Fox Announces 34 GRIP 2 Fork & Updated DPX2 Shock - Pond Beaver 2020

Apr 14, 2020
by Mike Kazimer  
photo

Fox announced a slew of new and significantly revised suspension products last week, but it turns out that there's still more to cover. This time it's the 34 fork and DPX2 shock that both received updates.

There's now a GRIP 2 damper option for the 34, fulfilling a common request from trail riders who were looking for the same damping performance of the longer travel 36 without the weight penalty. That GRIP 2 damper also has the new VVC (Variable Valve Control) high-speed compression adjustment that debuted last week on the 36, 38, and 40.

The FIT4 damper will still remain an option, as will Live Valve and GRIP. Available travel amounts range from 120 - 140mm, and weights start at 1770 grams. Prices range from $749 - $949 USD.


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There's now a GRIP 2 damper option for the 34, with independently adjustable high- and low-speed compression and rebound.
photo
The external look remains unchanged, but there's a new base valve inside the 2021 DPX2.


The DPX2's modifications took place in the form of an updated base valve and the addition of a valved circuit in open mode. There are still 10 clicks of low-speed compression to fine tune the feel of the shock in that full open mode, along with two additional compression settings. Prices range from $559 to $579 USD.


More information: ridefox.com



Pinkbike Pond Beaver 2020



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Reviews and Tech First Looks Pond Beaver 2020 Suspension Fork Fox Factory


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113 Comments
  • 90 2
 The Buy/Sell is going to be lit
  • 2 4
 Does everyone here even tried DVO diamond???
Got one from 2016, it's astonishing w
Right from the box. That's addressed to Z1 lovers, yeah I knon... it's not Rojo !!!
  • 41 2
 does this mean that there will be an after market grip2 for us 34 users that want the upgrade without a whole new fork?
  • 12 0
 That is my #1 question as well.
  • 8 0
 Asking the real questions here^ @foxfactory?
  • 12 0
 Yes, you will be able to put this damper in your current 34, including the e-bike model, so long as it is not a Step Cast 34. AFAIK the 34SC upper tubes are too short. If others wanted to know, It will not fit the Rhythm and Z2 forks as the rebound base stud is much larger on the Grip2 than the Grip/Rail and so it will not fit in the lower leg.
  • 2 3
 I did it for my 36. The damper alone was $300
  • 1 0
 @hllclmbr: Yes we already know it's possible on the 36
  • 3 1
 @bicyclelifestyle: Is this anything that can be fixed with some power tools and determination? I'm referring to fitting the Grip 2 in my Grip 1 Rhythm.
  • 1 0
 @JohanG: No, as there is not enough material to drill the hole larger. The base stud would not have enough material to seal the oil from coming out, and the base stud is likely to pop through because it would be super thin. That's a risky move.
  • 39 4
 I would definitely buy Pond Beaver Merch.
  • 8 2
 Pound Beaver!
  • 9 1
 I’d defo buy Dick Pound merch
  • 24 2
 Great! Now I have to spend my stimulus check on a new fork when my old one was perfect.
  • 14 1
 Will the new valve be upgradeable for the dpx2? That's what I like about rockshox.
  • 5 11
flag 5afety3rd (Apr 14, 2020 at 7:28) (Below Threshold)
 It’s only upgradable if you like fox shox
  • 1 0
 I would imagine it is. Doesn't look like the eyelet body changed so its just a question of how far you need to go in replacing parts for compatibility
  • 1 1
 I would love to know if you can put the new one in an older shock. My 2019 DPX2 has been back to Fox 3 times under warranty and now out of warranty has died again. I keep loosing the rebound circuit, it's always fully open no matter how many clicks of the knob and compression adjust does nothing, same problem every time.
  • 2 1
 That's what I like about you - that you like Rockshox
  • 8 5
 I stripped the air string out of my 36 and dropped in a Vorsprung Smashpot and upgraded to 170mm of travel (29er). The difference in sensitivity and reduced arm pump at the bike park and compared to my friends was huge. I also felt that although the fork was a lot more sensitive and grippy, it also sat up in the travel a lot better. Recently upgraded from a fit 4 to a grip 2 damper and found a pretty significant difference. With a Push 11-6 on the back the bike just sticks to the ground and you struggle to get the back end to slide out.
  • 3 1
 Do you notice any noise from the Smashpot spring? I'm interested in getting one for my Lyrik. I installed a Luftkappe last year which was great, but plush feel faded over time (as air springs seem to). I don't want to constantly service it, and it sits into its travel way too much.
  • 2 1
 @drjonnywonderboy all this small bump, air neg chamber small improvements dont come close to coil...I dropped a push acs3 a year ago, on a 2015 fox 36 Rc2 and the difference was night and day...people dropping 2, 3.5, 5 psi here and there would still say that air is "more" adjustable, it takes 2 min to insert a preload spacer on the ACS3, if anything.. coil for the win..always
  • 5 3
 @Lagr1980: basically if you care about getting awesome suspension more than you care about 300g, coil is the way to go.

