2017 Fox Forks: What's New

When looking at the entire lineup of Fox mountain bike forks, they can be separated into four basic categories: XC forks, trail forks, all mountain forks, and DH forks. Here we are going to discuss what is new for 2017, break down each of those categories, highlight the key features of the different offerings from Fox, and hopefully help you pick the fork that best suits your needs as a rider.

For over decades, Fox has been a leader in the design and development of high performance suspension used on bicycles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, and off road cars and trucks. Fox is known for their commitment to improve their product with dedicated year round athlete testing.

Here we go!

What’s New for 2017?

Fox has some great new products for 2017 that all push the limits of performance. Check it out!

Transfer Dropper Seatpost - The all new Transfer Dropper Seatpost is an infinitely adjustable, cable actuated, hydraulic driven dropper post that was designed to meet the needs of modern enduro bikes. Click HERE to read our full product overview on the Transfer Seatpost.

32 Step-Cast Forks - The all new 32 Step Cast fork, weighing only 2.98 lbs, uses a narrow upper crown and a redesigned lower leg chassis minimizes weight while maintaining strength and stiffness.

• Shorter upper tube length effectively raises the floor of the magnesium lower leg, reducing weight of the entire fork
• The Fit 4 damper gets put on a diet for the 32 Step Cast, using an aluminum piston in the damper.
• Designed for the lightest cross country race bikes!

Boost Options Available - A 15mm x 110mm Quick Release (QR) Boost Axle is now available on specific Fox 32, 34, and 36 forks! 

GRIP Damper - The new GRIP Damper leads the way for Fox’s Performance series 32/34 models.

• The easy to use GRIP Damper features a sealed cartridge home to a coil sprung, independent floating piston.
• The GRIP allows oil flow through specifically designed ports at the top of the damper for consistent performance and durability all the way down the trail.
• Performance series forks provide Open, Medium and Firm adjustments with micro adjust between settings.

Updated Fit4 Damper (E16 Tune) - The Fit4 damper seen on the Factory Series 32, 34, and 36 forks has now received an updated tune called the E16 tune.  

• The E16 tune uses a different orientation of shim stacking with the goal of getting more sensitivity in the beginning stroke of the fork without sacrificing overall support.  
• This means that the fork should ride higher in its travel, giving the bike great traction over both small bumps as well as large impacts.
• Fox is dialing in their popular Fit4 damper with this new E16 tune.
• Anyone who currently has a Fit4 damper can send their fork to Fox and receive the E16 tune with a small charge.

Speed Pedelec Models - The Speed Pedelec forks are specifically designed for E-bike adventures, featuring a stouter chassis that provides a more durable platform needed for the additional weight inherent with E-bikes.

• Available on 36 models

Performance Series - The all new 32 and 34 Performance Series forks meet a better price point for consumers while maintaining the quality and performance expected from Fox.

• New black anodized upper tubes and updated graphics will give your bike a fresh, blacked out look!
• Featuring the new GRIP damper

Cross Country Forks - Fox 32

For starters, the 32 signifies the 32mm diameter upper tubes used on all of Fox’s XC forks.

New for 2017 is the 32 Step Cast fork. Starting at only 2.98 lbs, the new 32 Step Cast (SC) fork is the lightest XC fork Fox has ever built!

The SC fork can be configured as both a Factory Series or Performance Series model. The Standard 32 fork is also still available.

Factory Series SC 32

• Fit 4 Damper
• 32mm Upper Tubes
• 100mm of wheel travel
• Float Air Spring
• Axle Options: 15x100 Kabolt, 15x110 Kabolt
• Kashima Coated Upper Tubes
• 2.98 lbs
• 1.5 Taper Steerer Tube
• Color Options: Gloss Orange, Matte Black, Gloss White
• Wheel size Options: 27.5”, 29”

Performance Series SC 32

• GRIP Damper
• 32mm Upper Tubes
• 100mm of wheel travel
• Float Air Spring
• Axle Options: 15x100 QR, 15x110 QR
• Black Anodized Upper Tubes
• 1.5 Taper Steerer Tube
• Matte Black Color
• Wheel Size Options: 27.5”, 29”

Trail Forks - Fox 34

The new Fox 34 fork is designed for the aggressive trail rider! Starting at 3.92 lbs, Fox says that the new 34 “provides proven trail performance that instills confidence and control.” 

