Depending on the trails and how hard you intend to ride, you will need a bike fork to secure and smoothen your experience. Which between Fox 34 and 36 is the ultimate choice?
Stiffness at the front end of a bike’s wheel guarantees rider control and increases rider comfort with the extra access possible in the travel length.
I love a bike that is capable of anything and one that conquers difficult terrain including rocks, roots, and pebbles. This is why I own an enduring mountain bike and I have successfully used it to ride through all types of terrain.
Fox 36 has been my favorite fork to use on my bike for its sturdy properties and ease of control. However, I made an exception last weekend and tried out the Fox 34 fork.
To my surprise, I felt great after my test drive on 34. So, I created this review to give you an idea of how different these two Fox forks are.
What is the difference between Fox 36 and 34?
Model |
Fox 36 |
Fox 34 |
Wheel Size |
27.5 |
29 inch |
Travel |
160mm |
140mm |
Stanchion Size |
36mm |
34mm |
Spring Type |
Solo Air |
Solo Air |
Offset |
44mm |
51mm |
Weight |
2060 grams |
1880 grams |
Availability |
Fox 36 vs 34: How do they compare?
Components
Fox 34 comes with a Float EVOL air spring for a more aligned spring curve and making for plush riding while Fox 36 has extra bump sensitivity, plush and stable front wheel, mid-stroke support.
To improve compression and rebound channels, Fox added the patented technology Variable Valve Control to the GRIP2 damper.
This enables the fork to perform impressively in high-speed situations by quickly adjusting a leaf spring’s stiffness to control the size of the port through which high-speeds flow.
The Mid-stroke is balanced to keep the fork in the mid-level travel length in corners, drops, and braking.
Both featuring the FIT 4 damper, we have a limitation in user interface and great performance. Considering that all damping circuits are set in their channels to separate each from the other while maintaining lockout functions.
This FIT damper is built upon the bladder system that minimizes friction and heat. Those aftermarket Fox 34 forks switched to a three-position damper which is simple in use.
Fox 36 has externally adjustable low-compression and rebound with an option between having 16 clicks or 8 clicks.
You will find versions of Fox36 in sets featuring the GRIP2 VVC, GRIP2 damper, Fox’s active Live Valve, and FIT4.
By using EVOL as an air spring, Fox 36 has extra bump sensitivity, plush and stable front wheel, mid-stroke supportive, and tunable progression in the bottom-out.
This fork has got two pre-installed tokens that provided smooth function through its entire range of travel.
By undoing the seal caps and removing these volume spacers, you are effectively changing the fork’s progression.
Build
Fox 34 is lighter in weight and has more give compared to the Fox 36 fork. This means you have better stiffness with the 34 and can cover worse terrain on the 36.
Fox 36 is fitted with FIT GRIP2 damper while the 34 is also available in the FIT4 version which is superior to the other in traction, adjustability, and comfort.
While the Fox 36 fork doesn’t feature any choice in lockout modes, it offers independent adjustments of high and low-speed compression damping and rebound functionality through the RC2 cartridge.
You will find versions of Fox36 in sets featuring the GRIP2 VVC, GRIP2 damper, Fox’s active Live Valve, and FIT4.
Altering the progression of either fork is made possible by removing the top cap and adding volume spacers.
Travel lengths are adjustable internally in 10mm for the Fox 36 and by setting the air shaft length to add negative air spacers. This effectively reduces travel from 160mm to 110mm.
Fox 36 has externally adjustable low-compression and rebound with an option between having 16 clicks or 8 clicks.
Traveling with a pre-plan is predictable but it is the only way to countercheck everything you could carry in a bag.
Fox 36 vs 34: A Comparison Overview
Fox 36 Review
This is a long travel fork with a length stretched to 160mm. air bleeders are featured on their lower legs, to reduce pressure build-up in the lowers, they are designed with internal channels and it uses the EVOL air spring and FIT GRIP 2 damper with a floating axle.
Fox 36 is available for all-wheel sizes from 26 inch, 650b, and 29-inch and they come in different models.
36 Performance Elite forks are fitted with FIT GRIP2 damper with 160mm travel length. They are suitable for use in both 29 inch and 650b wheels and is available only in Boost spacing.
The Fox 36 E-Bike Factory fork model is designed with the 29-inch wheel in mind and offers 160mm of travel. However, owners of 650b tires can still use this fork when they use a FIT GRIP2 damper.
It is made into a flexible bike that allows for boost spacing and offers a tapered steerer with an offset pick 44mm, 51mm.
36 E-Bike Performance is only available for the 29 offering them 160mm of travel with black anodized legs. It boasts a GRIP damper with three positions and offsets measuring 44 or 51mm.
Pros
- Fast
- Ride high travel
- Excellent support
Cons
- Fewer clicks on external adjusters
Fox 34 Review
[amazon box=”B088X2BTV5″ template=”horizontal” ]This fork comes available for both 650b and 29-inch wheels. The only travel available is the 120mm with tapered steering and Boost hub spacing.
Fox 34 with tapered steering is the only available option and it may be found in either Boost or non-Boost spacing.
The damper it rides on is the FIT4 which comes in a remote option even though there are dedicated tubes between them.
Three positions are possible using the FIT4 damper or the FIT GRIP 2 damper. Fox34 is considered an entry-level fork and it features black anodized upper legs.
With 34, you get a lightweight fork with angled-legs made of alloy aluminum which is an economical choice.
Pros
- Fast
- Ride high travel
- Excellent support
Cons
- Fewer clicks on external adjusters
Conclusion
Fox 36 offers riders quick and easy to access adjustable parts plus it offers great resilience in the face of tough terrain.
Fox 34 on the other hand is great for automating the suspension by using the lockout function to initiate or disengage the fork.
Verdict: So, which is better – Fox 36 or 34?
Fox 34 is overall better than Fox 36. This is because the fork sports similar benefits and features to that of Fox 36. The biggest plus is the sense of connection and convenience in use for all.
FAQ
What is Fox 34’s special feature?
That it would be good for the sake of cleaning out our house so we can finally earn either they stand, you do too. Activating or deactivating the best connection here by use of the convenient switch.
How do I adjust Travel length on the Fox 36?
Travel lengths are adjustable internally in 10mm for the Fox 36 and by setting the air shaft length to add negative air spacers. This effectively reduces travel from 160mm to 110mm.
To alter the progression, you can remove some volume spacers.