Fox 831 DJ and 4X fork - Interbike 2009

Oct 13, 2009
by Karl Burkat  
2010 Fox 831 fork

Watch this great video to learn more about Fox's new 831 DJ and 4X fork:
Fox 831 Video

by spoiledgoods
Views: 10,095    Faves: 32    Comments: 13

If you ever spent time flipping through the Fox Shox catalog you'd discover that they had a fork for nearly every discipline for riding. Missing from the Fox party had always been a dedicated dirt jump and 4X race fork. Sure, riders were chopping down the travel on various 36s but in the end it was still not the fork that the many 4X focused riders wanted it to be. That all changed recently when Fox announced the addition of the 831 fork to their lineup for 2010. Far from a lowered 32 or 36 series fork, the 831 is Fox's single minded approach to a shorter travel and lighter option to their previous offerings.

photo

Some more observant riders may have noticed the prototype 831s that have been under Jared Graves' and Dan Atherton's race bikes during the '09 season. The two riders had a big hand in developing the 831, a perfect example of trial by fire you could say. The 831 uses Fox's 32 mm stanchions taken from the 150 mm version (slightly thicker walls) combined with new meatier 32 mm compatible lowers to keep the weight low but stiffness high. The result is a fork that is about a full pound lighter than a 36 series fork. From a distance the fork may resemble one of Fox's other 32 mm options but it is important to note that the 831 uses an entirely different chassis altogether.

photo
A webbed arch as opposed to a scooped out arch (as found on the other 32 forks) increases stiffness and strength

Fox 831 specs

• 100 mm of travel, adjustable internally from 80 - 120 mm
• Adjustments include air pressure, low-speed compression, rebound, travel (5 mm increments)
• 15 mm QR thru-axle
• Both 1.125" and 1.5" steerer tube options
• 3.8 lbs.

photo

The new 831 DJ fork uses the same FIT technology as Fox's other top end forks, watch the video and let Nick Delauder explain it to you!:
Information on the 2010 Fit Technology

by spoiledgoods
Views: 13,351    Faves: 7    Comments: 3


photo
The 831 uses a 15 mm thru-axle to keep things stiff but light

Inside the 831 you'll find a modified version of Fox's FIT damper. FIT stands for Fox Isolated Technology and is just that, they separate the damping oil from the lubrication oil. Going about it this way should produce more consistent damping as well as longer service intervals. When compared to the FIT dampers used on Fox's other 32 mm forks, the 831's FIT cartridge has a refined damping range that will better deal with the impacts that a 4X racer or dirt jump specialist will put it through, this is not just a slammed XC fork!

photo

Have a look at Fox's entire lineup!


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Forks Fox Factory Interbike


Author Info:
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232 Comments
  • 10 1
 it is nice, but its damn expensive. I think these will appeal more to the 4x racers than jumpers. i couldnt justify the cost over argyles on my jump bike.
  • 1 0
 I just think it's funny that they're trying to market it as both a 4X fork AND a dirt jumping fork. How many guys do you see racing 4X with a Manitou Gold Label? How many jumpers are using Marzocchi 4X WC forks? 4X and DJ are quite different, in reality.
  • 1 0
 agreed. imo, its the same difference as downhill and freeride.
  • 13 6
 I really don’t understand the 15mm axle on this one.
Honestly, for the price you might want to go for the 36 float instead. 36mm legs, 20mm axle, drop the travel down to 100, super light and super stiff. It's a ‘no brainer’ if you ask me...
  • 10 4
 The 831 is a full pound lighter than any 36 though.
  • 7 3
 not to mention a proper spring rate, longer and stiffer stanchions, just because they're thinner doesn't mean they're weaker. they're longer and have more contact with the bushings making it stiffer and stronger. and if you complain about price, then you shouldn't be riding fox suspension, or even mtbing.
  • 1 1
 props to z-man for that post Smile
  • 3 0
 Well actually, z-man, if you lower a 36 Float then the stanctions will be contacting the bushings quite a bit more than a fork designed for shorter travel. I mean a 160mm travel fork set at 100mm with have 60mm of overlap, I'd say that's quite a bit more extra than a 100mm travel fork will have. Then on top of that you have a stanction that is 4mm larger in diameter, making a stiffer platform from the get-go.
  • 14 7
 Still think they messed up on this one. Should at least have 20mm thru axle, if not some 36mm legs. Also they still need a burly FR single crown
  • 2 4
 nm bout the 36mm legs bit
  • 8 2
 it adds weight but i do wish they had 20mm axle
  • 12 22
flag bikesbeforebabes (Oct 13, 2009 at 5:22) (Below Threshold)
 20mm is overkill for dj's its good to have the extra strength but 15mm is a solid platform for dj'ing with stifness and for norcalnomad there freeride fork is called the 36 talas if u havent seen there forks in the past 4 years you should maybe check it out lol
  • 7 1
 stiffness matters more for dj/trails than for xc/trailcentre riding. if this is dj specific it should have 20mm axel and 36mm legs. i feel this is more 4x specific than dj, but even if iw as racing 4x personaly id still rather have some 36s down at perhaps 110mm travel.
  • 5 3
 36 talas is not a real freeride fork...
  • 7 7
 hey guess what they already have a fork with 36mms and a 20mm axle so go buy that one and until you have ridden this fork quit your bitchin
  • 3 2
 yo dude I took back the 36mm thing , but really I think a dj/4x fork needs a 20mm. You lose a lot of stiffness from 20 to 15...basic physics
  • 2 1
 how can a fork be for DJ and 4x ? surely a DJ fork is just to take the sting out of shit landings (ie anything will do) and a 4x fork actually has to work properly
  • 2 0
 If marzocchi can pull off a 32mm DJ fork, then so can FOX!
  • 8 2
 20mm is so unnecessary for DJ. 15mm is lighter and easily strong enough. I mean, a rear demo axle is only 10mm and it's strong enough for sam hill to race it, matt hunter to send it and bear claw to 360 it of some huge shit. don't even try to say that 20mm is needed for dj.
  • 4 2
 So damn well put!!! Mad props Z-man! tup

