and also revalve the rebound. I don't yet know if their rebuild is significantly different than Fox's would be, but I would at least get the Push tune which appeals to me. It does cost though, so if the shock is going to poop out every other year I may go: buy a Monarch. More money, obviously, but may be worth it.

Anyway, there's a cutout below which helps visualization and the thread on MTBR goes into a lot more detail on which ports access which sections of the this shock, what functions do what, etc.

MTBR Thread.

[ferday]

BD, i have push'd a shock before. it was about 5-6 years ago, and the shock is still working perfectly

the push tune even back then (before the propedal was on the market) made a huge difference and completely changed the ride of the bike. if you know what you want, i highly recommend the push tune

they change the shim stack and port sizes to make the shock perform as you wish...you can add or take away compression at both low and high speed which really tunes the ride for your bike and style. the new fox are nice, but the rp2/3 is famous for wallowing in the mid-stroke, i'm in the process of sending them another shock to increase the ride height at sag, as well as add a touch more bottom out.

yes, it costs, but yes, it makes a difference. how much depends on how sensitive you are....these are really good shocks right out of the box!

for those who like to tinker, the new RS Monarch can be home tuned using MX shim stacks, i'm thinking about picking one up just to tinker with

[BeDrinkable]

Thanks for the feedback ferday. I will likely use Push in the fall as I do like the Fox, but am a tiny displeased with a bit of the action. I've already had a couple conversations with Nick over there and they seem very responsive to my requirements.

But ...

for those who like to tinker, the new RS Monarch can be home tuned using MX shim stacks, i'm thinking about picking one up just to tinker with

this is one aspect of the Monarch that I really like. I may have to do something similar when I can pull together the cash.