{"id":62197,"date":"2024-04-09T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-09T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/79c154b0-9b65-40b9-b7c1-b5c54f1a100d"},"modified":"2024-04-09T18:59:40","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T16:59:40","slug":"new-32-step-cast-is-foxs-lightest-ever-xc-fork-thanks-to-reversed-arch-new-damper-and-structural-redesign","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/new-32-step-cast-is-foxs-lightest-ever-xc-fork-thanks-to-reversed-arch-new-damper-and-structural-redesign\/","title":{"rendered":"New 32 Step-Cast is Fox&#8217;s lightest ever XC fork thanks to reversed arch, new damper and structural redesign"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\">New Fox 32 Step-Cast is Fox&#8217;s first reverse arch mountain bike fork <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Luke Marshall\n      <\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Tuesday, 09 April 2024 at 16:00 PM<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p>The new Fox 32 Step-Cast has seen a total makeover, adopting a reverse arch and new damper, dropping 100g versus the previous generation while gaining a claimed 40 per cent increase in stiffness.\u00a0<\/p><p>With 100mm of travel, the Fox 32 Step-Cast is designed for epic XC marathon rides where every gram counts.\u00a0<\/p><p>Starting at \u00a3899 Fox 32 Step-Cast Performance, the new fork is only available in a 44mm offset version for 29in wheels. \u00a0<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fox Going Backwards? | New 32 Step Cast &amp; Grip Dampers Released\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gAXlSxsU8Rw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-use-a-reverse-arch-crown\">Why use a reverse arch crown?<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The reverse arch increases lateral stiffness by 40 per cent over the old model without adding weight. &#8211; Mike James<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Fox said it used new software to design wireframe lattices that met its design requirements, adapting these into a structure it could manufacture. The new reverse arch crown is the result of this process.<\/p><p>While Fox has used a reverse arch on its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/news\/fox-32-tc-gravel-fork\">32 Taper Cast gravel suspension fork<\/a>, reverse arches are synonymous with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/brand\/manitou\">Manitou<\/a> on mountain bikes. This is the first Fox <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-mountain-bike-suspension-forks\">mountain bike fork<\/a> to use a reverse arch.<\/p><p>While the new lower legs aren\u2019t any lighter than the traditional forward-facing crown, they provide a 40 per cent stiffness increase for a similar weight, according to Fox. <\/p><p>This is because having the arch behind the stanchions helps reduce material as the curvature of the wheels, which means the arch can be made smaller.<\/p><p>The new 32 Step-Cast is claimed to be as laterally stiff as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/reviews\/components\/forks\/suspension-forks\/fox-34-step-cast-float-fit4-factory-29-fork-review\">34 Step-Cast<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-grip-sl-damper-drops-weight\">Grip SL damper drops weight<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/04\/Fox-Grip-X-damper-internals.jpg\" alt=\"Fox Grip SL damper internals\" class=\"wp-image-825665\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The new Grip SL damper shaves weight vs FIT4. &#8211; Mike James<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>The outgoing FIT4 damper was a closed bladder cartridge system with three on-the-fly compression damping positions \u2013 open, medium and firm with additional low-speed compression adjustment in the open mode.\u00a0<\/p><p>For 2025, <a href=\"\/news\/2024-fox-grip-x2-damper\">all of Fox\u2019s dampers move over to its Grip architecture<\/a> with a spring-backed IFP (internal floating piston). <\/p><p>This provides more consistent positive pressure inside the damper for better and faster damping.<\/p><p>It also enables the fork to benefit from the Grip architecture\u2019s self-healing properties, allowing the ingestion and expulsion of oil through the damper to prevent hydraulic ramp-up.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/04\/Fox-Grip-SL-3-position-adjuster.jpg\" alt=\"Fox Grip SL 3-position adjuster\" class=\"wp-image-825667\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A new spring-backed IFP provides consistent damping performance. &#8211; Mike James<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>The Grip SL damper in the 32 Step-Cast retains the 3-position adjustment of FIT4, but does away with the adjustable low-speed compression.\u00a0<\/p><p>The Grip SL damper is claimed to be 65g lighter than the previous FIT4 damper.