Fox is among the most well-known and respected suspension brands across several off-road categories. From Baja trophy trucks to gravel bikes, Fox Factory has been in the suspension game since 1974, starting with motocross. So when Fox announces that it has totally revamped a long-standing and successful mountain bike fork line, I pay attention.
PR in cycling is predictable. For suspension forks, the tag lines “smoother, more torsionally rigid, and lighter, for more comfort, control, and efficiency” can make my suspicious eyes glaze over. And I admit, at first, I scrolled right past the email announcing the new 36 and 36SL.
However, further investigation revealed that Fox’s claims regarding the changes to the 36 models pointed to significant, logical improvements to an already awesome fork line.
New Fox 36 and 36 SL
Fox 36
- Wheel size: 29, 27.5
- Travel: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm
- Rake: 37mm, 44mm (27.5”), 44mm (29”)
- Axle: Kabolt, 15QR on Performance Series
- Rotor size: Direct Mount 200, up to 230
- Air spring: FLOAT EVOL Compliant
- Steerer: 1.5” Tapered
- Starting weight: 1,920 g (29” 160mm GRIP X)
- MSRP: $749-1,149
Fox 36 SL
- Wheel size: 29
- Travel: 120mm, 130mm, 140mm
- Rake: 44mm offset
- Axle: Kabolt SL
- Rotor size: Direct Mount 180, up to 203
- Air spring: FLOAT EVOL Compliant
- Steerer: 1.5” Tapered
- Starting weight: 1755g (29” 140mm GRIP X)
- MSRP: $699-1,149
Significant Changes
Fox touts similar changes to its 36 and 36 SL (a new model), and they logically lead to the claimed benefits. This is a synopsis of the most significant performance physical changes to the new all-mountain and trail suspension forks. Some new features are unavailable on the 36 and 36 SL; check the Fox site for further details.
Smoother Suspension Travel and Comfort
FLOAT Glidecore Compliant Air Spring: A completely new design with a floating air spring core that decouples the stanchion from the air shaft to maintain smooth travel even under bending loads from speed or rider weight. This gives riders a supple and planted feeling when they need it most.
GRIP X2 Damper: More traction, more control, more speed. The refined four-way tunable GRIP X2 damper provides increased adjustability while maintaining minimal cross-talk between settings.
GRIP X Damper: A lightweight, easy-to-tune alternative to GRIP X2, delivering a balance of descending capability and efficient pedaling performance.
Inboard Bypass Channels: Relocated from the aft side to the inboard side, these channels enhance small bump sensitivity, reduce pressure buildup, and improve overall suspension response.
Low-Profile Bleeders: Redesigned with a grooved structure for easier pressure equalization.
Air Spring Top Cap: Now compatible with a standard Shimano cassette tool for simple volume adjustments.
More Torsional Rigidity and Control
New 36 Chassis: 20% greater torsional stiffness over the previous model, approaching the steering precision of the FOX 38.
Arch Above the Rest: The generatively optimized crown and arch provide 20% more torsional stiffness than the previous Trail-class fork, the 34.
Arch Optimization: Generatively designed, the new 36 arch enhances torsional stiffness while strategic cutouts minimize weight and refine aesthetics.
Increased Bushing Overlap: 30mm of additional bushing overlap significantly reduces friction, providing a smoother feel, especially on rough terrain.
Additionally, both the Fox 36 and Fox 36 SL have mudguard mounts on the arch and seal flanges instead of the air bleeder ports, which should improve durability and aesthetics.
The new Fox 36 and 36 SL ushers in major claimed upgrades to an already legendary mountain bike suspension fork series. Both models are available today in two colors. Check the Fox Factory site for further details.
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