FORK FOX 38 FLOAT 29 FACTORY 170 GRIP2 15X110 44 1.5T orange

The fork is equipped with a new 15mm Boost floating axle (15mm QR x 110mm), which provides even greater stiffness and consequently reduces friction during suspension operation. The 38mm upper tubes have an additional durable, exceptionally smooth Kashima coating (Factory series only). Together with the Float EVOL air spring, this delivers exceptionally responsive performance which, combined with the air channels in the lower legs, provides incredibly supple action from the start of the travel. The air channels also ensure constant lubrication of the entire suspension system, so the fork stays “fresh” for longer. The package is completed by the renowned GRIP2 cartridge, the most sought-after choice among enduro and downhill riders. This is thanks to its high-quality performance and adjustability to suit individual preferences. This year, the cartridge has been further upgraded with patented VVC technology, which offers an unprecedented ability to make “on-the-fly” adjustments using four external adjusters. The finishing touch is provided by the buttons, previously seen only on the Fox Float 40 downhill fork, which allow atmospheric pressure equalisation to compensate for changes in altitude or temperature.

Floating axle – FLOATING AXLE

The new “floating” axle mount and new 15mm fork axle provide an innovative solution for mounting the front wheel. The result is increased stiffness and reduced friction in the fork’s operation.

A “floating” spacer on the right leg allows you to precisely preset the hub width to match the hub being fitted into the fork, achieving maximum stiffness at the axle mount. This prevents the legs from twisting and consequently avoids unwanted additional friction between the upper and lower fork legs. The forks come standard with an axle that allows the front wheel to be fitted without tools (QR). The new Kabolt-X axle can also be used; in addition to being lighter, it provides even greater torsional stiffness for the fork.

Lower leg air channels – LOWER LEG CHANNELS

As the fork compresses, the volume inside the lower legs decreases, consequently increasing air pressure. The more the fork compresses, the higher the pressure. This results in an unwanted increase in the fork’s progressivity, making it impossible to use the full travel. The solution is the new air channels, which dramatically increase the volume of air in the lower legs and resolve this issue.

The air channels have another benefit: the lubricating oil circulates more easily throughout the inside of the lower legs, continuously lubricating the bushings and the oil seal beneath the dust wipers. This helps the fork stay “fresh” for longer.

Pressure-equalisation valves – BLEEDERS

The valves on the back of the lower legs allow atmospheric pressure to be equalised with a simple press of a button. Increased pressure in the lower legs significantly worsens fork performance. It particularly affects the suspension’s response to small bumps and the ability to use the fork’s full travel.

Lower leg arch – LOWER LEG ARCH

Stiffness-to-weight ratio is the ultimate benchmark in the cycling industry. Engineers spend countless hours finding the right balance. The new fork arch is the result of this research: despite its lower weight, it is even stronger. The engineers have also taken modern cycling trends into account, which call for wider tyres and bulkier frame head tubes (especially on carbon frames).

Elliptical steerer tube – ELLIPTICAL STEERER

The elliptical steerer tube is one of many solutions for optimising the stiffness-to-weight ratio. This design was first used on, and is exclusive to, Float 38 forks.

GRIP2 cartridge

The GRIP2 cartridge is designed to be ventilated during operation, so it maintains the highest level of performance at all times. It provides greater support in the mid-stroke, preventing travel loss when braking with the front brake. The new cartridge also has significantly less friction, further improving sensitivity to small bumps.
The GRIP2 cartridge offers four independent adjustments. At the top of the cartridge are the high-speed (8 positions) and low-speed (16 positions) compression adjusters (HSC/LSC); at the bottom are the high-speed (8 positions) and low-speed (16 positions) rebound adjusters (HSR/LSR).

Patented Variable Valve Control (VVC) technology enables a revolutionary approach to adjusting high-speed rebound (HSR) and, from model year 2021 onwards, high-speed compression as well, by changing the valve stiffness (previously, this adjustment was only possible by physically replacing the valve).

Air spring – Float EVOL

The Float EVOL air spring has a large negative air chamber, which improves the fork’s response through the first 1/3 of its travel, reducing vibration and helping to make the ride more comfortable.

The Float EVOL air spring allows volume spacers to be used to change the volume of the positive air chamber. This also changes the suspension performance. Changing the air chamber volume affects suspension performance in the second half of the travel.

PROBLEM: With the SAG set correctly, you use the full travel too quickly and often “bottom out” the fork.

SOLUTION: Add more spacers to make the suspension more progressive and consequently improve its performance.

PROBLEM: With the SAG set correctly, you do not use the full travel.

SOLUTION: Remove spacers to use the full travel. This will consequently improve suspension performance.

The performance of the EVOL air spring is further enhanced when combined with the air channels and the pressure-equalisation buttons in the lower legs!