Everything You Need to Know About Fox’s 2026 Product Updates

It feels like just yesterday FOX shook up the suspension world with the introduction of the 38 and the massive GRIP2 damper overhaul. But the suspension maestros in Scotts Valley, California, are never content to rest on their laurels. For 2026, FOX is dropping a massive suite of updates that rethink how a modern mountain bike should feel on the trail.

Whether you're a rowdy trail rider, an Enduro racer, or a dedicated gravity junkie, FOX has something new that you’re going to want to know about. Let's break down everything they’ve got coming for 2026.

The GRIP X2 Damper: A True X2 for Your Fork

The biggest news for the 2026 lineup is undoubtedly the updated GRIP X2 damper, found in the flagship FOX 36, 38 and FOX 40 forks.

Where We Came From: GRIP2

To understand why GRIP X2 is a big deal, we have to look at its predecessor. The GRIP2 damper was (and still is) widely considered one of the best on the market. It offered independent high- and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments (VVC), providing riders with almost overwhelming tunability. It was supportive and excelled at big hits, but some riders felt it could lack initial suppleness and trail feedback in the mid-stroke.

What’s New: GRIP X2

The goal of GRIP X2 was to bridge the gap between the support of a pure race damper and the comfort desired for all-day riding, bringing the feeling of their highly-coveted X2 rear shocks into the front of the bike.

• More Tunable, More Supportive, More Comfortable: GRIP X2 is now the most tunable and supportive damper FOX has ever made. The magic lies in how it sits higher in the travel, providing a strong platform for aggressive cornering and steep terrain, without introducing the harshness that can cause arm pump and rider fatigue.

• The "Neko Mullaly" Effect: As former World Cup racer and current Frameworks Team Manager Neko Mullaly puts it, "It gives you more grip and takes the edge off the bumps. Every square edge is rounded." That extra grip translates directly into cornering confidence and reduced fatigue, allowing you to stay "target locked on the podium."

The All-New FOX 38: The Enduro King, Reimagined

The FOX 38 has been the undisputed leader in Enduro since its debut in 2020. It's the fork that helped Richie Rude and Elly Hoskings win the 2025 EDR World Championships. So how do you improve a champion?

The Updates:

For 2026, the 38 receives a ground-up design that goes far beyond just the new damper.

• Chassis Refresh: The updated lowers feature a generative-designed arch that maintains the 38's signature steering responsiveness. FOX has also relocated the bypass channels, further contributing to smoothness and sensitivity.

• More Stiffness, Less Friction: Utilizing learnings from their high-end Podium line, FOX increased bushing overlap by 20mm. This results in an approximate 9% increase in fore-aft stiffness and significantly reduced friction under load at high speed. More stiffness where you need it, less binding where you don't.

• FLOAT Glidecore Air Spring: This is a crucial update. Glidecore reduces friction and bind by moving with the fork under dynamic load. It also uses large cross-section O-rings to dampen and control that motion, drastically reducing breakaway friction of the air spring. This means a smoother feel on the trail and less chatter.

• GRIP X2 Installed: The combination of the revised chassis, the Glidecore spring, and the powerful GRIP X2 damper turns the already-dominant 38 into an even more formidable Enduro weapon.

Who is this for? The rider who wants the ultimate, no-compromise fork for Enduro racing, bike park laps, and charging the steepest, rowdiest terrain with total confidence. It’s available from 160mm to 180mm of travel.

The FOX 40: Own the Finish Line

The 40 is the winningest fork in World Cup downhill history, and for 2026, it keeps that legacy alive with the same internal technological advancements seen in the 38.

The Updates:

• GRIP X2 Damper: Standardizing the World Cup-level tuning and traction.

• FLOAT Glidecore Air Spring: Ensuring maximum suppleness and consistency over the longest, most brutal DH tracks.

• Refined Lowers: The arch design maintains perfect steering precision, while the bypass channels further enhance high-speed sensitivity.

Who is this for? This one is simple. The 40 is for World Cup Downhill racers or anyone who requires ultimate, pure-performance DH suspension, where "everything is on the line." It skips the "feature buzzwords" and focuses entirely on speed and podium finishes.

The X Family of Shocks: Performance Without Compromise

FOX didn't just update their forks; the entire Trail and All-Mountain lineup of rear shocks: the "X Family" has been redesigned internally.

The goal was clear: bring the coveted performance of the X2-level shocks (FLOAT X2 and DHX2) into the smaller, lighter, and more user-friendly Trail packages.

The Updates: FLOAT X, DHX, and Live Valve Neo

Both the air-sprung FLOAT X and the coil-sprung DHX, along with their high-tech Live Valve Neo variants, receive completely new internal components.

• New Base Valves & Main Pistons: The X shocks now sport completely new base valves and a high-flow piston design that closely approaches the performance of the X2 series.

• The Result: Increased sensitivity, improved support, better fade-free performance, and, most importantly, vastly superior rear tire grip. This brings sophisticated damping to platforms known for their efficiency and ease of use.

Smash Ready: The FLOAT X

The updated FLOAT X remains the go-to choice for sophisticated Trail and AM damping. It provides the ideal balance of sensitivity, support, and efficiency in a high-performance air shock.

Who is this for? The serious Trail and All-Mountain rider who wants near-DH performance and tunability in a lighter air-sprung package for efficiency on the climbs.

Loyal to Coil: The DHX

For riders who prefer the consistency and small-bump compliance of coil, the updated DHX is unmatched. Coil offers incredible sensitivity on technical terrain and remains consistent on long, demanding descents.

Who is this for? Aggressive Trail riders who prioritize ultimate traction and ground-hugging performance, where "coil truly is king."

Made Fastest: Live Valve Neo

Both the FLOAT X and DHX are available with FOX's next-generation smart suspension, Live Valve Neo. Using sensors that detect impacts in microseconds, Live Valve Neo can instantly adjust your shock’s settings to the perfect mode—Open, Firm, or Climb—all while you're in the middle of a run.

Who is this for? The rider who chases ultimate efficiency and flow, demanding a system that reacts and adapts to terrain faster than any human can.

Wrapping Up: FOX in 2026 is Here to Party

FOX is bringing serious fire for the 2026 season. By revamping the GRIP X2 damper, revising the 38 and 40 chassis with Glidecore technology, and trickling X2-level performance down into the popular FLOAT X and DHX trail shocks, they’ve ensured that every type of rider has a suspension ecosystem designed to deliver performance without compromise.

The modern trail is diverse, with riders chasing flow, pushing for efficiency, or just trying to survive the wildest descent. With these updates, FOX has built suspension to match every ambition.

We are incredibly excited about this new lineup and cannot wait to get these products on trail. Stay tuned to Worldwide Cyclery for in-depth reviews, riding impressions, and detailed setup guides.