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Exploring the Best in Cycling Gear: FOX Factory Suspension, RaceFace Hardgoods, and Ride Concepts Shoes & Apparel

When it comes to mountain biking, having the right gear can make all the difference between a thrilling ride and a challenging one. From high-performance suspensions to durable hardgoods and shoes designed for optimal comfort, the combination of FOX Factory, RaceFace, and Ride Concepts creates an unbeatable package for serious riders. In this blog post, we’ll dive into these top brands and explore their products that every mountain biker should consider.


FOX Factory Suspension: Precision and Performance

FOX Factory has long been a leader in the world of mountain bike suspension, known for its innovative designs and commitment to delivering performance at the highest level. With a focus on both elite riders and enthusiasts, FOX continues to evolve its technology to offer precision, adjustability, and smooth performance across various riding styles and terrains. From the high-end forks to rear shocks, FOX’s suspension products are engineered to help you ride with confidence and control.


Newest Products:

FOX 36SL Fork: The new FOX 36SL fork is a lighter, more responsive version of the beloved FOX 36, designed specifically for riders looking to reduce weight without sacrificing performance. Whether you're tackling aggressive trails or climbing challenging ascents, the 36SL offers exceptional performance with a reduced weight profile. The fork features FOX’s proven GRIP, GRIPX, and GRIPX2 dampers, offering precise high- and low-speed compression adjustments, and the FLOAT air spring for a plush, responsive ride. The 36SL is designed to give riders that ideal balance of stiffness, strength, and reduced weight, making it perfect for everything from technical climbs to intense descents.

Three bike suspension forks on a black background: orange Factory, black Performance Elite, and black Performance. Text highlights features.
A wide offering of 36SL builds and price ranges.

FOX Float X2 Shock (Redesigned): The latest iteration of the FOX Float X2 shock features a redesigned damping system that makes it even more responsive and capable of handling a wider range of conditions. With improvements in the low-speed and high-speed compression adjustments, the new Float X2 provides more control and better traction, especially on technical and rugged terrain. Its updated design allows for easier setup and tuning, with dual-position adjustments to optimize both comfort and performance across diverse trail conditions. Whether you’re racing down enduro tracks or pushing the limits on aggressive rides, the Float X2 delivers enhanced stability and control.


Three Fox bike shocks displayed: black, gold, and orange. Text reads "FLOAT X2" and "DHX2." Background is white; no actions present.
Completely new platforms for Float X2 and DHX2 models.

Exploded view of a mechanical component with blue, grey, and gold parts on a black background. Text reads "High Speed."
New valving assemblies allow for unprecedented custom tuning.


FOX Float X Shock: The FOX Float X shock is an excellent choice for riders who want a lightweight and efficient rear shock that excels on both climbs and descents. With its open, adjustable damping system and optimized air spring, the Float X provides plush suspension that adapts to rough terrain, allowing for superior performance across all types of trails. The shock’s mid-range design offers a fantastic balance between performance and weight savings, making it ideal for trail riders and cross-country enthusiasts who demand reliability without the added bulk.


FOX Live Valve Neo: The new FOX Live Valve Neo product line takes automatic suspension adjustment to the next level. With advanced sensor technology and enhanced algorithms, Live Valve Neo adapts even more precisely to changing terrain in real time. This next-gen system seamlessly adjusts both compression and rebound settings on the fly, offering smoother transitions between climbing and descending. Live Valve Neo provides improved efficiency, comfort, and traction, making it ideal for riders who want an effortless riding experience across all conditions. Whether you’re tackling rugged descents or technical climbs, the Live Valve Neo ensures that your bike remains perfectly tuned for the terrain, so you can focus more on the ride and less on manual adjustments.

Close-up of a Fox FLOAT X LiveValve shock in black and gold. Features include a red adjustment dial and visible branding text on a white background.
Live Valve packages are now wireless with NEO


RaceFace Hardgoods: Built to Last

RaceFace is known for creating durable, high-performance components that are built to handle the toughest trails while offering precision, strength, and style. From pedals to cranks, handlebars, and stems, RaceFace products are designed with aggressive riders in mind who demand the best from their gear. With cutting-edge designs and top-quality materials, RaceFace continues to be a go-to brand for mountain bikers looking to push their limits.


Newest Products:

RaceFace Turbine Pedals: The RaceFace Turbine pedals are designed to provide the perfect combination of performance and durability. With a large, concave platform and a robust, lightweight aluminum body, these pedals deliver superior grip and stability, even on the most demanding trails. The custom-designed Traction Pins ensure optimal foot-to-pedal connection, giving you confidence during aggressive descents or tricky technical sections. Sealed bearings and a durable construction ensure these pedals will withstand the elements while keeping you connected to your bike ride after ride.

Close-up of a silver bicycle pedal with "Turbine" text, set against a blurred earthy background with leaves. Black screws are visible.

