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The key data of the new Superforke sounds sobering at first: with a weight of 2767 grams and a price tag of a hefty 2400 euros, the Podium doesn't earn much applause. The USD fork weighs around 400 grams more than a Rockshox Zeb and is still 300 grams heavier than the 38 from our own company. In terms of price, the difference to the competition is even greater. 1150 euros separate the Rockshox Zeb in the Ultimate version from the new Podium - or to put it more drastically: the new Fox costs almost twice as much as the top fork from Rockshox.
The driving impressions speak for themselves
In the case of our suspension fork shootout, however, there was unanimity at the end of the day. Even after various setup changes and numerous runs, all testers noted the same order in the log: Fox Podium ahead of Rockshox Zeb and Fox 38. So the new upside-down fork can look more than just different after all and puts the established competition in the shade.
During the practical test in the Geißkopf bike park, the change to the Fox Podium is a real eye-opener. Why? Firstly, it utilises the entire suspension travel, but still doesn't bottom out or bottom out hard. The fork and damping work consistently and with definition. The traction is amazing. The difference in grip is immense, especially on the lower part of our test track with its root-covered, open corners. Where with the Fox 38 and the Zeb you already slow down because the front wheel keeps dancing towards the edge of the bend, with the Podium you leave the brakes on and simply follow the intended line. Also amazing: In particularly slippery conditions, the lower torsional stiffness seems to smooth out the steering impulses, which is also noticeable in the more constant grip.
Grip X2 cartridge
The Podium also relies on a Grip X2 damping cartridge, just like the Fox 38, but as the friction under load is lower, the compression damping has been increased to provide sufficient support. Despite the increased compression damping, the Podium is extremely sensitive.
Laboratory and practical tests
All suspension forks have to show their colours in our own test laboratory. Objective and reproducible values in terms of stiffness and weight create a clear categorisation and debunk marketing claims.
To test how well the Fox Podium works in practice, we took three identical bikes and three riders to the Bischofsmais bike park for a day. The Zeb had to prove itself against the established competition (Rockshox Zeb Ultimate and Fox 38) in a direct comparison on different trails.
Fox Podium
| Category | details |
| Price | 2400 >> available here |
| Setting options | Air pressure, high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping, volume spacer |
| Max. Disc Ø / weight limit | 230 mm / 169 kg |
| Immersion tube diameter | 36 mm |
| Available spring travel | 160, 170 mm |
| Weight | 2.767 g |
| Installation length | 588 mm |
| Stiffness | Twist: 17.1 Nm/° / Brakes: 373 Nm/° |
| Test values | |
| - Sensitivity (15 %) | 0,5 |
| - Downhill (45 %) | 0,5 |
| - Handling (10 %) | 3,5 |
| - Brake rigidity (7.5 %) | 1,0 |
| - Torsional rigidity (7.5 %) | 2,5 |
| - Weight (15 %) | 3,5 |
| Overall grade | 1,44 |
Our test summary of the Fox Podium suspension fork
The new flagship in the Fox portfolio is a winner across the board and confidently takes the lead among enduro forks. Suspension, traction and damping control are currently the measure of all things. On the other side of the coin are the extremely high price, the high weight and the poorer handling when changing wheels. As soon as the front wheel axle is out, the immersion tubes can twist independently of each other. The air pressure recommendation on the fork is a very good starting point for the setup.
Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
In direct comparison with the Rockshox Zeb and the Fox 38, the Podium is in a league of its own and even raises the question of whether this performance is even possible with a conventional fork design. The price, on the other hand, is an absolute cheek.
