2025 Fox 36 & 38 Explained | GRIP X2 & GRIP X Dampers

[@rhinoconstrux7806]

Grip X Please! Such a smart move also offering that in the Factory fork with Kashima....nice to have options. To me the Fit4 forks feel more 'plush' than those with a Grip2 so hopefully that carries over to the Grip X. For those who think the gold fork is too blingy, you can relax it's a limited edition color so you'll likely never see one anywhere except youtube. Great Video!

[@KurtSushames]

Grip 2 was a step backwards … Your right fit damper is much better

[@DukeVanZoom]

I’m not very well versed in dampers, but recently I bought new bike with grip2 and was surprised that it is not so plush as previous fit4. Works much better though on rough terrain, but other than that, not so comfy. I was thinking that it was about my poor settings, but it seems that there is indeed noticeable difference in “plushness”. Thanks!

[@fredEVOIX]

all 3 of your comments helped me thanks there are pretty good deals on 2024 fit4 bikes and I currently ride a fox34 fit4 just 120mm and I want more travel but not "different"

[@ItsATrap614]

The gold on gold is a bit much if you ask me.

[@wayslow]

Dude even color matched his hair!

[@2fat2die]

Its super ugly!

[@a8f235]

Now we even got kashima coating everywhere 🙃

[@ASAP2525]

Yea good thing it’s just a special occasion type thing

[@cmacblue42]

Not with a gold chainring and gold ohlins shock out back and gold Ti bolts and gold chain. Call it the Mr. T build 😂

[@colinwatt00]

The best part of this update is the nomenclature standardization.

[@TheLostCo]

RIGHT?! We are so freaking happy that it's easier to explain things over the phone and email to customers. -Mike

[@AndrewGehn]

People really complaining about a special edition colorway limited to just 1,974 units that they will likely never be able to find in stock anyway

[@davidstorm398]

I hear that. I'll never see a special edition ever.

[@DingleBerryMTB]

Plenty of stock still in my country.

[@michaelpujda8407]

Gold/black and gold/orange always looked great. Gold/gold was not the move.

[@petereverett2354]

Would be sick with a blacked out rear shock and a gold rear rim and spokes

[@JaredHoff]

I think the GRIPX is awesome damper upgrade for those who have a performance fork with a GRIP damper.

[@DayInTheLifeOfAl]

Terrific video, thank you. I just got my 36 Grip 2 and don’t have it broken in yer, much less dialed. But, I love it so far. It’s surprisingly light feeling and very stiff but, feels a bit dead. I’ll be messing with the setting’s. I’m going to look to you guy’s for my next purchase. Thank you. .

[@Shawn-in-da-Canyon]

I have a Trek EXe 9.7 with a 2024 X2 shock at 150mm and a 160mm Marzocchi coil kit inside the Fox Rhythm 36. It’s a great setup. I like my suspension setup to carry as much speed as possible down the trail. I’d go with the X2 fork. I’m hoping I’ll be able to put the X2 damper inside my Rhythm 36.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Would be interested to try the Grip X2 vs the Grip 2 back to back. I have a 38 PE with a Grip 2 and am very happy with it. If you do any jumps, drops, big hits, etc. you don't appreciate high speed rebound until you have it and realize how good it is for tuning how stable your bike is on landings. The Grip X really does seem like a good option for those who stay wheels on the ground and/or are riding trail bikes.

[@Ghost-pt5eu]

Excellent video and nice riding skills. I just upgraded to the Fox Factory 36 Grip 2. It is amazing. Can't wait to try the Grip X2.

[@Kris.toph_]

Literally subscribed because I love the layout of the video amazing work

[@adventurefj819]

Great vid guys! Always clear and informative and helpful. I learn more from your videos than my local bike shop.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Great video, Mike! Nice seeing you down in Santa Cruz! Hope you’re feeling a little bit bit less carsick now…

[@alexptdmg]

Nice Mike, good explanation of the difference. Sorry I wasn’t completely ready when you asked me all the questions at the office ahah!

[@TheLostCo]

Hey dude! Thanks a ton for helping with the last minute questions!! See you on the trails 🤘 -Mike

[@Headlessthirst]

For the wild ones out there… You can put a 150mm spring in a 38!

