Fox DHX2 Factory vs Ohlins TTX22M: Which One Wins?

Fox DHX2 Factory and Ohlins TTX22M are two of the rear shocks that riders most often weigh against each other when choosing a coil shock. They overlap on paper, but the details that separate them show up in price, weight, setup and long-term ownership. This comparison uses the specifications and ratings recorded in the Gear Matrix database.

At a glance Fox DHX2 Factory (Fox): £560, 0.95 kg, rated 4.8, compatibility Standard eyelet mounts. Ohlins TTX22M (Ohlins): £672, 0.90 kg, rated 4.8, compatibility Standard mounts.

Price and weight Fox DHX2 Factory costs £112 less than Ohlins TTX22M, and is 0.05 kg heavier.

Where Fox DHX2 Factory stands out Fox DHX2 Factory leans on coil spring, four-way damping, reservoir design. It is aimed at enduro and downhill. The trade-off to weigh: heavier.

Where Ohlins TTX22M stands out Ohlins TTX22M leans on twin-tube design, excellent sensitivity, wide tuning range. It is aimed at enduro and DH. The trade-off to weigh: premium cost.

Fitment and setup A rear shock's damper architecture, air-can volume and the frame's leverage curve work together; a shock that suits one frame can feel wrong on another. Check eye-to-eye length, stroke and mounting hardware (trunnion or standard) against the frame spec. Set sag at about 25-30 percent, then adjust rebound and compression, and service the air sleeve regularly. In this pairing, Fox DHX2 Factory lists Standard eyelet mounts, while Ohlins TTX22M lists Standard mounts; confirm which matches your bike before buying.

Fitment: length, stroke and mounting Rear shocks are specified by eye-to-eye length and stroke, and the wrong size can damage the frame or change the geometry. Check the manual for your frame before choosing Fox DHX2 Factory or Ohlins TTX22M, and confirm the mounting hardware and any required bushings or spacers.

Heat, long descents and service Shocks heat up during long, fast descents, which can change damping behaviour. A larger air can or a design that handles heat well can give more consistent performance. Regular servicing keeps seals and oil fresh, so check the intervals for Fox DHX2 Factory and Ohlins TTX22M and plan the cost.

Balancing front and rear A shock should work in harmony with the fork. If one end feels much harsher or softer than the other, the bike will feel unbalanced under braking and in corners. Match sag, rebound and compression adjustments front and rear so that the bike responds as a single, predictable system.

Intended use Choose a shock that suits how you actually ride. Aggressive enduro and downhill riders often benefit from extra adjustability and capacity, while trail riders may prefer a simpler, lighter option that is easier to set up and live with.

Damper design and adjustability A rear shock's damper controls how the rear wheel responds to impacts and how the bike behaves under pedalling. Fox DHX2 Factory and Ohlins TTX22M each offer different adjusters, and the right settings depend on your weight, the frame's leverage curve and the terrain. Start from the recommended baseline and adjust in small steps.

Verdict Both score 4.8 in the database, so this one comes down to price, fit and which strengths matter on your own trails.

Also consider

• Fox Float X2 Factory (Fox): £523, rated 4.9. Piggyback shock with four-way adjustments.
• Fox Float X Factory (Fox): £448, rated 4.8. Lightweight trail shock with a consistent feel.
• RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate (RockShox): £500, rated 4.8. Trail shock with a high-quality damper.