Electronically-controlled suspension is upon us. What does it do and how does it impact the ride? It isn't cheap, but innovation like this rarely is...
Believe what you want, but humans will inevitably fall victim to the machines we create. The scientists at FOX are confident that robots can help improve the riding experience and give racers an edge on the competition. FOX aims to minimize human error and reduce mental fatigue with an automated suspension system of the future. As FOX carelessly pushes the future of technology in the sport of mountain biking with “Live Valve,” we humans credulously adopt the technology, unknowingly creeping closer and closer to doomsday. Don’t believe it? Consider yourself already on the kill-list.
That said, don’t worry about the machines, Vital MTB heard teamrobotkillsyourface.com gave up on world domination for the seminary anyway. Say three Hail Mary’s and all of your sins and doubts about humankind will be absolved.
The future is here. Right now. Despite having seen some bits and pieces of information about FOX’s new Live Valve platform from some recent bike launches and also trickling over from the motorsports world, today it is official. In June, FOX invited Vital MTB down to Asheville, North Carolina to check out their new automated suspension components. After having a chance to try this new technology and ripping a Live Valve-equipped Polaris UTV around a private track, we’re taking a look what exactly Live Valve is in the mountain bike world, how it works, why FOX made it, and how it rides.
Live Valve is an automatic, electronically-controlled system for mountain bike suspension. Designed to maximize the bike’s efficiency, Live Valve constantly reads the terrain and makes real-time adjustments to both the front and rear suspension.
FOX is making 32, 34, and 36-series forks available with Live Valve, as well as several air shocks. The system works for a wide range of bikes from cross-country to enduro.
On smooth terrain, the suspension remains closed or “locked-out” as many refer to it. As soon as the rider hits a bump, the system automatically opens the suspension. Compared to systems that have come before, Live Valve is extremely fast. In theory, the suspension is already alive and active before you feel the bump in your hands or feet.
To be perfectly clear, the suspension is either open or closed based on the terrain. The damping is not variable.
Live Valve features two sensors, one on the back of the fork bridge and one on the non-drive chainstay near the rear axle. These sensors are constantly responding the terrain, sampling information 1,000 times per second. When the sensor senses a bump of a greater magnitude than the preset threshold, the sensor then sends an electronic signal to the suspension. The signal is received and the Live Valve circuit opens the suspension. A proprietary latching solenoid is the heart of the Live Valve. It opens and closes a fluid flow path on the compression circuit. This whole process happens in a matter of 3 milliseconds (0.003 seconds).
It is important to note that Live Valve is designed to not react to rider’s input on the suspension, but only forces acting on the suspension coming up from the trail. This means that the suspension can remain stiff when preloading for a jump or pushing into a corner.
Using a 3-axis accelerometer located in the battery and control unit for the system, Live Valve knows when the rider is climbing, on flat terrain, or descending. The system does not take into consideration the lean-angle of the bike. Live Valve reacts differently for climbs, flats, and descents in order to maximize the bike’s performance for the given terrain. When climbing, the magnitude of the bump required to trigger the system is greater and Live Valve opens, or “unlocks” the suspension for a shorter period of time. On flats, Live Valve requires less force to trigger the system and the system remains open for a slightly longer period of time. Pointed downhill, the system’s threshold is lighter and the suspension remains open for even longer.
In many cases, riders do not hit a singular “bump” on the trail, so Live Valve keeps the suspension open as long as the sensor is sensing successive bumps. Once the sensor stops sensing bumps of a great enough magnitude, the built in timer starts and after X amount of time it will close itself again. This eliminates the need for the rider to think consciously about when to open and close the suspension.
The accelerometer is also used to determine when the bike enters “free-fall.” This means when a rider hits a jump, bunny hops, or launches off a drop, the system knows. When the accelerometer senses free-fall, it automatically opens the suspension for a smooth, plush landing.
Much of the theory behind the Live Valve system is to eliminate the need for riders to have to think about adjusting their suspension. That said, all of us bike nerds just can’t live with the idea of potentially not being able to at least turn a knob or two. Highly capable mountain bikes and the vast scope of riding styles also require the ability to adjust the suspension accordingly.
FOX has built five incremental adjustments into the Live Valve controller. In the lightest setting (setting one), the system features the lightest thresholds for climbing, flat, and descending variances, and the valve remains open for longer. As the setting increases to five, the threshold increases in magnitude and the valve closes quicker. Riders can easily change the setting based on the terrain with the control located on the battery.
FOX also allows for minor compression tuning on Live Valve forks and shocks. Using a 3mm hex key to turn the adjuster, FOX gives riders 18 clicks of compression adjustability.
The five incremental adjustments and base damping tune on all Live Valve systems will come preset from the frame manufacturer based on their respective preferences. For some bikes, this may mean a full lock-out. For others, it'll mean a firmer compression setting. FOX has their own computer program for Windows that can be used to tweak the threshold, time, and terrain angles for the five settings. This program allows frame manufacturers to make updates and quick changes to the base settings, but will not be available for consumers.
