FOX 36 Factory Suspension Fork [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

Just a couple of years ago, Fox updated their famous Fox 36 fork. Fox took a fork that was deemed the gold standard and made it better with a new air shaft, chassis, damper, and bleeder valves. Our friend, Thomas is running it on their Polygon. See what they think! 

Overview

I took advantage of Worldwide Cyclery’s 10% gift card sale over the holiday season of 2021. I initially ordered the Fox Factory 36 Grip 2. After I ordered the fork, I debated the Fox Factory 34 Grip 2, the Fox Factory 36 Fit4 and the Fox Factory 36 Grip 2. I tried to do some research online but was left confused.

I ended up calling WC and speaking with one of their bike experts. I explained to him what my riding style is and what I wanted to get out of the bike. After he patiently explained to me the differences in the forks, I decided that the Fox Factory 36 Fit 4 was the best “fit” for me. I’d love to be the kind of rider that would maximize the potential of the Grip 2 damper, but realistically, I probably will never fully realize its potential. I’m more of a set it and forget it kind of rider.

Once I made my decision, WC was very understanding and went out of their way to cancel the original order I made for the Grip 2 variant. WC customer service really went above and beyond to communicate with me through the order cancellation and the new order because there were some complications due to the fact that I’d used gift card’s that I got from family members for Christmas. In the end, the process was painless and quick. I very quickly received my fork in the mail.

Once I got the fork unboxed, I realized I should’ve gone with the matte finish instead of the shiny black. It’s just a personal preference as I think the matte looks better and in my opinion, looking good is 90% of mtb.

I had my LBS install the fork since I wasn’t comfortable cutting up a $1,000 piece of gear. I initially rode my bike on paved bike paths around town as the local trails weren’t ready for winter. I tuned the fork based on Fox's recommendations and immediately notice that it felt much harsher than the Fox 34 rhythm that came on my bike. I did notice that the forward/backward movement seemed much more controlled than my 34 when I hit cracks in the path. I initially wasn’t impressed with how the 36 felt. I expected it to be suppler. I told myself to reserve judgment until I was able to get it out on a trail.

Final Thoughts

I recently went on the first trail ride of the year and the first off-path ride with the 36. The 36 felt so much better once I got it on the trail. I immediately noticed that I was more confident pushing over rocks and roots in the trail as the fork felt more planted than my 34 had. I’m confident that once I continue to work with air pressure in the fork, FIT4 settings as well as tire pressure settings this fork will continue to impress me and help me be a better and faster rider.