RaceFace ERA Crankset: The RaceFace ERA crankset is engineered for the modern rider who needs a lightweight yet incredibly strong system. Designed specifically for trail and enduro riders, the ERA crankset uses RaceFace's Cinch system, allowing you to easily swap chainrings, giving you versatility for a variety of terrains. The crank arms are crafted from resilient carbon fiber with unique stainless steel wear plates to guard against the damage caused by footwear friction while adding additional impact protection. They provide a perfect blend of strength and weight savings. Whether you're tackling steep climbs or powering through fast descents, the ERA crankset delivers smooth, reliable performance, making it a top choice for aggressive riders looking for the perfect balance of performance and durability.


RaceFace ERA Handlebars: The RaceFace ERA handlebars are designed to give you superior control and comfort on the trail. With a lightweight but strong aluminum construction, these handlebars are built to withstand the rigors of enduro and trail riding while offering a responsive feel. The 35mm clamp diameter ensures enhanced stiffness for precise steering and improved handling, especially when riding through technical terrain. With a generous 800mm width, the ERA handlebars provide optimal leverage and control for aggressive riders, while the slight rise helps maintain a comfortable and ergonomic riding position. Whether you’re navigating tight switchbacks or barreling through rough descents, these handlebars are designed to handle it all.

Close-up of a muddy bicycle handlebar with "ERA" and other text. The monochrome setting emphasizes the wet, rugged texture.
Goldilocks Tuned ERA handlebars are the sweet spot for compliance preferred by most riders.

RaceFace Turbine SL Stem: The RaceFace Turbine SL stem is a top-tier, lightweight stem designed to enhance control and precision without adding unnecessary weight. Made from high-strength aluminum, this stem is built to handle the demands of aggressive riding while keeping the weight low. With a 35mm clamp diameter, it ensures a stiff, responsive front end that translates to better handling, whether you’re riding technical trails or racing down the mountain. The Turbine SL stem features a sleek design with a low stack height to keep your bike’s front end responsive, and its durability ensures it will withstand years of punishment.


Ride Concepts Shoes & Apparel: Comfort Meets Durability

When it comes to mountain biking footwear, Ride Concepts has made a name for itself by delivering shoes designed specifically for the demands of aggressive riders. Combining comfort, performance, and durability, their shoes are perfect for those who want to ride hard and stay comfortable.


Ride Concepts Livewire Shoes: The Livewire shoes are a favorite among riders for their balance of comfort and performance. With a sticky rubber sole and a secure fit, these shoes provide excellent grip on both the pedal and the ground. The breathable upper material ensures comfort even on long rides, and the reinforced toe cap protects against rocks and obstacles.

Gray and black shoe with gum sole on white background. "RIDE CONCEPTS" text on sole. "THE LOAM WOLF EDITOR'S PICK 2024" badge displayed.
Livewire shoes are comfortable and resilient for all types of riding.


Ride Concepts Vice Shoes: The Vice shoes are designed for enduro and downhill riders who need maximum protection and durability. With a rugged, all-terrain tread pattern and a secure closure system, the Vice offers great traction and support. The shoe’s stiff sole enhances power transfer, making it ideal for technical terrain and aggressive riding.


Ride Concepts Women's Line: Ride Concepts has expanded their product range to include a women's-specific line of shoes and apparel. Designed with female riders in mind, these products provide the same high level of performance as their unisex counterparts, with a focus on comfort and fit. From cushioned insoles to durable outsoles, their women’s line ensures all riders can hit the trail with confidence.

Gray and black sneakers with a blue logo. One shoe is upright, the other on its side, against a white background. Text inside reads: "EVERY DAY".
Accomplice shoes have a sock-style upper and a BOA enclosure for an incredibly comfortable feel.

Ride Concepts Apparel: In addition to footwear, Ride Concepts also offers a range of cycling apparel designed for comfort, durability, and style. Whether you’re riding in hot conditions or braving colder weather, their clothing lineup includes breathable jerseys, padded shorts, and weather-resistant jackets that keep you protected no matter the conditions. The quality fabrics and thoughtful designs make their apparel ideal for the demands of mountain biking.

Olive green socks with geometric patterns in white and orange. One sock is upright, the other tilted. Plain white background.
Loads of color and style options make it fun to customize your look with your gear.

When it comes to mountain biking, FOX Factory, RaceFace, and Ride Concepts offer some of the best products on the market. FOX’s suspension systems provide the smooth ride and performance needed to tackle any trail, while RaceFace’s hardgoods ensure your bike components are up for the challenge. Meanwhile, Ride Concepts delivers the comfort and durability you need in shoes and apparel.

For any serious rider, investing in products from these brands can transform your mountain biking experience. Whether you're looking to upgrade your suspension, enhance your bike's components, or find the perfect shoes and gear, FOX Factory, RaceFace, and Ride Concepts have you covered. The combination of these top-tier products will help you push your limits and ride with confidence, no matter what the trail throws at you.


So, gear up and get ready to hit the trail with the best of the best! Swing by The Shad Co. to see the newest products from FOX Factory, RaceFace, and Ride Concepts and upgrade your gear today!


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