Spotted: New Fox 36 (38?) - EWS Zermatt 2019

Sep 20, 2019
by Mike Kazimer  
Fox 38

Rumors have been swirling about a new Fox fork, one that will sit in between the 36 and the dual-crown 40, and it looks like that's exactly what Richie Rude has installed on his race bike for the final Enduro World Series race of the season. When we asked Craig Richey, Director of Brand & Product Marketing at Fox about a potential new fork at Eurobike he said, ''A 38 would fit nicely into the FOX naming convention so let the rumours swirl. We’re always working on new suspension products to help riders go faster and push their limits.''

My eyeball calipers aren't calibrated enough to detect a two millimeter difference, but I wouldn't be surprised if those black stanchions measure 38mm. Two millimeters may not seem like much, but it's typically enough to noticeably increase fork stiffness.


Fox 38
Air bleed buttons on the lowers.

The lowers are different than the current 36, with an air bleed port on each side similar to what's found on the Fox 40. That feature is used to release any air that gets trapped in the lowers, which can affect the fork's small bump sensitivity. Along with the bleed ports, the lowers also have a pinch single bolt on the drive side to further secure the thru axle.

photo
photo

There's no word on the internals, but by all indications the fork still uses the proven Grip2 damper, and has the same externally adjustable high- and low- speed compression and rebound adjustments as the current 36.

photo


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Reviews and Tech Spotted Fox Factory Richie Rude


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295 Comments
  • 844 35
 great, finally a fork stanchion diameter that matches the average yeti owner's waist size.
  • 242 11
 for my pal's across the pond, that's a mm to inches joke.
  • 42 8
 Is this a diss or a compliment...?
  • 54 11
 Good, but would have been great if you worked in "dentist" somewhere.
  • 9 37
flag skerby (Sep 20, 2019 at 13:20) (Below Threshold)
 38" or mm? I feel like 38" more accurate but the last yeti I saw in real life was an SB66. Dude was skinny as hell.
  • 25 26
 @rocky-mtn-gman: For some reason our pants still come in inch sizes. Anyways I ride a Yeti and wear size 30 Levi’s. I guess that means I’m below average ????
  • 39 2
 38mm , I thought you were going to make a comment about the measurement of another thing in the same are on yeti owners
  • 13 21
flag mtbyoda (Sep 20, 2019 at 13:34) (Below Threshold)
 Does that mean you check out all the fellas waistline?
  • 32 5
 @Mlloyd550: It will take 38 filled cavities to payoff the fork upgrade.
  • 257 11
 @MikeyMT: only in America could it possibly be a compliment to have a 38 inch waist
  • 7 4
 @rocky-mtn-gman Pure gold.
  • 44 31
 @oatkinso: Quite sad really. US is most obese country in the world.
  • 14 11
 @tacklingdummy: not US. Nice try though.
  • 23 15
 @tacklingdummy: www.msn.com/en-us/finance/markets/the-world-e2-80-99s-fattest-countries/ar-AAzWj43

Nope, #16 according to this list. You should move out of the country.
  • 3 3
 @Shadylurker: Crap, neg prop'd you when I was shooting for Turd Ferguson up there...
  • 32 22
 @tacklingdummy: Nauru (Average BMI: 32.5)
Tonga (Average BMI: 31.9)
Samoa (Average BMI: 31.7)
Kuwait (Average BMI: 30)
Saint Kitts and Nevis (Average BMI: 29.7)
Saint Lucia (Average BMI: 29.6)
Kiribati (Average BMI: 29.6)
Palau (Average BMI: 29.4)
Micronesia (Average BMI: 29.4)
Tuvalu (Average BMI: 29.3)
Qatar (Average BMI: 29.2)
Marshall Islands (Average BMI: 29.2)
Egypt (Average BMI: 29.2)
Jordan (Average BMI: 28.9)
Belize (Average BMI: 28.9)
United States of America (Average BMI: 28.8
  • 82 15
 @oatkinso: Spent a lot of time in the UK. Plenty of fat f**ks there.
  • 8 2
 @oatkinso: My dentist is pretty fit dude... Wink
  • 37 6
 @mtbgeartech: sadly, that is increasingly true. I blame all the American fast-food 'restaurants' taking over our high streets ;-)
  • 34 2
 @mtbgeartech: "Adoption of the westernized diet, which predominantly comprises heavily processed and packaged foods, genetics, and leading a sedentary lifestyle are likely large contributors to the increasing prevalence of overweight adults in the Middle East." The same article literally blames the US for all these other nations obesity issues Haha.
  • 9 0
 @mtbgeartech: why should he move out of the country? seems a little......extreme?
  • 18 0
 @mtbyoda: Harry: "check out the buns on that." Loyd: "he must work out"
  • 15 10
 @mtbgeartech: yeah we followed your lead on eating fast food and sitting on yo ass watching telly all day. Your most successful exports to date.
  • 2 2
 @gnarnaimo: ???? truth!
  • 3 4
 @oatkinso: not sure if you have the same definition in UK English, but he is probably using the definition of "country" referring to rural areas and small towns. I.e. get out of the rural areas that have a reputation for worse health and you might not feel as bad about the nation's health
  • 5 1
 I take your point, but he says ‘out of’ not ‘out to’ so I doubt it @showmethemountains:
  • 3 2
 @minty1: don’t forget Pornhub
  • 2 0
 I'm asking you for a satisfaction, sir
  • 18 6
 @PinkStatus: So of real countries, you're still the fattest..
Netherlands: 25.3

