Choosing the Best Suspension Fork for You - Fox 34, 36 or 38

There are a lot of brands out there offering quality mountain bike suspension products. We know it can be tempting and confusing, so in this video we set out to answer, what fork is the best fork for you? Now we're not going to be walking you through all forks, damping features and more, instead, we're going to answer the question some may not even be asking, which fork chassis is best for me.
Follow along as we highlight the Fox 34, Fox 36, and Fox 38 forks and who each fork is optimized for. Some riders may get excited about the latest product releases rather than focus on the product that will actually offer the best, safest and most comfortable ride for them.
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[@NoBrakes23]

32mm stanchions have left the chat

[@user-to2gh7sg3l]

The most helpful info begins at 7:30 second marker. Unless you're a heavier rider or do alot of jumps, drop off, g-outs (or just ride the trails around Seattle alot) the 34 width stanchions should work just fine for most riders even in the most technical terrain... Also Fox offer travel upgrade spring kits for like 40$ which can really improve your ride.

[@tresspy19]

Do you thank the 34, would fit for a 27.5x3.0" tire

[@thim8009]

Would love to see rear shocks vid. Keep up the good work!

[@jimhine]

Great recommendations. Building an SB130 LR and feeling good about the spec’d 160/36 Grip for Boise Sun Valley, lifts, and Moab. I’m 190 without gear hoping to get my climbing form back with this new rig. A video on rear would be great when you have time.

[@TheDiablosix6six]

92kg and have a 36 performance 140mm on my fuel ex and it works a treat for me. It's well able to do everything, even some short downhill trails!!

[@superawesomefuntimego]

In my limited experience, at my 200lb weight and moderate riding skill, I feel that my time on the ZEB and 38, both have them having a bit better sensitivity and offer a slightly more solid feel in aggressive terrain than my fox 36. I imagine some of this has to do with air volume, I notice higher volume shocks tend to offer a slightly more linear and sensitive feeling. The 36, feels like it's mid stroke is a bit firmer, even with the stock 1 token installed, creating a slightly firmer overall feel. That said, I think for trail riding my personal speed, lack of lift assisted days, and pace that is well below that of a EWS pro, the fox 36 (or Lyrik) is plenty for me for 90% of how I ride.

[@kellenpucher2849]

It's interesting that all I see now on local trails are Fox 38's. Having one myself, I do like the linear feel of the larger air spring - but I find myself wondering about the added weight. After all, the 38 weighs about 0.56 lbs more than the 36! But then I really think about it. I weight 191 lbs. with my kit/water. My bike weighs 37 lbs. (170mm bike with dual cush core). So the entire system is 228 lbs when I start my ride. If I were to swap from a 38 to a 36, I could take the system weight from 228 to 227.44 for a total weight savings of 0.25%. To me, the air spring performance alone is worth a 0.25% weight penalty.

[@aurimasjablonskas1623]

Thanks for the quite healthy attitude. I’m 85kg w/out gear. Used 36 Rhythm 170mm. Great supple fork, underdamped, but very compliant. Went to the another bike and convinced myself for ZEB. It’s stiff, less compliant. If I want to push myself a little bit, then it shows its’ true nature, you can go as fast as your upper body can accommodate. However I miss 36 in most cases and considering to go back to it. Another point when people put their weight as a benchmark choosing the right fork. At first is that your upper body strength, muscles and good shoulder position will have to overwhelm the stiffer fork in order to take its gains. If you do not have such, you will have more sorrow than happiness in the trails

[@danielray1558]

That enduro in the back looks sweet. Would love to see a bike check on it with the build specs and why those parts were chosen.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks we’re considering doing one for sure.

[@PlacidoYT]

thanks Team!

[@bitumen83]

Please make this kind of video for rear shocks! I'm on Trek fuel ex 2021 model and I'm considering to change rear shock from fox dps to something like fox float x. So I would like to see do I really need rear shock with piggyback...

[@DjMTB76]

Informative. 165 lbs and i use 36. Works perfectly fine with me.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks very much and thanks for sharing your weight and experience too.

[@justinbean8463]

Heavy rider 220s, run 36 on the SB130, it's perfect for my style riding. On hardtail I run 34s because 120mm 130mm front I found that is the sweet spot for those bikes in my areas trails.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing.

[@felixfam0481]

130lb aggressive rider currently on a 150mm factory 36 and I love the stiffness over the 34. Wouldn't go 38 unless if I had more than 150+ on the rear of a enduro bike. I would love to see a rear shock version of this video!

[@kangsterizer]

yeah i think a good test is going from a big dh dual crown bike back to a 34 trail bike. a lot of things are different but the difference in stiffness is shocking usually. imo the 34 is for weight weenies or rides who really dont ride very aggressively. 36 is the all around regardless of weight. 38 is for heavy riders or extremely aggressive riders depending on terrain. in the end i appreciate their video but I dont think it's just quite right.

