X Fusion Shox - Vector HLR

I recently got to put some hours on X Fusion Shock's Vector HLR shock and talk to their product manager and engineer, Anthony Trujillo too.

Quick interview with X Fusion's Product Manager and Engineer, shock info and photos inside!
X Fusion Shocks offers four lines of rear shocks, including their Downhill shock, the Vector. The Vector is offered in two models, the RC and the HLR. HLR stands for the shock's features; High Speed Compression, Low speed Compression and Rebound.

High Speed compression handles the big impacts on the shock such as jumps and drops. Low speed controls smaller shock movements such as small rocks and pedaling. Rebound of course controls the speed in which the shock returns to full travel at. These three externally adjustable features give you the ability to set your shock up perfectly for your riding style, terrain and bike. The detents in all the adjustment knobs on the HLR are easily felt, making it extremely easy to fine tune with no second guessing if you passed a finite less than noticeable marker found on some controls out there.

One misconception is that the Vector HLR comes standard with a Ti (titanium) spring. When the HLR was first released you could order a ti spring for a $150 up charge, X Fusion has decided to eliminate that option and stop offering ti spring upgrades.


I got a chance to ask X Fusion's Product Manager and Engineer, Anthony Trujillo a few questions about the Vector HLR and here is what he had to say:

Name?
Anthony Trujillo

What is your job at X Fusion?
My title is Engineering and Product Manager. I pretty much get in everyone’s business. All departments, from concept to making parts obsolete from inventory.

How wide is the damping range?
Up to about 500lbs of compression force and about 800lbs for rebound. Adjusters are for fine tuning of course.

Are there any quality differences between the three models of Vector’s outside of adjustment features?
No, not really. The Vector R is maybe not as good of a performer for the 09/10 product, but we have the new Vector line coming out with a revised chassis that will be the same for all three models and all will be of the highest quality.

How easily are the Vector’s to service?
The Vector HLR, similar to the Vengeance HLR fork, has quite a few high precision parts to give us the high and low speed compression adjustments. Additionally, for the shocks, the IFP settings are extremely critical and giving out rebuild information for shocks is done with much reservation. We will certainly have the information released by the end of the year, but we have to make 100% sure all of our documentation is as clear as possible…otherwise we strongly encourage to send the product in for service or tuning options.

Bushing sizes?
0.5in. We also use bushing sizers to ensure a smooth rotation on the mounting hardware upon initial use.

Weight?
475g for the 9.5x3.0 inch version. Our new shock, which is coming out in a few months, will be about 410g.

Anything else you want to tell us about the shock or any other comments?
The shock is dialed and ready for World Cup level racing or killing it on your local DH trails. We’ve done product comparisons with other DH shocks available on the market with some of our key test riders and we’ve definitely got a winner on our hands. We’ve also done dyno tests and comparisons and it supports the rider feedback. This is the shock that’s available now. It’s only getting much better from here.

Thanks AT!

Here are more details from the X -Fusion site:

"The Vector HLR is the all new top of the line coil shock providing high-low speed compression adjustment. The new OWC technology allows you to adjust low speed compression without affecting high speed compression and vice versa. The metal matrix material gives the body cap an extra weight saving advantage and it's also 12% stronger than the normal 6 series aluminum material. This shock is packed with everything needed to destroy a race track or just your buddies on a local trail. The Vector HLR was designed to help our racers get every advantage on the track and now is available for you!"

‧ Externally adjustable hi and low speed compression damping
‧ Externally adjustable rebound damping
‧ 12mm oversized shock shaft
‧ Multi-Circuit damping
‧ Adjustable spring pre-load
‧ Newly designed rebound knob
‧ Adjustable bottom-out air-pressure
‧ Adjustable Bottom-out resistance" - X Fusion Shox


The HLR $449.99 USD and comes in five different sizes:
200/57 mm (7.875/2.25 inch)
215/63 mm (8.5/2.5 inch)
222/69 mm (8.785/2.75 inch)
240/76 mm (9.5/3.0 inch)
267/89 mm (10.5/3.5 inch)

X Fusion has a lot of pro riders giving the HLR all the abuse they can for 2010, their pro gravity riders are:

Aaron Chase
Alejandro Ortiz
Andrew Taylor
Ben Hulse
Brad Oien
George Ryan
J.D. Swanguen
John Hauer
Michael Whitley
Ryan Condrashoff
Sean "Griz" McClendon
Tyler McCaul

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If you are not racing for a living or just don't think that you need to adjust both high and low speed compression or just don't want to break the bank, X Fusion offers the Vector RC for $349.99USD. This shock offers the same great feel, but has less adjustments and is $100 lighter on your wallet. The RC offers Rebound and one general compression adjustment.

AT said some magic words in our interview that have me exited, "New Shock coming out in a few months". Will we get to see it at Sea Otter or will we have to wait for 2010's Interbike in Vegas? Keep it locked to Pinkbike and find out.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact X Fusion by email at usinfo@x-fusion-shox.com.

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-JP

Don't forget to pick up your new shirt!

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Interviews X Fusion Shox