[@bthomas518]

Oh, that would be gnarly on a Specialized Epic!

[@chrismiranda5648]

Just purchased the 36 grip x in black for my stumpy 😍 can’t wait!

[@kiansaghafi8681]

genuinely thought this was a april fools joke 😂

[@RiderDycus]

Great vid! Very informative. Looking forward to trying the black/gold Grip X on my Roscoe 9 hardtail -- stepping up to 150mm.

[@badbattleaxe5832]

I miss the old Fox colors. I like the black with the orange accents it would work so much better with my bike. I was going to upgrade, but I’m going to wait until I get the original black and orange color scheme.

[@vlbz]

40 vs Boxxer please. Can't wait.

[@scottmclelland9728]

Are they still dunking the air shafts in buckets of grease?

[@TheLostCo]

Suspension from any brand will always have varying amounts of lubrication from their factory. We more commonly see *slight* under-lubrication than over lubrication from most modern forks right out of the box. -Mike

[@JimnyRicardo]

That’s proprietary. It ain’t authentic if there’s only a reasonable amount on it

[@ryanweigel3]

This made me laugh. Thank you

[@trentvlak]

@@TheLostCo That's a load of bs. Fox is legendary for glopping grease in the air spring and f ing up the air chamber and transfer port. If you arent' familiar with this you have no business talking about the subject.

[@Zetler]

They went all gold 🤯

[@fredEVOIX]

autumn season and now we have a choice between waiting for new models some with gripX/2 vs older fit4/grip2 useful video

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

I definitely going to need that 38 Grip X2 on my gravel bike!

[@Pienimusta]

That new gold 36 would looks sick on the new gold Canyon Spectral.

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

I prefer the all black 38 Performance Elite on my 22 SJ Evo.

[@TheLostCo]

Heck yeah, the Performance Elite forks are soooo good! And the subdued color is definitely nice for most folks! -Mike

[@mrvwbug4423]

Yeah I have the 38 PE on my RM Altitude, works amazing, flies a little under the radar without the gold stanchions.

[@danielturczyn6773]

Had a grip 2 36, fit 4 36 and the fit 4 was wayyy better. I ran my compression fully open on my grip 2 and it still felt over damped. Fit 4 just plain worked. Never really noticed it on trail. I’d go grip x.

[@finnba_h]

Good thing with the GRIP X2 is the compresssion damping has a wider range of adjustment, so you will be able to run it closer to how you prefer and enjoy the benefit of way better md stroke support + 2 way rebound adjustment.

[@ryansteiger6960]

Thank you for the video Mike 👍

[@dayinnymtb]

*Patiently awaiting the GripX2 damper swap on a Grip2 fork*

[@TheLostCo]

Haha we are too! We're expected to have them sometime in May once Fox has them ready to ship to us. -Mike

[@iamjegzola]

I agree with you Mike on people buying 38 and not considering 36 when they don't really need the extra stiffness and added weight. The 36 is a great fork and can do a lot. check out how jeff kendal weed shreds with his 36.

[@Auspices1349]

Right, but he is also nowhere near 200 lbs.

[@iamjegzola]

@@Auspices1349 understandable for people near 200 or more though

[@Vodafone16v]

Considering the 36 Grip X for my 2020 Scott Genius. Although I've been always pretty convinced on the Lyrik Ultimate...

[@BenSch100]

I really enjoy my Lyrik Ultimate - easier to set up and more damping than my Fox 36 Perfomance Elite. If you are a light rider 150lbs than better take the Fox as you will have difficulties to adjust the Lyrik for you. For me with 200lbs the Lyrik feels smooth and soft and ramps up nicely so it doesn't bottom out and I didn't need to add a token! The Lyrik is rather progressive! The Fox 36 is either a bit too soft or tad too harsch when I try to set it up. But that's my lack of skill in setting up. Anyway...Grip X simplified setup and more dampening sounds interesting to me. 👍

[@MTBrusty6467]

The terrain I ride the Grip X would be a perfect choice.

[@64Spokes]

Yeah, I’m good thanks.

