Nice work dude. Been really enjoying our Live Valve Neo test units, especially the DHX Coil, but after this, we love it even more haha. Great video man. 🤘
Still not interested in having a battery on my acoustic bike, but the fact that it seems to work just like a regular shock when the battery is removed/dead is a selling point. Unfortunate the electronic drivetrains can't do that.
@@boblatkey7160 Not poopooing e-bikes at all, just saying that I dont find a compelling case for e components on an acoustic bike. they make more sense on an e-bike where you are already beholden to charging batteries. Unless you're saying that e-shocks, and e-shifters make biking more fun and not having those makes you a fitness snob? I guess I do disagree with that...
@@motoboy6666 I’ve been wondering that too! I feel like they vanished from the face of the earth. All their bikes seem to be the same for the last five or six years.
@JeffKendallWeed I missed the memo on this water bottle thing. When did this become an obsession in Mountain Biking. In the late 2000's everyone wanted Camelbaks. I prefer commuting with rear racks but is a Camelbak so bad for mountain biking? I've always hated dealing with a water bottle and think they look silly on a bike. When is there time or constant breaks if you can just keep going and grab a drink when you actually need it? Plus all the other practicalities. Maybe it's all the cameras and chest rigs, etc. 🤷
I think the technology is great but I prefer to keep my cycling acoustic. Not knocking anyone who plans to get it but with all the electronic tech that is coming out, it’s like we are reconstructing a motorcycle….
I just want the switch on my handlebar. Thats all. Also simple. As an ex xc racer and moving to the pnw area i have to say that i actually now prefer to keep my suspension open on the climbs over all the roots to have constant traction. But im also not pushing anymore like i used to do. I used to be a baja racing car , now im more of a jeep crawler :)
Try the livevalve neo, I wouldnt ever want to have to mess with a firm switch on the bars. Even on the steep, rocky, rooty climb, the system being on made things work better. It preserved climbing geometry, but also knew when there would be enough of a bump that it's better for it to open up.
@@JeffKendallWeed it sounds amazing and not as expensive as the whole shram/rockshox system as it only requires 3 parts and not a entire system and configuration of sensors and batteries
@@aaronoconnor606 Yeah, it's pretty legit. For that much tech, that works that well, and that is such a simple package, I was blown away. I hardly ever use a "lockout lever," but this system is one I can appreciate as it frees up my mind to focus on riding, and not trying to remember about flipped switches.
You mentioned battery life not being what you expected but never said how much was left after your 4hr ride. Would be interested to know about where it sat at the end if testing as a basic idea of expectation.
Yeah I was hoping it'd be a ~monthly charge thing, which it seems like AXS derailleurs are. But it's more power hungry than that. I find I do best to charge it every other week, if not more.
Live valve works so good on my truck. Makes a daily driver smash-able and jump-able, and in contrast makes rally truck and excellent daily driver. I have no doubt that eventually “live valve” or computer controlled suspension will be a game changer… Someday.
a magnetic solenoid is old technology. my 50 year old truck has loads of them to operate things like starters and ignition coils. seems like a great and simple solution as a "switch" for compression.
I’ve said for years, a wireless live valve is game changer for sucky pedaling bikes. For example, put this shock in a Canyon and viola! You have an affordable decent bike that can compete with the best DW LINK bikes out there. My Trail 429 with Live Valve was amazing so I can see the benefit in Horst link designs.
That's me trying to be realistic. I did some race runs back-to-back on the Process 153, and did not conclusively find Livevalve Neo faster. I don't want to mislead everyone and claim it's guaranteed "faster." It sure feels great, and mentally provides some great advantages, but I did want to claim something that's not provably true. After working so hard on the rest of the vid, I was coming up blank on how to articulate this.
@@JeffKendallWeedI'm only interested as hate setting up my suspension can never seem to get it spot on definitely something for likes of me coming back to bikes after while away, my new emtb is awesome but hate suspension set up
Another great video Jeff & Logan! Let's all face it, technology in suspension is getting better and better every month it seems like for mtb. The only thing that would blow it all out of the water was if King suspension came into play along. LOL. Where I do not like the idea of a battery controlling my derailleur or seat post, I could get behind this because the consequence is less of a ride killer. Great quiver featured here Jeff....that Ripley looks fun!!!!
Thanks Mike! Yeah it's sweet that without the battery, it then reverts to normal. If I didn't get to try it on the trail BEFORE being told about it, I'd never believe it works as well as it does. It'll be neat when more bikes are designed around it- like the new Santa Cruz Bronson and Hightower.
Yeah, and when I tested back-to-back race runs, it wasn't decidedly quicker. But I do think it's just a part of a greater system that will result in better bikes and experiences.
I had Live Valve 2.0 on my Trance Advanced Pro 29 2 120/130 bike and didnt like it. The tuning was too limited and made the fork and shock overly firm and stiff especially the fork would hurt my hands on a short ride. This looks so much better as the last one I always wanted my fork open. This looks pretty smart.
yes how will the rider be on loose over hard surfaces or lot of rock gardens. will it be unperceptible or will the forearm bones: radius and ulna have deep bone pain?!
@@thomashendron4356 Not a lot of people have tried it and I gave it 2 months to see if I liked it and it definitely had its pros and cons, if I was on flow trails which I dont have a lot around where Im at it would have been nice. But going around corners the bike did stand up a bit which was annoying.
I feel like these on short travel bikes doesn’t make a lot sense. I think the real benefit will come on long travel slacked out bikes where you want a soft sus for the descents they are designed to slay but then need to pedal them back up where any help is welcome.
Great review, Jeff! I think you've both tested and explained it much better than Pink Bike. I was not interested in adding anything electronic to my mountain bike, but I can actually see the benefits here with this one.
Thanks! I would have been EXTREMELY skeptical of it if I hadn't ridden it before hearing about what it is. But my first ride on it was the Lord of the Squirrels, and I was absolutely shocked at how well it worked. I had zero idea it was firming up- as it felt PLUSHER turned on. Go figure. It's fun when new stuff works that well!
Back in the early 2000s specialized had the brain system on their epic and was just like this but better since it had no need for a battery! Amd it was an amazing system
How exactly do you reach the conclusion that Specialized’s Brain was better? The ability to control suspension electronically, opening it or locking it in milliseconds depending on several riding factors, including drops, power meter, terrain, is far superior to the Brain.