If you think 300g of added weight is just too much to bear, go for air!
  • 1 1
 @jaame: fox 36/lyric with coil should be the same as fox 38 and the new super wonder thickkk suspension.. but of course, you need that stiffness now ; ). cheers..
  • 2 2
 @Lagr1980: I’m on the fence about that one. The totem was 40mm diameter and it had to have a lowers service every five hours or so to keep it sweet. You would service it and it would feel unreal. Then the next week you could feel it was already sticking a bit. I would leave the bike upside down while I lifted up, which helped.
I will reserve judgment on the 38 until I’ve tried one.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: weight wise I meant.. but I see your point..
  • 2 0
 @Smokey79: luftkappe does a good job of keeping you up in the travel, just bump up the air pressure.
I very much endorse the smashpot though. And due to the design, a shaft in the center, and then being wrapped in shrink wrap, it’s nice and quiet. If a smashpot makes noise, it generally means the spring preload is incorrect.
  • 1 0
 @Smokey79: No noise, the spring is quiet, and the hydraulic bottom out is the bees knees.
  • 1 0
 @drjonnywonderboy I did the same with the smashpot (SP). 100% agree. Massive difference. I tried the SP in both a grip and a grip2 fork. The ability to slow down the HSR more than the LSR in the grip2 was helpful. I struggled to use all travel but was able to reshim the SP bottom out.

I wouldn't say I am faster with this set-up because the air set up was really good. I will say it is smoother feeling through and less fatigue - so on longer runs I'd bet its faster for me.

The weight keeps creeping up though no regrets. I have a high end carbon superbike and it weighs 33 lbs! Wasn't that long ago that fancy bikes were all under 30lbs. Interesting how it shifts.
  • 6 1
 Excited for the 34 with grip 2. The will be an upgrade kit that'll work on 150mm 34s right?
  • 6 3
 I have the 36 with grip2 and my girlfriend has the rhythm 36 with grip damper. Went with her bike for a ride and could not notice any differences between the dampers. What i'm trying to say is that the price gap between these 2 forks is probably not worth it unless you are extremely picky about suspension setup.
  • 4 3
 @steviejks: Grip2 is all about set up. I broke my hand a year and half or so ago. Since I've been back on my bike I've and an RC2 36, a Grip2 36 and a Z1. I freaking loved the Z1 and how simple it was to get set up.

But the Grip 2... once I handed it over to a friend that knows wtf he's doing to help me set it up... so much better. It's miles better in small bump chatter. That's the stuff that my hand really notices. Before I broke my hand I probably would not have noticed as much. Hell just grip choice makes a huge difference now.

I mean... you can buy cheap coil overs for your car or nice ones. Most folks don't really need the nice ones and really only car that it they can lower their car and get down the road. Some folks do need it and are concerned about ride quality and track handling... one buys eBay... one buys the real stuff. Both are generally just fine with what they have. Grip is a damn fine set up. So is Grip2.