[@Bench_mark_113]

I will get grip x for my 150 36 on my trail bike, and grip x2 on my 170 38 ebike.

[@ericsn6158]

Dare I say it's getting too blingy?

[@jules-mi6om]

I don't like it. I like it orange.

[@huntergibson9359]

I think the gold is less blingy than the orange personally. Also, it’s limited edition, it should be in your face.

[@ellerybice3787]

NOT! 🫵🏻

[@EthanRC_MTB]

I'm Watching this a day after this video was posted on 4/10/24 and checked your website. Limited Edition SOLD OUT ALREADY! I'm kind of confused? Will you restock? Please tell me you'll restock...

[@cmtx6967]

So the 36 chassis lowers will have both options for the X2 and X damper?

[@badbattleaxe5832]

I want to upgrade my ROCKSHOX 35 GOLD RL. I’ve I’m relatively new, only been riding for two years , but I have become obsessed. I absolutely love it, every spare time I have outside of work I’m riding, I hit jumps and do roughly 4 foot drops regularly. So my question is, if i did upgrade my fork with the fox 36 performance elite with the Grip X damper. Would there be a noticeable increase in my bikes performance? I’ve never ridden on a high-end fork before, so if you experience riders could give me some advice that would be awesome!

[@billderas3420]

Great job of explaining the internals. Yes, the top of the GRIP X2 damper assembly is noticeably larger considering what has changed internally. Will this GRIP X2 damper fit in my 2023 Fox 36 Factory fork (3 months old...LOL) to replace its GRIP 2 damper? I assume the new X2 damper will be available separately at some point in time.

[@dayinnymtb]

I read on Bike Radar that since the chassis are left unchanged from the previous gen they will be backwards compatible and therefore you should be able to upgrade a 2021-2024 fork.

[@finnba_h]

@billderas3420 Yes the 2025 GRIP X2 (and GRIP X) damper cartridges will fit into any 36 fork, Rhythm, P-S, PS-E and Factory Series, even the Marzocchi Bomber Z1.

[@alstar300]

Great job as usual guys! Mike, curious as to which damper and travel length you guys are running on your SJ Evo's. I know a lot of people go 170 and set them up to be soft off-the-top and still have the reserve in the mid-stroke and on, especially on the 36's. Maybe with the new damper I can get that suppleness and keep the quicker steering GEO of a 160 and the benefit of lighter weight with a 36 X. Thanks!

[@TheLostCo]

Hey there! For the purpose of testing the new forks, I was running a 38 GRIP X2 with 170 travel and Steve was running a 36 GRIP X at 160 travel. Personally, I would go with a 36 GRIP X2 at 160 for my long-term fork as I really like the geometry of the bike with a 160 fork, and the GRIP X2's adjustability would match my preferred Float X2 rear shock. To me, the difference of a +10mm fork travel really doesn't make that much of a noticeable difference on a trail bike in my brain for whatever reason. This is likely because I also have an enduro bike with a 180mm fork, so I prefer to keep my trail bike more snappy and lively rather than trying to make my trail bike feel more like a 'big' bike. Also, I think the GRIP X is a better damper for most folks out there as the addition of high-speed rebound tends to really confuse people. Sometimes, or most of the time, a more simplified set of adjustments is actually better for most riders. Personally, I would recommend fully dialing in your 160mm fork setup before even thinking about bumping up travel to 170mm. I do often see folks get frustrated with adjusting their knobs and then just throw a longer air shaft in the fork to hope that it suddenly just fixes whatever "issues" they are experiencing which could easily be fixed with a little patience in their setup procedure. -Mike

[@alstar300]

@@TheLostCo Thanks Mike, I super appreciate it. Ok one more question. The new 24mm base valves are only on the Fox 38, correct? Or where they able to get that enlargement into the 36mm stanchions as well?

[@DrtSqrt]

I've just ordered a 2024 Santa Cruz Nomad S Build with a Fox 38 Float Performance fork. I'm a person who really likes to play with my set ups to get them feeling perfect for me. I'm worried that I am going to be disappointed with the lack of tunability on the stock fork. Is it as easy as just replacing the damper in this fork? Also, I weigh about the same as you. Can you please share what settings you landed on? Did you add any volume spacers? Thanks!