I'm not interested in it, but I do appreciate it. I was wondering when truly active suspension would show up. It's ultimately not too complex to basically just run automated lockouts on poppet valves from an industrial view. As always, appreciate your in dept coverage of all the things!
I like of course. Cannondale had this same concept and tech in the Simon Lefty 7 yrs ago. However, Cdale did not bring that to market. It was probably too expensive and it's Cannondale.
Bro, I forgot to charge my battery. For your motor? No. Oh, your derailleur? No, not that one. Your dropper then. No dude, the one for my shock. Hook everything up to one battery, remove the cranks, and call it a motorcycle.
It's definitely something I'm interested in but i have just swapped out my float X for the MY24 Fox X2 because could never get the float X running right, i have been off a bike a few years just back to it this year but annoys the life out me trying to get that rear shock dialed in! So yeah it's for someone like me and either coming back from old bikes to new Bike's or just someone wanting to get on and ride! the shocks certainly put me off for a couple of month's when first got the ebike! Seems better now with the new X2 but the float X only in air shock yeah wouldn't go back to it i don't think, I'd need a loaner bike with it first to make sure.
Interesting take on it, Jeff. It would be interesting to try it on a bike that already has a "low" level of anti-squat (like the new santas cruz). I ride a bronson 4.1 everywhere from flat trails to bike parks. I don't see myself adding this to my bike anytime soon, but it does seem like I would be a good candidate for it.
Loved the video. As usual your opinions always seem genuine. I’m curious what you thought of Fox decision to not make this available on a fork. it sounds like Fox decided that this application has a place on the rear suspension only.
I would disagree on the pricing. You can get a similar shock without it firming up sometimes for half the price. We will see if bikes actually change but seems like cool innovation.
Or you could get a hardtail for even less. But for the highest end, with the most tech, only being $1400, instead of $750, it's surprisingly attainable.
YES! I was having PTSD flashbacks to that thing during the initial presentation. Luckily, Livevalve is nothing like that old relic. I remember Brain being "meh" on the back of the Epic, then didn't Specialized push Fox to make a fork with it as well? Ewwww LOL!
Is it giving both high and low speed adjustments on that float x or just the basic float X compression and rebound? And will an X2 version with this be next if its not?
Counting on my cable actuated parts to last long enough for pricing on wireless gear to come down to earth. Honestly, I have more faith in mechanical systems and I'm sure I'm not alone. Then again, I love my eMTB but I'm currently BT free and not complaining.
@@dadventuretv2538 cool. How's that Linkglide working out? I'm on my 1st SRAM drivetrain after years of Shimano Deore and XT. So far I'm pretty stoked. I mean it works... What more do I need?
@@jcgarcia1931 only two rides but so far, typical Shimano. Smooth, easy and it just works. I do kinda wish it had a 10 tooth for those times when on pavement or a smooth fire-road that is either flat or slightly downhill, but not a big deal bc those are very rare for me. Otherwise, in love so far.
Yeah I did complain the battery life wasn't amazing! But I do prefer mechanical, non electric stuff. I'm generally not a fan of firm switches. This system worked well enough that I am changing my tune a bit. But today I'll be riding a bike without the system, and won't be complaining!
@@JeffKendallWeed I feel you, I think it's really cool from an engineering standpoint, has applications for racers, and potential for new bike design, but for now I already deal with enough computers for my day job and prefer my bikes stay mechanical.
@invisibleazn9330 I was wondering why the more recent stuff looked much better on my OLED. Some older videos with a bunch of mixed clips were really obviously stuttery when they were cut together. I actually used one of them to calibrate the motion smoothing because it was so stark!
I still believe that no matter how good this is, a custom tuned coil shock will be cheaper and perform better Same with a customized fork ( better seals, bushings and oil )
LOL the timed testing was totally not conclusive! I did 2 runs on 2 trails back-to-back on the same day. Each trail was about 2 minutes, 15 seconds long. And on one trail, the system was 2 seconds faster. On the other, the system was 2 seconds slower. So perhaps that somewhat lower angle trail wasn't the right spot. I do think taller riders, who sit further back, will benefit more, and it's just a lot of personal preference. I don't have any flight attendant experience, but that would be a nice test.
@@JeffKendallWeed maybe extremer bikes (>170mm High Pivots) would profit more(beacuse they lose more pedalling). Or a rider who rides less smooth then you. PS great Video
How do you find time for these videos? We are in bellingham this week, and it is raining 🌧 for like 5 days straight! Going to try to sneak in a pumptrack session tomorrow.
It absolutely has not rained for five days straight, you are crazy. September is perhaps the best month of the year to ride in Bellingham. Trails can handle quite a bit moisture. Only winter freeze thaws are really too much for riding.
Been riding the previous gen Fox Live Valve on my Pivot Switchblade and at first i thought it was gimmicky but dang, it really does make it easy on the trails. Interesting to see if it'd be worth looking at the Neo in comparison.
Live valve has been around for a while now though right? Maybe this neo version is new, but we don't see live valve or even flight attendant affecting bike design so far... how will this be different?
In general I’m not a fan of electronics that require batteries on bikes. I hate all the batteries in my life already and don’t want any more on the machine I use as my escape from the modern world. Plus, I don’t like electronics on machines I take into the middle of nowhere with often no cell service bc you cannot repair or jerry rig them trailside if they fail or break. So kudos to Fox for at least making the functioning mechanism mechanical- I think its design will add to the durability of it. That said, do I want it? Kinda torn, I have to admit. Like I said for me there has to be a real big benefit for an electronic component for me to get it and this doesn’t seem to have that much benefit. It seems like mostly a benefit at the extremes. That said, I hate flip switches and when I do use them constantly forget to flip them back to open when at the top of a climb, so a system like this would definitely be beneficial to me in that regard. But I think you hit the nail on the head- linkages and shock tunes on bikes are so good these days you really don’t need to firm them up with a switch anymore in all but a very few situations- like end of a day on a long slog like you mentioned. It would also be cool in my local, more XC, rolling trails- the rolling terrain changes so much you’ll never use a manual switch but a bit firmer on some of the steep burners would be nice. And then it would open up for some of the little extra credit stuff I like to hit along the way. I agree that the price is not actually terrible. But at the end of the day, will I get it to put on one of my current rigs? No. Will I buy a new bike bc of it? Definitely not. If I needed a new bike anyway, would I get one with it over a bike with just a great suspension like a DW Link or switch infinity or VPP or something? That’s the one I don’t know. I’d probably have to demo it and see if there are really big enough improvements from it to justify it. I don’t want my bike to be a formula one car- sure they are amazing machines- but they are also like the most high maintenance girlfriend ever. And I don’t want that in a mountain bike. If I’m gonna add tech, it better make my riding experience amazingly more awesomer.