Also, if Bender can huck the 55' jaw drop on a 12mm axle, then a 15mm is plenty for a DJ'er!
  • 6 1
 yay flawed logic Blank Stare
  • 1 1
 Who makes a 15mm hub anyway?
  • 1 1
 ck, hope, dt swiss, ringle...most big companies
  • 1 1
 Chris King, Hope, DT Swiss, and Shimano all offer 15x100 hubs separately. Shimano, DT, Easton, Fulcrum, Mavic, and Bontrager make 15x100 front wheels.
  • 2 4
 All of you need to stop crying about the 15mm axle, if you can afford a fox, then you should also be able to afford a 15mm front hub.
  • 2 5
 thnk you too many kids dont know what there talking about on here, until you have been to a confrence, talked to the designers and the techs, like i have and test rode them, you should have nothing to say because ur all, all talk
  • 3 0
 "Been to a confrence?" Even if you had spelled it right, I'm not really sure what you're trying to say with that one.
  • 1 2
 I just want them to make a 7 inch fox 38 that would be sick
  • 2 4
 this fork doesnt have the same dampening system as like an argyle or dj1 from marzocchi this is actual progressive suspension and technology at its best, if you cant fathom why it is so amazing its probably because you cant afford it
  • 3 0
 WOW what a completely ignorant statement linking economic status to intelligence. That and if you were as smart as you claim you are you'd know how much stiffness you are giving up from 20mm to 15mm. But I doubt that after saying something like that.

Also I'm not saying that the internal are bad, they probably kick ass.
  • 7 1
 @Z-MAN: now you're comparing the backwheel with the frontwheel, which isn't fair. The backwheel has a solid frame to hold it, which won't flex or anything, so the axle of a backwheel doesn't'have to be stiff. On the front you ride suspension, on which the "downlegs" can be rotated in circles around the "upperlegs", but that is stopped by the bridge between the "downlegs." Still, it's quite flexy, and just the bridge (only 1 point where it holds it) to hold the 2 "downlegs" isn't enough, that's why the bridge will break. For big hucks and spins you require another stiff thing to hold the 2 downlegs; a stiff hub (like a 20mm or 15mm axle).

So comparing a stiff frame to non-stiff "downlegs" isn't fair
  • 3 1
 zman, i will try and say 20mm is needed for dj
20MM IS NEEDED FOR DJ
i feel this way so do most people who have ridden both


bikesbeforebabes, you went to interbike and you did what?? rode the fork on some proper jumps?? i dont think so. more likely you rode around a car park pump track. also speaking to the designers of the fork is not a good way to form a judgment about a product. what do you think they are going to tell you?
at the weekend i will ask someone on the dmr team who rides lowered 36s what he thinks about the prospect of having to ride a 15mm axel 32 mm leg fork next year. i think he may feel the same as alot of other people on here who have expressed doubts about whether this fork is the right direction to go in terms of a dj specific fork.
  • 4 0
 also everyone should give + props to spongebomb. he took the words out of my mouth about the rear vs fork thing.
  • 1 3
 this is going nowhere i tried reaoning but its MY OPINION and whatever u think might be right but it also might not be so think what you want but what i've experienced is fuckingg amazing. the end.
  • 1 3
 norcal whtever, im comparing the the intellegence and gross income from a 14 year old that knows nothing possibly to the intellegence of a grassroots rider that actually knows something bout the industry, im not some kid on a friggin khs dj100 that thinks he knows fucking everything, i actually have knowledge on this type of thing
  • 1 0
 bikesbeforebabes, you're only 18, please don't try to pull "i actually have knowledge on this type of thing" out of your ass. You don't even have the knowledge to use correct spelling or grammar, how much can you really know about bikes?
  • 1 0
 Btw this quote made my day (ala "banshee-ripper"):

"Also, if Bender can huck the 55' jaw drop on a 12mm axle, then a 15mm is plenty for a DJ'er!"

Hahahaha, that's just funny. Your logic is supreme! Clearly the rear axle undergoes exactly the same stress as the front. Let's just ignore the fact that the rear hub is 150mm wide. A 15QR front hub is only 100mm wide, the same as a 9mm QR.
  • 2 0
 Could this be the most controversial product of all time? Razz
  • 1 0
 at whomever said 20mm is unnecesary(sp?) for dj, then why is i that DJ1s are 20mm, dj2 + 3 offered in 20mm, RS argyl 20mm, society xeno DJ 20mm, name me one top end DJ fork (other than this) that isnt 20mm, i can think of one
  • 1 0
 RS argyle ***
  • 7 1
 should be receiving mine in Dec. thanks fox.
i agree the 15mm axle will be fine. remember what was used before 20mm axles? Big Grin
  • 3 1
 Do you also remember old DH bikes? I don't think that 3" of travel and a single crown Judy DH would exactly stand up up to today's style of riding.
  • 5 1
 I'm glad they finally made a DJ/4x specific application, although for the market, i think the price is a little bit too expensive. Especially since there are PLENTY of guys who are happy with their float forks, and is arguably one of the best forks for DJ/4x. I'm not sure if a 200++ dollar increase justifies this, especially since it sounds like its just an amped up Fseries...

I am not necessarily trying to compare Fox to Marzocchi and Rock Shox as far as quality and performance go, but most of the forks that are meant to compete with each other are all on the same end of the price spectrum, maybe a bit more for a Fox, but not nearly as much a markup as they have here.

For example, take a pike, which is one of the more expensive forks used for 4x/dj and you get max, about 600 bucks. the Float was right there with the pricepoint.

