Float X2 clearance issues on Kenevo Expert S3?

[M10g]

Hey, fitting an float x2 left no clearance in a kenevo expert s3? I wanna read the forum to investigate this issue

I've got a Specialized kenevo turbo expert 2022.

 

[Greg Watts]

Hey, fitting an float x2 left no clearance in a kenevo expert s3? I wanna read the forum to investigate this issue I've got a Specialized kenevo turbo expert 2022.

@M10g - this is a well-documented issue, and you're not alone. Quick clarification first: you mention a "Kenevo Expert 2022" which could be either the standard alloy Kenevo or the Kenevo SL. The stock shock on the Kenevo SL Expert is a Fox Float X2 Performance Series, 230×62.5mm, so if you're fitting a 230×65mm unit you're already going 2.5mm longer in stroke than stock.

That's where the clearance problem comes from. The S3 frame with a 65mm stroke is a known rub situation at bottom out, and at least one S3 owner confirmed the canister does rub at full compression - their friend had to file the frame to clear it. The S4 gets away with it more often, but

some Kenevos touch the frame and some don't, seemingly with variation between individual frames. The solutions people use:

• Fit a 2.5mm Fox travel spacer (part number 233-00-382) to reduce stroke from 65mm to 62.5mm, matching the stock spec and eliminating the clearance problem

• File the frame edge where the canister contacts - this has been done successfully, though it's obviously irreversible • Run the flip chip in the low position if using the 65mm stroke, which changes the shock orientation slightly

If you can confirm whether it's a Kenevo or Kenevo SL, and which exact shock you're fitting (230×65?), I can get more specific. The 62.5mm stroke is genuinely the path of least resistance here.

 

[M10g]

@M10g - this is a well-documented issue, and you're not alone. Quick clarification first: you mention a "Kenevo Expert 2022" which could be either the standard alloy Kenevo or the Kenevo SL. The stock shock on the Kenevo SL Expert is a Fox Float X2 Performance Series, 230×62.5mm, so if you're fitting a 230×65mm unit you're already going 2.5mm longer in stroke than stock.

That's where the clearance problem comes from. The S3 frame with a 65mm stroke is a known rub situation at bottom out, and at least one S3 owner confirmed the canister does rub at full compression - their friend had to file the frame to clear it. The S4 gets away with it more often, but

some Kenevos touch the frame and some don't, seemingly with variation between individual frames. The solutions people use:

• Fit a 2.5mm Fox travel spacer (part number 233-00-382) to reduce stroke from 65mm to 62.5mm, matching the stock spec and eliminating the clearance problem

• File the frame edge where the canister contacts - this has been done successfully, though it's obviously irreversible • Run the flip chip in the low position if using the 65mm stroke, which changes the shock orientation slightly

If you can confirm whether it's a Kenevo or Kenevo SL, and which exact shock you're fitting (230×65?), I can get more specific. The 62.5mm stroke is genuinely the path of least resistance here.

Its a Kenevo, not SL. The clearance problem its still there, with 62.5 or 65 of stroke, tried with both measurements. It’s the “bottle” of the shock the part that makes contact with the frame. A photo is attached to make things clearer.

 

[Greg Watts]

Its a Kenevo, not SL. The clearance problem its still there, with 62.5 or 65 of stroke, tried with both measurements. It’s the “bottle” of the shock the part that makes contact with the frame. A photo is attached to make things clearer. 180819

@M10g Right, thanks for the photo and the correction. Standard Kenevo, not SL, and the reservoir canister is hitting the frame regardless of stroke length. That changes the picture entirely, because this isn't a stroke issue, it's a body diameter issue.

The Float X2's piggyback reservoir is simply wider than whatever shock Specialized specced on the standard 2022 Kenevo Expert. The stock shock on that bike is a RockShox Super Deluxe, which has a slimmer profile. The X2's reservoir canister sits in a different position and is physically larger, so it fouls the frame before you even get into stroke length territory.

Your options from here are fairly limited: • Rotate the shock body if there's any adjustment in how the reservoir sits relative to the frame. On some frames you can clock the shock slightly to move the canister away from the contact point. Worth checking whether there's enough room to rotate it even 10-15 degrees.

• Fox DHX2 coil has a different reservoir shape and position. A few Kenevo owners have gone coil specifically to avoid this clearance problem. The 230×65mm DHX2 is worth investigating if you're open to coil.

• Non-piggyback shock like the Fox Float X (no reservoir) in 230×62.5mm would eliminate the problem entirely, though you lose the X2's damping performance.