So I got a new Grip2 36. LOL!
  • 3 2
 @Newschoolers: My hand would love that. LOL! I am building a hard tail right now. That rigid enough for you?
  • 2 1
 @onemanarmy: Yeah I want to tinker or maybe even use shockwhiz. My lbs has one you can hire. Seems like a good upgrade if you can buy the damper on it's own.
  • 1 0
 I sure hope so!
  • 1 0
 @Newschoolers: what ns user is this
  • 1 0
 @steviejks: For normal trail riding there really isn't a huge difference between the Grip 1 and 2. It's only once you've spent time tuning the Grip 2 in rowdy terrain that the advantages become apparent. The Grip 1 doesn't keep up nearly as well when you start getting it up to speed in rough terrain.
  • 2 0
 @jeremy3220: You're better off getting a custom tune with Grip 1 when you are in for a service. Better $ spent imo.
  • 1 0
 @steviejks: I went from a Rockshox RCT3 to a GRIP and never got it feeling as dialled in as the GRIP was using the suggested settings.
  • 2 1
 @jeremy3220: Nah dude, Grip 1 works fine at rowdy speeds, that's what the Bomber Z1 and 36 Performance run; it's actually quite good. Maybe the Grip 2 has more adjustability, but it's not significantly better.
  • 1 0
 @nurseben: I've owned both the 36 Performance and the 36 Performance Elite (Grip 2). The Grip 1 is quite good but the Grip 2 is better in rough terrain if you take the time to set it up for that.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: Same with 4X4 suspension.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: any details on what your friend did in the setup? I get a little pain and a lot of fatigue in my left hand ever since a scaphoid fracture, especially in chatter. I'd love to get more sensitivity off the top in my 36 Grip 2 with the existing valving nd spring before I try a Lufkappe or coil conversion.
  • 3 0
 @jaydawg69: heavily dished piston and no way to separate LSC from stack preload leaves very few options to "tune" the compression side of a GRIP damper. I have yet to find a single outfit offering anything other than rebound side shim changes.
  • 1 1
 @ohio: Not sure how heavy you are but my settings might be completely useless. I weight 235-240 pounds.

Going totally off memory. That fork is long gone. Think I was at 12 LSR. 8 HSR. 90PSI. LSC 4 clicks from open. HSC 2 clicks.

Again... totally off memory and some of the setting did change a bit. I ran as low as 85PSI and as high as 93psi. I preferred it in the middle.
  • 2 0
 @onemanarmy: thanks for the reply. yup, you're right, totally different needs. I'm 170lbs geared up.
  • 1 0
 @ohio: Yeah my set up is pretty much never the same as anyone elses. LOL!
  • 1 0
 Can someone smarter than me explain the DPX2 upgrade? "a valved circuit in open mode" - does that mean more/better damping in open mode? Is this a significant upgrade? I was about to buy a used DPX2 but wondering if I should just get this new one now.
  • 2 0
 also, is the upgrade only on the DPX2 factory? Or performance as well?
  • 2 0
 Valved usually means a shim stack of some sort is involved (there is one shim stack on the piston, this is just up in the tube on the eyelet) instead of just being an orifice valve (a hole with a needle). This likely gives tuners more control over high speed compression in the open mode. Just a guess
  • 1 1
 I always felt like HSC was a little overdamped on the DPX2 at the higher pressures needed by us bigger guys in the over-200-lb crowd.
  • 2 0
 I called fox and the upgrade is only to the factory level shocks.
  • 11 0
 Basically in the past all the oil displaced by the shaft (at an absolute minimum - usually considerably more) had to flow through either the rebound or the compression adjuster orifice. Running the compression adjuster very closed forced oil backwards through the rebound adjuster, which meant the rebound adjuster had a huge effect on compression. If the rebound adjuster was also very closed, there was just nowhere for the oil to go - it created really undesirable damping characteristics with, ironically very little compression support. More details on that here (maybe Fox were listening to us?) - www.instagram.com/p/B2Cq26GH2-Y

The short version is that this is a very desirable improvement to this shock's design.
  • 1 0
 "The FIT4 damper will still remain an option, as will Live Valve and GRIP. Available travel amounts range from 120 - 140mm, and weights start at 1770 grams."

