Fast Suspension unveils the Fénix 2.0
A shock built for racing, but not only.
More and more brands are offering high-end custom shocks, each with its own approach and unique proposition.
Fast Suspension, a French company, specialises in tuning kits, service parts and high-quality complete shocks.
Their well-known Fenix shock has long been in their catalogue, but the brand is updating the platform with hydraulic bottom-out control and a more compact design.
Fast has made a name for itself through the build quality of its shocks, but also through the addition of a mid-speed compression circuit, which fills the gap between traditional low- and high-speed compression adjustments.
Fenix 2.0 details
Monotube coil shock
Trunnion or standard mount
External adjustments: low- and mid-speed compression, rebound
Climb switch with blow-off valve
Hydraulic Bottom Out (HBO)
Actual weight: 901 g (230×65 mm, with spring and hardware)
Price: €995 (€1,200 for the purple limited edition)
Website: fast-suspension.com
Current Fenix 1.0 owners can upgrade their shock to get the 2.0 features by sending it in for service.
This upgrade costs €149 and can be carried out at any authorised Fast service centre.
Available sizes:
Standard: 230 mm x 65 / 62.5 / 60 / 57.5 mm
Trunnion: 205 mm x 65 / 62.5 / 60 / 57.5 mm
Standard: 210 mm x 55 / 52.5 / 50 mm
Trunnion: 185 mm x 55 / 52.5 / 50 mm
Fenix 2.0 highlights
The biggest changes in the Fenix 2.0 are the addition of the HBO system and a refined overall design to fit more frames.
The shock still uses a monotube hydraulic circuit, with external adjustments for low- and mid-speed compression as well as rebound.
The HBO isn’t adjustable, but high-speed compression can be modified via an internal shim stack, tailored to your bike and preferences according to Fast’s tuning philosophy.
The external adjusters have 30 clicks and offer a wide range of settings to suit different riding styles.
Mid-speed compression: what is it?
Fast Suspension defines mid-speed compression as affecting the bike’s behaviour as it approaches and transitions into the high-speed compression circuit, acting as a bridge between it and low-speed compression.
In theory, this creates a smoother damping curve throughout the shock’s stroke, especially in that transition.
How the HBO works
Fast designed its HBO circuit to kick in over the last 25% of travel and tunes the feel according to the bike’s kinematics.
Based on my experience with their Ride E shock, their approach delivers extremely consistent and subtle end-stroke support, with no sticky feel or over-damping.
Climb lockout
The Fenix 2.0’s climb mode isn’t a traditional lockout, but rather a firm platform that still allows some suspension movement.
The system aims to preserve traction on climbs while maintaining ride height and chassis stability.
The climb platform can also be tuned internally to change its feel.
Options and warranty
For those who like a touch of originality, the Fenix 2.0 comes in a limited edition with purple anodising, for an extra €205.
No performance benefit, but lots of purple.
Fast offers an initial 2-year warranty on the shock, extended by one additional year after each service carried out by an authorised service centre.
