Skip to main content

Fox 36 Float Factory FIT4 27.5 170 fork


The FIT4 version of the 36 maximises user-friendly, all-trail convenience while keeping the fork’s ultimate flat-out, tightly-controlled, race-feel performance.

Some riders will miss the old 20mm axle option but stiffness gains were slight and the QR15 skewer is far more convenient. The massive 36mm stanchions and fat crown mean it’s plenty stiff anyway, with multiple travel (including ‘TALAS’ external adjustment) and wheel size options covered. No matter how hard, relentless or random the impacts, the multiple compression and rebound damping circuits keep the fork totally consistent and immaculately communicative, connecting grips to tyre knobs with amazing HD clarity. Previously that’s been at the expense of a soft top end but the FIT4 damper is now plenty smooth in ‘open’ mode, which has 22 micro-tune sub-levels to play with. The fact you can also flick it into ‘medium’ and ‘firm’ settings means you can run it soft without affecting climbing/pedalling performance too. Alternatively, the ‘fettler’s favourite’ RC2 version ($1558) offers independent high and low-speed compression adjustment. Top support from Mojo makes the cost a fair investment rather than an excessive expense.

Travel 170mm (100-180mm*)
Weight 2,040g
Stanchions 36mm
Wheel size 650b (29in, 26in*)
Axle Boost (15mm*)

Price $1483
Labels

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.

READ MORE >>

Nukeproof Vector AM Comp Cro-Mo saddle

The Vector AM is pretty race focused, with minimal padding. There’s a deep (if narrow) pressurerelief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to. Used with bib shorts, we found it pretty comfortable for shorter rides and suffered no pain or discomfort in the central region. On steep climbs the slightly downturned nose provides a reasonable forward perch, while the svelte profile and smooth edges make it particularly unobtrusive when moving about on the descents. It’s quite stiff though, and can feel harsh on long rides or bumpy ground. We definitely wouldn’t want to spend much time on it without a chamois. It’s heavier than we’d expect for such a lightly padded perch too. There’s a lighter Pro version with titanium rails for $105, but at 241g it’s only 10g lighter. Weight 251g Price $67

READ MORE >>

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

READ MORE >>

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.

READ MORE >>

Merida Big Seven 100

We've rolled up to our local woods, with a meandering blue trail, some natural wooded tracks and a bit of fire road chucked into the mix to see how the Big Seven 100 tackles trails that entry-level riders are likely to cut their teeth on.

READ MORE >>