If battery tech gets better, self dropping seatposts will be cool. I think eMTBs will advance a TON in that time, but I'm guessing today's pedal bikes will still be pretty relevant.
When you come out of battery during a ride, does the shock remains frozen in whatever setting it were, or does it turn back to open mode? And can it make the difference between a takeoff or a pump where you need support, and a trail compression that you would need your shock to absorb it?
Without power, the solenoid always returns to open mode- thanks to that spring. If a takeoff has a bumpy bit, it'll open, but if it's smooth, then it'll stay firmed up for a nice pump. In the air, it'll detect freefall, so it's always open for landings.
@@JeffKendallWeed ok that makes sense. Thanks for the review. About the battery life, maybe that's because the solenoid needs to be electrically fed during all the time it closes the shock. Depending on the ride it can suck all the battery energy quicker or slower. Did you try to trick the sensors by running a fully closed fork or rigid fork? Just to see how it reacts?
I wonder if Fox consulted with Peter Nguyen. He did something almost the same on his Stumpjumper for his mechanical engineering thesis at SJSU a few years ago.
Hey, JKW! Sorry to post this on this new, unrelated video but I know you can really only monitor comments/questions on recent videos. Soooooo...I hope you can lend me some thoughts! I think a lot of the bikes you tend to review are a little too much travel for my fairly flat US plains states trail riding. My area has lots of chattery trails from weather/livestock/equestrians but not any "mountains" giving us much in the way of serious drops/rock rolls. We have a few jumps but again nothing too wild. I'm looking for - essentially - a short travel trail bike. Any suggestions for the use case I've outlined? RM Instinct? SB140? SB120? SC 5010 or Tallboy? Druid? Ripley V5? Commencal TEMPO? No shops in my area have anything available to demo aside from XC race bikes and big ebikes. Any recommendations? Anything I should avoid? Thanks, Jeff!
Hey there Pilot, I saw your comment the other day, you are correct, I can't keep up with all of them. I haven't ridden Tall boy, Instinct, Druid, Tempo, 5010 or SB120. Only the SB140 and Ripley V5. I would also suggest looking at something smaller, like a Rocky Element or a Pivot Trail 429. A lot of the bikes in your list are running 150 or 160 36 forks, that could be more heft than you really need, and possibly less fun. I absolutely LOVE that Ripley V5, but Im also pretending it's a full sized AM bike- I haven't tried it on super mellow trails. But for the size and feel, I am so gosh dang stoked on how stiff and stout it is. One of my favorite "short" travel bikes ever, and I dont feel sketchy hitting full on black diamond BC trails on it. Between the new Ripmo and new Ripley, I find myself preferring the new Ripley by quite a bit. Maybe it;d be a nice "tweener" between the little 120 bikes and the bigger 140 rigs?
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks for the reply! My guess was the same as your experienced rationale. I thought a 140mm travel frame might be likely to be fun-stealing and too muted but I have no way of finding that out until it's too late or someone like yourself with a ton more experience can make a suggestion (or until I find a shop that isn't trying to upsell me to a 160mm ebike no matter the trails I'm riding). Thanks for taking the time and the brainpower! I like riding the hardtail I'm on now - it's super fun and feels like a faster, flowier version of my old street/park bmx bike - but I spend a lot of time chattering along climbs and flat traverses and it's pretty frustrating/annoying to pedal a 20 minute hoof-destroyed trail with a stiff back end! Thanks again for the info! I'll look at the Ripley V5, SB120, 5010 (current bike's a mullet and it's sick), and Tallboy. They're all in that 120mm to 130mm range. ...and OF COURSE I'll buy from Jenson using your link!
Right after I get an email about livevalve Jeff already has a video out. So do you have to pay 999 for the shock then an additional 399 for the neo kit?
fox live valve neo: only the rear shock, shock is closed unless the electrronics opens it Flight attendant: Rear shock+fork , system is always open unless electronics closes it so there basic setup is pretty different
Exciting but i really wish fox and sram couldve established a battery standard. if you have Sram AXS and Fox Livevalve on your bike you need 3 batteries and 2 different chargers where you cant mix and match.
Yea- and Shimano also has their eMTB battery, would be sweet if the fox stuff could plug into that. The wire length from shock to frame battery wouldn't be long.
I like the idea on Fox's Neo system, but it's insanely expensive. I would like to see a dumb but electric remote lockout though if it could be done for under $1k.
Hahaha yeah it's a different world- MUCH smaller industry, much smaller quantities, and honestly, much lower prices. Fox hired a ton of people to help develop the Neo communication system, that was what they were most psyched on.
As a regular guy, with a normal job and bills to pay, this stuff just isn’t really for me, and I’m cool with that. I buy most of my bike parts used from pinkbike. I guess the one thing that gets me excited is the prospect of the rediculous parade of weight saving materials and parts seems to be coming to a close if everything will require sensors and batteries all over the bike. You are also going to have to carry spare batteries or solar back packs and helmets I guess too….
For long travel, yes, it preserves the geometry quite a bit. This is something Logan and I noticed on the steep, punchy climb. For a short travel application, the benefit would be reduced. I was also curious about eMTB applications, and had arranged for an eMTB to test this with, but unfortunately, it did not arrive in time.
@@bostondye3736 Well, I only rode the DHX on the Ripley, and it feels ok there. But the Float X felt amazing- on both the Firebird and Process. I'm more of a fan of the Float X.
So now you have to remember to charge your dropper post battery, your dropper post lever battery, your derailleur battery, your shifter battery, your shock battery, and your fork battery, what's happening to modern mountain bikes? and what's next? wireless brakes?
This is one of the only battery operated things i would want on a bike. i think it would be great on a enduro or freeride bike with a coil shock. Not having to think about locking it is great feature.