I'm sorry, but the crowd they are trying to appeal to, is going to have a VERY hard time spending 831 bucks on a fork, when they can easily by a 32 float for hundreds less.. Specific or not, people were not complaining about a float 32.
  • 3 0
 I have actually seen several Float 32 forks blow up under dirt jumping conditions.
  • 10 2
 Nice fork.
  • 168 13
 nep prop me if you think, but that 15mm axle is fu++ing stupid ....
  • 43 3
 ya its annoyingly incompatible
  • 17 4
 agreed, whats the dissadvantges of a lowered 36?
  • 16 0
 weight
  • 16 3
 on a float? not really, im running a 66 ata, and its lighter than most dj forks
  • 55 4
 15mm is annoying and the fork is too expensive...
  • 14 96
flag genetic420 (Oct 13, 2009 at 6:46) (Below Threshold)
 15mm is where its at!!!
  • 43 4
 15MM is retarded. Fox needs to stop trying to force another "standard" on us. What is wrong with 20mm? Hell even standard QR isn't too bad, at least you can find any hub you want. You give us 2 headtube sizes, how about some options on the axle as well.
  • 18 2
 I think that QR15 wouldn't be that bad if there were a big choice in hubs that are compatible, or even if there was some kind of adapter QR20->QR15 or vice versa. Anyway, Fox should do this fork in 20mm version and it would be a really nice alternative to other forks Wink
  • 18 4
 15mm saves weight? WHAT? On what planet does 5mm less diameter save more than a few grams, and justify choosing a size that no one uses, or really wants to use.

I loved this fork when I first saw it, a really beefy dirtjumper, but the 15mm axle just killed it for me. Fox lost 2/3s of their sales with that one, congratulations!
  • 12 1
 i know. i won't buy it just because it's a 15mm. I just bought new wheels and there's no way im getting a new hub
  • 18 3
 People seem to think that a 15mm thru axle is designed as a lighter weight 20mm thru axle but this wasn't the intent of the design. The 15mm axle is designed to a be a STRONGER version of the 9mm QR that most of us rode for a very long time, with out adding a lot of weight to wheel or the fork. I remember when Marazocchi built a dual crown with a 9mm axle and a 6mm QR throw (Junior T) and lot of people hucked themselves pretty big on those and they seemed to stand up.

Yes FOX suspension is expensive, but it also has some of the highest standards when it comes to the internal workings of the suspension. I agree that they need to add a FR (7") single crown to their line but I have seen my Talus 36 take some pretty big hits and it has defiantly out lasted friends 66's and Totems. I have not doubt that FOX has designed another quality product that will deliver as promised, good work guys..... and thanks for waiting and making sure it's right before putting a piece of junk on the market like some of the competitors out there.
  • 13 5
 "Fox lost 2/3s of their sales with that one, congratulations!"
Ahaha.
No.
This product is hype.
Groms will grab this us like hot cakes. Why cause it's SLOPESTYLE!!
  • 10 0
 I love how the guy in the first video is saying it's ok to use the Lock-out as a platform, so you can ride with it on, to have to launching predictabillity of a rigid fork and still have the suspension for the rough landings! MAJOR PROPS TO FOX ON THAT ONE! any other company would be say that would blow their cartridges(but not Fox!).

As for the 15mm axles, they must be strong enough, or fox wouldn't be using them, and I'm sure someone(if not fox them selves), will come out with a simple tube you slide inside a 20mm hub and there you go, no more compatibillity issues! It's money to be made... It's only inevitable it will be made sooner or later...! Rolleyes
  • 15 26
flag z-man FL (Oct 13, 2009 at 12:29) (Below Threshold)
 15mm axle is sick! perfect stiffness to weight ratio for that discipline. this fork is about no compromise in performance. you guys who think a lowered 36 is just as good are dumb.
  • 8 7
 15mm is awesome for trail bikes, XC, all mountain. 20mm takes the cake in anything involving big hits and going fast. 15mm wet noodle for dirt jumping? Yeah, awesome idea! Do you honestly need high- and low-speed compression on your dirt jump bike? No.
  • 11 1
 Windowlicker: "Do you honestly need high- and low-speed compression on your dirt jump bike? No."

Low speed: Ajustment effects how far into the travle it will compress when launching a jump, or when cornering a berm, which effects head angle and steering effects... It also effects pedaling when sprinting for a jump...

High speed: Ajustment effects how far the fork will compress when landing a jump or taking square-edged hits(like curbs for the street riders who will probably also use this fork)...

And you seem to be forgetting one major thing... this fork is not only intended for the wreckless world of dirt jumping, it is also intended for the precission world of four cross racing! It is a precission instrument for the racer as well as a toy for the wreckless DJ'er! Those ajustments can spell the difference between winning and losing a race!
  • 9 9
 Most people just run their dirt jump forks stiff.

Also, they are marketing it as a dirt jump and 4x fork. Both are extremely different in my opinion. In 4x yeah, I see the benefits for the high- and low-speed compression. Dirt jumping, not so much. Fox really flopped with this one in my opinion.
  • 3 0
 no pete
  • 8 0
 It may not be NECESSARY, but most people would rather have it there and not need it, than need it, and not have it... In other words, Better safe than sorry!
  • 3 1
 You're probably right Mike as I am just causing trouble. Haha
  • 7 4
 i think fox should make a 180mm fork with 40mm stansions
  • 7 1
 ""Fox lost 2/3s of their sales with that one, congratulations!"
Ahaha.
No.
This product is hype.
Groms will grab this us like hot cakes. Why cause it's SLOPESTYLE!!"

