36 Float 27.5 Grip 2 Performance Elite Boost Fork

When it comes to components, there are riders who approach things with a set-it-and-forget-it attitude, but you prefer taking things a step further to get the most out of everything — and that includes your fork. If FOX's 36 Float 27.5 Grip 2 Performance Elite Boost Fork were a sentient being, it would undoubtedly prefer to be ridden by someone in the latter category. That's because it packs in adjustability for every last detail, so you can fine tune things for park laps, unforgiving DH days, and casual all-day trail rides alike.

The Grip 2's damper features independent four-way adjustability that reigns in total control over high and low-speed compression, in addition to high and low-speed rebound. Providing additional high-speed rebound damping circuit helps you to control how fast you'd like the fork to rebound after taking a bigger hit that soaks up every millimeter of travel, enabling you to better prepare for bike park booters, and fast DH runs that max our your forks travel. On the high and low-speed compression side of things, there's a bit of a wider range of tunability, so you can precisely dial in the level of support you want, without harshness that detracts from your ride. This particular model uses FOX's EVOL air spring, that features an increased negative air spring volume, improving traction and higher levels of small-bump compliance when you're working up rooty switchbacks and rocky fire roads.

If you're looking for additional improvements, you'll be happy to find that the newest iteration of the 36 Float with Grip 2 has a lower friction level for improvement in small-bump sensitivity, along with heightened traction on rough trails. FOX aimed to lower the friction from the previous 36 Float by implementing lower friction seals. In addition to this, a revised mid-valve design is employed in the Grip 2 damper, which helps the fork resist brake dive when you're booking it a little too fast and need to drop a little heat before leaning into a berm, or charging a steep rock line. Both of these updates are subtle improvements, but aim to make this fork smoother and more composed without drastically overhauling a tried-and-true favorite fork.

This particular 36 Float with Grip 2 damper is the Performance Elite version, which means it skips out on the pricier Kashima-coating for black anodized stanchions. This results in a more affordable fork that's still super supportive and plush throughout its travel, though it may lack in some of the buttery-smooth sensitivity you would experience with the Kashima-coated stanchions of the Factory Series forks.

• FOX's plush enduro fork for those who like to fine-tune
• Grip 2 damper with Variable Valve Control for HSC/LSC and HSR/LSR
• Separately tune high/low-speed compression, high/low-speed rebound
• Updated mid-valve design increases support, reduces brake dive
• Low-friction seals, EVOL air spring increase small bump sensitivity
• Performance Elite is more affordable without sacrificing support
• Available with 160-or-170mm of plush, supportive travel
• 110mm Boost thru-axle offers precise tracking in rough terrain