Is it just me or does anyone else find it kinda annoying that when new products are launched its like a coordinated marketing attack on every youtuber's channel simultaneously?
Yes, it's super cheesy. Though it has its place- it's new stuff, and we all agreed to wait until now to post about it. Everyone has the goal of getting the clicks while it's new and interesting and immediately relevant, so I try to do a pretty legit piece of content rather than just post a press release. Notice I tried the system on three different bikes? But it certainly feels kinda forced when it all finally drops at once.
This is standard practice because it allows reviewers to use the product without having to see who can rush to be the first to post something about it.
Trail bikes have such short stems, the fork is rarely sent bouncing around. The difference on the rear shock is positively noticeable, and trying to lock out a fork is not worth it. GripX2 doesn't even have a firm lever.
I wrote this morning about bikes in 2038 having sensors for chunk and will automatically engage a pedal kickback system….joking but, man this is a crazy similar thing !!
Thanks for the head's up! I've always had a hunch that affiliate tracking works like 10-20% of the time. Luckily Jenson supports me pretty well, so it's kind of expected. Thanks again!
The bicycle is going the way of the work truck. A bare bones, basic ride that is reflected in a need only outlay of cash is history. I miss my work truck.
Well, I didn’t get conclusive data saying it is indeed outright faster. It does inspire more confidence, and provides a better experience, but I can’t “prove” it’s better, so was struggling to articulate this in a way that expresses my excitement, optimism, and good experience, but also something that wouldn’t be misconstrued as misleading. Something like much lighter wheels would be easier to show a difference on a stop watch. But also much easier to have break and put a stop to a run!
Everyone complaining about charging or forgetting batteries, one simple trick. It's called being organized. Leave the battery and everything you need in your helmet (gloves, heart rate monitor, bike computer, batteries, battery charger, etc.). When you're ready to go ride there's no way to forget anything. When you're done with your ride, put everything back in the helmet and when you get home your battery is right there in your hand when you unload the car. Plug in the battery. Battery finishes charging. Put the battery back in the helmet. It's really not hard to do, people just need to be more organized with their lives and stop complaining so much. If you're really worse than that, then plug the battery into the charger on your pillow on your bed. There's literally no way you can forget it on the charger at that point and put it back in the helmet when it's done and you go to bed.
Nice work dude. Been really enjoying our Live Valve Neo test units, especially the DHX Coil, but after this, we love it even more haha. Great video man. 🤘
Still not interested in having a battery on my acoustic bike, but the fact that it seems to work just like a regular shock when the battery is removed/dead is a selling point. Unfortunate the electronic drivetrains can't do that.
Yeah I find this far more acceptable than an electric drivetrain.
Electronic drivetrains work with a dead battery, but the name changes to SINGLE SPEED!!!! :))
@@boblatkey7160 Not poopooing e-bikes at all, just saying that I dont find a compelling case for e components on an acoustic bike. they make more sense on an e-bike where you are already beholden to charging batteries.
Unless you're saying that e-shocks, and e-shifters make biking more fun and not having those makes you a fitness snob? I guess I do disagree with that...
@@ref498 oh got it! Sorry about that! I misread you. Totally agree with what you're saying there.
Transmission is good for a race series where you can't get tune ups fast enough between races.
That silver Kona Process with the gold fox looks so good
Doesnt it?! And the gold wheels? I was blown away. It also rides bitchin. I just wish it had space for a water bottle! Big miss!!!
Did kona survive bankruptcy? They have almost disabeared here in Sweden i feel 😩
@@motoboy6666 I’ve been wondering that too! I feel like they vanished from the face of the earth. All their bikes seem to be the same for the last five or six years.
@@motoboy6666yeah the original owners bought it back (unless this happened since then and I didn’t hear)
@JeffKendallWeed I missed the memo on this water bottle thing. When did this become an obsession in Mountain Biking. In the late 2000's everyone wanted Camelbaks. I prefer commuting with rear racks but is a Camelbak so bad for mountain biking?
I've always hated dealing with a water bottle and think they look silly on a bike. When is there time or constant breaks if you can just keep going and grab a drink when you actually need it? Plus all the other practicalities.
Maybe it's all the cameras and chest rigs, etc. 🤷
"sorry guys, can't ride with you today, forgot 3 out of 9 batteries my bike needs".
But you remembered to charge your phone battery
I think the technology is great but I prefer to keep my cycling acoustic. Not knocking anyone who plans to get it but with all the electronic tech that is coming out, it’s like we are reconstructing a motorcycle….
That's never happened to me ever.
To be fair when the battery dies on this it defaults to the open setting
Jenson is SUPER lucky to have you as a representative!!!
Thanks Ski!
Such a cool channel, love these edits!
I’m just here for the Pivot Firebird action 😮💨 saw one at mountain creek yesterday. Was like seeing a celebrity
I just want the switch on my handlebar. Thats all. Also simple. As an ex xc racer and moving to the pnw area i have to say that i actually now prefer to keep my suspension open on the climbs over all the roots to have constant traction. But im also not pushing anymore like i used to do. I used to be a baja racing car , now im more of a jeep crawler :)
Try the livevalve neo, I wouldnt ever want to have to mess with a firm switch on the bars. Even on the steep, rocky, rooty climb, the system being on made things work better. It preserved climbing geometry, but also knew when there would be enough of a bump that it's better for it to open up.
@@JeffKendallWeed it sounds amazing and not as expensive as the whole shram/rockshox system as it only requires 3 parts and not a entire system and configuration of sensors and batteries
@@aaronoconnor606 Yeah, it's pretty legit. For that much tech, that works that well, and that is such a simple package, I was blown away. I hardly ever use a "lockout lever," but this system is one I can appreciate as it frees up my mind to focus on riding, and not trying to remember about flipped switches.
You mentioned battery life not being what you expected but never said how much was left after your 4hr ride. Would be interested to know about where it sat at the end if testing as a basic idea of expectation.
The battery lasts around 18 to 20 hours
Yeah I was hoping it'd be a ~monthly charge thing, which it seems like AXS derailleurs are. But it's more power hungry than that. I find I do best to charge it every other week, if not more.