[@Shawn-in-da-Canyon]

Will the 36 Rhythm be upgradable to the new X2 damper?

[@finnba_h]

Yes GRIP X2 and GRIP X can be fitted.

[@iamaromaniac]

What about Grip vs. Grip2 vs. Grip X2? Also can I put a Grip X2 damper in my Fox 38 that has a Grip damper?

[@SebastiaanJansen-s1v]

Hopefully

[@SebastiaanJansen-s1v]

I have a float grip evol rhytm,probably won’t fit

[@iamaromaniac]

I was told I could go from a Grip damper to a Grip2 damper. If that’s the case I think a GripX2 would fit as well.

[@kacper240100]

Would gripX damper fit 36 with Grip RYTM ? The only thing missing in my fork is the low speed compression adjust

[@hudini919]

Yes

[@adamf.8564]

I was hoping to see the reversed shock style for the new 2025 Fox. That would have been a huge change. This color is just not sitting well lol IMO. FOX is indeed nice AF though.

[@YanDoroshenko]

I'm 94 kg and I didn't feel a drop in performance going from a Grip 2 36 to a Grip 36. What I did feel though is that I didn't spend a month watching videos, reading articles, doing tests and making adjustments before it felt right.

[@SemiSendy]

Yeah buds!

[@Unclejimmy360]

Soundtrack giving me flashbacks

[@UnprofessionalKyle]

I believe you misspoke on the E-optimized 36 fork. You said only recommended if the rider and bike weight totals 372lbs “or more”, but what the graphic actually says is “up to” 169kg (372lbs) total weight. Important distinction there!

[@TheLostCo]

Good eye, that is correct! We had some muddy information on this subject just before the launch, but all of that is very clearly spelled out on each individual product page on our website. -Mike

[@florian808]

Does the new damper fit into old chassis and can be purchased separately?

[@petesahad3028]

Gotta keep these sales up

[@Edgeangle]

TBH I think he did a good job of keeping hype to a minimum. I really like their videos. Looking forward to the full comparison.

[@lenolenoleno]

I know right totally outrageous that bike companies who need to make new/improve things and sell them to make money to keep making bike components!

[@petesahad3028]

@@lenolenoleno I hope you got the dude.

[@phase2re]

Wonder how much different the grip x is vs the fit4 for the average trail rider.

[@miyui9269]

i'm an xc rider and i will settle for fox 38 grip x2 damper. my folks would call me gay if i rode the 32s

[@hannahbruni6051]

I can’t even find the Gold podium link for subscribing to in stock on their website

[@KirkSutton]

I picked FIT4 over grip2 when I bought a 36 in 2020. I made the right choice. I have the grip2 in my new bike and I hate it. Gonna have to put the grip x in it. I'm 210lbs.

[@erebrblosh]

Mike and The Lost Co., Swapped to FIT4 from GRIP2. For my kind of riding FIT4 (with lockout) is way much better fork. Are you planning to do test and review video comparing FIT4 and GripX ? And based on what you said about external chasis and lower legs, I should be able to swap damper only instead of replacing whole fork. Am I right ? Would like to see such a video to see, whether there would be noticable difference/improvement to be worth considering to replace the damper. THANKS 👍

[@TheLostCo]

Howdy! We do not have any plans on making any content on the FIT4. From what we've seen over the years of the FIT4 damper, there has been little to no demand for information on that damper, so we will be utilizing our time and resources on content for other products. And yes, you can install a GRIP X or GRIP X2 in any 2015+ Fox 36 fork. We should have those from Fox around late-May: thelostco.com/collections/fox-grip-x2-and-grip-x-fork-damper-upgrade-kits -Mike

[@Headlessthirst]

Having the same chassis is probably one of the best design ideas because it means usually means good cross compatibility. Looking at you RockShox 🤔 However they should have added Luftkappes to the springs. The current generation is lacking

[@leepowelldev]

Do the HSC and LSC dials still have far more clicks than are actually usable?

[@BobFreddy3]

Would love to upgrade a MY21 36 Rhythm 170mm with a GripX . Is this possible?

