Since 2005, the Fox 36 has led the single crown fork market with best-in-class performance and unrivaled stiffness-to-weight ratio. The latest evolution brings big fork energy to all-mountain riding. An updated chassis and significant increase in bushing overlap adds 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. All-mountain riders are pushing their bikes harder in rougher terrain and want no compromise in their bike’s handling. 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 torsional stiffness of the fork by a full 20%. This now gives the 36 a veritable 87% of the torsional stiffness found on the 38, up from 75%, while remaining 275g lighter than the 38.
Compliant Air Spring
A large enough 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 through its travel. 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 weight of a rider.
More 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. Bushing overlap refers to the distance between upper and lower bushings in each leg. In suspension forks, this greater overlap reduces friction between the stanchions and lower legs throughout the stroke. By adding an additional 30mm of bushing overlap over the previous 36, chassis friction is reduced significantly for a smoother-feeling fork overall, as well as adding fore-aft stiffness for a more stable-feeling at higher speed.
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 set up 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 lubricating 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, as well as increasing 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. Refined aesthetic, durability and seal protection. Long and short styles.
Full Specification:
- Wheel Size: 29, 27.5
- Travel: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm
- Rake: 37mm, 44mm offset (27.5) / 44mm offset (29)
- Axle: Kabolt 15 QR on Performance Series
- Rotor Size: 200-230mm
- Air Spring: Float Evol Complaint
- Steerer: 1.5 Taper
- Starting Weight: 1920g (29 160mm Grip X)