Live valve works so good on my truck. Makes a daily driver smash-able and jump-able, and in contrast makes rally truck and excellent daily driver. I have no doubt that eventually “live valve” or computer controlled suspension will be a game changer… Someday.
a magnetic solenoid is old technology. my 50 year old truck has loads of them to operate things like starters and ignition coils. seems like a great and simple solution as a "switch" for compression.
100 agree. When I heard that I thought- no electronic actuators inside? Fox did it right.
Love all your episodes!!
I’ve said for years, a wireless live valve is game changer for sucky pedaling bikes. For example, put this shock in a Canyon and viola! You have an affordable decent bike that can compete with the best DW LINK bikes out there. My Trail 429 with Live Valve was amazing so I can see the benefit in Horst link designs.
"Its definetly not worse!" Wow, Fox knocked it outta the park with this one haha
Money pleaseeeee!!!!
My thoughts, exactly
That's me trying to be realistic. I did some race runs back-to-back on the Process 153, and did not conclusively find Livevalve Neo faster. I don't want to mislead everyone and claim it's guaranteed "faster." It sure feels great, and mentally provides some great advantages, but I did want to claim something that's not provably true. After working so hard on the rest of the vid, I was coming up blank on how to articulate this.
@@JeffKendallWeedI'm only interested as hate setting up my suspension can never seem to get it spot on definitely something for likes of me coming back to bikes after while away, my new emtb is awesome but hate suspension set up
Another great video Jeff & Logan! Let's all face it, technology in suspension is getting better and better every month it seems like for mtb. The only thing that would blow it all out of the water was if King suspension came into play along. LOL. Where I do not like the idea of a battery controlling my derailleur or seat post, I could get behind this because the consequence is less of a ride killer. Great quiver featured here Jeff....that Ripley looks fun!!!!
Thanks Mike! Yeah it's sweet that without the battery, it then reverts to normal. If I didn't get to try it on the trail BEFORE being told about it, I'd never believe it works as well as it does. It'll be neat when more bikes are designed around it- like the new Santa Cruz Bronson and Hightower.
Very interesting, I would think your comment as building bikes around it is the best way to get the most out of this product is accurate.
Yeah, and when I tested back-to-back race runs, it wasn't decidedly quicker. But I do think it's just a part of a greater system that will result in better bikes and experiences.
Feels like sidekick hub, neo, and an inefficient pedaling suspension design would be a match made in heaven
all useless wastes of money.
I know the reviews on their truck version is pretty amazing as well. I can certainly see myself running this in the future.
well this new tech doesn't change anything about my hardtail so BOOM! TITLE DESTROYED WITH FACTS AND LOGIC!
LOL!!! Fair point- and my Stooge isn't changing one bit either!
@@JeffKendallWeed just wait until they make electronically controlled rigid forks... then we will have the peak of mtb tech
I had Live Valve 2.0 on my Trance Advanced Pro 29 2 120/130 bike and didnt like it. The tuning was too limited and made the fork and shock overly firm and stiff especially the fork would hurt my hands on a short ride. This looks so much better as the last one I always wanted my fork open. This looks pretty smart.
yes how will the rider be on loose over hard surfaces or lot of rock gardens. will it be unperceptible or will the forearm bones: radius and ulna have deep bone pain?!
@@thomashendron4356 Not a lot of people have tried it and I gave it 2 months to see if I liked it and it definitely had its pros and cons, if I was on flow trails which I dont have a lot around where Im at it would have been nice. But going around corners the bike did stand up a bit which was annoying.
@@Wes-o9t what are flow trails?! Hee hee I would take a demo ride see if the pros and cons vs acoustic suspension
I feel like these on short travel bikes doesn’t make a lot sense. I think the real benefit will come on long travel slacked out bikes where you want a soft sus for the descents they are designed to slay but then need to pedal them back up where any help is welcome.
@@dadventuretv2538 Same.
Great review, Jeff! I think you've both tested and explained it much better than Pink Bike. I was not interested in adding anything electronic to my mountain bike, but I can actually see the benefits here with this one.
Thanks! I would have been EXTREMELY skeptical of it if I hadn't ridden it before hearing about what it is. But my first ride on it was the Lord of the Squirrels, and I was absolutely shocked at how well it worked. I had zero idea it was firming up- as it felt PLUSHER turned on. Go figure. It's fun when new stuff works that well!
Firebird is cool as heck
Back in the early 2000s specialized had the brain system on their epic and was just like this but better since it had no need for a battery! Amd it was an amazing system
How exactly do you reach the conclusion that Specialized’s Brain was better? The ability to control suspension electronically, opening it or locking it in milliseconds depending on several riding factors, including drops, power meter, terrain, is far superior to the Brain.
Will it fit my hardtail?
Thank goodness you asked, Im sure there's an adapter kit somewhere LOL
@@JeffKendallWeed 😂
What about my rigid tandem?
Asking the real questions lmao
How well does it deal with rly small bumps and chatter rather than noticeable features
I'm not interested in it, but I do appreciate it. I was wondering when truly active suspension would show up. It's ultimately not too complex to basically just run automated lockouts on poppet valves from an industrial view.
As always, appreciate your in dept coverage of all the things!
Thank you Tron!
I like of course. Cannondale had this same concept and tech in the Simon Lefty 7 yrs ago. However, Cdale did not bring that to market. It was probably too expensive and it's Cannondale.
What do you think about the motioninstruments system? Also, when do you think we'll start to see the LVN in the fork too?
Bro, I forgot to charge my battery. For your motor? No. Oh, your derailleur? No, not that one. Your dropper then. No dude, the one for my shock.
Hook everything up to one battery, remove the cranks, and call it a motorcycle.
Is that a COROS Dura computer on your bars??? I just picked one up and I’m curious to hear thoughts for the mountain side of things.
It's definitely something I'm interested in but i have just swapped out my float X for the MY24 Fox X2 because could never get the float X running right, i have been off a bike a few years just back to it this year but annoys the life out me trying to get that rear shock dialed in! So yeah it's for someone like me and either coming back from old bikes to new Bike's or just someone wanting to get on and ride! the shocks certainly put me off for a couple of month's when first got the ebike! Seems better now with the new X2 but the float X only in air shock yeah wouldn't go back to it i don't think, I'd need a loaner bike with it first to make sure.
13:18 what is the rod on the side of the fork and shock here that we don't see anywhere else?
