BIKE's verdict on the new trail forks from Fox
Fox is cancelling the lockout on Grip X. This is consistent and, with the other damping updates, should certainly result in great working suspension forks. The distinction between Grip SL and Grip X is also becoming even clearer. Downhill performance for one, a particularly low weight and a lockout for the other. On the other hand, Grip X and Grip X2 are extremely close together. Fans of the Fox 36 are spoilt for choice here, whether they prefer 120 grams less or maximum downhill performance. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
The US suspension specialists are sending their Trail fork series into the new model year with revised damping technology. The Grip X cartridge, which was previously used in the 34, 36 SL and 36 suspension forks in the respective top models, has undergone a technical update and is clearly orientated towards the new high-end Grip X2 damping from the downhill-heavy 40 and 38 forks. The changes mainly relate to Factory and Performance Elite models. The more affordable Rhythm and Performance series still have the simpler Grip damping and therefore remain relatively unchanged.
Fox Trail Forks 2027: The facts
- Fox 34 Factory, 120/130 mm, Grip SL or Grip X, from 1475 g
- Fox 36 SL Factory, 130/140 mm, Grip SL or Grip X, from 1755 g
- Fox 36 Factory, 150 / 160 mm, Grip X or Grip X2, from 1920 g
- New Grip X damper without lockout
- Performance series virtually unchanged
New tuning instead of lockout function
The most striking change: Fox has dispensed with the previously available lockout function on the new Grip X damping. Instead, the cartridge has been given a completely new setup with the Grip X2 damping update. In concrete terms, this means stronger cut-outs in the so-called mid-valve and larger holes for more oil flow and less harsh riding behaviour even with a lot of damping. As a result, traction and control should benefit significantly.
There is a clear direction behind the decision to dispense with the lockout. For trail and all-mountain use, instead of a locked fork on forest tracks, there is better response behaviour and more sensitivity on the trail. The loss of efficiency is minimal anyway. E-bikers should not miss it at all. If you still want a fork with lockout, you can opt for a simpler performance version with grip damping or the weight-optimised SL damping in 34 and 36 SL Factory. This makes sense, as most lockout fans are likely to prefer a suspension fork that is as light as possible anyway.
3-way adjustability with low weight
Back to Grip X: The damping remains fundamentally true to its principle. With separate high- and low-speed compression adjustment options and a simple rebound setting, it offers three adjustment options. This makes it somewhat easier to use than the Grip X2 with four adjustment options (rebound high and low speed). With the double compression stage, Grip X can still be precisely adjusted to different riding styles and track conditions.
As well as being easier to use, there is another advantage over its more complicated sister Grip X2: Grip X remains a full 120 grams lighter. This is an argument for weight-sensitive trail and all-mountain bikes. Fox is thus positioning the revised Grip X forks as lightweight yet high-performance options for demanding trail use.
Which fork for whom? From 34 Performance to 36 Factory
The new position of Grip X also results in a somewhat clearer structure of the portfolio. As the lightest trail fork, the 34 Factory (120 or 130 millimetres, from 1475 g) is aimed at downcountry and extra-light trail bikes. From 130 millimetres upwards, the 36 with the slightly thicker stanchions takes over. First as a 36 SL with 130 or 140 millimetres for trail use, with Grip X or Grip SL damping and from 1755 grams. And then as a classic 36 for all-mountain and light enduro bikes with 160 or 150 millimetres and Grip X or Grip X2 damping. Here the weight is at least 1920 grams.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
