Review

First Look: The Fox 36 Float Factory RC2 2015 in Detail

27.05.2014
by Aaron Steinke

This May, Fox invited us to the South Tyrol, for an exclusive test of the brand-new 36 fork. First Pictures and specifications of the fork have been around for a while now, yet actual ride reports on the new flagship fork from the Californian suspension specialists were rare? We had the opportunity to compare the new 36 fork back-to-back with the Fox 34. In this first part, we dive into the features – expect a review later this evening!

Robin testet die neue Fox 36 auf den anspruchsvollen Trails im Südtiroler Latsch.
Robin tests the new Fox 36 on the rough trails in South Tyrol.

Before we get to our riding impressions, we’d like to look at the main features of the Fox 36 Float 2015. While Fox-Marketing Manager Chris Trojer didn’t say a single word about the intended use of the fork at first, he explained the goals of the development of the Fox 36.

Zum 40-jährigen Jubiläum von Fox kommt die Fox 36 mit speziellen Heritage Decals.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Fox ships the Fox 36 with special heritage decals.
  • Significant weight reduction while retaining strength and stiffness
  • Dramatic friction reduction
  • Improve RC2 damper tunes
  • Improve air spring system
  • Accommodate all wheel sizes (26″, 27.5″, 29″)
  • Internally adjustable travel
Um Gewicht zu sparen wurde tief in die Trick-Kiste gegriffen, wie diese Grafik zeigt.
To save weight, the Fox engineers dug deep down into their box of tricks.
Das Steuerrohr sowie die Gabelkrone wurden überarbeitet, um Gewicht zu sparen und die Steifigkeit zu erhöhen. Dank der überarbeiteten Krone besitzt die 36 die gleiche Einbauhöhe (Achse-Krone) wie eine Fox 34.
Both the steerer and the crown were updated to save weight and increase stiffness – the new Fox 36 has the same axle-to-crown length as the Fox 34. Switching the fork does not change the geometry of the bike.
Die Kashima-Standrohre haben ein neues Finish (außen und innen) bekommen, um die Reibung weiter zu reduzieren.
A new finish on the Kashima upper tubes (internal and external) reduces friction.
Das Brücken- sowie Dropout-Design entspringt der 2014er Fox 40: Downhil-Technologie goes Enduro!
Arch and dropout designs evolved from the 2014 Fox 40: Downhill technology goes enduro!
Die Wabenstruktur der Gabelbrücke.
Honeycomb-structure of the arch.
180 mm Direct Post Mount Aufnahme für Scheibenbremse.
180 mm direct disc brake post mount
Die Steckachse und Adapter im Detail.
Convertible thru-axle design
Die Fox 36 kommt mit 15- und 20-mm-Steckachs-Option.
The convertible thru-axle design works with 15mm and 20mm axles.
Kleine Alublättchen halten die Adapter in Position.
Small aluminum-plates secure the adapters in place, even when the axle is removed.
Spart Gewicht, kostet aber Zeit und Nerven: 4 Schrauben und die Steckachse möchten per Minitool geöffnet werden.
Saves weight but costs time and nerves: Four screws and the axle need to be opened with a minitool.
Die FIT Kartusche. Unter der Abdeck-Kappe befindet sich die Zugstufeneinstellung.
The FIT cartridge. The rebound knob is located under the cover cap
Die High-Speed- und Low-Speed-Druckstufeneinstellung ist am rechten Gabelholm oben einstellbar. Dank eines neuen Dichtungskopf (Seal-Head) soll die Reibung in der FIT-Kartusche erheblich reduziert worden sein.
High- and Low-Speed-compression can be set on the right stanchion. Thanks to a new seal head design, the friction of the FIT-cartridge is reduced.

Instead of 10w, Fox now uses 5w damper oil. The lower viscosity should improve rebound performance.

Die Fox 36 in der Frontal-Ansicht.
The new Fox 36 fork.
Die Float (FOX Load Optimized Air Technology) Einheit wurde ebenfalls neu überarbeitet.
The Float-system (FOX Load Optimized Air Technology) was updated too, saving 94 grams.
Ein neues Positiv-Negativ-Kammer System soll für weniger Feedback und entsprechend weniger Vibrationen, die am Lenker ankommen sorgen. Zudem ist die Kennlinie über Volumen-Spacer anpassbar.
A new positive/negative-chamber-system reduces feedback (less vibrations to bars) Air spring is tunable via volume spacers.

Technische details:

Fox 36 Float RC2 2015 fork rake axle to crown length Fox 36 Float RC2 2015 Travel Adjustment
Fox 36 Float RC2 2015 overview

Text: Robin Schmitt / Aaron Steinke Photos: Robin Schmitt / Chris Trojer / FOX

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About the author

Aaron Steinke

Aaron was our first employee and actively helped make our company what it is today, significantly shaping the look and direction of our various magazines. Aaron has been pursuing his own projects since mid-2020 but he continues to advise and support us on issues of marketing and technology. For many years, you would usually have found Aaron at casual enduro races, but increasingly you'll find him riding his road bike – long live freedom on two wheels!

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