Fox 36 Factory 2023 29″ Float GRIP2 Kabolt-X 44mm MTB Suspension Fork

Fox self-confidently calls its 36 the ”King of All Mountain” to highlight the newly defined domains of this in-house suspension fork line-up. After the Thirty-Six had reigned over Enduro racing for years, Fox elevated the 38 to the legitimate heir to the throne in 2021 and left the kingdom of All-Mountain to the 36. What could be more natural than to place a new crown on the Fox 36 for the 2023 model year?

Instead of gold-forged and jewelled, the 36 crown is forged from aluminium and naturally presents itself much more modestly, though technically not without complexity. With 4 mm more height than the previous model, the newly developed fork crown achieves a larger contact surface and thus forms a more stable connection with the steerer tube. In addition, the new crown design saves about 20 grams of weight through material savings, but without sacrificing stiffness. In other words: Less bling-bling on the outside, but an update that will have you smiling at the scales.

As far as the inner workings are concerned, Fox has stayed with what has worked well in the past. For the shock, the GRIP2 cartridge is the undisputed leader and, thanks to the adjustable VVC high-speed rebound and high-speed compression, enables tailor-made spring performance. The likewise established Float EVOL air spring with its large negative air chamber ensures the usual sensitive response. Bypass channels? Balancing valves? Floating axle bearing? All included on the 2023 model year checklist, including the super-light and stiff Kabolt-X hexagonal thru axle.

What’s left to say? We should mention the 4-point mount on the lower leg arch which also makes it easy to install matching Fox mudguards. And you can adjust the spring characteristic curve to your specific needs by using volume spacers. and, and, and … If you want to not only experience the royal glamour, but also radiate it, you can of course opt for the Factory version with a shimmering gold Kashima coating that leaves not the slightest doubt as to who rules the trails here. Long live the king! Long live the Fox 36 GRIP2!

Details:
• Mountain bike suspension fork for All-Mountain/Enduro bikes
• Factory model: Kashima coating for continuously sensitive response behaviour
• Reworked crown design: weight-saving and more stable connection to the steerer tube
• GRIP2 damping cartridge with VVC (Variable Valve Control) for HSC and HSR adjustment range
• Float EVOL air spring with optimised spring characteristic curve (adjustable by volume spacer)
• Lower Leg Bleeders: vent valves for atmospheric pressure equalisation of the lower fork tubes at varying heights
• Lower Leg Channels: air or oil channels for pressure reduction in the lower fork tube and improved lubrication of the foam rings
• Floating Kabolt-X thru axle for optimum adaptation to the wheel hub
• Jutting, rounded lower leg arch to provide more space between arch and head tube
• 4-point mount for compatible 36/38 Fox mud guards
• Brake disc compatibility up to 230 mm diameter

Technical details:
• Intended use: Trail, All Mountain, Enduro
• Material: aluminium (crown/upper tubes/shaft), magnesium (lower fork tubes)
• Finish (upper tubes): Kashima Coating (gold)
• Wheel size: 29″
• Travel: 160 mm
• Offset: 44 mm
• Fork length: approx. 575 mm
• Steerer: tapered 1 1/8″ – 1.5 (threadless, approx. 263 mm)
• Upper tubes: Ø 36 mm
• Fork bridge diameter: Ø 58 mm
• Suspension: Float EVOL
• Damping technology: GRIP2 cartridge
• Adjustments: air pressure, spring characteristic (volume spacer), external high- and low-speed rebound, external high- and low-speed compression
• Adjustment range: 8 clicks HSC/HSR (VVC); 16 clicks LSC/LSR
• Remote: no
• Disc brake mount: PostMount 7″ (180 mm Direct Mount)
• Max. brake disc diameter: 230 mm
• Hub width: 15 x 110 mm (Boost)
• Weight: from 1,942 g (manufacturer’s specification for 29″ 160 mm Fit 4, without thru axle).

In the box:
• 1 FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 suspension fork MY2023
• 1 Kabolt-X thru axle
• 1 (brake) hose guide
• 1 Ahead star nut
• 3 volume spacers
• 1 manual

Note:
Maximum tyre size 29“ x 2.6″ (when using tyres larger than 2.4”, you should check the tyre clearance with the fork fully compressed. There should be a distance of at least 6 mm to the fork crown.)