FOX Live Valve Neo electronically adjusts compression on compatible rear shocks using wireless terrain sensors. FOX’s “world’s fastest” description is a manufacturer performance claim, not a ranking established by an independent, standardized comparison of every competing system.
How Live Valve Neo changes the shock
Live Valve Neo uses a wireless sensor near the front of the bike and another at the rear to detect impacts; the front sensor also measures incline. The system uses their data to switch the rear shock’s compression behavior between open and closed. In its review, ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine describes three riding scenarios—Climb, Flat and Descend—with separate impact thresholds and open timers that riders can tune in the app.
New Atlas reported FOX system figures of 400 terrain readings per second, about 1 millisecond for the sensor-to-shock signal, and approximately 14 milliseconds for the complete shock switch. The 1 ms figure concerns communication; the roughly 14 ms figure includes the shock’s change in state. New Atlas describes a magnetic latching solenoid that opens or closes the compression circuit. These are reported system figures, not results from a published, independent comparison across brands.
What the “world’s fastest” claim establishes—and what it does not
New Atlas characterized Neo as FOX’s claimed “world’s fastest-responding wireless cycling suspension system.” It also reported FOX’s claim that the Neo protocol is 100 times faster than Bluetooth and 20 times faster than its closest competitor. Those comparisons are attributed claims, not an independently verified category-wide ranking. ENDURO likewise reports the approximately 1 ms signal time and 14 ms full switch time, but its review does not establish a controlled head-to-head speed test across competing systems.
#1 Best Overall
- The Live Valve Neo kit includes one rechargeable Controller battery with cover, one Fork Sensor, one Rear Sensor, a FOX battery block, a charging dock with USB-A to USB-C cable, two M6x20mm bolts and two M6x42mm bolts for sensor mounting with either standard or oversized rotors
- Includes rechargeable Controller battery with protective cover for easy power management
- Comes with Fork Sensor and Rear Sensor equipped with CR2032 batteries for accurate detection
- Provides mounting hardware with M6x20mm and M6x42mm bolts for sensors on standard and oversized rotors
- Features a charging dock with USB-A to USB-C cable for convenient recharging of the Controller battery
So the practical evidence is about how quickly Neo communicates and changes shock state. It does not prove that Neo is objectively the fastest system available under a common test method.
Which FOX shocks are supported
ENDURO reported that the system was offered with the FOX Float X air shock and DHX coil shock, both using a monotube design. The review says the twin-tube Float X2 and DHX2 are not compatible with the system as described in September 2024. Availability and compatibility may change, so confirm the current FOX listing for the exact shock and frame before ordering.
Rank #2
- IMPORTANT: The Live Valve Neo Kit (which includes sensors, Controller battery and mounting hardware) is sold separately and is required for the FLOAT X Live Valve Neo shock to function
- Constructed with durable Kashima coating and EVOL LV air sleeve, this shock offers fade-free performance and increased oil capacity for enhanced bump absorption, tire grip, and long-lasting ride quality on aggressive trails.
- Equipped with advanced damping components, including a tool-free low speed compression adjuster, rebound control, and a lockout switch, allowing personalized tuning and easy trail-side adjustments for all terrain conditions.
- Designed with a 205 x 60 mm eye-to-eye length, trunnion metric mounting, and a piggyback reservoir, this shock ensures optimal compatibility and superior support for modern trail, enduro, and all-mountain bikes.
- Seamlessly integrate with the FOX bike app, which provides setup guidance, battery monitoring, tune downloads, and service tracking-plus the optional Live Valve Neo Kit (sold separately) offers wireless terrain responsiveness with sensor-based real-time support.
The shock alone is not necessarily the complete electronic setup. ENDURO says buyers also need a separate Live Valve Neo kit containing sensors, a battery and a charger. Before purchase, verify the kit contents, shock dimensions, frame fitment and compatibility with the intended bike; a compatible shock model name by itself does not confirm that it will fit a particular frame.
App tuning, battery and fallback behavior
ENDURO lists five default app tunes: Standard, Firm, Plush, Open and Closed. Riders can adjust the impact thresholds and open timers for Climb, Flat and Descend, change the gradient threshold used to distinguish scenarios, and choose whether the system considers both sensors or only the rear sensor. The review also describes app calibration, tune management and battery-status information.
Rank #3
- IMPORTANT: The Live Valve Neo Kit (which includes sensors, Controller battery and mounting hardware) is sold separately and is required for the DHX Live Valve Neo shock to function
- Features a coil-sprung design with a size-specific piggyback reservoir for improved bump sensitivity.
- Includes wireless Live Valve Neo technology that adjusts compression based on terrain data 400 times per second.
- Equipped with 2-position magnetic solenoid for quick transitions between open and firm shock settings.
- Tool-free adjustments allow 11 low speed compression positions and rebound damping changes for on-trail tuning.
For power behavior, ENDURO reports that the shock enters a five-minute sleep state and can be woken by shaking the bike; it also says the shock falls back to open mode if its battery is depleted. The review reports sensor button cells lasting up to a year. New Atlas reported claimed figures of up to 20 hours of shock runtime per charge and about one year for the sensor coin cells. These are 2024 reported figures, not a guarantee of runtime for every riding pattern or a substitute for current FOX operating instructions.
What an independent review found
Peter Walker’s ENDURO review, published 24 September 2024, tested a DHX Live Valve Neo on a YT Jeffsy and an Orbea Rise LT. He described the transitions as quiet and fast, and reported that on technical climbs the shock opened over obstacles and returned to closed afterward. Those impressions apply to the review’s bikes and test conditions; they do not guarantee the same feel for every rider, setup or terrain.
Rank #4
- Anso Suspension Fox Float X Air Can & Damper Service Rebuild, 2022+
- Constructed with materials imported from Ukraine, these service kits provide reliable, durable components designed for frequent maintenance and professional rebuilds.
- Compatible with 2022 and newer Fox Float X and Marzocchi Bomber shocks, this kit features innovative damping technology to restore shock responsiveness and smoothness on aggressive trail and enduro riding.
- Designed for easy installation and maintenance, these service kits help sustain your suspension's optimal tuning, improve rebound precision, and minimize downtime.
- Ideal for avid mountain bikers and professional bike shops seeking top-tier shock servicing solutions, these Fox suspension service kits enhance ride quality and ensure consistent suspension performance across all terrain conditions.
The review’s main drawbacks were price and the limited range of compatible monotube shocks. Its test account offers useful riding context, but it is not a standardized comparison of response times against all other electronic suspension systems.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Launch-era price context
These are prices reported in September 2024, not current quotes. ENDURO listed euro prices, while New Atlas reported US-dollar prices; the figures are from different publications and markets and should not be treated as a direct exchange-rate comparison.
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Best Value
- Fox Shox Air Valve Cap, .305-32, Black, Each
- Constructed from black alloy for durability.
- Sold individually for precise replacement needs.
- Designed specifically as an air valve cap for rear shocks.
- Compatible with most Fox rear shock models.
| Item | ENDURO, September 2024 | New Atlas, September 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| FOX Float X Live Valve Neo shock | €1,299 | US$1,398 |
| FOX DHX Live Valve Neo shock | €1,249 | US$1,348 |
| Live Valve Neo kit | €499 | not stated by New Atlas |
Because the shock and system kit may be separate purchases, the shock price alone may not represent the cost of a complete setup. Confirm today’s local pricing and exactly what a bundle includes with FOX or a dealer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