[@felixfam0481]

@@kangsterizer completely agree with you. I've always wanted to do a back to back test like that to really feel a difference between all 4 forks but I unfortunately don't have enough space for bikes to do that 😂. I did once try a 38 on another bike when I owned a 34 at the time in a parking lot. I rode straight into a curb not expecting much of a difference and I was shocked by how much it actually is stiffer than a 34 just from that

[@nodaysoff23]

Oh to be 80 lbs lighter.. 😂

[@anthonywalters7434]

I’m 5’6 195lbs, running a 170mm 38 Performance on a 2021 GT Force 29. I think with my weight, riding style, and the bike’s weight taken into account it’s a perfect fit. I’ve ridden a Factory 36 (160mm) and I found that it didn’t perform as well, despite being a higher end fork I found that the amount it deflected was making it harder for me to pin it through root filled corners and to keep a line in really chunky terrain.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Right on thanks for sharing Anthony. There are definitely pros and cons to each and it’s always good to hear what/where other riders like and notice things.

[@anthonywalters7434]

@@TheLoamWolf I have a habit of jotting down setup notes and changes every time I ride so I have almost ten months of data on just my current bike sitting in a note on my phone. It’s great to have in cases like this where I can share it and compare with other riders with varying levels of experience and skill.

[@matiasrodriguezboas2384]

Yeah it would be great if you could make a video talking about if a person needed a air or coil rear shock thanks for the great content keep it up guys

[@psychonaut038]

It's a personal choice in feel. You just have to try it.

[@Pienimusta]

New 34 with grip 2 seems tempting update in future. Should be slightly stiffer and closer to 36. Unofortunately they don't make 130mm 40.

[@Lardog2002]

I just purchased a new 2022 Fox Factory 34 Trail (29 wheel) 130mm Grip 2. Fox also offers the 34 in 140mm travel.

[@kylelindell7527]

I feel irrelevant here, just wanted to say that cobalt/sapphire on gold centerpiece is gorgeous. Rocking DVO Diamond in 150. In between that 34 and 36, but it seems to hold me well at 185lbs in my New England back yard. Don't feel I'd need bigger stanchions unless I was hitting highland or thunder frequently.

[@UltimateTuner10]

185lbs with a 21 fuel ex currently using a 34 but just bought a 36. I have my 34 at 140mm and it has quite a bit of flex and I wanted a stiffer front end

[@hoff482]

Thanks for this, it was a good summary. I have an eMTB with 140mm front and rear. I am 165lbs, and ride in the Midwest. Lots of roots and loose rock. I have a fox 34 and have been thinking about a Fox 36. I wonder if I would be better suited to increase my 34 to 150, and possibly upgrade the Grip to Fit4 or even Grip2 if possible.

[@koreanmtnbiker2931]

Considering your weight and the weight of Ebike, you can go Fox 36 or stay with 34 with 150mm.

[@dubblearr7622]

Great info. 210lbs on a V3 5010. Wanted to switch to a fox 36 because I felt under forked. Ended up increasing travel from 130 to 150 on a fox performance 34 and I am totally happy with it. I still want a rootbeer 36 cuz it’ll look sik but WANT and NEED are two different things. 🤘🏻

[@TheLoamWolf]

Haha that root beer color sure is sweet!! Thanks for sharing your experience too.

[@redbull0311]

Should you consider tire size. I run 2.6 tires with a 150 Fox 34 Performance Elite. I’m thinking of upgrading to a 36.

[@user-to2gh7sg3l]

Also consider your headset angle and if more robust fork would even jive with that. X-country bikes for instance have a straighter head tube, so all you might need is a spring upgrade as opposed to upgrading to new fork with 150mm 38 stanchions might not make as much sense on that type of frame design..

[@TheAngryHusky]

I had a 38 on my Decoy for the past couple of years. Absolutely love how that fork felt. Now I have a new Levo. It came with a 36 Rythm but I swapped it for a 36 performance elite. That said the 36 is very harsh for some reason . I can’t seem to get it dialed. I also have a 34 on my Intense Primer and it also feels really harsh on small bump stuff

[@Pienimusta]

Could be worth to send them for a service and possibly adjust the shim stack. Also, check your air champer, good chance it is filled with thick grease from the factory.

[@993cupswe]

I have a Spectral:on 2022 and think the bike would be great:er with a longer stroke fork, do you think a 38 would be a good choice here?

[@ianmorgan4671]

I love the nod to the Metallica black album,but what was the writing on the jumper?

[@allanhiggins7575]

hello wolf im sorry asking more questions some one has tell me its hard to get ports for the fox suspension is it true or not . And EC44/30 fit on the fox 34

[@edtorres6463]

Hello. I weigh 200lbs, ride XC trail in Arizona. The trails here are rough with the loose rocks. I am interested in the Fox 34 Factory with 120mm. I prefer to have easier climbs. Could this be a good match given my weight, terrain and riding style?

[@davepc2u]

As a Clydesdale Rider a 38 seems to handle better.

[@jimdurham13]

A shock video would be good

[@percivalgooglyeyes6178]

Whatever you chose, just make sure you go with the Kashima coating on the fork tubes, otherwise you'll look like your riding a Rockshox or Suntour.

