News

FOX release new FLOAT 36 fork, FLOAT X2 and DHX2 shocks for 2021

FOX has been busy! The venerable FOX 36 has received a full overhaul, as have the FOX FLOAT X2 and DHX2 rear shocks. We have a look to see what’s changed

While the launch of the new FOX 38 suspension fork (click for review) is certainly the headline news from FOX today, pushing the popular FOX 36 down to a shorter-travel trail-all mountain platform. FOX has also revised many other products in their gravity lineup too, including the DHX2 and FLOAT X2 rear shocks which are now being increasingly fitted to enduro and trail bikes.

The new FOX 36 2021 features all new lowers with a revised, round arch, and extensive changes to the internals.

New FOX 36 2021

While the bigger FOX 38 is flexing its muscles, the ‘godfather of enduro forks’, the new FOX 36 2021, has also seen some major updates. Most notable is that the once ‘big hitter’ fork has been repositioned as an ‘all-mountain’ fork in 150-160 mm travel options, while the new bigger FOX 38 will take on all enduro 160 mm + tasks The new FOX 36 features the same new chassis design as the 38, with a round arch created using FEA analysis to increase strength and chassis stiffness. The new FOX 36 features the new air channels inside as the FOX 38 to help control pressure build-up in the fork and allow more effective lubrication, with air bleeders to allow atmospheric pressure equalization. Just like the new FOX 38, the GRIP2 damper has been overhauled, and now features a VVC valve on the compression side (high-speed compression) as well as the existing rebound side – for more information on the new GRIP2 damper check out our FOX 38 review. The new FOX 36 will be available in Factory, Performance Elite, and E-Bike models and retail between €1339 and €1459.

New FOX 36 2021 at a glance

  • New chassis, with lower leg bleeders, new air/oil channels and new arch shape.
  • New floating axle
  • Matching 8-click HSC and HSR adjustment on Grip2 forks and X2 shocks
  • Damper option(s): GRIP2 damper now with VVC (Variable Valve Control), GRIP• Updated EVOL air spring
  • Travel option(s): 150mm-160mm•
  • Increased crown diameter to match modern frame shape profiles
  • Wheel size(s): 27.5″ and 29″
  • Offset(s): 37mm, 44mm and 51mm
  • Optional mud guard
  • Factory Series models feature Genuine Kashima Coat
  • Available in Factory, Performance Elite, and E-Bike models
  • Starting weight: 1965 g
  • MSRP EUR €1339 – €1459
The new FOX 36 features new air channels (you can see the raised channels) which allow air to migrate inside the fork easier to avoid pressure spikes, and also to help carry oil to the bushings and foam rings.
The GRIP2 Damper now features a VVC valve on the High-speed compression side, as well as the existing High-speed rebound VVC. This reduces the number of HSC adjustments to a simpler 8 clicks

New FOX DHX2 and FLOAT X2 2021

FOX have also refined their gravity oriented DHX2 and FLOAT X2 shocks. Both models boast a complete redesign for 2021. In order to simplify setup, both shocks now feature a reduced number of ‘clicks’ on the HSC and HSR adjusters, down to 8. While there are less clicks, the adjustment range remains the same so riders can still find their optimum setup, but now with more practical steps. The FOX DHX2 2021 now features a steel outer body, in place of aluminium as FOX claims it stretches less and thus is better to help reduce hysteresis. Both shocks now feature FOX’s VVC technology on the high-speed rebound circuit, which means the adjustment knob needs to be in line with the shaft, so is now located at the eyelet, which can be tricky to access on some bike designs. On both shocks the ‘firm mode’ enabled with the 2-position switch is now a fully independent circuit and does not compromise the open mode. Eagle eyed reader will see that the shock shaft of the DHX2 is now chrome, rather than the tri-nitride finish currently used

The new FOX FLOAT X2 (left)…
…and DHX2 2021 have been heavily reworked with fresh internals, and new chassis materials, to offer a claimed improvement in ride performance and easier setup.

The new FLOAT X2 2021 at a Glance

  • New chassis, damper, high-flow main piston and progressive MCU bottom-out bumper
  • Matching 8-click HSC and HSR adjustment on GRIP2 forks and X2 shocks
  • HSR with VVC (Variable Valve Control)
  • Independent firm mode circuit – firmer lockout than previous Float X2•
  • Reduced length reservoir for better fit on more frames
  • Finned inner body for improved structural rigidity and reduced hysteresis
  • New lower friction air seal•
  • MSRP EUR €849 – €889

The new DHX2 2021 at a Glance

  • New chassis, damper, high-flow main piston, progressive MCU bottom-out bumper
  • Matching 8-click HSC and HSR adjustment on Grip2 forks and X2 shocks
  • HSR now with VVC (Variable Valve Control)
  • Independent firm mode circuit – firmer lockout than previous DHX2
  • Reduced length reservoir for better fit on more frames
  • Steel outer body and finned inner body for improved structural rigidity and reduced hysteresis
  • New detents on spring collar to prevent loosening under light preload conditions
  • MSRP EUR €819 – €859• *Spring sold separately

Our thoughts on the new 2021 FOX range

While the big news of today is undoubtedly the release of the new FOX 38 fork, it’s good to see FOX have rolled their new technology down to the FOX 36 too. The FOX 36 has many fans, offering a superb compromise of strength, stiffness and weight, and for many riders it will still be the fork that makes the most sense. We will bring you more reviews as we get the new 2021 range built onto the test bikes and out on the trails.

For more information head to ridefox.com


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Words: Photos: FOX