The initial setup process for Live Valve is the same as any other bike. Live Valve defaults open when the system is off. Before turning the system on, riders should conduct a proper sag test and set their rebound settings accordingly. The rebound damping circuit is not affected by the Live Valve circuit as Live Valve only opens and closes the compression circuit. After the proper sag is achieved, turn it on and get ready to rip.
We humans are weak, often falling victim to our own mistakes and shortcomings. We have all been there, cresting the top of our favorite trail after grinding up the climb. A quick gulp of water and we jump right in. While pinballing down the technical terrain it becomes apparent the suspension is still locked out. Grabbing for the lever, we get our fingers caught in the linkage and get catapulted off the trail.
Scenarios where human error has caused the end of the race or a less-than-enjoyable ride experience are why FOX has been developing Live Valve technology since at least 2015. Not only to simplify the overall riding experience by automating an adjustable feature, but also to give athletes the leading edge of efficiency and keep them focused on winning.
It is estimated that a cross-country World Cup racer may use their dual suspension lock-out 280 times in a one and a half hour World Cup race. FOX’s Live Valve is predicted to automatically activate almost 700 times in the same race.
FOX is a race down company, meaning many of their products are developed to give an athlete the edge they needs to win when margins are tight. If these technologies prove to give a rider an advantage on the world stage, then the potential for improving consumer’s ride quality and efficiency is there. Simplicity is the goal with Live Valve. The system itself is complicated, but the adjustments and riding experience are not.
Having had a FOX Live Valve-equipped Scott Genius 29er for a couple of months now, I’ve had a good chance to get familiar with the system on a variety of different trail networks. Rides have included everything from moist, rooty, grippy North Carolina trails, to loose, slow-tech desert terrain in Durango, and epic Colorado high-country singletrack.
As promised, Live Valve is fast. At first, the system’s action almost goes unnoticed. Cruising to the trailhead on the tarmac the bike holds a nice platform, but imperfections in the road and larger cracks in the sidewalk activate Live Valve and the suspension is seamlessly open. Just to make sure the system is on and functioning, the occasional full-speed curb ramming was necessary just for reassurance.
On the trail, Live Valve is highly responsive. The platform is a noticeable advantage, keeping the bike feeling fast similar to how it felt on paved surfaces. Sure enough, Live Valve maintains a smooth ride quality when it gets bumpy. On really technical, slow-moving climbs with a mix of trials-esque moves, Live Valve really shines. The system activates to allow for full use of the bike’s suspension, then almost immediately the system closes to make power moves more efficient and effective.
Again, the benefits are hard to distinguish at first, but Live Valve makes it really easy for side-by-side comparison. By simply turning the system off it defaults open, and you essentially have regular suspension. By doing this, the bike immediately feels more sluggish and I found myself just wanting to turn the system back on. I found no reason not to.
When things start to get spicy on the descents, Live Valve delivers. On smooth, fast corners, the system keeps you high in the travel for noticeably faster exit speeds. Because I normally ride longer travel trail bikes, I did find that I preferred the system on the lightest setting for descents. In this setting, the suspension is open more often, but when it’s time to smash on the pedals for a smooth, flat bit or short climb, Live Valve has your back.
Obviously with all good things, especially the ones that are brand new, come some imperfections. To begin – and this may be bike dependent as the OEM controls the base tune – even with the system off it felt over-damped at times on the Scott Genius.
On climbs when the system is designed to close on a shorter interval, I did, on very rare occasion, have Live Valve close EXACTLY at the same time that I hit another bump on the trail causing a brief spike. Just unlucky timing, and honestly not something I felt really deserved any more attention than a mention.
The system can be slightly inconsistent when preloading for a bunny hop, jump, or other trail feature. Depending on the terrain leading up to a feature, the suspension will either already be open if it's rough or it will be closed if things are smooth. This is a little tricky – I would pre-load differently if the suspension is open or closed, so it is a little bit hard to predict. In this case, more time with the system would allow me to learn how it reacts, and I am confident it would become more predictable.
It is worth noting the system is not completely silent. On slower climbs without the wind in your face, it is actually possible to hear the solenoid’s very light clicking action as the valve opens and closes. The sound is as if someone in the next room is popping the safety seal top on a jar of pickles.
