The timing is conceivably early, but even now the Fox presents two new suspension forks for the 2019 model year. With the 34 Step-Cast, the Americans are presenting a lightweight version of the 34 series with 120 millimetre suspension travel, similar to the 100 millimetre 32 SC (Step-Cast) fork. In addition, the RC2 cartridge, which was previously used in the 40 and 36 downhill forks, has been replaced by the new Grip2 damping cartridge. BIKE has already tested both MTB innovations in the lab and in practice.
Fox 34 Step-Cast
To date, the existing Fox 34 with 120 to 150 millimetres of travel has been used on trail bikes and all-mountain bikes. The 34 Stepcast was developed for marathon riders who are looking for a little more downhill performance or trail bikers who pay attention to the weight of their equipment. The new fork has shorter stanchions, a narrower crown and a narrower casting in the eponymous step design. The suspension travel is 120 millimetres, but can be shortened to up to 100 millimetres with a new air shaft. The Fit4 damping cartridge has the same design as the 32 SC. Compared to the previous 34, the 34 SC manages with a smaller oil volume. Thanks to the large tyre clearance of the new casting, the fork can be fitted to a wide variety of bikes. The 27.5 mm fork accommodates tyres up to 2.8 inches, while the 29 mm fork still fits 2.6 mm tyres.
Fox 34 SC vs. 32 SC: the differences
If you're thinking about upgrading your Fox suspension fork and want to give your race bike a little more downhill quality, this comparison should be of interest. Compared to the Fox 32 SC with 100 millimetres of travel, the Fox 34 SC with 120 millimetres weighs 255 grams more. Compared to a normal Fox 34 with 150 millimetres of travel, it saves just 137 grams. The installation length changes by 32 millimetres, making the steering angle around 1.5 degrees slacker. Not all bikes will be able to achieve this significant change in geometry. The 34 SC is clearly ahead in terms of stiffness. Our laboratory measurements confirm a 38 per cent increase in torsional stiffness and 7.5 per cent more braking stiffness. With these values, the lightweight Fox 34 is roughly at the stiffness level of a normal 34 with 150 millimetres.
Key data of the Fox 34 SC
- 1648 grams in 29 inch (+255 g to 32 SC, - 137 g to standard 34)
- Torsional rigidity: 22.0 Nm/°, braking rigidity 182.3 Nm/°
- Measured 123 mm suspension travel
- Installation length 532 mm (500 mm: 32 SC with 100 mm suspension travel)
- Tyre clearance 27.5 inch: 2.8 tyres / 29 inch: 2.6 tyres
How the new Fox 34 SC rides
In practice, there is no loss of stiffness due to the Step Cast lower section. The new fork is high in its travel and absorbs impacts much better in the 120 millimetre version than its 32 SC counterpart with 100 millimetre travel. The first riding impression clearly positions the new 34 Sc close to the normal 34 fork. It is clearly superior to the lightweight 32 Step Cast in any terrain.
Fox Grip2 for more downhill performance
The new Grip2 damping cartridge replaces the previous RC2 cartridge and will be used in both the Fox 36 and 40. BIKE has already been able to test the new cartridge extensively in a 36 with 160 millimetres of travel in Finale Ligure. With the new Grip2 cartridge, the damping can now be adjusted fourfold. Compared to the RC2, where high and low-speed compression and low-speed rebound could be adjusted, there is now also the option of adjusting the high-speed rebound. The new VVC rebound (Variable Valve Control) allows the fork to be customised even better to the rider's needs. In addition, friction within the cartridge, which now works without a bladder, has been reduced. As a result, the new 36 with Grip2 should respond even more sensitively. Work has also been carried out on the compression damping, which is why a larger adjustment range is now available and the fork can be tuned much further towards comfort.
Key data of the Fox 36 Grip2
- 2083 grams (160 mm, 27.5 inch) (64 g heavier than 2018 Fox 36 with Fit4)
- 27.5 inch available in: 150, 160, 170, 180 mm
- 29 inch available in: 140, 150, 160, 170 mm
- Improved compression damping with larger adjustment range
- Four-way adjustable damping
- Less friction and improved response behaviour
The first ride impression of the Fox 36 Grip2
In practice, the fork makes one thing immediately clear: without a setup guide, you're quickly overwhelmed by the many adjustment options. Fortunately, Fox akkuart offers elaborate setting recommendations to help the customer. The time-consuming adjustment is worth it, as the new 36 fork surprises with an extreme amount of grip on the first test ride. Even in the roughest terrain, the fork always keeps the front wheel on the ground. Unlike the 2018 model, the feedback from the trail is pleasantly damped on the handlebars. As a result, forearm fatigue is significantly lower than in the past. It also appears that the new fork is less susceptible to cold temperatures. Earlier models performed significantly worse in autumn or winter.
