All Arround MTB

The SKF brand should be familiar if you have ever been hunting down bearings for your bike. The Swedish brand is well known for the bearings they make, but they have expanded into lubricants and seals as well. While their fork seals are used on motorbikes, they also make the original seals for Fox and Marzocchi mountain bike forks.

Fox has ruled the short travel category since it rewrote the rule book with its original Float 14 years ago, and the current version still leads the race and cross-country riding pack.

The Float X has replaced Fox’s long-running DHX Air as the go-to shock for all-mountain bikes. It is, however, a much different beast than its predecessor. There’s still the piggyback reservoir, which increases oil volume and staves off heat and damping fade on long downhills, but the Float X is more well-rounded; there’s good midstroke support, and on-the-fy tuning makes it simple to go from super plush and bottomless to snappy and frm.

The 36 has always been a personal favorite. Admittedly there was room for improvement, considering what some of Fox’s competitors have brought to the table recently. Fox was aware of the shortcomings and came out swinging with its 2015 36 FIT RC2, resulting in the lightest, most tunable 36 to date.

It’s been more than six months since my first ride on the new Fox 36 aboard my editor’s choice dream build–the Rocky Mountain Altitude 790 MSL Rally Edition. Those first rides coincided with my favorite time of year in Southern California, when cooler temperatures and tacky dirt make for incredible winter riding. 

The name is the same, but Fox’s new 36 is a totally reworked trail dominator for the smartest, fastest riders.

Fox’s affordable evo spec 34 Float forks are significantly smoother for 2015 but they’re heavy, especially compared to the reworked Fox 36.

SO GOOD The Sidewinder Polars' fluorescent yellow colourway makes them ideal for night rides or commutes on dark roads.

Five reasons to check out Fox’s latest hard-hitting single-crown fork

SO GOOD The AIRSPCs are relatively new goggles but are already making waves on the race circuit. The high-quality build and finish, which even extends to the embroidered strap, really does make these feel good value for money. The large frame and unique Smart Venting System - a series of air intakes built in the frame - help to prevent misting. The frame also sits further from the face and uses a larger than normal lens improving peripheral vision.

THE ATTACKWAS one of only two jerseys on test to pass the ‘feels just right test’ so it’s no surprise that it shares the highest score. It takes the overall winner’s spot too because every detail of what at first appears to be a straightforward technical T-shirt is so exceptionally well thought through and executed.

FOX’S EVERGREEN 36 platform is still a great choice for hardcore 26in wheel control. There are no 650b or 29in wheel options, it’s not light, and the 20mm axle with winder handle and twin cam clasps rules out 15mm-only wheel choices. It opens up the full DH wheel menu though, and the 36mm diameter legs still set the standard for tracking stiffness.

FOX’S ADJUSTABLE-TRAVEL TALAS forks are significantly smoother for 2014 and the damping is more suited to aggro riding too, but the 34 chassis is disappointing in 650b wheel format.

FOX’S LONG-STANDING Demo DH shorts have had an overhaul for 2014 and are now lighter, shorter (just a touch) and available in five new colours. The main body is constructed from polyester, with areas of stretch material and mesh to keep you cool and comfy. Add a tailored cut, stash pocket and mesh lining and you have one tough and versatile pair of shorts.