[@finnba_h]

Yes GRIP X and GRIP X2 will fit.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Older forks are on such a massive discount right now..would be really hard to justify paying for the new ones.

[@rpaxton443]

36X2 will work for me trail riding,I'm fine with reading set up instuctions and I'm not interested in a fork lock out at all. Gold is gaudy

[@dwayneattard5265]

Can the 36 or the 38 deal with a 51mm rake? I only see 44mm. I was looking at the 36 myself.

[@johnfinelli6882]

I have a 2022 Fox 38 Factory 170mm Grip2 , Why is the Red Dial on the lower Stanchion for LSR/HSR rebound turning together? Shouldn’t they Turn separate from one another?

[@fredEVOIX]

I don't have one but from videos they should

[@MonsterChuck]

I had Fox 36 and dpx2 on both a Sentinel v1 and SJ Evo. DPX2 was just bleh and the 36 performance elite on both of those bikes always lacked small bump sensitivity. Big hits were great but as soon as the trail started to chatter I was being shaken to bits. On a Sentinel v2 now with Rockshox Lyrik and SD Ultimate...... I will be riding RS from now on.

[@wavee_max]

so i can ride the 38 x2 podium gold in my specialized levo? i don´t need the e bike version which has no podium gold version?

[@budgetbiker7]

No way?! Another thing I can’t afford!

[@hedrick5286]

Will a grip2 work on a 36 rhythm.

[@finnba_h]

Yes GRIP X and GRIP X2 will fit.

[@04RedFairLadyZ]

Should have went with something more simple like the charger 3 damper. Most folks don’t even properly set up there suspension.

[@edwardsaunders1892]

Would these new dampers work on Marzocchi bomber Z1 air forks?

[@TheLostCo]

Just like the GRIP2 dampers never had an issue workoing in a Bomber Z1, the GRIP X and GRIP X2 will be the same.

[@edwardsaunders1892]

@@TheLostCo Great, Thank you

[@porroco]

Is there a change into 2024 vs 2025 float x2?

[@stinoclay]

just sticker

[@DingleBerryMTB]

I hear you saying stick with a 36................................. But 38 is gooder! haha

[@wolf-riders]

La estética y suavidad de rockshox es mucho mejor! ❤ #rockshox

[@ThePeps1776]

what about a Vintage Harvest Gold STEVO?

[@tehsimo]

I feel genuinely fatigued with this year after year onslaught of Fox marketing.

[@garysmith70]

I have a cube reaction ebike with judy 120mm forks.i want to upgrade to FOX forks,would the bike be ok with 140mm 34 fox? Thanks

[@fredEVOIX]

it will tilt the bike backwards a bit like 27.5-29 mullet bikes the best I can offer you is to check bike-stats geometry calculator and if you don't have the geometry data required check cube support they have a bike archive with the specs of all their old bikes (they archived the 2024 models on 24.09.05)

[@garysmith70]

@@fredEVOIX I`ve done it. the bike rides alot better.Thanks for reply

[@bikeguy6800]

Fox is smoking crack with their fork pricing, A brand new OEM take off Fox 40 with a GRIP damper you can get for $700 on Pinkbike + Cost of Grip2 (or this new damper) = ~$1100-$1200. Now you have a brand new Fox 40 that is identical to their Factory level offering but $600-$700 cheaper. Hopefully, this new damper will put the Grip2 on sale.

[@mattfarrar5472]

When a couple of months ago you put a Grip 2 damper in your Fox performance 38 errrrrr

[@JensEser]

I got the 36’ for my Trek EXe (L).

[@shanebedard4335]

X2, currently have a 38

[@dubblearr7622]

I want a Gold Fox 38 x2 140mm travel 44 offset

[@aiwprtonaezakmi5874]

Any changes to „normal” GRIP from performance forks?

[@bthomas518]

Yes, they pressure-balanced the 2025 Grip damper in Performance/Rhythm series like the new Grip X and X2, should be slightly better. It already was a very underrated damper.

[@finnba_h]

Yep, pressure balanced including new 4wt oil and valving to suite.

[@jhayzeemtb]

Can I upgrade my fox36 grip2 to x2?