Interesting take on it, Jeff. It would be interesting to try it on a bike that already has a "low" level of anti-squat (like the new santas cruz). I ride a bronson 4.1 everywhere from flat trails to bike parks. I don't see myself adding this to my bike anytime soon, but it does seem like I would be a good candidate for it.
Yeah the Bronson is a pretty open, playful bike- I wish I had a 230mm size version to try on the Bronson (or new Hightower), but alas, I do not!
Loved the video. As usual your opinions always seem genuine. I’m curious what you thought of Fox decision to not make this available on a fork. it sounds like Fox decided that this application has a place on the rear suspension only.
it's explained in the video
I would disagree on the pricing. You can get a similar shock without it firming up sometimes for half the price. We will see if bikes actually change but seems like cool innovation.
Or you could get a hardtail for even less. But for the highest end, with the most tech, only being $1400, instead of $750, it's surprisingly attainable.
@@JeffKendallWeed I guess I am just a broky then 🤔😅
whatever happened to the brain shock fox had on the specialized stupjumper 15 years ago ?
Smart that neko made his new fw enduro based around the float x
When do we get to see the telemetry data from the kit you were running with Logan?
Remember the Specialized "Brain" shock? Things have come so far since then.
YES! I was having PTSD flashbacks to that thing during the initial presentation. Luckily, Livevalve is nothing like that old relic. I remember Brain being "meh" on the back of the Epic, then didn't Specialized push Fox to make a fork with it as well? Ewwww LOL!
Is it giving both high and low speed adjustments on that float x or just the basic float X compression and rebound? And will an X2 version with this be next if its not?
Counting on my cable actuated parts to last long enough for pricing on wireless gear to come down to earth. Honestly, I have more faith in mechanical systems and I'm sure I'm not alone. Then again, I love my eMTB but I'm currently BT free and not complaining.
With you. Just ditched the T-type on my Oso and went to Shimano Linkglide.
@@dadventuretv2538 cool. How's that Linkglide working out? I'm on my 1st SRAM drivetrain after years of Shimano Deore and XT. So far I'm pretty stoked. I mean it works... What more do I need?
@@jcgarcia1931 only two rides but so far, typical Shimano. Smooth, easy and it just works. I do kinda wish it had a 10 tooth for those times when on pavement or a smooth fire-road that is either flat or slightly downhill, but not a big deal bc those are very rare for me. Otherwise, in love so far.
Fun to watch but I already have nightmares about charging watches and phones 😅
I've always viewed you as an "anti-battery" reviewer so I'm a little surprised by how much you like this. It must work shockingly well!
Yeah I did complain the battery life wasn't amazing! But I do prefer mechanical, non electric stuff. I'm generally not a fan of firm switches. This system worked well enough that I am changing my tune a bit. But today I'll be riding a bike without the system, and won't be complaining!
@@JeffKendallWeed I feel you, I think it's really cool from an engineering standpoint, has applications for racers, and potential for new bike design, but for now I already deal with enough computers for my day job and prefer my bikes stay mechanical.
The bikes do kinda look visibly livelier and smoother with the system on vs. a little more sluggish and squishy with it off.
It helps with ED, too
diggin the 60 FPS clips.
Thanks! Somehow it uses LESS storage space than the old 4k24FPS, and it allows for nice slo mo on occasion.
@invisibleazn9330 I was wondering why the more recent stuff looked much better on my OLED. Some older videos with a bunch of mixed clips were really obviously stuttery when they were cut together. I actually used one of them to calibrate the motion smoothing because it was so stark!
I wish they could do energy harvesting on the dampers so you don't need to charge anything.
I still believe that no matter how good this is, a custom tuned coil shock will be cheaper and perform better
Same with a customized fork ( better seals, bushings and oil )
should i get a new frame now or wait for the ones optimised for electronic suspesnion?
Also we need a timed test against flight atendant
LOL the timed testing was totally not conclusive! I did 2 runs on 2 trails back-to-back on the same day. Each trail was about 2 minutes, 15 seconds long. And on one trail, the system was 2 seconds faster. On the other, the system was 2 seconds slower. So perhaps that somewhat lower angle trail wasn't the right spot. I do think taller riders, who sit further back, will benefit more, and it's just a lot of personal preference. I don't have any flight attendant experience, but that would be a nice test.
@@JeffKendallWeed maybe extremer bikes (>170mm High Pivots) would profit more(beacuse they lose more pedalling). Or a rider who rides less smooth then you.
PS great Video
How does this differ from getting a custom tune on the damper?
How do you find time for these videos? We are in bellingham this week, and it is raining 🌧 for like 5 days straight! Going to try to sneak in a pumptrack session tomorrow.
It absolutely has not rained for five days straight, you are crazy. September is perhaps the best month of the year to ride in Bellingham. Trails can handle quite a bit moisture. Only winter freeze thaws are really too much for riding.
On an E-MTB this should be the default option!
so how does it compare to RockShox Flight Attendant?
Is just an automatic climb switch, right?
Been riding the previous gen Fox Live Valve on my Pivot Switchblade and at first i thought it was gimmicky but dang, it really does make it easy on the trails. Interesting to see if it'd be worth looking at the Neo in comparison.
Alas, wish I had tried the wired system!
@@JeffKendallWeed swing by the PNW and you can take mine out for a spin 🤣
Fox answer to flight attendant…..
Live valve has been around for a while now though right? Maybe this neo version is new, but we don't see live valve or even flight attendant affecting bike design so far... how will this be different?
Didnt Santa Cruz JUST release both a Hightower and a Bronson in the last couple weeks- both with less anti squat? Would be a PERFECT application!