\u00a0<\/p><p>Fox claims the new damper gives riders better control and a firm lockout for hammering the pedals. It still has a smooth blow-off force to reduce rider fatigue when you hit a bump when the fork is locked out.\u00a0<\/p><p>The fork also features a new air spring with a larger negative spring volume to increase initial sensitivity.\u00a0<\/p><p>It also changed the location where the positive and negative springs equalise pressure, helping add a higher ride height to the fork to give more predictability and better use of travel.\u00a0<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-novel-zero-offset-crown\">Novel zero offset crown<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/04\/Fox-32-Steep-Cast-Factory-straight-crown.jpg\" alt=\"Fox 32 Step Cast Factory straight crown\" class=\"wp-image-825882\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 32 Step Cast features a new 7000 series aluminium, 0mm offset crown to save grams. &#8211; Mike James<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Refinements elsewhere help shave off weight. <\/p><p>The damper stanchion is double-butted, saving 9g versus the old stanchion.<\/p><p>Fox also introduced a new 0mm offset crown. This is cast from 7000 series aluminium. To introduce 44mm of offset, the stanchions are angled in the crown by around 1 to 1.5 degrees.\u00a0The switch to this design shaved 9g from the fork.\u00a0<\/p><p>Fox borrowed the Fox 34 Step-Cast steerer tube for the new fork,\u00a0saving 11g from the previous 32 Step-Cast fork.\u00a0<\/p><p>The new Kabolt SL axle also shaves off 12g from the fork. <\/p><p>In total, Fox claims the new fork weighs just 1,287g, down from 1,443g for an equivalent 29in previous-generation fork:\u00a0<\/p><ul><li><strong>Grip SL damper (vs FIT4):<\/strong> -65g\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Kabolt SL axle:<\/strong> -12g<\/li><li><strong>Double butted upper tube:<\/strong> -9g\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Steerer tube:<\/strong> -11g<\/li><li><strong>Crown:<\/strong> -9g\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Cable guide:\u00a0<\/strong>-1g<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fox-32-step-cast-range-overview\">Fox 32 Step-Cast range overview<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/04\/Fox-32-Step-Cast-Factory-Gold-angled-veiw.jpg\" alt=\"Fox 32 Step Cast Factory Gold angled view\" class=\"wp-image-825907\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fox 32 Step Cast Factory Gold &#8211; Mike James<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>The Fox 32 Step-Cast is available in 100mm travel only with 29-in-wheel compatibility and 44mm offset. If you want more travel, you\u2019ll need the 34 Step-Cast. UK prices are as follows:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Fox 32 Step-Cast Gold:<\/strong> \u00a31,119<\/li><li><strong>Fox 32 Step-Cast Factory:<\/strong> \u00a31,099<\/li><li><strong>Fox 32 Step-Cast Factory Remote:<\/strong> \u00a31,189\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Fox 32 Step-Cast Performance: <\/strong>\u00a3899\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Fox 32 Step-Cast Performance Remote: <\/strong>\u00a3989\u00a0<\/li><\/ul> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New Fox 32 Step-Cast is Fox&#8217;s first reverse arch mountain bike fork <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":62198,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"4"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/04\/new-32-step-cast-is-foxs-lightest-ever-xc-fork-thanks-to-reversed-arch-new-damper-and-structural-redesign.jpg",2400,1600,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/04\/new-32-step-cast-is-foxs-lightest-ever-xc-fork-thanks-to-reversed-arch-new-damper-and-structural-redesign-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/04\/new-32-step-cast-is-foxs-lightest-ever-xc-fork-thanks-to-reversed-arch-new-damper-and-structural-redesign-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/04\/new-32-step-cast-is-foxs-lightest-ever-xc-fork-thanks-to-reversed-arch-new-damper-and-structural-redesign-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/04\/new-32-step-cast-is-foxs-lightest-ever-xc-fork-thanks-to-reversed-arch-new-damper-and-structural-redesign-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/04\/new-32-step-cast-is-foxs-lightest-ever-xc-fork-thanks-to-reversed-arch-new-damper-and-structural-redesign-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/04\/new-32-step-cast-is-foxs-lightest-ever-xc-fork-thanks-to-reversed-arch-new-damper-and-structural-redesign-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"New Fox 32 Step-Cast is Fox's first reverse arch mountain bike fork","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/62197"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}