Push SV8 Rear Shock - Long Term Review

Words by: Liam Woods

Did Push Pack All The Best Parts Of the 11.6 Shock Into A Cheaper, More Simple Shock?

When you see a Push Industries shock on a bike, a few words come to mind: quality, niche, and performance. About a year ago, Push released their new, more entry-level shock, the Push SV8. When we say "entry-level," that's only in comparison to their high-end sibling, the Push 11.6, which spares no expense and is specifically tuned for each bike it’s paired with. The SV8 skips a few bells and whistles from the 11.6, focusing on one main thing: performance.

The SV8 retails for $865, though you’ll also need a $95 Push spring or another manufacturer's spring if preferred. While not cheap, it's still over $500 less than the 11.6. Of course, for that price reduction, a few features are omitted, like the dual-chamber compression settings and a climb switch, which the dual-chamber settings often double as in place of two distinct riding setups.

What’s New? 

While the SV8 leaves out some features, it includes key elements that make it practical for the everyday rider. First, it has universal bike fitment, similar to other standard-size shocks, so you don’t have to worry about buying it for a specific bike. In fact, you have one eye-to-eye and stroke length per max stroke size, along with A and B tunes. The A tune is for shocks using a 300–500 lb/in spring rate, while the B tune covers 525–700 lb/in. The stroke can also be easily adjusted by adding or removing spacers under the bottom-out bumper, allowing for customized stroke length. For example, if you have a 230 x 65mm stroke shock, you can add 2.5mm spacers to fine-tune it for your needs.

The SV8 also has a built-in hydraulic bottom-out feature that engages in the last 15% of travel. While this isn’t adjustable, it’s always active. I found it gave the shock a smooth, controlled feel toward the end of the stroke, which Push is known for, along with its large bottom-out bumpers that also enhance that feel. More on this in the riding impressions.

Specs:

• 28 clicks of Low-Speed Compression
• 28 clicks of High-Speed Compression
• 18 clicks of rebound adjustment
• Hydraulic bottom-out
• Available in 55mm or 65mm max stroke options
• Trunnion or standard eyelet versions
• Weight: 425g without spring
• Made in USA
• E-bike compatible

Setup: 

I was stoked to get this shock on my Revel Rail 29. Having ridden this bike for about a year, I knew how it handled with the stock RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate and was curious how the SV8 coil would compare. Initially, Push sent me 375 lb and 400 lb springs, so I started with the 400 lb spring. This gave me around 30% sag, with compression settings at the midpoint, which is how I usually start tuning a new shock, and a controlled, balanced rebound setting. Early on in my first descent, I felt the shock was riding a bit too deep in the travel, with a few harsh bottom-outs. So, I had Push send me a 425 lb spring.

Once I switched to the 425 lb spring, I knew it was the right rate for the feel I wanted. It set me up with about 27–28% sag, so I slightly opened up the compression from the midpoint without going too far.

On-Trail Performance: 

With the spring rate dialed in on the SV8, I put in plenty of miles across varied terrain—from Whistler Bike Park to Mexico City, local shuttle trails, and even a few all-day pedals. Right away, I noticed a huge traction improvement over the air shock it replaced, which is often the case when switching to a coil. But the SV8 goes further, with a very smooth off-the-top feel that gives my Rail 29 a grounded, planted vibe.

Testing it on rough local trails with big hits confirmed my first impressions. The SV8 showed a great balance between small-bump compliance and mid-stroke support, holding up well through rough patches and delivering the support needed to push the bike. The end-stroke support also stands out; once I found the right spring rate, bottom-outs felt predictable and controlled. I could sense when I was nearing a bottom-out based on the impact, but it was never harsh, nor did the shock blow through its travel unexpectedly.

One thing to note is that the bottom-out bumper is relatively large. Some riders have suggested that it might limit full stroke on the shock, though I found it difficult to confirm. Other testers have mentioned they couldn’t quite achieve full stroke with the Push bumper, which could impact total travel. That said, I was able to slightly over-stroke my shock without experiencing any linkage or frame impacts on big bottom-outs.

I also put in a long pedal day, climbing 7,000 feet with the SV8. While the lack of a climb switch didn’t ruin the experience, there were times I missed the option to firm up the shock for out-of-the-saddle climbs. It takes some getting used to, especially if you're accustomed to a firmer platform, but the Rail 29's solid climbing characteristics compensated. However, on more active suspension designs, the lack of a climb switch might be more noticeable.

Finally, I took the shock on back-to-back trips, first to Mexico City, where we rode trails that ranged from flowy man-made tracks to rugged DH lines. I adjusted compression slightly depending on the terrain—adding compression for smoother trails with bigger features and backing off for wet, raw trails to maximize traction. The adjustments were easy, and changing settings by around five clicks never led to odd behavior.

Next, in Whistler, I rode three days in the bike park, racking up over 40,000 feet of descending. The SV8 was rock solid, handling both jump lines and raw, rough tracks without any issues.

The Verdict: 

The SV8’s consistency is notable. Push is known for quality, and the SV8 delivers. It never felt out of place or performed unexpectedly. It’s a workhorse on the bike, providing a stable, grounded feel with excellent mid- and end-stroke support that some coil shocks can lack.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Amazing off-the-top feel
• Hydraulic bottom-out
• More affordable than the 11.6
• Made in the USA
• Universal bike fitment with easy stroke adjustment

Cons:

• No climb switch
• Still pricey compared to other coil shocks
• Bottom-out bumper may limit stroke
• Usual coil drawbacks like weight and spring adjustments for tuning

Worldwide's Takeaway: 

The Push SV8 is a solid performer in the coil shock arena. Priced at $960 with the spring, it’s far from cheap, but over $500 less than the flagship 11.6. In my testing, the SV8 proved to be smooth, with meaningful adjustments and a hydraulic bottom-out that feels well-designed rather than gimmicky. Its universal fitment is a plus if you have multiple bikes with similar specs or plan on swapping frames. The adjustable stroke is another standout feature, simplifying inventory and offering flexibility for tinkering.

Overall, the Push SV8 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a coil shock that’s easy to set up and doesn’t rely on a climb switch. It’s a top-tier option for anyone who values a "set it and forget it" shock that delivers reliable performance across a wide range of riding conditions.

This article was written / authored by Liam Woods. Liam has been in the bicycle industry for over 10 years as a racer, professional mechanic, service manager and as of late, media and content creator. Liam has ridden thousands of different bikes, ridden countless components, tested endless MTB apparel of all kinds and written reviews on it all. He's a key piece to the Worldwide Cyclery "All Things MTB" content creation puzzle. He also makes consistent appearances on the Worldwide Cyclery YouTube channel and Instagram.