SUSPENSION

Fox Float 32 RL FIT forks and a Fox Float RP23 Boost Valve air shock. Whilst the forks have been exceptional from day one the shock needed some attention. After the initial couple of rides the bike felt as if it was working through the travel too easily. We contacted the designer Dave Weagle who suggested we go for a medium volume reducer kit in the large can shock (reducing the volume) to firm things up. The volume reducer is simple to fit and makes for pretty straightforward custom tuning. It’s worth experimenting with the three varieties on offer but the medium is said to suit faster harder riding whilst the small doesn’t change things that much.

Once the rear shock was sorted the Dixon really started to make sense. I found the ability of the suspension to deal with slick roots and technical off–camber confidence inspiring. The level of grip akin to something boasting more travel, the Dixon carried its speed well when the going got tough. For fast singletrack descents this bike feels alive, light and flickable as well as maintaining a solid platform for the feet to stick to. My feet were rarely out of shape or bounced off the pedals. A lively ride that is fully engaging, up (well, almost), down, along the flat and in the air. The bottom bracket may be a shade too high for some (about an inch higher than a Stumpy Evo) but I found no issue with it.

Times are definitely hard when it comes to choosing the right bike especially  picking the elusive do–it–all taskmaster, and even though I hear good things about 29ers I also hear tales of bent wheels. The choices between 120mm and 160mm are as relevant as ever especially choosing a bike weighted towards pedalling efficiency or gravity fuelled performance. Where does this leave the Dixon? At 145mm (5.7″) of travel…firmly in the middle. Light and nimble enough to consider for an all–day adventure and burly enough to attack and withstand the downs. A bike to ride all year round and take on anything the UK has to offer. If a trip out to the Alps were on the cards you might consider beefing things up a little in the form of a 160mm fork, but I’m not entirely convinced it even needs that.

Is it the perfect Surrey Hills ripper? Nah, it’s just a ripper full stop. A great all–rounder, a frame with a playful and gravity focused intent that you can happily pedal uphill. I still have some reservations about the issues surrounding the shock and wonder if the bike could, or indeed should, be sold with a smaller volume can. I agree with the suspension platform having a whole host of adjustability but I personally would prefer a bike to be ready to go straight out of the box and don’t think the shock as it comes gets the best out of the suspension.

That said these are all minor adjustments and personal preferences and once I did get the bike set up it was an absolute riot. Tough (apart from the paint), low maintenance and it worked. The price hike from 2011 seems a bit extreme – this is a pretty pricy aluminium frame – and the complete builds seem very expensive when you consider a well built complete Stumpy Evo or Trek Remedy comes in at only £2500. But pricing aside I find it hard to think of a more ideal bike for the kind of riding I do and if I get around to racing a gravity enduro or two this year this is the bike I would like to do it on.

Price: 2011 Frameset: £1391.99, 2012 Frameset: £1874.99 (with volume reducer kit)

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Joe Ferrari : 07827 797 044