April 15, 2004 – FOX Racing Shox is proud to introduce its completely revamped line of FLOAT rear shocks. Since 2000, the FLOAT line of lightweight, air sprung rear shocks has represented the industry standard for high-end air shocks. FOX Racing Shox was founded on the introduction of high performance air shock technology for the motocross market back in 1974. “It was my vision to create high-end air shocks for dirt bikes at a time when motocross was really taking off in the US and stock shock designs were not up to the performance demands being put on them,” Stated Bob Fox. “I knew I could make an air shock that would stand up to the rigors of the national motocross circuit.”

With countless titles won on FOX AirShox, the rest is history. Since 1993, FOX has led the bicycle market in rear air shock technology when it started producing the ALPS line for Cannondale. Over the course of seven years and multiple National and World Cup downhill wins, FOX engineers improved the ALPS line, which eventually evolved into the FLOAT Air Shock. By 2000 the FLOAT entered the scene with the largest market share in the fully suspended XC Race/Trail bike category.

“For 2005, the FLOAT line has been completely revamped,” Said Mario Galasso, Vice President of FOX's Bike Division, “We looked at everything; from making the FLOAT lighter to making set-up adjustments easier and more intuitive.” Using highly sophisticated 3-D CAD modeling and finite element analysis software, the new FLOAT air chamber and eyelet were sculpted to achieve a lower compression ratio while maximizing weight savings without sacrificing strength. The result is an unbelievable final weight of 195g for a 6.5″ x 1.5″ shock and 228g for a 7.875 X 2.0 shock. The RP3 is the flagship of the FLOAT line featuring externally adjustable ProPedal via a three position lever. The on-the-fly lever offers the rider three distinctly different ProPedal modes; very light compression damping, a medium amount of pedaling platform, and a firm mode that provides the rider with extremely efficient pedaling while remaining compliant to sharp, square edged bumps.

The RP3 also features a new wide range Rebound Damping adjuster that is concentric with and behind the ProPedal lever. “The new knob is very easy to access and use even with gloves on,” said Galasso. All Float models benefit from improvements made to the ProPedal and rebound circuits. Piston and valve design changes developed through the 2003 race season provide the foundation for better pedaling efficiency, excellent square edge bump absorption, and enhanced terrain following rebound performance.

FLOAT shocks are available in 3 models with varying levels of adjustability: FLOAT RP3 3-Way on-the-fly adjustable ProPedal Damping, Adjustable Rebound Damping, Adjustable Spring Rate. Approx Weight: 195 grams (6.5 x 1.5 – no hardware). Available in: 6.5 x 1.5, 7.25 x 17.75, 7.5 x 2.0, 7.875 x 2.0, 8.5 x 2.5, 9.5 x 3.0. Optional AVA, required on 8.5 and 9.5. FLOAT R Factory set ProPedal Damping, Adjustable Rebound Damping, Adjustable Spring Rate. Approx Weight: 195 grams (6.5 x 1.5 – no hardware). Available in: 7.5 x 1.5, 7.875 x 2.0, 8.5 x 2.5, 9.5 x 3.0. Optional AVA, required on 8.5 and 9.5. FLOAT Factory set ProPedal Damping, Factory set Rebound Damping, Adjustable Spring Rate. Approx Weight: 195 grams (6.5 x 1.5 – no hardware) Available in: 7.5 x 1.5, 7.875 x 2.0