Fox has released a new 36SL trail fork, while updating its 36 all-mountain fork, with the brand going all-in on the 36 chassis for the trail category.
The new 36SL is a lightweight evolution of the 36 chassis designed for 120mm to 140mm travel bikes, replacing the existing 34 and boasting a claimed 20 per cent more torsional stiffness.
Fox’s 36 is still aimed at all-mountain riding, with its updated chassis and increase in bushing overlap adding 20% torsional stiffness over the previous model.
Both models feature the brand's optimised, generatively designed fork arch, as seen on the 32 Step-Cast as well as the 34SL released last week.
The 36SL has a claimed weight of 1,755g for a 140mm fork, while the beefier 36 is said to rest on the scales at 1,920g for a 160mm fork.
Prices range from £806 / $699 / €939 / AU$1,199 to £1,259 / $1,149 / €1,539 / AU£1,999 for the 36SL, with the Performance being the cheapest and the Factory the most expensive.
The 36 is more expensive, ranging from £879 / $749 / €999 / AU$1,299 to £1,399 / $1,199 / €1,609 / AU$2,099.
All new arch
The arch of the new fork is somewhat familiar, with the 32 SC debuting the generative design concept when it launched last year.
This time, Fox has decided to keep the arch on the front of the fork, as opposed to the rear, and has used cutaways for greater weight savings.
Fox says the design increases torsional stiffness by 20 per cent.
On the 36, this is said to make the torsional stiffness 87 per cent of the brand’s 38 enduro fork, up from 75 per cent.
For the 36SL, this has resulted in a 20 per cent increase compared to the 34.
Compliant air spring
Both the 36 and 36SL feature a redesigned Float air spring that has built-in compliance to prevent binding when a bending force is applied to the fork.
The new air spring decouples the stanchion from the air shaft, enabling the piston to move with the fork while under bending loads, decreasing resistance.
This is said to result in a smoother suspension action overall, especially when the fork is experiencing high loads from speed or the weight of a rider.
Increased bushing overlap
Also in the interest of reducing this bending force, both forks feature increased bushing overlap.
The force creates resistance between the lower leg and the stanchion, causing an increase in friction and a less supple feel through the suspension travel.
Increasing the bushing overlap reduces the amount of friction.
Fox has increased the overlap by 20mm on the 36, compared to the 34, and by 30mm on the 36 compared to the previous model.
GRIP X and GRIP X2 dampers
The 36 uses the GRIP X2 damper released last year, which features increased tunability over the GRIP 2 damper.
This sees base diameter values up to 24mm, with 23 valves resulting in an increase of the overall four-way tuning range of high/low-speed rebound and high/low-speed compression, all with less cross-talk.
The GRIP X2 is designed for riders who want to push hard on enduro and downhill trails.
The 36SL uses a lightweight GRIP X damper, which is said to exude the descending performance of the GRIP X2 while maintaining a light weight and making it easier to access firm mode for pedalling efficiency.
Inboard bypass channels
As we saw with the 34SL, Fox has moved its bypass channels inboard on the 36 and 36SL.
The brand says this helps curb pressure ramping for increased small-bump sensitivity, as well as recirculating oil to lubricate bushings and seals.
It also says the new location puts the channels out of the fore-aft load path, further reducing friction and wear, as well as increasing the overall sensitivity of the fork.
Easier to live with
Both new forks feature added utility, with a new low-profile bleeder featuring on the rear of the fork redesigned for the air to escape around your finger while pressing them.
As we saw with the 34SL, the fork’s air-spring top cap can now be removed with a Shimano cassette tool, which should make air-volume changes a lot easier.
There is also a new mudguard design that attaches to the fork’s seal, as opposed to the bleeders, which should help them stand up to chairlift wheel holders.
