When you can test a full FOX outfit, the heart of every gravity mountain biker beats faster. I am the buyer for the Gravity department and a passionate biker myself, so I was super excited to hit some trails.
I am familiar with FOX’s products for many years, but still – the unpacking itself is a highlight. Especially the new designs and color ranges are some things to be excited about. And WOW – now the ladies get something for the eye! I instantly like the color “Teal” very much. However, tastes are different, and therefore FOX offers this combo in several colors. Personally, as a woman, I am very happy not to wear “pink” for a season. So, let us get into the details …
Contents
Hard shell, soft core – FOX Rampage Comp Fullface Helmet
The FOX Rampage Comp fullface helmet is visually very reminiscent of the “old” FOX RPC – nice! The RPC is made of carbon and lighter compared to the Rampage Comp, however my test helmet is definitely not a heavyweight. It is equipped with the well-known MIPS system, a patented impact protection system: inner and outer shell can rotate into each other in case of a crash. Thus, the force of a lateral impact is absorbed and counteracts the rotational force.
The fiberglass outer shell is very robust and lightweight. The double-D closure is, in my opinion, the most secure one currently available. The removable lining can be washed as needed, is antimicrobial and has an odor-inhibiting effect. With my 53.5 cm head circumference, size S fits me very well. My face does not feel squeezed, and I feel very safe. With the channeled EPS ventilation system the air can circulate optimally and therefore guarantees a cool and dry head.
Brings color to the bike – FOX Flexair Jersey
The Flexair jersey is made of two different fabrics. The sleeves are particularly abrasion-resistant and thus do not pull threads right away when touching a thorn. The body made of 4-way stretch fabric is simply super light and comfortable to wear, very airy. The fit is rather narrow, but with 1.68 m size and 53 kg weight even my protector jacket fits underneath the jersey easily. The small side slits let it fall nicely over the pants and provide optimal freedom of movement. However, I was unsure when it came to washing the pieces… will the mud splashes be washed away restlessly from the bright jersey? Yes, they do – I washed the clothes immediately after the dirty ride and everything is nice and clean again.
Miracle of fit – FOX Defend Pants
Long pants have fully established in the MTB sports now and FOX has set a new standard there. The Defend pants, I wear them in size XS, are designed to fit perfectly while riding. I admit, I had to fight a bit when pulling it up over my hips, but then it fits great and I would not size up. The ratchet closure allows individual width adjustment and the cordura fabric in the seat area, as well as the double-layer knee inserts, survive friction and light crashes easily. The pants have two side zip pockets for a lift ticket or other essentials. And ‘on top’ it even has a durable, water-repellent DWR coating to keep moisture and dirt away. It has a narrow fit at the ankles and is slightly shorter (about 7/8 length) to avoid contact with chain. Perfectly placed perforations and mesh inserts on the legs and back provide very good ventilation and a highly elastic all-way stretch fabric make the pants a real miracle of fit.
Off to the trail
I look like a real UCI rider now, so I grab my DH bike to ride one trail after the other. Underneath the long pants I wear the FOX Launch Pro D3O knee protectors which fits perfectly. After many days at my home spot, on flow trails and various jump lines I can say: The performance is simply brilliant. One can fully focus on riding, no pinching of the pants, no excessive sweating, no slipping of the helmet.
FOX convinces once again – my clear conclusion:
Especially the helmet has convinced me. Normally I wear the FOX RPC but also the Rampage Comp has all the features that I need in a full-face helmet. It is lightweight, the field of view is large, the ventilation is great, and it fits perfectly to my head shape. I even left the helmet on during many pushing passages as it is really comfortable to wear.
FOX Flexair jersey and Defend pants are in any case a perfect combination for any gravity rider. When it gets warmer, you can reach for the more summer-like models. The jersey is also available with short sleeves and the pants as shorts.
The designs are stunning, the colors remarkable, price-performance ratio is simply right for this brand and the pieces fit like a second skin. When you are tight on a budget, the outfit may not be something for you – the jersey is at 64,95 € and the pants at 134,95 €, plus 279,95€ for the helmet. But honestly, for good quality and the functionality of it it’s totally fine. Ride on!
