Fox continue to set the fit-and-forget long-travel control benchmark in both air (Float) and coil (Van) formats. The 36mm stanchion chassis extends to 180mm without introducing noticeable flex so steering precision is still outstanding and it tracks brilliantly through random rock heaps.
The exclusive gold Kashima coating makes for very smooth breakaway over small bumps and the finish has proved super-durable in the time we’ve been running it. The long coil springs in the 36 Van give super-supple movement right through the stroke.
While you take a hit on overall weight compared to an air fork, it’s worth it for aggressive riders. Harder and softer springs are included in the box too, so you don’t have to shell out extra if the stock spring doesn’t suit. The RC2 adds high and low speed compression adjustment to the mix for £150 more than the basic R option.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
