Let\u2019s take a look at the latest crop of Fox forks and their applications and differences.<\/p>\n
Fox suspension fork hierarchy explained<\/h2>\n
Fox\u2019s MTB fork line-up is split into the following tiers, based on performance and budget.<\/p>\n
- Fox Factory Series<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Fox Performance Elite<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Fox Performance<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Fox Rhythm<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Fox ebike<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>
Fox Factory Series<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Fox\u2019s Factory Series packs in the bling.<\/span><\/figcaption> Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Fox\u2019s Factory Series is the cream of the crop, offering the highest level of performance. Characterised by their golden Kashima-coated stanchions, Fox Factory forks get the latest GRIP2 or FIT4 damper and Float EVOL air spring.<\/p>\n
The 36<\/a>, 38<\/a> and 40 also boast push-button bleeders.<\/p>\n
Fox Factory forks are most commonly seen on top-spec bikes costing upwards of approximately \u00a34,500\/$4,500.<\/p>\n
Fox Performance Elite<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>The Performance Elite is Fox\u2019s second-rung option.<\/span><\/figcaption> Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Performance Elite<\/a> is Fox\u2019s next-best offering, boasting the same GRIP2\/FIT4 damper and Float EVOL air spring as the flagship series.<\/p>\n
They also share the same chassis, apart from the gold Kashima coating, which is replaced by black anodised stanchions.<\/p>\n
Fox Performance<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>The Performance line is the entry point to Fox\u2019s range.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n The Performance tier is Fox\u2019s entry-level aftermarket offering, sharing the same chassis and air spring as the more premium options, but relying on a less sophisticated GRIP damper.<\/p>\n
The stanchions are black anodised and the push-button bleeders have to be purchased separately and retrofitted (only available on 36, 38 and 40 models).<\/p>\n
Fox Rhythm<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>We still find Fox\u2019s Rhythm forks to be smooth operators.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Fox Rhythm forks are only found on complete bikes and cannot be bought aftermarket.<\/p>\n
Designed to be budget-friendly, these forks use a less adjustable FIT damper and have a heavier chassis that is cast from a more affordable grade of aluminium.<\/p>\n
Fox Step-Cast<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Step-Cast forks are a common sight on the XC racecourse.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Available as part of the 32 and 34 series, Fox\u2019s Step-Cast forks<\/a> are all about saving weight. Narrower than their standard counterparts and with a stepped design that allows for a hollow lower section, these forks are for riders and racers looking to shed every last gram.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re commonly specced on cross-country bikes and some lighter downcountry bikes.<\/p>\n
Fox ebike<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>This 38 only gets a few internal upgrades.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ian Linton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Fox also offers the 34, 36 and 38 in a special ebike<\/a>-ready configuration. These forks look identical to their non-electric bike counterparts, however, there are some differences under the hood.<\/p>\n
Fox\u2019s E-Optimized forks get a custom damper tune and progressive air spring, maximising traction for the heavier system weight.<\/p>\n
The 34 and 36 also get beefed-up CSU (crown, steerer and upper tube) assemblies to boost their stiffness and strength. The E-Tuned 38 only gets the internal upgrades, because Fox claims it\u2019s already stiff enough in its standard guise.<\/p>\n
Fox suspension fork models explained<\/h2>\n
Fox\u2019s suspension fork line-up consists of five main models, named after their stanchion diameter, covering all ranges of suspension travel<\/a> from cross-country to enduro and downhill.<\/p>\n
Fox 32<\/h3>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>The Fox 32 is a budget-oriented cross-country fork. It\u2019s still available with quick-release dropouts.<\/span><\/figcaption> Fox<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n - Intended use:<\/strong> XC<\/li>\n
- Travel:<\/strong> 100mm<\/li>\n
- Damper:<\/strong> GRIP<\/li>\n
- Wheel sizes:<\/strong> 29in<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Fox 32 is a budget-oriented cross-country<\/a> workhorse, delivering 100mm of travel in a 29er<\/a>-only chassis. It\u2019s available at a Performance series level, with a three-position GRIP damper.<\/p>\n
Fox 32 Step-Cast<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Fox\u2019s 32 Step-Cast Factory fork is a racier option.<\/span><\/figcaption> Alex Evans \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n - Intended use:<\/strong> XC<\/li>\n
- Travel:<\/strong> 100mm<\/li>\n
- Damper:<\/strong> FIT4 and GRIP<\/li>\n
- Wheel sizes:<\/strong> 27.5in and 29in<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Fox 32 Step-Cast is a stripped-down version of the 32, designed with cross-country racing<\/a> in mind. It boasts 100mm of suspension travel<\/a> and is available in both 27.5in and 29in sizes.<\/p>\n
Two models are available. The flagship Factory option gets a FIT4 damper, while the entry-level Performance model uses a simpler GRIP damper.<\/p>\n
Fox 34<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>The 34 steps the travel up to 130\/140mm.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robyn Furtado \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n - Intended use:<\/strong> Trail<\/li>\n
- Travel:<\/strong> 130 or 140mm<\/li>\n
- Damper:<\/strong> GRIP2, FIT4, GRIP<\/li>\n
- Wheel sizes:<\/strong> 29in<\/li>\n<\/ul>
- Travel:<\/strong> 130 or 140mm<\/li>\n
- Travel:<\/strong> 100mm<\/li>\n
- Travel:<\/strong> 100mm<\/li>\n
- Fox Performance Elite<\/strong><\/li>\n
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