that is 100% right. the spoiled little groms who get everything they want will be getting this for christmas
  • 10 3
 if your good enough to really use this fork to its full potential, then you can afford a 15mm hub!
  • 8 9
 All of you need to stop crying about the 15mm axle, if you can afford a fox, then you should also be able to afford a 15mm front hub.
  • 8 12
flag redrook (Oct 13, 2009 at 18:30) (Below Threshold)
 What. If you can afford a fork you should be able to afford a hub? How does that make any sense at all. Stupidest comment i've read in ages.
  • 5 1
 It's not that they can't afford it, they're just afraid of change. They demand consistency(sticking with the tried and true). This is the same way they all acted at the first sight of the 1.5" steerer, and look how that has taken off once the industry big wigs accepted the idea! The same will likely happen here...
  • 4 1
 man, you guys bitch so much about the 15mm axle. I have a 20mm rear through axle and you don't see me crying and whining about it. And remember, because its 15mm you can make or get an adapter for it. Its only when its bigger than the hub like foes 30mm axles that you have no adapter. Think outside the box guys. Any dumbass can cut a piece of stainless or aluminum stock to make this work with a 20mm.
  • 2 2
 its quite obviously a proven fork with dan jared (possibly the 2 best 4x racers out their now) proving it, but this 15mm stuff, how many hubs are their out their that accept, i can think of 1 (youll probably think more) and thats a pro2, but then again, every man and their dog runs a pro2 now, so shouldnt be to much of a problem
  • 3 1
 there are standard sizes, but if you keep using them you won't be able to progress!! you need to try thinking out of the box and trying new stuff before you can make your product better. and that's what fox is doing! i'd really like to try their new fork on street, but it's a too expensive joke to do it, imagine that i'll break or if it falls hard on a legde or something.....
  • 1 3
 i personally dont think it looks burl enough for street, but maybe it will be, but we'll have to wait and see, coz so far it seems only pros have tested them, and they probably change them every race
  • 3 3
 The point is why should I spend a boat load of money for a fork then turn around and buy a new hub also. What if you decide you don't like it? Then you are stuck with a hub you won't use again. And sure I can make an adapter, but then there goes the weight savings, so I might as well go with something else anyway. Besides who wants to buy a fork and then run an adapter, that's pretty gay in my opinion.
  • 4 1
 15mm is a only used on a small amout of forks yet. if you wait a year or 2 there probably will be lots of companies making 15mm forks and 15mm hubs
  • 1 1
 how much will they retail in GB?
  • 2 1
 Fox won't give you a free fork if you suck up to them. 15mm is annoyingly incompatible.
  • 2 1
 redrook then go by a 20mm and stfu maybe? Why are you guys even whining about it. Either you like it or don't. Just don't complain about the 15mm, go buy a fork with a qr or 20mm. Simple.
  • 2 2
 rffr, thats our point, fox makes some of the best forks, and this fork is THE best dirtjumper I have seen, great stiffeness, weight, adjustments ect, BUT WE CAN'T USE IT! That's why we're upset...
  • 1 0
 You can use it, you just have to dish out a lil more.
  • 2 0
 Stop crying and save up. If your too cheap not to buy it go get a 20mm. Like I said, all I hear is whining about something people have no need to whine about. There are HOW MANY OTHER 20mm forks on the market. Go buy one of those. If you want these well save up and stop crying. Its actually a very simple theory. Its like saying I want a v10 viper engine but I don't want to shell out 60K for one. Why don't they just make one in all their vehicles. Come on man. Its marketing.
  • 2 0
 so wheres the 7" freeride fork? a 38 series maybe?
  • 1 0
 rffr, you have a good point, but the 15mm is ridculously incompatable and only certain hubs are adabtable, myn is qr/20mm so i wouldnt be able to run these without forking out for
a new hub, spokes, wheelbuild, and if you want top spec, hope/DT swiss etc, your looking at another £85-£95 on top (including a £20 wheelbuild)

and dont forget, these forks are gna rrp at a ridicuolous price like all of foxes other prducts, but they are the best just people who have 20mm probably arent going to change
  • 2 0
 you know most big name hubs, like hopes you can just get a 15mm conversion kit... if you're gonna fork over big bucks for a fox fork, 60$ for a conversion kit shouldn't be anything. stop bitching about the 15mm axle.
shimano, fox and marzocchi are all in on the 15mm. their engineers know a lot more then you nubs on pinkbike.
  • 1 0
 z-man im pretty sure its not from an engineering standpoint. its just another way to get YOU (the noob) to buy more crap.
  • 1 0
 keep thinking that jv. The companies that are making adapters have absolutely 0 ties to fox or their marketing. Nor does fox sell adapters. In the end, it's all about engineering in this case. Go call up a fox tech from fox and ask them about it. They will be kind enough to fill you in. Just stopped by the fox plant the other day to check some stuff out and I have to say it's really not that bad of an idea.
  • 1 0
 the noob? why do i race elite?
  • 1 0
 z-man, canadians don't take racing as seriously as Australians do. Its a very simple ordeal, which is why well, you guys are always on top, weather it be BMX, DH, XC or whatever else. Canadians think just because mtb is big there that means they know how the industry works. Little do they know most of the "industry" there started right down here in California... Seen all kinds of marketing hype, and 15mm is definitely not hype. It serves plenty of a purpose.
  • 1 0
 Why when the 15mm was released, Shimano simultaneously released the first 15mm hub then? no ties eh. you guys are funny
  • 2 0
 Uh, because a hub had to be made to match it. And no, fox and "shimano" have absolutely nothing to do with each other. It's simple part of making something for a new product being released. So your saying that all the companies who came out with isis drive were in ties with race face also?

You really don't understand how parts industries work do ya now?

I can count 10+ 15mm adapters at the local shop. So now, your saying all of those companies have ties to Fox as well? I bet RS, X Fusion, Zocchi will all hop on the 15mm band wagon as well.

SOmeone has to do it first. In the case of the 15mm hub, shimano did because they have the money to do so. Now after it has already been proven, other smaller companies who didn't want to take the risk like shimano did will.

