Cone Valves & Traxx Shock - Bad Rep?

flipper1
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155
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7/4/2020
Location
El Cajon, CA US

I see a lot of people not liking the Cone Valves and Traxx shock's compared to some other things on the market. Like KYB & MX-Tech Inserts for the forks, and National/KYB shocks.

From a technical point of view why is that?

Hearing this more on the moto side of things. Heard good things for the desert. 

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183Matt
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Mineral, CA US
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1796th
4/26/2024 8:05am

Two words : set up.  The CV’s and Traxx are an excellent product, but they have to be set up correctly for the individual rider and style of riding.  If they are not set up properly, they can be worse than stock WP stuff. 

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bvm111
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Las Vegas, NV US
4/26/2024 8:56am

sooo you’re saying they need to be properly set up … just like any other suspension OEM or A kit? 

 

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Titan1
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2/3/2010
Location
Lehi, UT US
4/26/2024 8:59am

I rode a cone valve traxx shock set up on a 350xc…it was probably the best suspension I ever rode…I really liked it…way better than the revalved KYB on my yz450fx…

seth505
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SD, CA US
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1722nd
4/26/2024 9:15am

Bad rep on vital? yes  

My hypothesis is that it has snowballed after years of 1) "all air forks suck", 2) "an Austrian bike is unrideable until it has a KYB conversion" and 3) people buying used setups in the Bazaar to save money and slapping them on their bike with who-knows-what spring rates/settings.

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The Shop

TheoOwston
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2/20/2019
Location
Aurora, CO US
4/26/2024 10:14am

It's all about personal preference and riding style. Some riders prefer the feel of Cone valves and Traxx shocks, while others swear by KYB and MX-Tech setups.

BoxcarWilly
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10/5/2023
Location
Thunder Bay, ON CA
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4498th
4/26/2024 10:18am

Coil Cone Valve and Traxx shock was by far the best suspension I've ever ridden. 

flipper1
Posts
155
Joined
7/4/2020
Location
El Cajon, CA US
4/27/2024 4:55am

Setup is everything I know. But have have heard more good things than bad about them. One being that they are very rigid and stiff. Compared to 49mm setups. Thanks for sharing though good feedback.

Taylor415
Posts
384
Joined
1/30/2017
Location
Midlothian, TX US
4/27/2024 6:14am

Cone Valves/Xact Pro is by far the best setup I’ve ridden. I run the Xact Pro with a stock revalved shock and I love it.  The front end feel of these forks is what does it for me. 
 Like mentioned above, setup is everything. 

Ob917
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Joined
9/29/2021
Location
Carlsbad, CA US
4/27/2024 7:55am

I’ve ridden terrible cone valves, and I’ve ridden magic ones. 🤷🏼‍♂️just like most forks. But for me some of the best cone valves are with the valving they come with (stock euro valving) and the correct spring. For me at 165lb. 

Rickyisms
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4833
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10/5/2017
Location
FL US
4/27/2024 8:54am

They’re a lot more finicky regarding setup including clickers. A lot of average riders do more harm than good touching their clickers. 

Redrcr34
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1020
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10/3/2008
Location
IL US
4/27/2024 10:15am

Been racing, riding 42 years and have had multiple sets of Showa A kit. My cone valve and traxx is bone stock out of the box and is the best suspension I have ever ridden on. I must be the target set up for the stock set valving  at 185 lbs fast b or old vet😃

bvm111
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9668
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7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
4/27/2024 10:36am Edited Date/Time 4/27/2024 10:37am

My REP set up with CVs are the best suspension i have ever ridden. I agree with the clickers being more sensitive to input as I rarely deviate more than one click from Marks setting, you can feel it and i usually go right back to his recommendations! 

TheoOwston
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9
Joined
2/20/2019
Location
Aurora, CO US
7/9/2024 11:41am

I’ve heard similar complaints about Cone Valves and Traxx shocks. Personally, I found Cone Valves great for desert racing, but they felt pretty harsh on trails for my local riding. Traxx shocks were nice but way too pricey for what I needed. KYB and MX-Tech inserts have been way better for general trail riding for me—more reliable and less hassle. I think it really depends on what kind of riding you’re doing.

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