And still, above 25 is unhealthy.
  • 11 10
 Annnnnnd everyone from the US implodes on themselves, wonder how that country is still around Big Grin
  • 15 2
 @PinkStatus: hahahahaha and we're the only FIRST world country on that entire list. 'Merica is NOT setting any health standards, sorry, which for a first world country is pretty damn sad.
  • 6 2
 @oatkinso: Exactly.. "move out of the country" to a more urban part of the US and you might have a better perspective on our health. The "country" areas in the US are the ones with a statistically worse obesity problem.
That said, urban US isn't all that superior in health in my experience
  • 8 0
 @showmethemountains: oh I get you, apologies it’s been a long week. That’s funny, in the UK I would tend to say that people from the countryside are generally fitter due to their access to the outdoors and lack of crap food options.
  • 1 1
 @mtbgeartech: agree
  • 19 1
 Cmon, you don’t have to make fun of Yeti riders! We all know they are so broke after buying one that can’t even afford a water bottle and have to borrow fellow riders bottles.
  • 7 0
 @PinkStatus: if this was broken down into states of America to match the populations of some the countries here. I imagine that the top three would be accounted for by American states.
  • 12 3
 @PinkStatus: BMI doesn’t mean shit. Body fat percentage is what matters.
  • 5 1
 @mtbgeartech: Wicked! But how messed-up is it that the other top 20, pretty much, are all in the wake of former U.S.S.A. H-Bomb test-zones?
  • 1 0
 @Wamprat: It all depends, are you a dentist?
  • 4 9
flag trueeast FL (Sep 20, 2019 at 17:59) (Below Threshold)
 It’s not a compliment so Brexit your ass out @oatkinso:
  • 4 5
 What’s up with your PM. Likes the black face look huh? Haha@gnarnaimo:
  • 1 1
 big oof
  • 14 0
 @oatkinso: 38 inch waist is malnourished in this country
  • 2 0
 One of the best comments, ever. V
  • 13 0
 @mtbgeartech: It is the most obese OECD country in the world which is basically developed countries. I should have put OECD countries.

Also, the average female in the US weighs 170 lbs. The average male in the US weighs 197 lbs. 71.6% of adults are overweight in the US whereas Japan has 5% of adults that are overweight. Japan is how it should be with the population and is one of the healthiest countries.

Obesity causes so many chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and many cancers. That is why healthcare is so expensive because of the obesity epidemic. Obesity is the new smoking. Thanks I will try to move out of the country with your advice. End of rant.


www.marketwatch.com/story/the-us-is-the-most-obese-nation-in-the-world-just-ahead-of-mexico-2017-05-19

www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/body-measurements.htm
  • 4 0
 @PinkStatus: US is most obese of OECD countries which is basically developed countries.

www.marketwatch.com/story/the-us-is-the-most-obese-nation-in-the-world-just-ahead-of-mexico-2017-05-19
  • 4 0
 @PinkStatus: That may go some way to explain why the pacific nations have no trouble filling out the front rows on show at the RWC...

Shout out for Japan there at number 204 out of 209 on the obese countries list. Wickedly cool cuisine over here people once you get past the way some of the ingredients may look at first sight.
  • 3 2
 @oatkinso: 60-70 percent of British are obese or over weight.
  • 1 0
 Glad I could be the 400th Up vote. This is spot on and fairly describes myself.
  • 1 0
 @PinkStatus: and the rest of the world?
  • 5 2
 @rocky-mtn-gman: we buy and sell trousers in inches here my friend.
Pants are worn under trousers.
  • 4 9
flag Balgaroth (Sep 21, 2019 at 0:43) (Below Threshold)
 @fssphotography: Yes you are the USA of EU but thanks god soon you will be in our past like that fat chick you banged and wish you hadn't lol
  • 1 0
 @rocky-mtn-gman: much appreciated!
  • 2 3
 @MikeyMT: always a good joke when you have to explain it to people. Also, guessing he rides Rocky Mountain bikes and is sponsored. cause no actually buys a RM bike on purpose.
  • 28 1
 @oatkinso: They don't sell any Yeti's in England....because there are no dentist's in England.
  • 1 0
 Best comment ive ever seen
  • 1 1
 @rocky-mtn-gman: 38 american 56 standard here, and yes I have a Yeti... no, I am not overweighted, any other question?
  • 3 1
 @oatkinso: yeh blame it on the fast food restaurants for forcing people to eat their food and not exercising.
  • 3 0
 @minty1: dumb enough to eat it we will sell it to ya.
  • 1 0
 @Wamprat: that’s what she said
  • 1 0
 @jclawson01: betterer than the average of 58...
  • 1 1
 So perfect
  • 1 0
 At this moment, there at 27 butthurt Yeti owners.
  • 2 0
 @southoftheborder: Nah but I didn’t pay anything close to retail either.
  • 1 4
 FUX SUX
  • 2 0
 @MattyFive: This is true, The US south, bottom right quarter, throws off the whole rest of the country. Well over half of the people in these states are morbidly obese. On the west coast there are actually pretty decent number of fit people.
  • 3 0
 @skerby: Wow! I checked out the data for that here (www.stateofobesity.org/adult-obesity) because I had no idea about the geography of obesity in the US, and was shocked by the rate of rise, across the whole country.

Even the state with the lowest obesity rates historically (Colorado) tripled its obesity rate from 6.9% in 1990 to 23% in 2018.

And what I wonder happened in 2003-4?
Was there a public health campaign of some sort, because something caused a temporary slowdown / reversal of the rise in obesity.
Any health care professionals here know?