Also, for someone who has their bike worked on by "professionals" and not doing it themselves, you sure do have a huge idea of how things work. Leave the tech talk up to people who actually tech on their own bikes not just pay someone to do it.
  • 2 0
 they find a way to get rid of 9mm qr and people bitch about it,it's a funny old world.
  • 2 0
 Exactly. This is no different that anything that has been done in the past.

People whined and complained about 20mm, then whined and complained about 1.5 headsets, then whined and complained about internal headsets. It's like that for every new idea/standard at first. Once most companies start making parts suddenly people are like o maybe I should buy this after all.

I guess that is a thing most of the younger or newer riders on here don't understand because they haven't been through all these industry changes in the last few decades like others have been through and seen.


Funny also how people will bash on everything they have never ridden. Until someone actually tries something out, sorry but there is 0 reason to bitch. You can say good things about something due to the design, but saying bad is pointless until you ride them. For all any of us knows these forks could perform remarkably well, and really benefit from the 15mm axle. Once again, until they are ridden, there is no way to judge them. That's going back to the can't read a book by its cover ordeal.
  • 2 0
 i have to admit that e2 to me was just a daft new gimmick,but in hindsite i can see the benefit's. trend's will come and trend's will go,some will stay and some will die before they have chance,but for me 15mm make's a whole lot of sense,and mfg's will follow suite given time.
  • 1 0
 rffr, Not saying any your statements about the 15mm are wrong, but just for your information, the developement of the ISIS drive was a well documented JOINT EFFORT between RaceFace/Truvativ/Chris King! This is one of the reasons so many people question how long it took Chris King to develope/release a BB...

Also it was a Joint Effort to combat Shimanos greedyness of their spline drive interface, and thats why they named it ISIS standing for: Interface Spline International Standard, and said it was open for any companies to use... As soon as a design standard was agreed apon, the ties of these three companies were broken...
  • 1 0
 cannondale developed something very similar to that back in the 90's.
  • 1 0
 They still use something like that just evolved since then... They probably wouldn't be as greedy if someone wanted to liscence their standards(unlike shimano), but canondales stuff is so far from the industry standards(like their oversized integated BB), that no body wants to use it... There were few select companies back in the day that used headshock forks on their frames...
  • 1 0
 they also made out board bearings too.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, but most recently they've made frames with huge BB shells and direct press fitted cartridge bearings(eliminating the "cups")
  • 2 0
 Straight from www.mtbtrailreview.com/blog/20mm-thru-axle-weigh-off

The Maxle-lite 20MM axle is 10 grams LIGHTER than the 15MM Fox axle. Also, Hope 20mm hubs are LIGHTER than Hope 15mm hubs.

Here are the facts summarized:

