Since 2005, the Fox 36 has led the single crown fork market with best-in-class performance and an unrivaled stiffness-to-weight ratio. The latest evolution of the revered 36 brings big fork energy to all-mountain riding. An updated chassis and a significant increase in bushing overlap add 20% torsional stiffness over the previous 36, approaching the steering responsiveness of the 38. A new compliant FLOAT air spring and inboard bypass channels make the 36 considerably smoother throughout its travel, especially when engaged at higher loads and at faster speeds. The 36 gives riders a true enduro ride feel of a 38, without the weight.
Arch to Rival
Generatively designed and optimised by Fox engineers, the new 36 arch wraps around the lowers to increase the torsional stiffness of the fork by a full 20%. This gives the 36 a veritable 87% of the torsional stiffness found on the 38, while remaining 275g lighter.
Compliant Air Spring
A large bending force, such as hitting a large rock or root at high speed, can cause the air spring to bind to the inside of the stanchion when the fork is compressing. The redesigned and compliant FLOAT air spring decouples the stanchion from the air shaft, allowing the piston to move with the fork while under these bending loads rather than resisting them. The result is smoother suspension action overall, especially when the fork is experiencing high loads from speed or the weight of a rider.
Bushing Overlap
As the fork is loaded sideways, such as running over an obstacle on the trail, that bending force is translated from the lower leg to the stanchions through Teflon-lined sleeves called bushings. By adding an additional 30mm of bushing overlap over the previous 36 chassis, friction is reduced significantly for a smoother-feeling fork, while also adding fore-aft stiffness for a more stable feel at higher speeds.
GRIP X Damper
Trail riders no longer need to choose between a descent-focused damper or a lightweight endurance damper. GRIP X exudes the exemplary descent performance of GRIP X2, refined for less weight, easier setup, and an easy-access firm mode for pedalling efficiency.
Inboard Bypass Channels
Bypass channels help curb pressure ramping for increased small bump sensitivity as well as recirculating oil to lubricate bushings and seals. By relocating the bypass channels from the aft side of the fork to the inboard side, they are now out of the fore-aft load path. This further reduces friction and wear while increasing the overall sensitivity of the fork.
Added Utility
- Low profile bleeders: Grooved design allows pressure to escape around your finger as you press the bleeder.
- Air spring top cap: Now uses the common Shimano cassette tool for easy volume adjustments.
- Mudguard: Mounts to seal flanges and arch instead of bleeder ports for refined aesthetic, durability, and seal protection.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Increased Torsional Stiffness: The updated chassis and arch design increase torsional stiffness by 20%, providing 87% of the stiffness found on the 38 while remaining 275g lighter.
- Compliant FLOAT Air Spring: This design decouples the stanchion from the air shaft, allowing the piston to move with the fork under bending loads for smoother suspension action.
- GRIP X Damper: Offers descent performance refined for less weight, easier setup, and a firm mode for improved pedalling efficiency.
Full Specification:
- Wheel Size: 29, 27.5
- Travel: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm
- Rake: 37mm, 44mm offset (27.5) / 44mm offset (29)
- Axle: Kabolt 15 QR
- Rotor Size: 200-230mm
- Air Spring: FLOAT EVOL
- Steerer: 1.5 Taper
- Damper: GRIP X
- Starting Weight: 1920g (29 160mm Grip X)