And interestingly, Washington DC has moved from second worst in 1990 (14.4%) to second best in 2018 (22.3%). What has happened there?

Thought provoking stuff..
  • 2 0
 @orientdave: Holy crap! Thanks dave, i had no idea, the last I saw any actual data on obesity was probably the mid 2000s. I forget Im getting old sometimes lol.
  • 3 0
 @orientdave: @skerby electric mopeds
  • 1 0
 @pinnityafairy: New Mazda sponsored commercial? Zoom zoom?
  • 1 0
 @oatkinso: As an American with a 38 inch waist living in the UK, I've noticed I am not the only person (men and women) in husky sizes. Take a look around. Is this where I post a cliche "British Teeth" joke?
  • 1 0
 @troyb: I'm not skinny either, but as a guy who knows some husky dentists and given the reputation of these pricy bikes I appreciate the joke.
  • 2 0
 @Shadylurker: So if we slot you in Globally you make 16th in the most-obese country contest....out of 195 Countries. That's not an enviable percentile to be riding in....Ride more;-)!!
  • 190 2
 Those are not air bleed ports. Those are post mounts for cantilever brakes. Sheesh Pinkbike keep up with the trends!
  • 19 0
 Saintilever DH brakes is what the industry needs!
  • 3 1
 @MTBrent: Shiguras! In fluoro!!!
  • 2 0
 Yeah, right. The air bleed port tool is the zip tie that strapped the fork to the box. Next level technology tools.
  • 2 0
 @MTBrent: Only if you are a Shimano fanboi! I'll take the code rsv-brake with 29" rotors.
  • 87 1
 As long as they call it the 38 special. That's right "Hold On Loosely"!!!
  • 7 0
 But don't let go!
  • 5 0
 Tomac already had a bike called the 38 Special. It wasn't as special as the name implies.
  • 3 0
 @seraph: definetly not
  • 2 0
 @schulte1400: If you cling too tightly...
  • 42 0
 @Mavic101: If you _Grip2_ tightly....
  • 3 0
 @Mavic101: you're gonna lose control
  • 4 0
 @seraph: but tomac bikes were hot garbage
  • 89 16
 More studio grade spy shots, calling it a 38 when it has 36 written on it clearly means you know something you're pretending not to know here, I look forward to the press release article tomorrow
  • 19 17
 Don't hold your breath on that one...
  • 124 2
 @davetrumpore: ok, I'll use my bleed valves
  • 11 0
 Those stickers do say 36, you can buy them and stick them anywhere.
  • 21 0
 @Speeder01: The stickers also give a code of DXFH, which doesn't come up as valid in Fox's product support lookup
  • 1 0
 I laughed pretty hard at it LOL
  • 1 11
flag kleinblake (Sep 20, 2019 at 18:54) (Below Threshold)
 No mention of the pinch bolts either? Where’s the journalism at smh
  • 17 0
 @kleinblake: the journalisms in the third paragraph apparently
  • 4 2
 @jj12jj: haha my bad
  • 4 5
 Well you know there's a singlecrown 40 being released soon. No joke went to a race and saw a fork, looked exactly like a 36, but, get this, it said 40 on the side. You can thank me when you see the press release tomorrow.
  • 3 1
 Those stanchions actually are 38mm.

Brake lines are 5mm in diameter.
Measure the width of the brake line in the photo, then the stanchion, (where they are in focus, put those three numbers into proportion and bingo.
  • 55 0
 Can we get the left stanchion 36? Preserve playfulness, but still have the right 38 for monster trucking
  • 32 0
 Can we have the left stanchion at 130mm, but set the right stanchion at 180mm for cornering?
  • 19 0
 @Marcencinitas: For NASCAR, sure.
  • 49 13
 They could focus on making crowns tall enough to not creak after few months instead of focusing on shortest possible ac lenght and 36mm stanchion size that doesn´t really mean anything. RS uses 35mm stanchion and they are much stiffer. But I´m sure there will be enough marketing BS to make them sell like hot cakes.
  • 23 16
 The only thing better about Fox is the marketing. Bigger is not always better, but it is easy to sell! 35mm stanchions on the Lyrik are just fine and dare I say it perform better than Fox 36...
  • 9 1
 @rojo-1: Absolutely, there is a lot more to fork stiffness than stanchion diameter.
  • 17 0
 This!!!!. Creaky 36's after less than a year!
  • 17 2
 Imagine spending over 1000€ for a fork which malfuntions from the get go.

Oh wait- fairly normal and acceptable in MTBing? Its unbelievable- all other indurstries get destroyed for making imperfect products (new Ipad bending etc.).

Maybe they should make the fork 50g heavier and gone are the creaks.
  • 9 1
 They should extend the stanchion / crown interface 5-10mm higher and inset the adjusters inside the top of the stanchions to get more overlap without increasing the axle to crown length.
  • 1 1
 @dlxah: I have a suspicion that the creaking issue is also due to too much flex in other areas of the fork, such as the part of the crown between the steerer and stanchions. Could be axle or lowers too. Lots of repeated flex in the whole chassis then over-stresses that press-fit area
  • 3 1
 @showmethemountains: Wouldn't flex in other parts of the fork relieve some of the stress on that press fit interface?
  • 3 0
 @showmethemountains: There are techniques to (chemically) bond such interfaces in a way that prevents creaking. But the bike industry doesn't seem to consider it enough of a problem to actually solve it.