Lighter: 20mm
Stronger: 20mm
More common and therefore cheaper: 20mm (it's existed happily for years already)
  • 1 0
 send that to big tard who was saying I was an idiot for saying larger = lighter. Thinner metal used, and it's stiffer. The 15mm will be stronger though just because of how thick it is.
  • 1 0
 problem here is people are comparing 15mm to 20mm,15mm was to kill of 9mm qr,also 20mm for 4x and dj is overkill.
  • 1 0
 as i pointed out below, why is it that all the top end "dj" and "4x" forks, pretty much all have 20mm axle, eg, argyle, DJ1, DJ2 and 3 are offered in 20mm, society 4XR etc etc etc.
  • 2 0
 @kev-roberts: Society is FAR FROM being a top end fork
  • 1 0
 i was just making a point, and its only coz i was looking at them on crc at the time
  • 1 0
 Because kyle, just how all top end freeride bikes were 1 1/8 headset at one time, it takes a company pioneering a new trend for something to change. If it wasn't for progression and trial of new stuff we would all be running drop bars and 1in threaded headsets on our downhill bikes. A very simple idea called Progression. Progression is more than just riding style, it's parts and technology progression. Either the 15mm will stick... or it won't. Being the number of companies making adapters, and showing interest in 15mm, just like 1.5 headsets, this will most likely stick.
  • 4 0
 The 15mm is not new, look at their other 32 series forks, most use 15mm, I'm sure they've been doing it for a few years too, it's not new, fox knows what they're doing, if you don't like it, don't buy it.
  • 3 0
 I'd actually be interested in seeing the new Fox 831 and the Rock Shox Reba 20mm (set at 100mm) compared side by side for 4X use. Both forks are in the same weight category, only Fox claims that they've valved the 831 for racing and Rock Shox designed the Reba for aggressive XC.
  • 3 0
 i dont get it they go and tick all the boxes but then go and put a 15mm thru axle on it surly they know that pretty much everyone goes for 20mm god dammit thats quite a piss take excuse my french
  • 13 8
 This is a prime example of Fox shoooooting themselves in the foot. 15mm is absolutely retarded.
  • 10 15
flag nofree69 (Oct 13, 2009 at 0:45) (Below Threshold)
 15mm works well. its simple and strong enough for the forks its going on and a simple conversion. a new set of adapters for most good quality hubs means you don't even have to build a new wheel. marginally simpler to use QR than the maxle. I dont see why this is even considered an issue.
  • 11 7
 As you have to buy adapters, or get a new wheel. Also not all wheels are adaptable. 20mm works just fine, and is universally accepted. SPRFLS.
  • 3 1
 At the end of the day, 20x110 is quite a bit stiffer than 15x100, not just because of the increased axle diameter, but because of the larger OLD on the hub.
  • 1 4
 but you don't need that for dj, the demo uses a 10mm x 135 axle and it's stiffer then most bikes with 12 x 150. (which is still smaller and wider then 15mm)
  • 4 0
 zman you keep on talking about the demo. You ignore that the rear structure of a demo and the legs of a fork are COMPLETELY different. Stop trying to twist facts
  • 3 3
 All of you need to stop crying about the 15mm axle, if you can afford a fox, then you should also be able to afford a 15mm front hub.
  • 1 0
 Sure, bloodypalace, but one shouldn't have to buy a new hub to use a new fork.
  • 1 0
 z-man shut up about your stupid rear axle argument. a fork axle stops the fork from twisting in addition to all the other forces!
  • 7 6
 im betting most of the comments here regarding hate towards the 15mm axle are from people that have never seen, let alone ridden or used a 15mm axle. it is much lighter then a 20mm, you dont have the end bolts ect. The stiffness is close to a 20mm. a larger diameter leg would make a more noticeable difference in stiffness than 15mm compared to 20mm. The simplicity of the 15mm is awesome, easier to use than a regular qr in my opinion. Im not a huge fan of this fork however, i think they needed to do more with this to call it a true dj fork, but i am a fan of the 15mm. there are lots of good options out there for hubs now. Shimano, hope, chris king, hadley, I9 ect...
  • 5 0
 Those hubs are usually expensive as fuck, though. So basically, you're paying 831 for the fork, then paying 150-250 for the hub, so you're paying 1000 for this fork. Oh don't forget that you need to pay for labor if you don't know how to do it yourself.
  • 5 2
 We had a few customers at the last shop where I worked who had gotten Float 32 15QR forks on their new Blur LT2s. After a few rides they were not at all confident in the 15mm axle and wanted to put Float 36s on there.
  • 2 2
 Listening to people complain about pricing on thes things is like a guy with a Ferrari bitching about a $3000 brake job. Its a high end fork- deal with it. Your bike needs a hub, weather its 20mm, or 15mm, it needs a front hub- right?? So whats the big deal, everyone her acts like they all have a shelf full of 20mm hubs waiting for new forks to match. If your building a bike, and this is the fork you want, then it requires a 15mm hub. Just like if the bike has a certain type seatpost- you will want one of those. As far as people with wheels they just bought, with 20mm hub- tough sh*t, this is not Fox's fault.
  • 2 0
 Well it actually it is Fox's fault for not releasing this new fork with a 20mm axle, knowing full well that almost no one has a 15mm fork already on their bike for dirt jumping. "If your building a bike, and this is the fork you want, then it requires a 15mm hub," well that's the thing, the intended market for most new forks is not for new bikes, it's for upgrades over existing suspension systems. That being said, Fox would have done well to release a 20mm axle equipped fork instead of a 15mm one.
  • 1 1
 Ill acknowledge that alot of fork purchases are for existing set-ups. However the 15mm thing is a minor gripe. I dont think they should refrain from doing 15mm just because dirt jumpers dont like change. People griped about 20mm when that came around and now its standard. Id like to see qr go away and have 15mm and 20mm. Seems like a good idea to me.
  • 2 1
 Personally I'd like to see them do away with QR15 and just keep 9mm QR and 20mm TA. 15mm is only marginally lighter than 20mm, and most 20mm forks these days feature axles that are just as easy to remove as any 15mm axle, which is more complex than a standard 9mm QR to begin with.
  • 2 1
 Shimano and Fox have put a lot of money into QR15, so it's not going away soon. Good idea for XC and trail, but it doesn't make much sense for DJers.
  • 2 0
 So? Cannondale put a lot of money into their motocross program a few years back, and look where that got them! Much like the tapered and semi-integrated headtubes now coming stock on many bikes, it seems like QR15 is just another method to make consumers spend more money to remain compatible with the new technology.
  • 1 0
 Like I said, it makes sense for XC, and that's a big market. It does seem like an unnessecary compromise for DJ and 4X though.
  • 1 0
 i dont understand why a kid would save up 850 just for a fork, when i get my 4x's i'll have to change my front hub, so instead of pissing and moaning about how a "kid" takes forever to save the money, it says right here 15mm, if you don't have the money for the hub then get a different fork and grow up.(at least if you grow up a little it won't take as long to get the money, right?)
  • 1 0
 why invest so much time and energy into a new standard when you could just improve the already preferred 20mm, Rockshox for instance with the maxle light. besides the fact of introducing a new standard how about the fact the fork costs more than most peoples bike its intended for.
  • 1 0
 i also dont understand the whole concept of qr 15.. what wheight do they save?? just exactly.. lets say around 10 grams? is that worth??? those gramm maniacs who buy xtr instead of xt, just to save some grams should just think about some facts .. for example lets say dirt and mud in the empty spaces..

by the way, if someone wanna stick to this fork, its possible to make a spacer to fit 20mm hubs..
  • 4 0
 15mm whats the point, just running out of ideas... "what can we say is new this year...da i know a 15mm axle".....wow...
  • 1 0
 I'm not gonna sit and bitch about this fork just because of a 15mm axle. Personally I really like this fork, and it was between these and a set of 36 Floats when I was deciding what forks to get when I replaced my DJ1's

The 15mm axle won't, from my point of view, be the only thing that will stop this thing selling as well as it could, but that doesn't make it a crap fork. I think the price will be its main drawback...people on a budget won't be able to afford new forks and a new hub/wheel.