From Fox's site, 1770 is for the 27.5 with a 3 Pos-Adj (i.e. Fit) damper- how much does GRIP2 add?
  • 2 0
 Haven't seen any weights for the GRIP2 version yet. But GRIP adds ~137g, so I imagine GRIP2 is in that ballpark.
  • 1 0
 Off topic:

Should I buy Zocchi Z2 2020 or RS Pike RCT3 2017 both new! I don’t care about weight, I just want something that will handle some trail abuse with big sends and some DJ’ing.

Thanks
  • 1 0
 Z2!!
  • 1 0
 @huckschwinn: do you have any experience with the Z2? I love it’s look and Marz have a special place in my heart but I can’t help but think the pike is a better product. I am often wrong though
  • 1 0
 Pike is higher-end (lighter, better-performing when pushed hard) for sure, but the Marzocchi is less expensive and lower maintenance. I'm a big fan of the Z2 for most people.
  • 2 2
 Not sure why Fox is still making the 34... Maybe for a heavier duty XC bike. So many companies are speccing trail bikes with the 36 now unless the build is more budget focused.
  • 1 0
 I think its great for XC/trail bikes in the 100-120mm rear travel range. 130mm+ bikes deserve a 36
  • 2 0
 Downcountry bikes is where I think you’ll find these 34 forks.
  • 1 2
 @abouvet: Why not just run a 32 on a 100-120mm bike?
  • 1 1
 @Ajorda: why not just run a 34 on a 130-150 bike?
  • 1 0
 @Ajorda: I believe Fox only make 32 up to 100mm travel these days.