Instead they sell heavy "E-bike ready" forks which are a bit stronger and a bit less likely to creak.
  • 4 1
 For a bit if extra length try
www.mojo.co.uk/morc-36-dc-offset-reduction-kit-1082-p.asp
  • 4 0
 @dlxah: Maybe in fore-aft flex, but not in torsional flex. A fork relies on all the pieces of the system to help prevent flex, especially the axle and crown-to-steerer areas that work to keep the stanchions straight and parallel. More flex in one of those areas makes the whole fork twist more. I.e. a QR axle puts more stress on the crown and that translates to more torsional movement in the crown
  • 1 0
 @showmethemountains: Ah, that makes sense! Thank you for the explanation.
  • 1 1
 Get an ohlins. No creaking
  • 1 0
 @Mondbiker

"They could focus on making crowns tall enough to not creak"

Just add Loctite 290.
  • 1 0
 @lukey1: to where hahahaha
  • 1 0
 @showmethemountains: this got me thinking - all the slomo vids of fork flex I’ve seen are hucks to flat. I’d like to see some in realistic contexts where the bike is pointed downhill and gravity is working a bit differently. The difference may be negligible but still...why not? Thoughts?
  • 12 1
 @Mondbiker: WTF- No 20mm option like my current 36? Are they nuts? Just admit it already. 20mm is better.
  • 5 9
flag SintraFreeride (Sep 21, 2019 at 0:00) (Below Threshold)
 Rockshox lyric/yari chasis have an insane amount of front and back slop. Now you could argue that isn't necessarily due to 35mm stanchions but it isn't a great fork by any means.
  • 6 3
 @chasejj: Well, you can thank lazy people who thought loosening 3-5 bolts was too much of a hassle to remove front wheel...
  • 11 6
 @Mondbiker: As someone who shoves their bike in the back of the hatchback every time I go for a ride, hell yeah 5 bolts to get my front wheel off is a hassle
  • 2 0
 @chasejj: I use a 20 on my 36 and don’t have any creaking.
  • 1 2
 @seanondemand: Not everyboda has to do that and even some people who do would happily do this trade off for more stiffness, once again industry decided what´s right for everyone.
  • 3 0
 Haha all the suckers that fall for this, a 48mm stanchion still wouldn’t solve the creaky CSU. 4 fox36’s later I’ve switched to ohlins coil. So far so good!
  • 1 1
 Only ever had one creaky Fox. Was a used 36 and Fox replaced the uppers for free.
  • 1 0
 @aflyingdutchman: the one piece CSU is handy for no creaks.
  • 28 4
 I hear it just a 36 that’s been sipping off somebody else’s water bottle.
  • 1 1
 took me a minute. Very clever
  • 24 2
 At what point does it make more sense to have a shorter travel, lighter, dual crown, with smaller stanchions?
  • 2 1
 Prob at 160 mm
170/180 for 38 mm
  • 1 0
 Yeti sb150 is currently speced with fox 36/170
  • 2 1
 Kind of depends on the market. Most bikes designed to take these shorter travel forks aren't certified to take dual crown forks. Being the big OEM player Fox is of course in the position to discuss this with their partners (bike manufacturers). Before Manitou came with the onepointfive (straight) steerer, 130mm used to be the longest travel single crown fork. Beyond that you already got dual crown, like the WP/Rond Mid Ego. The Specialized Enduro got their own E150 dual crown fork but I don't think it really caught on. Maybe because it took a 25mm axle (and people don't like new axle standards), maybe just because with that model year they split the Enduro line-up from the Enduro SX line-up and the SX model was just much cooler.
  • 5 8
 when your trails are fire roads and dont require turning radius
  • 16 4
 I dunno, the Lyrik is already stiffer than the 36 and it only has 35mm stanchions. Not sure why Fox didn't just stiffen up that chassis a little.
  • 17 27
flag panaphonic (Sep 20, 2019 at 14:01) (Below Threshold)
 @cueTIP: the Lyrik is not stiffer than the 36. Its quite noticable.
  • 12 1
 @panaphonic: maybe actually measuring stiffness is more accurate than relying on what´s quite noticeable for someone who spent his hard earned money on the product?https://forums.mtbr.com/attachments/shocks-suspension/1250154d1557152619-manitou-mezzer-image001.png
  • 20 6
 @panaphonic: It is quite well known that the Lyrik is a stiffer fork than the 36.
  • 3 7
flag hamncheez (Sep 20, 2019 at 14:24) (Below Threshold)
 @vinay: The whole double crown certification thing has more to do with the axle to crown length. From an engineering perspective, the frame doesn't care if it has a single or double crown fork, ceteris paribus. Ironically, for the same travel, its easier to make a fork with a shorter axle to crown length if its a dual crown.
  • 5 3
 @gnarnaimo: It's quite well known that compliance isn't the only measure of performance.
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: Not really, stiffer fork obviously puts more strain on the head tube area and also in the event of crash stanchion hitting the side of top or down tube is going to cause damage to frame not designed to take such a hit, especially carbon one.
  • 4 1
 @tempest3070: When did I say it was? I was only correcting the misinformation he typed.
  • 4 0
 @Mondbiker: It would be interesting to see where some of the DVO forks fall on that graph. I know the Sapphire series forks in particular are supposed to be much stiffer than the stanchion diameters would suggest.
  • 10 12
 @Mondbiker: There are a few bits on my local tracks that really push a fork around, jumps into turns type things. The axial twist of the latest Lyrik is very noticable compared to the latest 36. I trust my real world experience over a lab test. How many people have ridden both forks in the latest guise, done back to back to back rides on the same bike on the same trails and who weigh over 200lbs? Well I have and it's obvious the 36 is a stiffer fork than the Lyrik.
  • 4 3
 @panaphonic:
I check all your boxes and as far as I’m concerned the Lyrik is noticeably stiffer. Have you ever tried putting the front tire between your legs to hold it and twisting the bars on a Fox 36 versus a Lyrik? Especially if the Lyrik has torque caps the difference is night and day. It’s a little harder to get a quick read on back and forth flex (versus torsional) and personally I think in this case it’s the steer tube or crown - steer tube interface on the fox that’s more flexy than the Lyrik.
  • 2 2
 @panaphonic: my friend twisted his 36 quite visibly on a silly bail. Dropped the bike like 3ft on to the front wheel. Now has to twist the wheel to get the axle to slide through.....
  • 3 0
 @gnarnaimo: Manitou tested the stiffness of current forks on the market and determined that the Lyrik was a fair bit stiffer than the 36.
  • 3 1
 @shinook: got a link to that testing?

