FOX Racing Shox

36 Float 29 160 3Pos-Adj FIT4 Boost Performance Elite Fork

Sometimes less is more, as in, less work equals more play, fewer flat tires equals more time on the bike, and fewer crashes equal more fun — but sometimes, more is also more. As in, more forks to choose from, more rock-gobbling goodness, and FOX jumps ahead to take on more with the Performance Elite Series 36 Float 29 160 3Pos-Adj FIT4 Boost Fork. This addition to the lineup adds another option for those who find themselves neatly tucked in between the Performance and Factory series forks, offering all of the tech you find in its Factory brother, but without the Kashima-coated stanchions. That means it still features the same adjustments, dampers, weight, and 7000-series aluminum uppers, but with sleek, anodized black aluminum stanchions that knock the price down a bit, and adds stealthy style to your getup.

The 36 Float matches the balanced feel of your 29er trail bike with its 34-millimeter stanchions. 34-millimeter stanchions are lighter than burlier offerings of the 36 Float, yet they retain a high level of stiffness for precise tracking across rough terrain. This means you'll have a reliable, smooth fork that's composed across technical terrain, but without holding you back on steep climbs and long rides through the backcountry. This version features updated damper tune and reconfigured shim stack for better sensitivity. Following suit in the sensitivity department, the Float air spring now features EVOL tech (increased negative air spring volume) borrowed from FOX's rear shocks. This translates to a ride that’s extra plush when you're gobbling up rocks, and pushing up root-latticed climbs.

The big story with the 34 Float lies within the Fit4 damper with 3-position Adjust. The 3-position Adjust quickly changes high and low-speed compression to suit your local terrain and riding style. In the Open setting, fluid freely flows through the low-speed compression circuit and high-speed compression shim stack for a supple, ultra-plush feel. In this Open setting, you'll find 22 clicks of additional low-speed compression tuning for getting its feel just right. Turning the knob to Medium firms things up a bit for greater efficiency on long climbs and smooth trails. And for fire roads and asphalt roads, the Firm mode virtually locks it out, complete with a blow-off feature that prevents damage in case you forget to unlock it on the trail.