Skip to main content

Fox 34 Float FIT4-Adj Factory fork


FOX’S MID-SIZE trail fork packs the same damping and air spring technology as their big-hitting 36 Float into a lighter and cheaper but less rigid chassis.

The FIT4 cartridge uses a larger shaft than previous 34 dampers for better peak oil flow when you’re slapping through big blocks.The three low-speed compression lever settings are now labelled ‘open’,‘medium’and‘firm’ (rather than ‘climb’, ‘trail’and‘descend’), and the small ‘Adj’ sub-dial changes feel in the open (not middle) setting, with a very fine 22 clicks of adjustment.The dual-circuit rebound damping recovers from bigger/ multiple hits without getting too hyper at the top of the stroke. This all makes for a fork that’s a lot more consistent than the previous 34 when the trail starts getting punchy.Detail changes and the distinctive low-friction Kashima coating on the stanchions of the top-spec Factory fork mean small-bump response and traction are also impressive, if you adjust it towards its more subtle settings.

The 34 is 200g lighter and 135$ cheaper than its big brother, the 36. But compared to other forks of the same weight it’s noticeably less stiff under torsional turning and fore/aft braking and impact loads, and the supportive, G-out resisting mid stroke can still feel bruising when you’re pinned through extended rock gardens.


WEIGHT: 1,780g
TRAVEL: 140, 150, 160mm (tested)

Price 1125$





Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

Marzocchi 350 NCR fork

Italy's most famous fork manufacturer aims directly at the high profile, high performance enduro race scene but it needs patience to reveal its potential.

NS Bikes Metropolis bike

There aren’t many companies like NS Bikes, whose entire product range is designed around getting rad, ripping corners and boosting jumps. The Polish brand are passionate about freeride and have gained a reputation for building heavy-hitting,wellspecced and reasonably-priced bikes. This latest incarnation of their Metropolis dirt jump rig follows in this vein, with a doublebutted 4130 chromoly frame and an array of reliable kit. The frame mixes MTB and BMXtechnology, using a threaded bottom bracket and Race Face AEfect two-piece crankset in combination with horizontal dropouts and an integrated headset and seat clamp. A Manitou Circus Elite fork gives 100mm of air-sprung travel, with a 20mm front axle to maintain stifness. The Metropolis rolls on 26in NS Fundamental rims, fitted with Kenda Small Block 8 tyres. We reckon the combo of chrome frame and tan-wall rubber looks pretty rad too! The full build weighs a fairly robust 12.13kg , but it should have no problem shrugging of s...