The vital bottom out project shows some pretty wild flex from the lyrik chassis that you don’t see in fox equipped bikes.
  • 4 0
 @bonfire: I posted link to results few posts above. But just for you forums.mtbr.com/attachments/shocks-suspension/1250154d1557152619-manitou-mezzer-image001.png
  • 22 2
 Most important question, when is Fox going to design and include a fender like the Syncros trail fender?

Love my Fox stuff, but for the price one should included.

Come on PB, ask the tough, probing questions.
  • 6 58
flag garrisond5 (Sep 20, 2019 at 14:15) (Below Threshold)
 Maybe Fox assumes that not everyone that rides a mountain bike is a little sissy afraid of dirt and would simply throw the fender in the garbage where they belong.
  • 7 2
 Dont see a problem with the trusty marsh guard, bolt on fenders look like they allow dirt to build up on the fork seals which is half the benefit of running a guard
  • 8 0
 @garrisond5: I'm more worried about the maintenance of my fork than some mud in my face... That being said reducing the amount of dirt or rocks getting into my eyes at 30+ km/h is a nice feature too.
  • 2 10
flag nordland071285 (Sep 20, 2019 at 21:50) (Below Threshold)
 It would be wasteful to include one with ever sale, I don't know anyone who rides with one
  • 6 0
 @garrisond5: oh yeah, than please go ahead and tell the sissy World Cup Circuit to suck it up an ride blind next time whe racing in the rain/mud/hail without their marshguards, mudhuggers, etc.

Fork maintenance is not their priority and they still put these things on
  • 2 0
 @garrisond5: and I bet you still don't service your fork at the service interval. I'll keep my fender I prefer to save my anodizing.
  • 2 0
 @garrisond5: yeah I love it when the stanchions of my super expensive fork are covered in grit sand and mud........¿
  • 7 1
 @zyoungson: There has to be a more proper solution for mounting a fender to a 1,000€ fork other than zip tying a cut out milk bottle to my lowers which also annoyingly eats away at the finish on my fork. Fox doesn't need to include it with the fork, because half of them will go unused, but it would be nice to see a legit aftermarket option from Fox (like the Syncros).
  • 24 4
 My 36 has worked perfectly, and I've never thought "Hey, this should be stiffer."


But I really want this.
  • 4 0
 Is your 36 a 180mm 29er?
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: mine is
  • 7 0
 Have you ever ridden a dual crown fork?
  • 5 2
 Sounds like someone who has never enjoyed a creaky 36.
  • 3 0
 @jewpowered: I don't think so, because fox doesn't make one of those.
  • 1 0
 @hmstuna: air spring change broski, 160-180 is just an air spring length change, same upper and lower crowns.

now you know more
  • 2 0
 @jewpowered: yeah except that the 180 airspring is only for 27.5 forks, if you put that airspring in a 29er it will be 170 29er. Also the damper isn't long enough. You don't have 180 36 because it's not possible. Now I know more.
  • 1 0
 @hmstuna: wrong again, but hey stick with that ignorance dude. Air springs are the same length between the 27.5 and the 29.

Hell can fox and ask them, they are the ones that sent me the kit. tape measure confimed
  • 2 0
 @jewpowered: oh yeah you are right that they are the same length airspring. I got it mixed up with rockshox which have a 10 mil difference. But you still can't make a 180 29er because the 180 airspring is only for 27.5. a 180 29 is not a fork that exists.
  • 1 0
 @hmstuna: yes you can, you use the 180 air spring on the 170 fork.
  • 1 1
 @jewpowered: Your damper, is not long enough.
  • 1 0
 @hmstuna: you are incorrect
  • 2 0
 @jewpowered: if you say so buddy
  • 28 8
 No thanks, I'll wait for a 38.99 version instead of this...
  • 5 1
 That would be a RockShox thing to do. Shimano on-upped them on the rear cassette, now it is their turn.
  • 17 7
 Richie been sharing a water bottle with his forks?
  • 2 1
 lmao
  • 5 0
 Here is video of the what is in question to be the new fox 38. Looks totally different than the fox 36 next to it.

