New castings, new air springs, new fork models. After updating their dampers last year, FOX are now giving their forks a complete overhaul. Many of the innovations aim to ensure more precise steering while providing an overall smoother ride. But does this make the new 2026 FOX 36 fork an even better overall package?
After introducing the brand-new GRIP X2, GRIP X and GRIP SL dampers, FOX redesigned the chassis components of their forks from the ground up – or at least a large part of them. Among the updates is the new FOX 36 fork, which remains positioned in the trail bike sector with its 36 mm stanchions. Alongside the obvious chassis changes, the American manufacturer also has redesigned the bushings. Both modifications are intended to increase the torsional stiffness of the new FOX 36 fork, which aims to improve the fork’s resistance to twisting without adding weight. On top of that, there’s a new FLOAT air spring with its own clever refinements and newly positioned bypass channels.
What’s new on the 2026 FOX 36 fork
The most obvious innovation is the redesigned fork crown and the slightly modified casting. These changes are intended to increase torsional stiffness by 20% without increasing the fork’s system weight. As a result, the new FOX 36 fork is expected to deliver steering precision similar to that of the 38 fork without directly competing in its category. Inside the new FOX 36 fork, bushing overlap has been increased by 30 mm, which significantly reduces leverage and thus chassis friction. As a result, the stanchions are less likely to flex against the casting under heavy impacts, providing a smoother overall ride.
One of the biggest innovations is the newly-introduced FLOAT EVOL Compliant air spring, which aims to reduce friction and make the fork work smoother, especially under high loads. To achieve this, FOX mounted the air spring between three rubber rings, effectively decoupling it from the stanchions. This system allows the air spring to move slightly under heavy loads, reducing friction and improving overall compliance.
Upon closer inspection, the most striking update are the bypass channels of the FOX 36 fork, which have been relocated from the rear to the inner side. This adjustment is meant to protect them against flexing forces and, like nearly all other improvements, helps reduce friction and provide a smoother ride. However, their primary function – assisting in oil redistribution during pressure ramps – remains unchanged. In the same update, the two air-release buttons have been reduced in size, though they remain in their original position.
Additionally, the cap of the new air spring can now be opened with a cassette tool, just like most other forks. However, the new updates also require new fenders, but these no longer have to be attached to the delicate pressure valves. Instead, they are simply bolted onto the fork crown. They are once again available in both long and short versions.
Specs and prizing of the new 2026 FOX 36 fork
For the aftermarket, the new FOX 36 fork is available with last year’s GRIP X and GRIP X2 dampers. The available travel options are still the same, with 140 mm, 150 mm, and 160 mm variants to choose from. Additionally, the new FOX 36 is still available in both 27.5” and 29” versions, with the latter featuring the familiar 44 mm offset. The new FOX 36 fork also comes with a 200 mm post-mount brake mount, allowing you to run rotors up to 230 mm in diameter. The 29” variant of the new 36 fork with the GRIP X2 damper and 150mm of travel tips the scales at 2,129 grams. This makes it 31 grams heavier than the previous FOX 36 Factory GRIP X2 model, which is essentially the exact counterpart to the newer model.
The all new FOX 36 SL and FOX 34 SL
Alongside the new 36 fork, FOX also released two more fork models: the FOX 36 SL and FOX 34 SL. Both feature the same innovations, including the new fork crowns, bushings, and FLOAT air springs. The FOX 36 SL is available with 120 to 140 mm of travel and is essentially a weight-optimized version of the “standard” FOX 36 fork. According to the manufacturer, it breaks under the 1,800-gram mark. The FOX 34 SL, on the other hand, generates between 110 to 130 mm of travel, which makes it the ideal option for aggressive cross-country and down-country riders. In terms of price, these forks do not differ significantly from the standard FOX 36 model.
New 2026 FOX 36 fork first ride review
We had the opportunity to test the new FOX 36 fork with the GRIP X2 damper for several weeks on a Specialized Stumpjumper 15. In addition to a few runs on bone-dry trails in Arizona, we rode the fork primarily on our familiar home trails, conducting back-to-back comparisons against the bike’s stock fork, the previous FOX 36 Factory GRIP X2 model. For the initial setup, we followed FOX’s recommended settings, which have consistently provided a solid baseline in the past.
There has never really been a demand for a stiffer FOX 36 fork, and the first few runs with the new model required some adjustment. The new 36 is noticeably stiffer and more direct in terms of steering response. This demands a more active riding style to convert the increased feedback and precision into speed. When pushed sufficiently, the added lateral stiffness doesn’t feel like a drawback, as the fork remains well planted under braking and when absorbing impacts from berm holes, for example. Here, the improved mid-stroke sensitivity also stands out, particularly when compared directly to its predecessor.
However, the increased precision and direct handling might be intimidating for more passive riders, as a certain level of compliance can result in a more forgiving ride in slippery conditions and help smooth out minor riding errors. With the new FOX 36 fork, feedback is transferred more directly to the rider.
That said, the FOX 36 remains an outstanding fork – especially with the GRIP X2 damper – which is why this performed so well in our mtb fork comparison test. Riders who pump the front end hard and appreciate a more direct ride feel will benefit the most from these updates. However, for us, the upgrade to the new dampers made a more noticeable difference than the latest updates to the air spring and casting.
Conclusions about the new 2026 FOX 36 fork
Trail bikes are becoming increasingly more capable, while the tracks we ride on are getting more demanding. With the new FOX 36 fork, the American manufacturer is keeping up with this trend. Riders who push their fork to the limits will benefit from the more precise steering and direct feedback. The reduced friction is noticeable too when comparing the fork directly with its predecessor. Thanks to the new dampers, the FOX 36 seamlessly integrates into modern trail bikes, encouraging riders to unlock their bike’s full potential.
Tops
- More capable and precise
- Smooth responsiveness
- Practical refinements
Flops
- More demanding to ride
For more details, visit the FOX website.
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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker
