Fox release new dampers and an all-new 32 SC fork
Fox have released three all-new dampers for their forks - plus a wildly new 32 SC for marathon racers.
Fox always have something new in April, and this year they have gone deep, with three all-new GRIP dampers across all fork platforms, and a new Fox 32 SC designed for the marathon specialists. From the GRIP X2 for gravity riders, to the GRIP X for all-mountain fans and the GRIP SL for the fast kids – these changes make a difference in tuning options, support and total weight across every single Fox fork model.
The Fox GRIP X2 damper
Thie GRIP X2 leads the charge in the gravity scene, and can be seen as a replacement for the GRIP 2 damper, but with a whole lot of changes. In fact, it is a ground up redesign. The valve size on the X2 has been scaled up by 20%, with three times as many valves handling the oil flow. What's that mean for us? Fox state that there is a huge increase in how the damper can be tuned, with a big increase in support.
On the trail, this will play out in a fork that sits higher in its travel. This can be a real big bear for many, with plush suspension giving all the trail feel off the top, but struggling to maintain ride height in cornering compressions, severely limiting the traction available, the bike's handling and the capability of the suspension to handle repeated hits.
The GRIP X2 damper will offer high and low speed compression damping, plus high and low speed rebound damping. That's along with spring rate via air pressure of course. You'll find the GRIP X2 damper in Fox 36, 38 and 40 fork models. Limited Fox 34 models will have the damper as well, but only on stock bikes.
The Fox GRIP X damper
Fox state that the GRIP X suits all-mountain riders, with lots of adjustment available and a firm lockout for the pedal ups. This damper is 120g lighter than the new GRIP X2, which won't go unnoticed by many riders.
Tuning options are aplenty, with your air spring being the number one factor to get right, before you look at your rebound adjustment or high speed compresison and low speed compression damping. Fox have put the high speed compression dial on the fork top like a full lock out, so you can wind it around until it clicks, providing a firm platform for smooth climbs.
This will be handy for anyone self-shuttling, eMTBers, downcountry riders and even for some performance minded Enduro riders who want to optimise the whole day – liaisons included. You'll find the Fox GRIP X damper on Float 34, 36 and 38 fork models.
The Fox GRIP SL
Do you shave your arms? Then listen up. Fox have pared back their FIT4 damper for their new Fox 32 SC, and this one is all about the best performance between the tape. This damper is 60g lighter than a FIT4 damper in a 100mm variant, and it offers a 3-position damper with Open, Mid, and lock out.
Fox have delivered a firm lock out that still has a smooth blow off, for the unforeseen hazards in the finish line sprints. This one has a fork top and remote option.
The middle and open position have a supple initial stroke which ramps up with a lot more midstroke support, to ensure the lower amounts of travel aren't wasted. You'll find this fork in the Fox 32 TC, Fox 32 SC and the Fox 34 SC.
The new Fox 32 SC – it's not back to front
When Fox released the new Fox 34 SC in 2021, it was the ideal fork for cross-country riding. The 34mm legged platform offered a lot more stiffness and control for XCO racers, and for those tackling the burlier terrain put into cross-country and cross-country stage race routes. But what about the pure marathon racers?
Many marathon events don't have the same demands (although plenty do…) so Fox developed their lightest fork; the new 32 SC. Weighing under 1300g, this 100mm only fork is 40% stiffer than the outgoing Fox 32 SC, which should be a great improvement on the trail.
With the GRIP SL damper, the 29” only fork has a zero offset crown, with the 44mm rake coming from the angle that the legs enter the crown. The fork arch is not only reversed, but it is also a matrix design to aid torsional stiffness. No doubt it will be harder to clean. Riders will be limited to 180mm maximum for rotors and of course 100mm travel and 29” only – but for the elite marathon specialists this will be fine.
Contact your local Fox dealer for more pricing if you're due an upgrade, and expect to see these fork models on coming bike releases.