www.instagram.com/p/B2quVJ-l_6z/?igshid=18mopxydhvcld
  • 8 0
 Wait, 36 stickers on 38 stanchions? Lies, lies, lies!
  • 11 0
 now imagine someone secretly rides coil, omg!
  • 3 0
 Any rumours to share of which pros has sprung for a push or vorsprung conversion ?@ismasan:
  • 2 0
 @gcrider: saying who whould be too much, but 100% sure it happens. And maybe not Fox or RS own coils, but at least an 'air' top cap to cover all the mess.
  • 5 6
 @gcrider: probably no one cause These racers realize they don’t need to “buy” speed. The normal forks’ capabilities far surpass their (and every average joes) abilities.
  • 9 1
 luckily my eyes do see in mm's, that is indeed 38mm
  • 6 0
 Any one remember the Park 180 ? Totem?
The hell with the weight give us the option of a coil.
Make it plush.
A man can dream can't he ?
  • 2 0
 Still have a Totem RC2DH coil and it is the tits!
  • 9 3
 As an owner of a DVO Onyx, I can vouch that air bleed ports in stanchions are a game changer.
  • 9 5
 Zip tie every ride and you're good. 0$.
  • 21 2
 'game changer' might be saying too much, no?
  • 19 0
 @ismasan: It’s Pinkbike; we only speak in hyperbole here.
  • 4 1
 The lowers shouldn't have any pressure. Even the smallest amount fights against the fork compressing properly. And it only takes a couple rides after a pressure release, or change in weather or altitude, to cause pressure to build in the lowers. It's the main reason forks don't feel like new soon after being serviced. Bleed valves make the fork feel like it just got serviced every single ride. Game changer.
  • 3 0
 @fracasnoxteam: a zip tie thru the seals every ride will eventually ruin the seal. Air bleed port is the best solution.
  • 1 0
 @thesharkman: there’s always pressure in the lowers as there’s always air in them. However if the pressure gets too high then it causes issues. A zip tie before each ride works just fine but bleed ports are obviously more ideal. I must say my lyriks don’t trap air in the lowers but my 36 always does! Whatever that means I’m not sure. Also I agree imo the lyrik is the stiffer and for me the better fork of the 2.
  • 1 0
 @mikelee: your 36's spring might be leaking air into the lowers
  • 1 0
 @ismasan: no it holds the main pressure just fine but air gets sucked in past the seals and into the lowers. Not a major issue and is a known problem on most forks. Easily remedied with a zip tie.
  • 10 7
 I sure hope this Fox 38 rumor is true!

After riding a long line of RS Pikes and Lyriks, the Fox 36 Grip 2 blew my mind with its incredible composure and mid-stroke support (almost too much mid stroke support with the Vorsprung Luftkappe). As a big guy I can huck into the worst, rockiest landing and know what the airspring and damper are going to do every time. It rides so high in its travel normally that according to my shockwhiz its dynamic sag averages 5-10% less than its static sag! It never wallows or bottoms with a metallic clang and never suddenly and unexpectedly blows though its travel. The same cannot be said of the RS forks I've had. It may not be the softest fork on the hands but it has saved my a$$ more times than I can count.

However, for a fork with such an amazing air spring and damper, the chassis is a wet noodle. Even with my headset over-tightened to the point that I'm going through Cane Creek Hellbender bearings in 8 months, the headset still makes noises ever time I brake through a rock garden or while turning in steep rocky terrain (due to steerer flex or elongation I presume). With the stock quick release axle there was so much torsional flex compared to my Lyrik with torque caps that I immediately bought One Up's more rigid replacement axle which was a noticeable improvement but still not as good as the Lyrik IMO.

I'm seriously considering trying out the new Manitou Mezzer, but am worried that it will never be able to match the damping support and air spring performance of my Fox 36.

A single (or short travel dual) crown Fox 38 sounds like just the ticket. I do hope they also stiffen the CSU as well to match the new sanctions.
  • 7 2
 mrpbike.com/products/bartlett
  • 11 0
 @mtbgeartech: I am getting a Mezzer next, with the expectation that the pos/neg tuning of the air spring and an equally good damper with wider stanchions will surpass the performance of my 36 Grip 2 with a Diaz runt.
  • 5 0
 @Xorrox Sounds like your creak is the CSU more than your headset; a common issue with the 36.
  • 1 0
 @LuisCR: Absolutely! I was going to note that the MRP Ribbon Air is likely the cure, but that Bartlett is what’s up!
  • 1 0
 100% agree with your observations Xorrox, as a bigger guy I thought the 36 would be the ticket as I had a Lyrik previously and it felt like it could snap on some landings.

The fox isn't much different in stiffness for me, cornering I get brake rub as the chassis twist so much!

It creaks and groans constantly too.