These are going to retail in the region of 750-800 GBP, and I got a set of 2010 Fox Float R's lowered to 100mm for 600 brand new, so thats what won me over. At the end of the day a Float 36 is still the best part of a pound lighter than an Argyle or 'Zocchi DJ.
  • 2 0
 you're right. price points are key. this thing seems very expensive relative to the markets it's trying to sell to. DJers don't really want to pay $800plus just to take the "sting" of a landing do they? Agree, nothin to bitch about really. Just knowing what you need vs. what you want.
  • 3 2
 that fork will not take the beating that a 32 will, you will wreck your internals over time ive seen it 1000000000000000 times
  • 1 0
 thankyou for setting everyone straght and i can't wait to get mine Big Grin
  • 1 0
 having to buy a new hub is annoying
having to pay too much is very annoying
but surely the bigger issue is the advanatge of 36mm legs over 32mm legs for dj why would you ever pay more for a worse fork
the only place these make sense is on a 4x bike (of a rich rider)
  • 2 1
 Why don't you grom's stop f**king bad mouthing fox for "inventing 15mm", Shimano AND Fox are the companies that came up with it and that was for the SPECIFIC purpose of replacing the 9mm standard that is now over 100 years old and was originally designed for ROAD/TOWN bikes NOT MOUNTAIN bikes.
  • 1 0
 15QR was designed to replace the 9mm QR, you are correct. However, it was designed to become the new axle standard on XC bikes, not DJ bikes.
  • 1 1
 It was designed by both Fox and Shimano, the 831 fork coming from Fox uses 15QR, i'll leave it at that.
  • 1 0
 That doesn't add any information to the argument.
  • 1 1
 So I suppose the 831 is a XC fork since it was FOX and Shimano that "invented" it.
  • 1 0
 Are you arguing with yourself now?
  • 4 1
 i dunno why they didnt put 20mm not 15mm WOW it saves like 20grams i need new hub that means
  • 3 1
 15 mm is retarded and its not very easy to find a hub for it like what was wrong with 20mm or standard qr it held the damn wheel in isint that what matters
  • 14 10
 Bad idea the 15mm, bad idea...
  • 6 3
 i wouldnt buy one purely due to the 15mil axle, unless i got given a 15mil hub or sumin other than that they look hot tho
  • 1 0
 I like that idea. The old Marzocchi Z.1 QR20 forks came with a 20mm QR hub.
  • 5 1
 Damn 15 mm axles...Why doing complicated when you can do simple?
  • 2 1
 how is it complicated. it's a thinner axle. not rocket science
  • 1 0
 Agreed, I'd love a 32 fox fork, but don't want to get a new wheel. So i'm going to get a revelation
  • 1 0
 He's not saying that the 15mm axle is complicated, he's saying that the idea of the 15mm axle is complicated. It would have been far easier if they had implemented a 20mm lower instead of a 15mm one.
  • 1 0
 Yea because you need to change your hub to fit the 15 axle...I love fox fork but the idea of the 15 mm axle is not the better they ever had...
  • 1 1
 you dont just lose weight with having a 15mm instead of a 20mm from the axle size, it also comes from the amount of fork material that gets removed from the stanctions. A 15mm is the future like it or not, their safer and stiffer than a 9mm qr. This is what fox needed and no matter how much people dont like it at the end of the day i can guarantee you the guys on the podium at the end of the day will be on these
  • 1 0
 Dude everyone agrees 9mm sucks. The only major question is why not dump everything and have 20mm be a "standard". Instead they just make a new "standard". I belive the phrase "if it ain't broke why fix it" comes to play here.
  • 5 1
 that 15mm is such a drag
  • 4 3
 idk, i want it but i dont like the 15mmil.yea sure you can get a conversion kit and all but why not just make a 20mil ? i still want them tho
  • 1 0
 i like this new fork alot, if i could a foord it, i would definatly get it. and screw the 15 mm axle, i've got a wide boy front hub so if i wanted i could get an adaptor Razz
  • 4 5
 all of you need to stop bitching and just get a new hub, if you can afford this fork and you really think you need it then you should be able to afford a new hub and realize that it will be your best choice in dirt jumping to put this on your bike
  • 3 0
 Well that's part of the problem: most people can't afford this fork.
  • 4 0
 why do you think that just because someone is buying fox they are rich? Most kids who have fox save up for a long time so they can barely get it. And if they were to get a new hub it's that much longer that they can't get it.
  • 1 0
 buying a new hub is only one of the issues.
  • 2 1
 Give it a few months when Fox realise they're not selling as many as they thought they would...and as by magic a 20mm version will be released...
  • 1 0
 we can only hope
  • 2 0
 Sick fork but it needs a QR and a 20mm axle option as well.
  • 1 0
 the forks sick. i recommend buying a dt swiss 15 mm hub and if you are gonna complain then dont buy the fork.
  • 3 1
 why wouldn't they just use 20mm?
  • 2 0
 i would ride this for anyday for 4x. for dj, thats a different story.
  • 3 6
 why do you complain so much about it, FOX obviously knows what there doing there's no reason to bitch. and who cares if it's 15mm if your going to spend the money on the fork than what the hell does it matter if you have to spend a little extra. buy a new rim it's easy.
  • 2 0
 I care because 15mm axle is a bit less stiffer 20mm. It's a basic physics issue. It's like with 25.4 handlebars and 31.8 bars. And modern alum frames with them being larger diameter with thinner walls.
  • 3 1
 Have you done tests to prove this??? Lol......come on guys, dont you think Fox had some riders thrash these forks before they decided to sell them? Dont you think they have a reason for trying 15mm axles. The fact is, its prob almost as stiff, if not just as stiff with the proper fork design, and weighs less. Ive seen these on a couple all-mountain rigs, and I gotta say, looks good to me. As far as dirt jumping them goes......I like a fork with adjustments, I dont care what Im riding.
  • 3 1
 you don't need test...all you need is a basic understanding of physics and materials.
  • 1 0
 I suppose time will tell, but from the few bikes I've ridden with 15QR versus the countless I've ridden with 20mm axles, I can honestly say that I doubt 15QR will be strong enough for dirt jumping.
  • 1 1