[@mahajian]

my yeti SB165 is way to heavy for me with 38 fox. i need to get lighter shock maybe 34.

[@kaaekuahiwi32]

Just upgraded my Rocky Mountain Altitude from a 36 Performance to a 38 Factory. 170mm travel and I weight 210 lbs. I’m very excited for it and I think it’s going to be great for this upcoming fall enduro race season in Texas!

[@tresspy19]

Which one can I use for 27.5 x 3.0" tires?

[@daxolivares6939]

Had a 36 grip 2 on my bronson v3, though it was good compared to the fit 4 36. Bought a 22 levo with a 38 grip 2and is more plush and compose on rough terrain. Rode my bronson and the 36 felt very harsh. I use a shockwiz to tune, but couldn't get the same feel as the 38. In short bought a 38 for the bronson for this bike park season.

[@TheLoamWolf]

The air spring and feel on that 38 is a bit smoother and riders like yourself will likely notice that.

[@daxolivares6939]

@@TheLoamWolf yet to ride the bronson with the 38 on the bike park, if they can put the 38 spring to the 36 its gonna be primo.

[@garysmith70]

HELP. I have a cube reaction race hardtail Ebike. I would like to treat myself to a new Fox fork.The standard fork is a 120mm judy Tk. PLEASE help with advice.

[@rotorloamer5329]

I'm a Big guy I nearly max the specs of my status 160. Shock and forks are set to 90% of max pressure to get my sag. I havent noticed much play or flex in the front of my 36, But do you think that I would notice improvment if I used a 38? Bike did great at Whistler,Sunpeaks,Stevens and Snoqualmie this year.

[@TheLoamWolf]

If you’re over 200 then yes for sure a 38 will help.

[@rotorloamer5329]

@@TheLoamWolf I'm game for only improvement thanks homie.

[@84Eraursls]

What is the max of the Status? I was looking at the 140, but I'm much bigger than all of the "big" guys in these comments.

[@allanhiggins7575]

keep up with the good work. Can you help me i got a trek marlin 7 2022 can i put fox 34 fork on it

[@TheLoamWolf]

In theory, yes. But you'll have to check if you currently have a 1.5" tapered headset / steerer tube on your current fork. If not, you'll need to get a new headset. In addition to that, you'll likely have to buy a new front wheel as the Factory 34 Stepcast has a larger axle than the stock Judy. And unfortunately, you would need to get the Factory 34 Stepcast because the other 34 options have too much travel for the Marlin. Hope that helps.

[@allanhiggins7575]

@@TheLoamWolf yes thank you .

[@jameswilson2815]

I got a lot out of your video. And agree with what you said. Only one problem for me is: COST!! It's ok. Dreaming is free. Aloha.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks James! We'd all love for prices to come down that's for sure... BUT, the Marzocchi Z1 Air has a great value to performance ratio! check it out.

[@jameswilson2815]

@@TheLoamWolf We're on the same page. The Z- 1 is on sale! Thanks for reminding me. Many safe miles of riding my friend. Aloha

[@CP-qx2ff]

if you feel you'd benefit from bigger fork, many places have last year's zeb on sale for 4-6 range depending on the model.

[@jacksondaniels8169]

180lb rider. Intense Carbine Enduro.. Currently running the OEM DVO setup 160/150mm. Can go to 170mm in front. Ride frequently at SoCal park, DH and flow/tech enduro trails.. Want to upgrade both shocks.. Fox 36 or 38 with float rear. Recommendations.

[@mihaics23]

Durolux ! SR Suntour Durolux is the best !

[@teabagNBG]

im only 60kg and dont do big jumps for me a 34 totaly enough... also the 36 and 38 are heavier..

[@mattgoeswheelin]

130mm rear Stumpjumper, would a 140mm fox 34 be a good option or jump to a 150mm 36?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Depends on your needs and wants from the bike! Higher bb and slacker head tube or more neutral geo and compliance and playful shorter travel?

[@thecount1001]

American's use the term 'bad ass' a lot. it's weird. like an obsession.

[@Montblanc1986]

Everything you mentioned aside, the xc forks have almost zero adjustability (LSC). The 38 and Zeb have completely different internals and way more advanced components inside. It’s like going from a Walmart bike to a race bike. A Suntour XCM gives 85% of the performance of a fox 32, weight aside.

[@mattrobinson2676]

EXT

[@feropluhova]

fox 40 every day

[@Ben-wz3ol]

i ride a 36 and its a pretty stiff fork

[@eBikerHowie]

63 years young, 5'6", 145 pounds, and eBiker. Fox 38 with 180mm of travel. Super comfort all day long with amazing control. Tried 170 and 160 and was less than impressed.

[@Waferdicing]

🙀

[@skinny8019]

excluding bike parks...vast majority only needs fox 34SC or fox 34 for most trails....unless youre a larger than average person...or ride gnarly rocky stuff...then prob need fox 36 and up.

[@GaryMEden]

Tip: the background music is unecessary and disturbing

[@bongobob7079]

Tip: Not everyone thinks like you so keep that in mind next time you make fleeting comments.