Damper and airspring are top notch however. This 38 may be my ticket.
  • 2 0
 So did the Fox 36 Grip 2 blow your mind before or after adding the Vorsprung LuftKappe?
  • 1 0
 (Honest question, I’m curious about the upgradeWink
  • 3 0
 Same “Creek” here! 220 lbs. Fox36 on a SC HTLT. I really thinks it’s the integrated head set thing, If that’s what your rig has. The 45 degree chamfer in the carbon isn’t exactly mated to the chamfer on the Cane Creek bearing race. Hopefully a Chris King won’t “Creek”. A dash of grease and tightening the head set hasn’t worked.
  • 2 0
 @ukr77:
The Luftkappe made a difference for sure but the biggest difference is in the damper. The fox 36 for 2019 already had a pretty big negative air chamber so I don’t think the difference is as big as on the older forks. I honestly didn’t notice a significant difference in small bump, but the mid stroke support was definitely stronger and allowed me to drop pressure for overall better compliance.
  • 1 0
 Have you considered getting an intend stiffmaster headset. It sounds like most of your flex is coming from your fork, but more stiffness always helps right?
  • 3 0
 I've never heard people complain about damper performance on Manitou forks. The Mattoc with IRT is already widely considered one of the best damper forks. The Mezzer is supposed to be even better.
The only drawback for some heavy riders was chassis stiffness. This has now been measurable been improved beyond both Fox, RS and Öhlins. I think you'll be happy with the Mezzer.
  • 1 0
 @Mac1987: I'm on the third creaking uppers and I've had bushing problems (too tight then too loose) and weird damping issues on my Mattoc. Manitou keeps taking care of me but I'm kind of over it even though when it works its great.
  • 2 0
 @acali: I can imagine I would have had it in your position too. It seems they have some QC issues on the latest batches of Mattocs. It also seems it's very hard these days for RS, Fox, Manitou and others to manufacture forks without creaks... I hope they have this problem fixed on the Mezzer, because performance is supposed to be stellar.
  • 3 0
 How are you guys testing to detect if it's a CSU creak? I have a headset/bar creak that I've yet to spend time on...now I'm wondering if it's the CSU. Happens when I'm standing and pedaling and putting side to side pressure on the bars
  • 4 0
 Mine happens under really heavy braking or big hits. More of a one time crack noise than a repetitive creaking. I know it's the forks because I swapped them on to new frame and headset and it's still there. Loctite didn't solve it either
  • 1 0
 Take the forks off and put the steerer tube in a bench vice then apply back and forth pressure. Then you know it’s the fork and nothing else. That’s what I did anyway. They should just go back to pinch bolts on the stanchions and steerer like the old days. Then when it creaks just strip and grease. Easy and about 100g extra weight.
  • 1 0
 @mikelee: man...I need a bench vise lol. That's like one of the few things I dont have. Seems like a lot of fork mantainence requires one, along with some "soft jaws". Thanks for the tip.
  • 5 0
 Wonder if if fox will scrap the 36 platform for the 38 and then bump down the 36 platform For Marzocchi.
  • 2 3
 My thoughts exactly. Or lower and rebrand the 36 as there dj fork.
  • 2 0
 @krumpdancer101: Id guess if Fox suspension makes a dedicated DJ fork it will be the Marzo Z1 platform that just rolled out, its a stiff fork and even stiffer at 110 or 120 mm of travel. they can paint it black call it the Z1 DJ and the kids will go wild. l
  • 2 0
 @TheBearDen: Fox already have one. The 831 36. I never understood why the Marzocchi sponsored riders were forced to run a 275 Z1 lowered to 100. Seems they could have the 831 lowers painted red and slap a Z1 decal on it haha.
  • 4 1
 @TheBearDen My guess is Fox might scrap the 32 and replace it with a lightened 34 (which some pro XC riders already use). The 36 would then slot in as the trail fork, and 38 as Enduro.

That said, my wish was for a single crown 40 for full on freeride points. All well.
  • 1 0
 38mm marzo would make sense considering they are typically the huck fork
  • 1 0
 @ninjatarian: I think this will happen except that they will keep the 32 just for 100mm xc bikes and their gravel fork of course, 34 stepcast will be the marathon xc and a 36 stepcast will be introduced to be a lighter trail fork.
  • 4 1
 Wow I can’t wait to get one!
Can anyone make out the code on the sticker?
It could be entered into the “find my fork” tool on the fox website... which I think may confirm it’s a 38
  • 4 0
 Looks like DXFH and the Fox site returns "The code you entered isn't in our database, please make sure you entered it correctly"
  • 11 0
 I tried, but it’s not active yet.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: ah well. Worth a try. Hopefully there will be a bike check video this weekend.
I already found out about the carbon mega 290 today from the ews video.
  • 9 0
 @mikekazimer: sometimes I think commenting on pinkbike is a waste of time. Checking fox’s site for future fork info makes me realize it isn’t the biggest waste of time.
  • 2 0
 Currently there are plenty of aftermarket options dvo, mrp, upgrade cartridges for rs etc, so unless you are buying new bike with oem components you have plenty of choices within different budgets which have better performance or lower price or both;

Having said that, bigger is not always better performance wise, however ascetic wise could be
  • 1 0
 I Suspect them to release this model like a full speced „ebike“ grip2 (36 Model) 38 fork.

They released the „36 ebike“ with thicker sidewalls and the 34 damper internals as the 36 damper doesn’t fit anymore. Air Spring seems to be the same.