Once electronic controlled suspension is widely accepted there will be bikes with much less antisquat or strange levrage curves
In general I’m not a fan of electronics that require batteries on bikes. I hate all the batteries in my life already and don’t want any more on the machine I use as my escape from the modern world. Plus, I don’t like electronics on machines I take into the middle of nowhere with often no cell service bc you cannot repair or jerry rig them trailside if they fail or break. So kudos to Fox for at least making the functioning mechanism mechanical- I think its design will add to the durability of it. That said, do I want it? Kinda torn, I have to admit. Like I said for me there has to be a real big benefit for an electronic component for me to get it and this doesn’t seem to have that much benefit. It seems like mostly a benefit at the extremes. That said, I hate flip switches and when I do use them constantly forget to flip them back to open when at the top of a climb, so a system like this would definitely be beneficial to me in that regard. But I think you hit the nail on the head- linkages and shock tunes on bikes are so good these days you really don’t need to firm them up with a switch anymore in all but a very few situations- like end of a day on a long slog like you mentioned. It would also be cool in my local, more XC, rolling trails- the rolling terrain changes so much you’ll never use a manual switch but a bit firmer on some of the steep burners would be nice. And then it would open up for some of the little extra credit stuff I like to hit along the way. I agree that the price is not actually terrible. But at the end of the day, will I get it to put on one of my current rigs? No. Will I buy a new bike bc of it? Definitely not. If I needed a new bike anyway, would I get one with it over a bike with just a great suspension like a DW Link or switch infinity or VPP or something? That’s the one I don’t know. I’d probably have to demo it and see if there are really big enough improvements from it to justify it. I don’t want my bike to be a formula one car- sure they are amazing machines- but they are also like the most high maintenance girlfriend ever. And I don’t want that in a mountain bike. If I’m gonna add tech, it better make my riding experience amazingly more awesomer.
Cool Tech, I wonder where we'll be in another 10 yrs
If battery tech gets better, self dropping seatposts will be cool. I think eMTBs will advance a TON in that time, but I'm guessing today's pedal bikes will still be pretty relevant.
Flying bikes 😀
No need to wonder, ask Honda and Kawasaki, they already did it 50 years ago.
@@eezing140 I don't recall Honda or Kawasaki creating that, but I'm thinking Moto, what did they call it?
we'll be looking at efficient lightweight respirator tech by then
I’ll just stick to my shorter travel bike on non-buff trails. No need for firmer or locked out suspension.
When you come out of battery during a ride, does the shock remains frozen in whatever setting it were, or does it turn back to open mode?
And can it make the difference between a takeoff or a pump where you need support, and a trail compression that you would need your shock to absorb it?
Without power, the solenoid always returns to open mode- thanks to that spring. If a takeoff has a bumpy bit, it'll open, but if it's smooth, then it'll stay firmed up for a nice pump. In the air, it'll detect freefall, so it's always open for landings.
@@JeffKendallWeed ok that makes sense. Thanks for the review.
About the battery life, maybe that's because the solenoid needs to be electrically fed during all the time it closes the shock. Depending on the ride it can suck all the battery energy quicker or slower.
Did you try to trick the sensors by running a fully closed fork or rigid fork? Just to see how it reacts?
I wonder if Fox consulted with Peter Nguyen. He did something almost the same on his Stumpjumper for his mechanical engineering thesis at SJSU a few years ago.
Tell me more. Couldn't find anything when I searched his name
Hey, JKW!
Sorry to post this on this new, unrelated video but I know you can really only monitor comments/questions on recent videos. Soooooo...I hope you can lend me some thoughts!
I think a lot of the bikes you tend to review are a little too much travel for my fairly flat US plains states trail riding. My area has lots of chattery trails from weather/livestock/equestrians but not any "mountains" giving us much in the way of serious drops/rock rolls. We have a few jumps but again nothing too wild. I'm looking for - essentially - a short travel trail bike. Any suggestions for the use case I've outlined? RM Instinct? SB140? SB120? SC 5010 or Tallboy? Druid? Ripley V5? Commencal TEMPO?
No shops in my area have anything available to demo aside from XC race bikes and big ebikes. Any recommendations? Anything I should avoid?
Thanks, Jeff!
Hey there Pilot, I saw your comment the other day, you are correct, I can't keep up with all of them. I haven't ridden Tall boy, Instinct, Druid, Tempo, 5010 or SB120. Only the SB140 and Ripley V5. I would also suggest looking at something smaller, like a Rocky Element or a Pivot Trail 429. A lot of the bikes in your list are running 150 or 160 36 forks, that could be more heft than you really need, and possibly less fun. I absolutely LOVE that Ripley V5, but Im also pretending it's a full sized AM bike- I haven't tried it on super mellow trails. But for the size and feel, I am so gosh dang stoked on how stiff and stout it is. One of my favorite "short" travel bikes ever, and I dont feel sketchy hitting full on black diamond BC trails on it. Between the new Ripmo and new Ripley, I find myself preferring the new Ripley by quite a bit. Maybe it;d be a nice "tweener" between the little 120 bikes and the bigger 140 rigs?
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks for the reply! My guess was the same as your experienced rationale. I thought a 140mm travel frame might be likely to be fun-stealing and too muted but I have no way of finding that out until it's too late or someone like yourself with a ton more experience can make a suggestion (or until I find a shop that isn't trying to upsell me to a 160mm ebike no matter the trails I'm riding). Thanks for taking the time and the brainpower!
I like riding the hardtail I'm on now - it's super fun and feels like a faster, flowier version of my old street/park bmx bike - but I spend a lot of time chattering along climbs and flat traverses and it's pretty frustrating/annoying to pedal a 20 minute hoof-destroyed trail with a stiff back end!
Thanks again for the info! I'll look at the Ripley V5, SB120, 5010 (current bike's a mullet and it's sick), and Tallboy. They're all in that 120mm to 130mm range.
...and OF COURSE I'll buy from Jenson using your link!
Spur
how is the shock setup when you use it? everything wide open?
Right after I get an email about livevalve Jeff already has a video out. So do you have to pay 999 for the shock then an additional 399 for the neo kit?
So if I get this will I pop 30 foot transfers like you JKW? 😅
What do you think is the hardest climb in town, Jeff?
Can you make a video about what's the technical difference between fox livevalve neo and rockshox flight attendant?
I can't. I don't have any experience with Flight Attendant, nor do I have the components.
fox live valve neo: only the rear shock, shock is closed unless the electrronics opens it
Flight attendant: Rear shock+fork , system is always open unless electronics closes it
so there basic setup is pretty different
Exciting but i really wish fox and sram couldve established a battery standard. if you have Sram AXS and Fox Livevalve on your bike you need 3 batteries and 2 different chargers where you cant mix and match.
Yea- and Shimano also has their eMTB battery, would be sweet if the fox stuff could plug into that. The wire length from shock to frame battery wouldn't be long.
