Fox presents the latest version of its 36 mm suspension fork for all-mountain use. The revised model promises 20 per cent more torsional stiffness and improved response behaviour. New air spring and damping systems should ensure optimised performance. The fork is available with 140, 150 and 160 millimetres of travel and is available for 27.5 and 29-inch wheels.
The new 2026 Fox 36 - now almost as potent as the Fox 38?
Fox has revised its well-known 36 suspension fork and is now presenting a new model with a number of technical improvements. The fork, which has held a leading position in the market for single-bridge suspension forks since 2005, is now even stiffer and more powerful, according to the manufacturer. According to Fox, a revised chassis and a significant increase in the bush spacing result in a 20 per cent increase in torsional stiffness compared to the previous model. This brings the steering precision of the 36 closer to that of the larger 38 fork.
According to Fox, the 36 thus achieves 87 per cent of the torsional stiffness of the larger 38 fork, which represents an increase from the previous 75 per cent.
New fork design for more rigidity
A central element of the revision is the redesigned fork crown. Fox states that this has been generatively designed and optimised by the engineers. The fork crown now surrounds the lower fork legs, which contributes to the aforementioned 20 per cent increase in torsional stiffness. According to Fox, the 36 now achieves 87 per cent of the torsional stiffness of the larger 38 fork, an increase from the previous 75 per cent. Despite this improvement, the 36 remains 275 grams lighter than its larger counterpart. This weight saving and simultaneous increase in stiffness should benefit all-mountain riders who push their bikes hard in rough terrain but do not want to compromise on handling.
Improved air suspension for more sensitivity
Fox has also revised the air spring of the 36. The new FLOAT air spring, known as "compliant", is designed to improve the fork's response behaviour, especially under higher loads and at higher speeds. A large bending moment, such as occurs when hitting a large stone or a root at high speed, can cause the air spring to jam on the inside of the stanchion tube during compression. The redesigned air spring decouples the stanchion from the air shaft and allows the piston to move with the fork under these bending loads instead of resisting them. The result should be an overall smoother suspension, especially when the fork is exposed to high loads due to speed or the weight of the rider.
Increased bushing overlap for less friction
Another focus of the revision was on the increased bushing spacing. This refers to the distance between the upper and lower bushings in each fork leg. In suspension forks, a larger overlap reduces the friction between the stanchions and the lower fork legs over the entire suspension travel. Fox has increased the bushing spacing by an additional 30 millimetres compared to the previous version of the 36. This should significantly reduce friction in the chassis and lead to an overall smoother feel. The manufacturer also promises increased stiffness in the longitudinal direction, which should contribute to a more stable ride at higher speeds.
New GRIP X2 and GRIP X damping systems
Fox is also introducing two new damping systems with the new 36: GRIP X2 and GRIP X. According to the manufacturer, the GRIP X2 system is designed for maximum tunability and is based on damping systems used in motocross and supercross racing. Compared to its predecessor GRIP 2, the base diameter has been increased from 20 to 24 millimetres and the number of valves has been increased from 7 to 23. This is intended to extend the adjustment range for high- and low-speed rebound and compression damping and at the same time reduce interactions between the settings. Fox promises that riders with GRIP X2 will benefit from a higher position in the suspension travel while the tyres stick to the ground. This should lead to improved traction in corners and increase rider confidence in downhill and enduro races.
The GRIP X system is a simplified version of the GRIP X2 that has been optimised for all-mountain use. It is designed to combine the downhill performance of the GRIP X2 with lower weight, easier adjustment and an easily accessible firm mode for efficient pedalling. Fox emphasises that trail riders no longer have to choose between a downhill-oriented damper and a lightweight endurance damper.
Further technical improvements
Fox has also reworked the fork's bypass channels to further reduce friction and wear and increase the fork's sensitivity. In addition, some practical improvements have been made, such as flat bleed valves with a grooved structure to facilitate the escape of air during compression. The air spring cap now uses a standard Shimano cassette tool for easy volume adjustments. In addition, the mud flap has been redesigned and is now mounted to the seal flange and fork crown, which according to Fox results in improved aesthetics, durability and seal protection.
