This year it felt like electronic suspension hit the big time with an increased presence in World Cup racing, in every discipline from XC to DH. The bikes in the middle of that spectrum are the ones most of us ride on a regular basis, so that's where Fox dedicated their energy with their newest iteration of their Live Valve system. Live Valve Neo is an active electronic suspension system designed to keep the shock firm as often as possible, while allowing for compliance and grip exactly where you need it. In order to achieve this goal, Fox is relying on a fairly simple sensor array and their very fast wireless protocol, which can send information from sensor to shock in as little as 1/70th of a second
Rather than implementing multiple modes in the system, Neo simply switches between Open and Firm, via two separate reservoir circuits. The shock does this via a charged magnetic solenoid valve that defaults to the closed position, opening when the charge is lost. Thanks to this solenoid, the Neo shock is completely silent, as opposed to the louder motor-actuation sound you get out of systems like Flight Attendant.
Critically, the system has nothing to do with the fork or drivetrain on a given bike, meaning you can install the shock and sensors on any compatible frame and keep the rest of the build as is. This also means the fork is never changing state, remaining open and normally damped regardless of trail scenario.
Shock installation is as simple as any other, with all of the electronics housed in the area adjacent to the piggyback you'd find on a non-electronic version of either shock. The sensors bolt to the front and rear brake, using the same bolt that attaches the caliper. There's a quick setup procedure that you carry out with the Fox Bike app, and you're off to the races