Model | Travel (mm) | Wheel Size (inches) | Live Valve Fork | MSRP (USD) |
Scott Genius (Tested) | 150 | 29 | FOX 36 | TBD |
Scott Spark | 120 | 29 | FOX 34 SC | TBD |
Pivot Mach 5.5 (Various Models) | 140 | 27.5 | FOX 36 | $8,199 to 11,099 |
Giant Reign Advanced 27.5 | 160 | 27.5 | FOX 36 | TBD |
Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 | 100 | 29 | FOX 32 SC | $11,500 |
Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon | 160 | 27.5 | FOX 36 | TBD |
Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon | 140 | 29 | FOX 34 | TBD |
Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon | 130 | 27.5 | FOX 34 | TBD |
Complete Live Valve aftermarket systems including a fork, shock, and controller with sensors:
FOX may be contributing to the eventual demise of the human race by allowing a machine to automatically control the function of mountain bike suspension, but after spending a few months with their new electronic Live Valve system, I’m willing to risk it.
Live Valve delivers on its claims of being super fast, seamless, and automatic. To be honest, not having to think about what the suspension is doing is great. Just hop on the bike, give her some watts, and know the suspension is doing everything it can to maximize your human engine. Despite a few minor hangups I’ve have had with the system, it is clear that learning the system’s intricacies in every scenario will inevitably lead to a fun, fast, and predictable ride.
Giant, Pivot, Scott and Rocky Mountain are all offering compatible bikes/frames. Several other brands, including Niner, will have Live Valve-compatible bikes in the future.
Visit www.ridefox.com for more details.
Dylan Stucki - Age: 29 // Years riding: 19 // Height: 6' 5" (1.96m) // Weight: 180-pounds (81.6kg)
When he's not busy popping no-handed wheelies or shot-gunning beers, you're likely to find Dylan comfortably inside the top ten at Big Mountain Enduro races. Since he's a big guy and charges hard, he breaks a lot of stuff. With a broad riding and racing history, he's naturally a perceptive and particular rider who picks up on even the smallest details.
Photos by Ian Collins
gustavogmotta
8/29/2018 11:29 AM
bturman
8/29/2018 12:49 PM
boaz
8/29/2018 9:57 AM
Carraig042
8/28/2018 2:44 PM
jeff.brines
8/28/2018 8:55 AM
In motorized vehicles this is amazing, (and not completely new). In bicycles, I think the big thing we still have to get over is this... "The system can be slightly inconsistent when preloading for a bunny hop, jump, or other trail feature. Depending on the terrain leading up to a feature, the suspension will either already be open if it's rough or it will be closed if things are smooth."
They will crack that one, too, and I'd even wager you could select a "map" for a particular stage/trail where its less aggressive or more aggressive with respect to opening/closing your valving.
Depending on application it'll be something really rad. But for those obsessed with going downhill fast, its' not going to be the game changer it will for XC or marathon guys.
I basically leave my suspension wide open regardless these days, up or down. I think there is something else this technology will do, but it might have more to do with shaping your air spring curve in real time than it will damping. My $0.02.
JVP
8/28/2018 4:27 PM
Yup, and I appreciated the review. It's an xc thing for now, that's for sure. They can benefit from it, and xc racers are weird so they'll happily pay. They're already paying some shady doctor more than this for their EPO, so it's a good value.
For aggressive recreational riders, meaning most of us, this is a no-go for now even if you're loaded enough to drive a 4x4 Sprinter conversion van. Anything that makes jumping more dicey that it already is get's a big "hell no!". I'm sure they'll get it dialed in time. That will really suck because I won't have a good reason to rail against it, other than it's electronics and I want to be away from all that crap when I'm riding my bike in the mountains.
Mr. P
8/28/2018 7:00 PM
dstucki
8/29/2018 9:41 AM
I raced this bike at the Big Mountain Enduro in Crested Butte. Had a top 5 stage finish on it. To be perfectly honest, the Scott Genius is not my first choice for an enduro race bike. I was struggling with the geometry, and it rides like a 120mm XC bike, not a 150mm enduro bike.I had no issues with Live Valve itself. The system performed as expected, and I definitely noticed how much more you can get out of the bike pedaling. I had it set up with a light threshold and longer timing for flat and DH terrain, so in the chunder, the system opens quick and stays open.
Chatting with the RAD (Racing and Development) program director at the launch it sounds like they have been testing with some top enduro racers and had success with faster times. There are a lot of top riders running cable actuated lockouts already, so why not make it faster and more reliable? It also sounds like there may be a chance we will see Live Valve on the DH circuit, maybe at Croatia? Word on the street is Gwin is interested in trying a lockout for that race, I don't see why they wouldn't at least try Live Valve.
jeff.brines
8/29/2018 9:47 AM
Nice feedback man.
Yeah, the more I think about it, so long as I have the option to turn it off (wide open no matter what) I can see it being useful as is.
There were two stages this weekend where this system would have taken seconds off my time. Enough to matter in the overall? Not at some small regaional race. But at the EWS level? Absolutely.
I know this stuff will matter, but I also think the suspension companies have to go beyond damping alone to get the most out of the system...
J
jeff.brines
8/29/2018 9:58 AM
gnarwall
8/28/2018 8:18 AM
Big Bird
8/28/2018 8:11 AM