[@TheLostCo]

Yep! We'll have those dampers in stock within the next couple weeks. Sign up for a stock notification at the link below: thelostco.com/products/2025-fox-36-grip-x2-damper-upgrade-kit

[@Videomorgue]

You were right about the gold being ugly, before Fox paid you to change your mind.

[@MrDaymien1]

Have I got this right? I maybe completely of the mark here but,,,,,,, The new 36 is 160 mm max ? with less adjustability ? and has a new class dedication thats dead "all mountain " Is that the improvement? So now If you want the performance of a class leading product from FOX the 36 ,,,,,, you have to purchase a more expensive heavier fork? . Shortening service intervals I feel would have been the bigger upgrade. Maybe I have this wrong,

[@TheLostCo]

The 36 is available with either the GRIP X or GRIP X2 damper, so the choice is yours! -Mike

[@stevenkilleen8149]

Did they fix the reliability issues with float x2

[@TheLostCo]

That was absolutely corrected in MY24 Float X2's and up. No joke, we have not seen a SINGLE issue with any MY24 or MY25 Float X2 (knock on wood). I freaking love my X2 and it's my favorite air shock right now. -Mike

[@stevenkilleen8149]

@TheLostCo awesome I am running new vivid ultimate with lyrik ultimate love it but my next frame might be running a fox dx2

[@stevenkilleen8149]

@TheLostCo awesome too know for next season so far loving the new vivid I got from u guys

[@johnnydoeboy9301]

Definitely don’t need all of this adjustment unless maybe you are a top tier rider. I was more than happy with Fox when they just had low speed compression and low speed rebound…

[@TheLostCo]

For sure! But that is why they make so many different models of forks. If you prefer a simple damper with only a single compression and single rebound knob, the Performance Series forks are the ones for you. They still feel excellent, but offer less adjustment if you don't want/need it. Or, grab the GRIP X damper as you get a single rebound knob, but independent low and high speed compression adjustments so you don't totally miss out on perfecting your compression adjustments. -Mike

[@ciclismneamt170]

thank God that goldish edition is limited! 😂😂

[@xflow]

11:22 Yo, that means - if chassis measures are the same - I can just swap my old Grip2 with the new GripX2? (Fox38)

[@TheLostCo]

Yessir! Current ETA from Fox is end of May and we'll be getting them right away: thelostco.com/products/2025-fox-38-grip-x2-damper-upgrade-kit -Mike

[@vbspec94]

Is that a new Fox rear shock on your Stumpy?

[@TheLostCo]

Nope! Just a normal MY24 Factory Float X2 with the new decals. I mentioned in the video that the gold forks come with a decal kit for shocks. -Mike

[@vbspec94]

@TheLostCo lol I stopped the video and saw it because the different stickers. Shocks were on my mind as I just ordered a Vivid for my Spumpy from you today!!

[@sjaan7370]

So the elephant in the room, can existing Fox forks be upgraded to the new dampers?

[@JaredHoff]

Can you put a Grip X in a Fox 38 Performance fork?

[@TheLostCo]

Yep! At some point we'll have drop-in GRIP X2 and GRIP X dampers in stock once Fox actually has them for us. -Mike

[@360_MTB]

Sooo im not the only one agrees that the damper on the 38 is just a blue knob!😂

[@taylorklein2378]

Field testing at UC 🎉

[@paulwolfram7774]

Thanks but I'll be happily riding my outdated GRIP (not even GRIP2) :)

[@TheLostCo]

The GRIP damper is very, very good! Definitely don't lose sleep on that. Tons of folks in the industry ride the GRIP damper even though they can easily get their hands on the GRIP2. -Mike

[@paulwolfram7774]

@@TheLostCo Good to know. Thanks Mike!

[@andrewlamarche325]

Thank god it’s a limited color

[@MrEdsfedup]

Literally ANY color but gold on the lowers would’ve looked better

[@haroldochiquito]

NGL gold on gold is a bit much... Not that I'm willing to part with the money necessary to get one 😢

[@xlightsxoutx]

Kashimaboi69🎉

[@chrismharthart]

X. That way I don’t have to take a college course to figure out how to make it work.

[@sandro.vadori2920]

I tought it is gonna be a huge upgrade…