Fit4? Pah! Suspension freaks can only laugh at that. The Fit4 damper was previously the only high-end damper in the Fox 34 and one of the two high-end options in the Fox 36 enduro fork. Quick and easy to operate, lockout with a single turn of the knob, but only adjustable in the low-speed compression and rebound stages. The high-end Grip2 damper, the holy grail of tuning freaks, so to speak, was reserved for the Fox 36. The reason why the Fox 34 has never really been taken seriously by many riders.
Fox 34 Grip2 - Swap weight for downhill performance
However, this has changed with the new Fox 34: for the first time, customers are now spoilt for choice when it comes to the trail fork. Fit4 and easy adjustability with fast lockout, or the new Grip2 damper with variable valve control (VVC), ultimate fine-tuning options and the best downhill performance. In the past, we have found on several occasions that even the "old" Grip2 damper was just that little bit smoother on rough terrain than its lighter brother.
Unfortunately, there is a catch: the weight advantage that the Fox 34 had over the Fox 36 is almost completely lost due to the more potent shock. Depending on the setup, the difference is barely 100 grams. The only internal differentiation between the models is therefore the travel. The Fox 34 is available with 120 to 140 millimetres of travel, while those who want 150 or 160 millimetres of travel can opt for the Fox 36. Nevertheless, we can imagine that the new Fox 34 with Grip2 shock will find its fans. Especially among riders who like to leave the throttle fully open even with around 130 millimetres of travel.
Versions, offset, weight and price
The new Fox 34, which also utilises the new Evol cartridge with more air volume, is available as a Performance, Performance Elite or Factory version. The Performance continues to rely on the Grip damper, while the Performance Elite and Factory now give customers the choice between Fit4 and Grip 2. The fork is available with 120 to 140 millimetres of travel in 27.5 or 29 inches and 44 or 51 millimetres of offset. From 1770 grams and 989 euros.
Update for DPX2 damper and Fox Transfer
In addition to the Fox 34, the DPX2 trail shock and the Fox Transfer dropper post have also been updated. In the case of the dropper post, the main focus was on optimising user-friendliness: a new single-position lever should be more ergonomic in the hand and exude more quality, otherwise the dimensions have been optimised. The seat clamp is now flatter and the sealing ring has also been flattened and provided with flat edges for easier maintenance of the seat post. The post can now be opened easily with a suitable spanner.
The inner workings of the Transfer are also new and should also make servicing easier, while the lower insertion depth of the post should be of particular interest to end users. In combination with the new flat seat clamp, smaller riders should also be able to enjoy dropper posts with plenty of travel. The 175 millimetre version now requires 8.6 millimetres less insertion depth, while the 150 millimetre version is even reduced by 15.5 millimetres. Overall, the supports are three to four centimetres shorter. Available from 339 euros.
DPX2 damper: Better sensitivity, more adjustability
Fox promises more sensitivity and better adjustability for the latest version of the Dpx2 trail damper. As in the new forks, a new Evol air chamber should also improve the response, while an optimised oil flow in the inner workings improves damping on long downhills, according to Fox. The DPX2 will also be available with a handlebar remote or three-position lever. The latter also offers fine-tuning of the compression damping with 10 clicks.
The DPX2 is available in standard or metric dimensions, with prices ranging from 739 to 769 euros
You can find more information about the new products on the Fox website.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