I like the idea on Fox's Neo system, but it's insanely expensive. I would like to see a dumb but electric remote lockout though if it could be done for under $1k.
I think it's more realistic that new gen bikes, like all those new Santa Cruz's that just came out, will start using this stuff as OEM spec.
Not rocket since if you come from semiconductors and automotive, but finally the did it! Maaaan, how long have we waited for this low tec! :)
Hahaha yeah it's a different world- MUCH smaller industry, much smaller quantities, and honestly, much lower prices. Fox hired a ton of people to help develop the Neo communication system, that was what they were most psyched on.
As a regular guy, with a normal job and bills to pay, this stuff just isn’t really for me, and I’m cool with that. I buy most of my bike parts used from pinkbike. I guess the one thing that gets me excited is the prospect of the rediculous parade of weight saving materials and parts seems to be coming to a close if everything will require sensors and batteries all over the bike. You are also going to have to carry spare batteries or solar back packs and helmets I guess too….
Anyone ever forget to open the shock after a climb until after you finished the descent?
All the time. It’s why I insist on buying bike brands with linkages that pedal well enough up that they dont require you to firm them up.
That's how I broke my pelvis.
@@Durkus_MaximusGuilty multiple times, current Giant rear suspension is in open mode
Placebo best comment he probably could have made I'd love to try it and see myself
Is there any benefit for a full power, long travel emtb?
For long travel, yes, it preserves the geometry quite a bit. This is something Logan and I noticed on the steep, punchy climb. For a short travel application, the benefit would be reduced. I was also curious about eMTB applications, and had arranged for an eMTB to test this with, but unfortunately, it did not arrive in time.
@@JeffKendallWeed interesting, did you prefer one shock over the other? ( dhx vs float x)
@@bostondye3736 Well, I only rode the DHX on the Ripley, and it feels ok there. But the Float X felt amazing- on both the Firebird and Process. I'm more of a fan of the Float X.
Nice, more weight. Just what the actual bikes need.
So now you have to remember to charge your dropper post battery, your dropper post lever battery, your derailleur battery, your shifter battery, your shock battery, and your fork battery, what's happening to modern mountain bikes? and what's next? wireless brakes?
We just need a pop button connected to the front and rear together. Never case again. LOL
HA!
This is one of the only battery operated things i would want on a bike. i think it would be great on a enduro or freeride bike with a coil shock. Not having to think about locking it is great feature.
Is it just me or does anyone else find it kinda annoying that when new products are launched its like a coordinated marketing attack on every youtuber's channel simultaneously?
100%, youtubers are walking billboards these days
Yes, it's super cheesy. Though it has its place- it's new stuff, and we all agreed to wait until now to post about it. Everyone has the goal of getting the clicks while it's new and interesting and immediately relevant, so I try to do a pretty legit piece of content rather than just post a press release. Notice I tried the system on three different bikes? But it certainly feels kinda forced when it all finally drops at once.
@@JeffKendallWeedThis is a really mature and well considered response.
it is def annoying but it’s just the way it goes with media embargoes and trying to catch the algorithm
This is standard practice because it allows reviewers to use the product without having to see who can rush to be the first to post something about it.
Do I need to charge it every week or does it last?
Riding 4-5 times in a week, and I'd need to charge it every 2 weeks or so. And it's no biggie to ride without the system active.
@@JeffKendallWeedthat’s not too bad then, and you ride more than most
uhhhh, only the shock? what's the point while the fork is left out
Trail bikes have such short stems, the fork is rarely sent bouncing around. The difference on the rear shock is positively noticeable, and trying to lock out a fork is not worth it. GripX2 doesn't even have a firm lever.
Honestly 👍
Thanks man!!!
I wrote this morning about bikes in 2038 having sensors for chunk and will automatically engage a pedal kickback system….joking but, man this is a crazy similar thing !!
None of your links work when I click them. They open and immediately close. I'm using Chrome on a PC.
Thanks for the head's up! I've always had a hunch that affiliate tracking works like 10-20% of the time. Luckily Jenson supports me pretty well, so it's kind of expected. Thanks again!
I guess SRAMs patent on a single battery ecosystem has ran out since this uses the same battery as the dropper, right?
Same battery as the dropper post.
The bicycle is going the way of the work truck. A bare bones, basic ride that is reflected in a need only outlay of cash is history. I miss my work truck.
Can you compare that to rockshox flight attendant
I was amazed you had a black bear at the beginning of the video. Show more wild life 😊
That was a grizzly
Catching up ...
I'd say taking the lead.
tried it last week, its pretty awesome
Works SO MUCH BETTER than I ever expected!
@@JeffKendallWeed quite a strange feeling, i used it on a rocky altitude climbing and it was cool
It is always fun to watch you ride a mountain bike, Jeff!
“It’s definitely not worse” lol
Well, I didn’t get conclusive data saying it is indeed outright faster. It does inspire more confidence, and provides a better experience, but I can’t “prove” it’s better, so was struggling to articulate this in a way that expresses my excitement, optimism, and good experience, but also something that wouldn’t be misconstrued as misleading. Something like much lighter wheels would be easier to show a difference on a stop watch. But also much easier to have break and put a stop to a run!
Sounds like another change I’ll be making in a year or two.
Would you choose this for your personal bike or a custom tuned shock, like the Telum or Push 11-6?
Everyone complaining about charging or forgetting batteries, one simple trick. It's called being organized.
Leave the battery and everything you need in your helmet (gloves, heart rate monitor, bike computer, batteries, battery charger, etc.).
When you're ready to go ride there's no way to forget anything.
When you're done with your ride, put everything back in the helmet and when you get home your battery is right there in your hand when you unload the car. Plug in the battery. Battery finishes charging. Put the battery back in the helmet.
It's really not hard to do, people just need to be more organized with their lives and stop complaining so much.
If you're really worse than that, then plug the battery into the charger on your pillow on your bed. There's literally no way you can forget it on the charger at that point and put it back in the helmet when it's done and you go to bed.
Maybe be the downfall in the shock the magnetic solenoid they always pack up
do you think they will release something for the forks as well? Also in your opinion is it worth it?
I was waiting for this. Sensor technology will become the most faulty and unreliable part of your bike.
Looks like a big game changer to me ✊✊✊