FOX Racing Shox

36 Float 27.5 160 Grip 2 Performance Elite Boost Fork

You're probably well aware of just how supportive and plush the FOX 36 Float feels while being pushed to the limit during aggressive all-mountain riding and enduro racing. Well, FOX is back at it again, proving they're never content resting on their laurels with the creation of the latest 36 Float 27.5 160 Grip 2 Performance Elite Boost Fork. Completely redesigned with the introduction of the Grip 2 damper, this particular 36 Float gives you the ability to independently dial-in high and low-speed compression alongside high and low-speed rebound with four separate knobs. This is what FOX refers to as Variable Valve Control, providing discerning riders the ultimate in adjustability to the terrain and hand and different riding styles.

Providing an additional high-speed rebound damping circuit helps to control how fast you'd like the fork to rebound after taking a bigger hit, so you can better prepare for bike park days and fast downhill runs where you'll be maxing out your fork's travel. On the high/low-speed compression side of things, there's a bit wider range in tunability, so you can precisely dial in you level of support without any harshness detracting from your ride. This particular model of 36 Float Factory Fork continues to use FOX's EVOL air spring, which has increased negative air spring volume for better traction and higher levels of small-bump compliance when you're riding over rocks and roots.

Looking at additional improvements, you'll find the newest 36 Float with Grip 2 has a lower friction level for improved small-bump sensitivity and heightened traction on rugged trails. FOX aimed to lower the friction from their previous 36 Float by using lower friction seals. Another update is a revised mid-valve design of the Grip 2 damper, which makes the fork resist brake dive when you're coming in hot and need to scrub some speed before leaning into a berm or rolling down a steep rock line. Both of these updates are subtle improvements that aim to make this fork smoother and more composed without being a drastic overhaul in the design and operation of the 36 Float itself.

Please note, this particular 36 Float with Grip 2 damper is the Performance Elite version, which forgoes a more expensive Kashima coating for black anodized stanchions. The result is a more affordable fork that's still extremely supportive and plush throughout its travel, albeit lacking the extra sensitivity you'd experience with the Kashima-coated stanchions of a Factory Series Fork.