This way they could work with thicker sidewalls for improved stiffness while fitting a more capable grip2 36 cartridge.
  • 5 0
 My 2009 Totem has 40mm stanchions and fits 27.5x2.5 rubber.
  • 1 0
 I loved my totem but it needed servicing every five hours to keep it sexy
  • 4 0
 I knew it was too much to ask but I was hoping for an ultralight double crown with 170 or 180mm travel.
  • 1 0
 Good to see a stiffer/bigger forks but, crown interface pressfit is asking for trouble. Just remember the Intend forks review,uni-crown design is much stiffer and very noticeable compared to other forks like the 36. I can feel a 36 fork twisting and creaking being a quite light rider,65 kg ready to rumble. Even in slow motion videos you can see it clear like water,front to back movement .
  • 4 1
 Well only Richie can run these big things my ass would be great on a 34 hahahahaha
  • 4 0
 Who want to email Fox and say my forks code comes up as unkown?
  • 5 1
 Thank God! A fix for that noodlie 36...
  • 5 0
 Ready for ebikes
  • 2 0
 If you enter the 4 digits code that is on his fork on the fox website, it tells you that this code isn't in their database: this is a new fork indeed
  • 4 0
 Maes had one on aswell
  • 2 1
 My one beef with Fox forks (other than the 40) is the air pressure build up. 38 is cool but the lowers with a bleed port like the 40 would be amazing!
  • 3 1
 How often would one have to bleed air from the lowers? Do you get the same result if you turn to bike upside down, remove rebound adjuster and the lower bolts? Of course if it doesn't even have to be done often you'll already be fine with a fork lower leg service. As an alternative, could it also be done simply slipping a zip-tie between stanchions and dust wipers? Not saying a button isn't nice (maybe the Marzocchi peeps insisted on installing it) but not having it shouldn't make one have a beef with other Fox forks.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: Zip tie trick works but can shorten the life of the seals and oil due to contamination. How much shorter? probably not that much really. Just loosening the bolts won't do it. You'd have to pop the seals by pushing the shafts in too.
  • 2 1
 @vinay: On my current 34, small bump sensitivity went to crap at about 40 hours, and then again at 80 hours. I pulled the air side out both times, rebuilt it and it worked great. But fox claims longer service intervals then every 40 hours. Lower seals were fine, damper went out at 80 hours, (which is fine, not complaining). I just wish I could make it longer before I have to do air service. Never have that issue with my 40. I got almost 60 hours on my 40 and it still feels good.
  • 2 2
 Change over to a coil and problem solved.
  • 2 0
 @nurseben: That's not where this happens. Coil forks suffer from this as well.
  • 3 0
 Isn't every year's Fox fork new? They update the thing every damn year.
  • 3 0
 Looks like the lowers have room for 20mm axle as well.
  • 1 1
 i know i dont ride nearly half as fast as EWS guys.. but i think 36 is way too stiff for me and for many people that dont shred hard enough.. but pretty sure it would be super cool for proper enduro racers
  • 3 0
 Just what fox need a more harsh fork. Kudos
  • 2 0
 If this is true and Fox does release a 38mm stanchion, does this mean Rockshox will bring back the Totem tup
  • 2 0
 Are Lyriks really stiffer then the 36? Thats what i want to know. This comment section seems to think so which is news to me
  • 1 0
 Humm.... Based on what I ask... Internet is full of excrement with no trust worthy data... I ride a 36 thank you. Or a 38 in the future...
  • 1 0
 @will-burr: I have a 36 as well. Seems pretty stiff.
  • 1 0
 the german "bike" did a (typical german) test with all the numbers and the Lyrik is actually stiffer by quite a margin. i dont remember the actual numbers but if you want i will look it up -the said bike issue is part of my toilet library. (overall Lyrik is the stiffest Formula and DVO not far behind)
  • 2 1
 Shoulda been a dual crown. Perfect opportunity for Marzocchi to redo the Super T!
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer they're called eyecrometers. Very different than eye calipers.
  • 1 0
 My 240lb arse likes the look of this. Hopefully they make them strong instead of compromising for the sake of 30g
  • 1 0
 Came here for the tech comments. Flooded with obesity and size related onesSmile
  • 1 0
 Welcome to pinkbike Wink
  • 2 0
 Interesting. Both this and prototype x2 did not feature kashima.
  • 4 0
 Maybe its new 'stealth kashima"?
  • 2 0
 Freeride fork. Bring back the totem and 66!
  • 1 0
 66 used 35mm stanchions...
  • 1 0
 @Mondbiker: Was definitely 38mm..
www.marzocchi.com/support/forks/2008/2008-66-rcv.aspx?idC=62354&idM=19086-785-785&idMy=15633&idP=18673-357&idS=15763
  • 1 0
 @gnarnaimo: most model years were 35mm, I have one in my basement and it´s 35mm, 26 inch and at170mm travel AC lenght is longer than most dual crown forks today with 200mm and for 27.5, crowns were the most massive ever done no doubt, no wonder they didn´t creak like ever lol. Properly designed crown and axle and 35mm is all you need. www.marzocchi.com/support/forks/2005/2005-66-vf.aspx?idC=62354&idM=18842-7-7&idMy=15630&idP=18451-10&idS=17945
  • 1 0
 @Mondbiker: Sure, but it sounded like you were arguing that it didn't/couldn't come with stanchions bigger than 35mm in your first reply. I figure if he's comparing the 66 to the totem, it's likely the 38mm model.
  • 1 1
 @gnarnaimo: Nah, I don´t have complete stanchion dia database so thanks for another database entry Wink Food for thought, 38mm 180 travel fork is much shorter, maybe that ´s the reason for bigger stanchion? I guess we will never know.
  • 1 0
 Rude rides his bikes so hard that the forks bleed.
  • 1 1
 WITH THE NEW EMTB'S EVOLVING AT LIGHT SPEED IT REALLY MAKE SENSE. TAKE MY MONEY AND BRING IT ASAP!!
  • 1 1
 Hey Pinkbike, I have photos of a prototype XC tire from Snowshoe
  • 1 1
 Me too
  • 1 1
 It’s all about the cash. Just ride and enjoy...
  • 4 4
 I bet the crowns will still creak in a week!
  • 2 2
 Every new product claims stiffness improvements. Lol.
  • 2 2
 This will make my ebike more aesthetically pleasing
  • 1 1
 Does not look to be 38mm STANKtion
  • 1 1
 It's because it's black. Everybody knows black makes stanchions thinner.
  • 2 1
 I prefer halston forks
  • 1 0
 Totem is coming back
  • 4 5
 I love new Fork forks : )
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