Fox CTD, how bad is it really?

[Sephton]

I recently read to my dismay that the Fox CTD is rather crap.

 

On my previous bike I had a Reba RL fork and the infamous DT Swiss M210 shock.

 

So when time came to upgrade my bike I though something with Fox CTD front and back would be nice. Seems it was the wrong choice by reading all the negativity around it.

 

Anyways, it seems the complaints were mostly around the Evolution series forks and to a lesser extent, the shocks. Luckily for me it seems, I chose the Giant Anthem with the Performance series and not the Scott Spark with the Evolution series, something I didn't even notice beforehand.

 

My question though is, are the issues sorted on the 2014 models or should I start saving for a Monarch and SID so long?

[camelman]

2013 Model was terrible. Rode a 2014 on a test bike that was much better, but not my favorite. I like the firmer feel of the Rockshox. Just my personal preference.

[openmind]

Apparently the 2014 CTD is hugely improved. Google for some reviews.

[GoLefty!!]

Rock Shox Solo Air and Dual Air are proven designs that work. Fox is always tinkering and leaving the end user to be the guinea pig.

Sure they keep changing the names of the same tech but fact is the stuff just works

[Sephton]

I must say, so far I'm loving the CTD on the Giant. Even in descent mode I get less bobbing than my old Spark due to the design of the Maestro suspension. And I can definitely feel the difference between the 3 modes front and back. Lets hope it stays that way...

[kosmonooit]

I've had no issues with mine, think its a 2013 (shock) - its great, just wish a had a nifty remote.

[DJR]

My 2014 Fox CTD works well, both front and back on a Giant Trance. Early days though, so cannot comment on longevity and service cost.

[GaryP]

Hi. My Giant Anthem 29er 2014 Fox CTD setup works very well so far. No complaints from me!

[Iwan Kemp]

2014 is a huge step up from 2013, but can't compete with RockShox on just about any front.

 

Pike kills their 34 and 36's, Revelation trumps the 32 and absolutely sweeps the floor with it the longer the travel grows, Fox has no answer for the Reba and the SID consistently out race the high end, short travel 32.

 

Float X is showing promise, but is suffering from CTD-syndrome which gave the Monarch Plus time to extend it's lead even further. X-less CTD shock is trying to hard to appeal to everyone riding just about any bike other than a coil shot beast.

 

There's a reason RockShox outsells Fox aftermarket. (...and SRAM Shimano)

[MoreTrails]

The CTD FIT forks are all good, the Evolution series forks and shocks are a mess.

 

2014 stuff is better, but not great and the shock works well till it needs it first damper service - then it is impossible to repair properly.

 

Save the money and at minimum buy a RS rear can. If you can, ditch the fork unless its a Factory FIT model....otherwise RS all the way! Either that or buy second hand pre CTD Fox that is in good order - you can service those in the kitchen sink, they are that easy to work on....almost

[LazyTrailRider]

2014 is a huge step up from 2013, but can't compete with RockShox on just about any front.

 

Pike kills their 34 and 36's, Revelation trumps the 32 and absolutely sweeps the floor with it the longer the travel grows, Fox has no answer for the Reba and the SID consistently out race the high end, short travel 32.

 

Float X is showing promise, but is suffering from CTD-syndrome which gave the Monarch Plus time to extend it's lead even further. X-less CTD shock is trying to hard to appeal to everyone riding just about any bike other than a coil shot beast.

 

There's a reason RockShox outsells Fox aftermarket. (...and SRAM Shimano)

 

Fully agreed. I've never ridden or owned a Fox fork/shock I've really liked.

[DubbelBuys]

ROCKSHOX for the win!!!

[Sephton]

The thing is it's quite difficult to buy a new bike without Fox these days, they're specced on almost all the big brands.

 

My fork is the FIT model so hopefully its not complete rubbish.

[awesme]

Iwan

 

Making me smile,

making me happy I fitted a RS Revelation RCT3 Solo air (120mm).

 

G

[kennyg]

I just built a CTD bike, front and rear.

 

I must say, the rear is great, everything works extremely well, the CTD feature spends 99% of the time in T, with a little time in the other two.

 

The fork, I never had an issue, once I set the rebound correctly, the fork was plush with limited bob, and the only grind I had was the C had some bob in, when the air setting was too low.

 

just my 2c.

Edited March 12, 2014 by kennyg

[Caerus]

Greg Minnaar can't be that wrong with his fork selection