Technical specifications:
- Wheel sizes: 29 inch, 27.5 inch
- Suspension travel: 140 mm, 150 mm, 160 mm
- Forward travel: 37 mm, 44 mm offset (27.5 inch), 44 mm offset (29 inch)
- Axle: Kabolt 15 QR for Performance series
- Brake disc size: 200-230 mm
- Air spring: FLOAT EVOL Compliant
- Steerer tube: 1.5 inch tapered
- Weight: 1920 g (29 inch, 160 mm travel, GRIP X)
- Cushioning systems: GRIP X2, GRIP X
- Torsional rigidity: 20% higher than previous model
- Bushing overlap: 30 mm more than previous model
- Price: from 999 euros to 1609 euros
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The new 2026 Fox 36 SL: lighter & less travel for tough trail use
Lightweight with 20 per cent more rigidity
Fox presents the 36 SL, a new suspension fork for trail bikes. It is the big brother of the Fox 34 SL cross-country fork. The 36 SL offers 120 to 140 millimetres of travel and weighs from 1755 grams. According to the manufacturer, the fork is 20 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, the Fox 34, while weighing only 100 grams more. The 36 SL is designed for 29-inch wheels and is available in different versions.
Fox is expanding its suspension fork range with the new 36 SL, which has been specially developed for trail bikes. The fork covers the suspension travel range from 120 to 140 millimetres and is aimed at bikers who are looking for a stiff yet lightweight fork for trail riding. Trail use search.
With a weight of 1755 grams for the 29-inch version with 140 millimetre travel and GRIP X damping, Fox is positioning the 36 SL as a lightweight in its class. According to the manufacturer, the new fork is 20 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, the Fox 34, although the weight has only increased by 100 grams. Fox states that the 36 SL is therefore an alternative for riders who previously had to choose between a heavier, stiffer fork and a lighter, less stiff version.
Optimised chassis for more rigidity
According to the manufacturer, the chassis of the Fox 36 SL has been fundamentally redesigned to increase stiffness. Engineers at Fox have used generative design to develop a new triple clamp and crown, which are responsible for the 20 per cent increase in torsional stiffness compared to the Fox 34. In order to keep the weight low, strategically placed recesses and lightweight drillings have been integrated into the construction. The stanchions of the 36 SL are also shorter than those of the regular Fox 36, which also contributes to the weight reduction.
Revised air suspension for better response behaviour
Fox has revised the FLOAT air spring for the 36 SL. This new version, known as "compliant", is intended to improve the fork's response behaviour, especially under high loads. The manufacturer explains that conventional air springs can tend to jam in the stanchion tube under strong bending forces, such as those that occur when riding over large obstacles at high speed. The new design decouples the air shaft from the stanchion so that the piston can move with the fork under such loads instead of offering resistance. This should result in an overall smoother suspension, especially at high speeds or with heavy riders.
Improved bushing guidance and damping
Another technical innovation of the Fox 36 SL concerns the bushing routing. Compared to the Fox 34, the 36 SL has a 20 millimetre larger overlap between the upper and lower bushings. According to Fox, this is intended to reduce friction between the stanchions and lower tubes over the entire suspension travel and lead to smoother fork operation overall. The bypass channels, which regulate the pressure build-up and ensure the lubrication of bushings and seals, have also been moved from the rear of the fork to the inside. This should further reduce frictional resistance during the spring travel.
GRIP X cushioning for versatile use
The Fox 36 SL is equipped with the new GRIP X damping. Fox claims that this damping combines the downhill performance of the GRIP X2 damping with a lower weight and easier adjustment. It also has an easily accessible firm mode for efficient pedalling. With this damping, Fox is aiming to offer trail riders a solution that is suitable for both demanding descents and long tours.
Practical details and variants
Fox has also thought about practical details with the 36 SL. The fork has redesigned bleed valves with a grooved structure to make it easier for air to escape during compression. The air spring cap can now be adjusted using a standard Shimano cassette tool. A revised mud flap is fitted to the seal flange and the fork crown, which according to Fox improves the aesthetics and offers better seal protection. The 36 SL is designed for 29-inch wheels and is available in versions with 120, 130 and 140 millimetres of travel. Customers can choose between 37 and 44 millimetre offset for 27.5-inch wheels and 44 millimetre offset for 29-inch wheels.
Technical specifications Fox 36 SL:
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 120, 130, 140 millimetres
- Offset: 37, 44 millimetres (27.5 inches), 44 millimetres (29 inches)
- Axle: Kabolt 15 QR for Performance Series
- Brake disc size: 180-230 millimetres
- Air spring: FLOAT EVOL Compliant
- Steerer tube: 1.5 inch tapered
- Weight: from 1755 grams (29 inch, 140 millimetres, GRIP X)
- Cushioning: GRIP X
- Stiffness increase: 20 per cent compared to the Fox 34
- Bushing overlap: 20 millimetres more than Fox 34
- Price: from 939 euros to 1539 euros
Laurin Lehner
Editor