The Fox 34 can be configured as both a Factory Series or Performance Series model and is offered in multiple wheel size and travel options.

Factory Series 34

• 34mm Upper Tubes
• Wheel Size Options: 27.5”, 29", 27.5+"
• 27.5” Model Travel Options: 140mm, 150mm
• 29” Model Travel Options: 120mm, 130mm, 140mm
• 27.5+” Model Travel Options: 120mm, 140mm
• Fit4 damper 3 - Position Lever Adjust
• Float Air Spring
• Kashima Coated Upper Tubes
• Axle Options: 15x100 QR, 15x110 QR Boost
• 1.5 Taper Steerer Tube
• Matte Black Color

Performance Series 34

• 34mm Upper Tubes
• Wheel Size Options: 27.5", 29"
• GRIP Damper 3 - Position Lever Adjust
• Float Air Spring
• Black Anodized Upper Tubes
• Axle Options: 15x100 QR, 15x110 QR Boost
• 1.5 Taper Steerer Tube
• Matte Black Color

All Mountain Forks - Fox 36

The Fox 36 is designed to own the mountain and is the most versatile platform from Fox. This is the fork that has won back to back men’s and women’s Enduro World Series Championships! The 36 is only being offered as a Factory Series model as of now and is the best of the best for your enduro bike. Own the mountain!

Starting at 4.34 lbs, the 36 is available with a highly tuneable High Speed Compression/Low Speed Compression damper adapted from the 40 series downhill fork. This HSC/LSC damper gives full control of both the high and low speed compression adjustments, allowing the rider to optimize the fork for each trail or weather conditions.

The Fit4 damper can also be assembled in the 36. This damper comes with a pre tuned high speed compression circuit and is great for on the fly low speed compression adjustments which may be helpful for climbing single track and bombing downhill.

The 36 is also offered in a compact package for those looking for a strong slopestyle fork for their dirt jumper. Meet the 100mm travel 831.

Here we will explain each of the different 36 models separated by wheel size.

27.5 Inch Wheels

• Travel Options: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm
• 36mm Upper Tubes
• Float Air Spring
• Damper Options: HSC/LSC, Fit4 3 - Position Lever
• Axle Options: 15x100 TA (convertible to 20mm), 15x110 QR Boost, 15x100 QR (Fit 4 models only)
• Kashima Coated Upper Tubes
• 1.5 Taper Steerer Tube
• Matte Black Color

29 Inch Wheels

• Travel Options: 150mm, 160mm
• 36mm Upper Tubes
• Float Air Spring
• Damper Options: HSC/LSC, Fit 4 3 - Position Lever
• Axle Options: 15x100 TA (convertible to 20mm), 15x110 QR Boost
• Kashima Coated Upper Tubes
• 1.5 Taper Steerer Tube
• Matte Black Color

Speed Pedelec 27.5

The Speed Pedelec forks are specifically designed for E-bike adventures, featuring a stouter chassis that provides a more durable platform needed for the additional weight inherent with E-bikes.

• 160mm Wheel Travel
• 36mm Upper Tubes
• Float Air Spring
• Fit 4 3 - Position Lever Adjust Damper
• 15x110 QR Boost Axle
• Kashima Coated Upper Tubes
• 1.5 Taper Steerer Tube
• Matte Black Color

26 Inch Wheels

• Travel Options: 100mm (831 model only), 160mm, 180mm  
• 36mm Upper Tubes
• Float Air Spring
• Damper Options: HSC/LSC
• Axle Options: 15x100 TA (convertible to 20mm)
• Kashima Coated Upper Tubes
• Steerer Tube Options: 1.5 Taper, 1.125
• Matte Black Color

Downhill Forks - Fox 40

The Fox 40 is designed to own the track and has been piloted to back to back men’s and women’s UCI World Cup Championships with Aaron Gwin and Rachel Atherton!

Starting at 5.79 lbs, the 40mm upper tubes provide a stiff platform giving the rider more control on track. The current air bleed system on the 40 also allows the fork to perform at any altitude.

• 26" or 27.5" Wheel Size
• 203mm of Wheel Travel
• Float Air Spring
• HSC/LSC Damper
• 20x100 Through Axle
• Kashima Coated Upper Tubes
• 1.125 Steerer Tube
• Matte Black Color

Written by Max Morgan
@mxmorgan77