2026 Fox suspension: More travel, more fun? A quick check of the new Fox 34 SL
Laurin Lehner
· 20.03.2025
Fox presents the new 34 SL suspension fork for cross-country bikes. With a weight of 1475 grams and suspension travel of up to 130 millimetres, it is set to set new standards in the XC segment. The fork uses a full 34 millimetre chassis and promises increased stiffness at a lower weight.
Fox 34 SL: New 2026 XC fork with up to 130 millimetres of travel - now also with remote lever
Fox is expanding its range of forks for cross-country bikes with the new 34 SL. The suspension fork will be available from 20 March 2025 and is aimed at use on short-stroke mountain bikes for technical World Cup routes.
In contrast to the previous 34 Step-Cast (SC) model, the new fork does away with the characteristic taper on the lower fork legs. Instead, a full 34-millimetre chassis is used, which, according to the manufacturer, should offer more stiffness and reduced weight at the same time.
The Fox 34 SL is available in suspension travel variants of 110, 120 and 130 millimetres. This is Fox's response to the increasing demand for more suspension travel in the XC segment. The weight of the 29-inch version with 130 millimetre travel and GRIP SL damper cartridge is stated by the manufacturer as 1475 grams. This makes the fork 40 grams lighter than the next lightest competitor product.
Revised chassis for more rigidity
One of the main focuses in the development of the 34 SL was on increasing stiffness. According to Fox, torsional stiffness has been increased by 17 per cent compared to the 34 SC. The newly designed fork crown, which was optimised using generative design, is one of the factors contributing to this. The fork crown made from 7000 series aluminium has also been revised and milled to a greater extent internally. A black anodised finish is intended to save additional weight.
The stanchions of the 34 SL now have 20 per cent more overlap with the dip tubes. Fox promises improved response behaviour as a result, especially at higher speeds. The bypass channels for the oil flow have been moved from the rear to the inside of the stanchions, which should increase sensitivity on small bumps and reduce dynamic friction.
New cartridges for XC & Trail
Two damping options are available for the 34 SL. The Grip SL system, specially developed for short-travel forks, is designed to offer optimum pedalling efficiency while keeping the weight low. Grip-X damping is also available as an option for the 130-millimetre version, which, according to Fox, should provide more reserves for tougher trails.
The air spring of the 34 SL has a larger volume than that of the predecessor model. This makes it possible to offer suspension travel of 110 to 130 millimetres without having to compromise on weight. Fox emphasises that the 34 SL therefore offers more travel with less weight than comparable products from the competition.
Lightest overall system for XC bikes
Fox is positioning the 34 SL as part of a comprehensive lightweight ecosystem for cross-country bikes. In combination with the Float SL damper cartridge and the Transfer SL dropper post, this results in the lightest overall system on the market, according to the manufacturer. Fox states that the combination is 333 grams lighter than the next lightest competitor product with comparable equipment. Compared to electronic XC systems from other manufacturers, the weight advantage is as much as 489 grams.
The new Fox 34 SL: Short & sweet
- Model: Fox 34 SL
- Field of application: Cross-Country
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Spring travel: 110, 120, 130 millimetres
- Chassis: Full 34-millimetre design
- Fork crown: 7000 aluminium, black anodised
- Attenuation: Grip SL (all variants), Grip X (optional for 130 millimetres)
- Air spring: Increased volume
- Weight: 1475 grams (29 inch, 130 millimetres, Grip SL)
- Stiffness increase: 17 per cent (according to the manufacturer)
- Bushing overlap: 20 per cent more than its predecessor
- Availability: From 20 March 2025
- Prices869 to 1469 Euro
Levers to happiness? The twin-stick remote
With the Twin Stick, Fox presents a combination lever that combines the operation of the dropper post and suspension lockout in a compact design. The mechanical lever weighs just 66 grams and is part of the new FOX Super Light XC ecosystem, which according to the manufacturer is the lightest XC suspension and dropper system on the market. Fox is asking 200 euros for it.
This is the manufacturer's response to the increasing demands of modern XC routes, which require both efficiency and technical skills from riders. The Twin Stick is designed to offer an unobtrusive and lightweight solution for quick and easy operation of both functions.
The Twin Stick weighs 66 grams without a clamp and 76 grams with a clamp.
Versatile compatibility
The new combi-lever is compatible with various suspension lock systems. It supports both 2-position systems (open, lock) and 3-position systems (open, centre, lock). The configuration can be flexibly customised: The Twin Stick can be set up to operate the fork, the damper or both components simultaneously.
In a nutshell - Twin Stick Remote
- Weight: 66 grams (without clamp), 76 grams (with clamp)
- Compatibility: 2-position system (open, fixed) or 3-position system (open, centre, fixed)
- Configurations: Fork, damper or both at the same time
- 34 SL suspension fork: 1475 grams (29 inch, 130 millimetre suspension travel)
- Float SL LV damper: 249 grams (190 x 45 millimetres)
- Transfer SL dropper post: 342 grams (30.9 millimetres x 100 millimetres)
- Total weight Fox SL XC ecosystem: 2232 grams (incl. cables and covers)
- Price: 200 Euro
A detailed test will follow.
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Laurin Lehner
Editor