 Thats ridiculous ............I rode 3/8ths axles on my bmx bike for years without issues, jumping jumps just as big as these guys are hitting now. Dont forget, rigid 20 inch bikes.......You really think a 15mm hollow tube isnt going to be strng??
  • 1 0
 thank you!!! a man with knowledge!!!
  • 1 1
 Rigid steel 20" BMX forks are far stronger than 26" aluminum/magnesium suspension forks. I can't believe you just tried to compare those things.
  • 1 0
 YAY FLAWED LOGIC AGAIN. Blank Stare
  • 1 0
 Darkstar this is why your logic is flawed in 2 ways. First off the legs of bmx bikes are one piece, secondly they are shorter which will make them more rigid. Think of it like some wood over a stream. The longer the gap the more flex in that board, but the shorter the gap this less flex. Now imagine the same thing but instead of one board it is 2 that are nailed together. This is a extremely simplified example, but I feel it is needed for you.
  • 1 1
 Lol, you think I dont get that. No need for board analogy. Im talking about sheer strength of the axle. The fork stoutness will be determined by the crown, the legs and the arch....and the axle. Not just the axle, and the diff in size between 15mm and 20mm is not going to make or break a design as far a stiffness goes. Dont talk down on me - I didnt do that to you.
  • 1 0
 DARKSTAR63, you were talking down to us in your entire first post. Don't even start with that shit, you're as guilty as they come. The whole thing was so high and mighty I'm surprised you could still breathe at that altitude. Also it's not just the 5mm increase in diameter on the axle that will determine the stiffness or strength, it's also the 10mm difference in the over-locknut dimension on the hub that will do it.
  • 1 1
 Alright man, agree to disagree. My only point was that the axle size alone does not determine how stiff a fork is. Alot of people on here are acting like it does. Its a factor, one of many.
  • 2 1
 ok here try something. Take any fork set it on it's side and try to press the legs together, then put a wheel in and try it again. You notice the difference? Also think about the difference in flex between a 9mm qr and a 20mm axle.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, I understand that, but nobody is going to run a fork without a wheel- so im not sure I see your point. The diameter of the axle for said hub has nothing to do with that example.
  • 1 0
 Ah but that was only to repersent that the axle is a vital part of the structure. Now try taking off the wheel and somehow make it so the crown doesn't rotate. Then take a lower in each hand and try flexing them, and then again with a wheel inside the drop outs.
  • 1 0
 I dont need a lesson on this guys.........the legs resist flexing with a hub in place because the HUB is there, not the axle. The axle helps with torsional flex though. Again my point was 15mm vs. 20mm, how much does THAt actually make a difference on two forks where every other factor is the same........not much.
  • 1 0
 Actually quite a bit of difference in torsional stiffness, DARKSTAR63. I'd wager a bet that there is at least a 15% stiffness increase for a 20mm axle over a 15QR axle. Now this figure is based not only on the 5mm diameter increase, but also on the over locknut dimension (width of the hub) increase of 10mm.
  • 1 0
 Im sure I follow you on the hub locknut thing.
  • 1 0
 Cool, then we're on the same page.
  • 1 0
 WAIT you're saying because the hub is there that it resist flexing? HAHA try even keeping your hub there without the axle. And it does make a bit of difference. I forget the math equation but in the stiffness of a cylindrical tube the outside diameter of the tube is much more important to the stiffness than the thickness of the wall of the tube.
  • 1 0
 do you need yo buy a new hub
  • 1 0
 You need to buy a new hub if you don't have a Hope Pro 2.
  • 1 0
 What difference does 20mm vs. 15mm offer?
  • 2 1
 firts person in alberta to get the fork
  • 3 2
 15mm? What were they thinking!?
  • 2 2
 they where thinking that 20mm is heavy and 15mm has the same amount of stregth
  • 1 0
 15QR is NOT as strong or as stiff as a 20mm axle. No way, no how.
  • 1 1
 have you ever rode one they feel the same to me
  • 1 0
 I have ridden several 15QR forks and countless 20mm forks. The 15QR is way flexier than the 20mm.
  • 1 1
 how much do you weigh
  • 1 1
 160 lbs. You're hoping that I weigh 220+ so that you can blame the fork flex on a heavy rider, huh? You lose.
  • 1 1
 than you must ride really hard cause i found it really stiff
  • 2 1
 How much does it cost? I have a feeling its in the 1000+.
  • 3 3
 OMG! i think you just looked at the pictures and opened your mouth! If you read the article or watched the video, you would have known msrp is $831 USD!
  • 3 1
 831 dollars
  • 3 2
 I didn't read the entire article because i did not really care about these new forks! I thought it would be cool to kinda look at this new fork and then move on with my day. If i was actually interseted in these forks i probably would have read more. Sorry, I didn't realize briefly looking through an article was illegal! -And thank you konarider92
  • 1 0
 sweet fork! can't wait to get one, one day.
  • 1 0
 if that was 20mm i would session the fuck out of them
  • 1 0
 atomlab needs to make a 15mm hub in order for me to buy this fork
  • 1 2
 one question, it may have been explained but how is it "far from" a lowered 32, say a float for example?
  • 2 1
 Just read the article.
  • 1 2
 Good answer. Naat.
  • 2 1
 Well actually it's a great answer. I'm not going to go into detail about how the valving is different or whatever, you could just read the article or even less watch the freaking video if you wanted to know.
  • 1 2
 no thanks.
  • 2 1
 Fucking lazy ass.
  • 1 1
 calm down
  • 1 0
 You're a funny guy.
  • 1 1
 do you need to buy a new hub
  • 1 0
 ok thanks
  • 1 2
 Yay another way to get money, trying to convince us that we need a 15mm short travel fork.
  • 1 0
 do they make it in white
  • 1 1
 Yes, there's a white fork (cross cut) in the background...
  • 1 0
 No, the 831 is not available in white. If you check the website you'll see that the only color listed is black.
  • 1 1
 really wish it was 20mm and wasn't internal travel adjust.
  • 3 0
 20mm yes, and talas would have added so much unneed weight
  • 2 2
 how much are they
  • 3 1
 831 usd
  • 1 2
 Wow that suspension Rocks! FOX Rulez!
  • 2 3
 well said my man
  • 8 3
 I want ONE!!!!!!!
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