the 34 step cast is a 120mm fork, think marathon racing or all dayer XC rides. perfect use for the 34 platform
  • 3 0
 @Ajorda:
32 is great if you are a dedicated racer looking to minimize weight. I'm not a racer, i like to have fun on the trails and go fast on the downhills and technical sections so the 34 is perfect for guys like me. I run a 34 on my pivot trail 429 and a 36 on my ibis ripmo and feels perfect for me.
  • 1 1
 @thegoodflow: Seems to me bikes in that range and above are getting specced with a 36. I'd hate to see us go back to the 160mm 34 days.
  • 2 1
 @scantregard: I may be a little bit behind. Last 34 I ran was 140mm and the thing felt flimsy. Moved to a 36 and it solved the issue.
  • 2 1
 @Ajorda: yes, and most bikes in the 120-130 range are specced with a 34. How are you actually confused about fox offering a fork between the 32 and 36?
  • 1 2
 @thegoodflow: Not confused, just surprised they're still producing it.
  • 1 1
 @Ajorda: Some of us have both a trail bike and an enduro bike and don't weigh 200 pounds.
For my trail bike, why would I want a 36 at 130-140mm when I have an enduro bike with a 160mm 36? I'd rather sacrifice a bit of torsional stiffness and have a lighter chassis to keep it more in line with intended use of the bike.
Many bike companies have been speccing the Grip2 36 over the Factory 34 on their short-mid travel trailbikes only because of how nice the Grip2 damper is, not for stiffness. Now the Factory 34 can be had with Grip2 and you will see heavy OE spec of that fork on MY21 bikes at the XTR/XO1 level.
There is a market, and there will continue to be a market, for both the 36 and the 34. Cheers.
  • 1 0
 I'm using a 130mm and was using a 150mm on another bike before upgrading to Manitou. Never had a problem with stiffness. I liked the lower weight. These do well for lighter riders, 160lbs or less.
  • 1 0
 If I can't get a Luftkappe for my 34 Rhythm, can't I at least get a GRIP2 damper? Pretty please? I need more rainbows and unicorns over here in Rhythm land.
  • 1 0
 @Garethccc DSD Runt fits. Arguably better than a Luftkappe for shorter travel forks.
  • 1 0
 @PhillipJ: are those ordered direct from DSD?
  • 1 0
 @Garethccc: Yeah, no Australian supplier as far as I can tell. Makes the price quite steep especially as they're travel-specific so you can't necessarily take it with you to your next bike or fork.
  • 1 0
 @PhillipJ: thanks, food for thought
  • 2 0
 Great, just ordered a 2020 DPX2 - where is the retrofit valve?
  • 1 1
 ...Or you could spend $20.99 on an ebay suntour! And for only $40.00 more, you get a medical grade neck brace for when things inevitably go wrong!
  • 1 0
 Anyone know the formal test for a creaky crown. I have a 34 Stepcast and tried everything, has to be the fork. Thanks!!
  • 1 0
 Fox making me want to just custom build a new frame with all these new updates across the range,stimulus check!
  • 2 1
 I’m sure they’re killer forks but I really don’t like the “one digit per fork leg” graphics.
  • 1 2
 @mikekazimer - Do you know if that is the actual 34 pictured? Or if the new ones have that awful new round arch on the lowers?
  • 1 0
 The decals look new so I'm going with that is the actual 34 pictured
  • 1 1
 They ain't pictures, they are 3D renders.
  • 5 1
 @sq225917: Read again, I wrote pictured, this doesn't denote if it's a render, a photograph or anything specific. Besides, when done rendering, you end up with a picture, doesn't matter how it was generated.
  • 1 0
 @SkipSkovhugger: Congratulations. I was pointing out that it's not "the actual" anything, but a render.
  • 3 2
 Still couldn't color match the rear shock Kashima, eh?
  • 1 1
 Ugggh... this does annoy me
  • 4 1
 It's impossible. It's a different material.
  • 1 1
 @onemanarmy: It's more layers of anodizing.
  • 1 0
 Is the 34 Grip2 backwards compatible with existing 34s?
  • 1 0
 I wonder why FOX use renderings for their press releases.
  • 1 0
 How would this compare to the new Manitou Shock, the Mara?
  • 2 0
 Comparable when the shock is made for the frame kinematics. If you need user tune-ability, the Mara wins hands down. It also wins in user serviceability.
  • 2 3
 The quick release is on the left side while on the 36 & 38 it's on the left. Wonder if there's a reason.
  • 5 2
 because it's a completely different axle system.
  • 1 1
 @onemanarmy: yeah, the lever is on the other side...
  • 1 0
 This looks like it's the old boost lowers casting, not a new one
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: I mean I thought there would be a logic, that maybe more people get on their bike from the left side, so it would be more logical to place the quick release on the left side (I know this has annoyed me ever since I change my original 32 (left side) to a pike (right side)).
Or maybe it made more sense to adjust the non-calliper mount leg.
  • 1 0
 Better Zoom folks
  • 7 8
 Who even cares about this? The 34 is a freaking noodle.
  • 10 3
 No. No, it's really not.
  • 11 2
 @Garethccc: Even the 36 is suddenly a noodle now that the 38 has been announced.
  • 2 1
 @thegoodflow: I hear ya
  • 4 6
 main question does fox learn to anodise kashima in same colour to match forck, shok and dropper??
  • 3 6
 So no 150-160mm Fox 34 anymore? Because that was a very popular spec on long travel 27.5" trail/Enduro bikes.
  • 5 1
 Why would you want to run a Fox 34 at 160 mm? It's not the stiffest chassie to begin with. Just go with the 36.
  • 3 2
 Not that popular, given the 34 doesn't allow 160mm
  • 6 0
 @honourablegeorge: lots of bikes came with a 150 to 160mm 34 stock, especially from the German brands (Canyon Strive, Cube Stereo, etc.). Not the stiffest option, but it works fine for low to average weight riders that aren't hard charging. It would be nice to be able to upgrade these forks without having to buy a €1,000+ Fox 36.
  • 1 2
 @Mac1987: "Not the stiffest option, but it works fine for low to average weight riders that aren't hard charging." So exactly the type of people that should have 120mm of travel - there you go it is perfect.. Wink
  • 1 0
 @i-am-lp: I love my 160mm bike, because it is light enough for trail riding but with Magic Mary's worked just fine going to Winterberg, Saalbach and Leogang. I now have a Mattoc, but that isn't much stiffer than the Fox 34.
People sometime exaggerate the need for maximum stiffness (que puns).
  • 2 0
 @i-am-lp: and to be clear: I'm not advocating buying a new 160mm Fox 34, but wonder whether future upgraded will be backwards compatible to 160mm forks. I wouldn't buy a new 160mm 34 fork, but would like to be able to upgrade them.







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