The latest, the greatest? Riding the Fox 36 Grip X fork

[@jehjay2600]

I want the April Fools version of this video -- where you just ride a manual down the trail on both forks and claim that there's no difference....

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Great idea!

[@jasonchristopheruy80]

hey man check out the shorts... jeff made a video exactly like this

[@enzochoi923]

finally - fox has 3 different shades of gold to clash with each other on your bike.

[@mk3driftmotion]

I'm also not feeling the all-Kashima color fork, especially when I am 100% sure will not match my Fax Factory seat post Kashima color, or Fox X2 rear shock Kashima color.

[@bthomas518]

@@mk3driftmotion Do you notice it when you are riding? I don't have any Kashima, but don't notice if my black matches either.

[@dayinnymtb]

@@mk3driftmotionwell the all gold is just a special anniversary release, black and orange lowers are available.

[@LiveStoked]

Agreed that gold looks like shit 😂

[@mk3driftmotion]

@bthomas518 Yes, if I'm going to spend over $10,000 on a bike, I do care that the colors look good together, especially when I'm buying all this expensive aftermarket stuff from one manufacturer. Anyone who says they don't care about how their expensive bike looks is probably lying.

[@BowzKnows]

Clicked for the new fork, stayed for the riding. It's like you're floating across the trail. nice vid.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you! Push down to go up!

[@a8f235]

I start to see a trend of development slowing down in this industry, and in my eyes that's a good thing. It's actually very consumer friendly because it forces the consumer to think more about what is actually good or bad, not just hop on the next trend blindly. First you saw minor changes to the Pivot Switchblade, now minor changes to a new fork, and I believe we will see more of this nature.

[@xenonn_54]

best part about the new dampers for most people is that now the old ones will be cheaper

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha valid point!

[@dlramblinman]

I’m building up a ripmo and caught a deal for a fox factory 36 for $650…😂😂😂

[@Spindatt]

Always appreciate your feedback in these videos. I have no idea what you are talking about at all, but it’s just nice that you include me in the conversation

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

My take away….if guys like Jeff here can barely barely squeak out any noticeable difference then I sure as hell ain’t gonna feel any need to upgrade even my 2022 fox performance Fit 4 fork. Always happy to have improvements to new products but in the end it’s not going to be enough for me to replace what I have.

[@johnnnewmex]

The grip 2 is a big difference from the fit4, especially in terms of small bump. I always felt like the fit4 only felt good when going full speed.

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

@@johnnnewmex true, I’ve had a grip2, it felt more supportive but takes longer to get set up

[@BenSch100]

I guess this is the most UNIQUE intro to a new fork by riding a rigid bike! It really shows your skills!! Just great to watch!! 👍👍

[@omenjivar86]

I’ll be honest I have a performance elite shock and to this day I still don’t know how to properly set it up. I’m glad they simplified it

[@AbrahamBarberi]

😂😂 you are not alone 😂😂

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

I love the kind of "home video" style of filming on this one. The blown out brights and slightly washed out coloring makes this look like a 90s VHS video. Looks so good!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Ben, that's my normal A7siii , GoPro, and iPhone. I didn't color anything besides the PNW stuff, where it was crazy dark as usual. that stuff is bumped up 1.5 stops.

[@Bikes-with-Ben]

@@JeffKendallWeed I think it was your A7siii shots and the fact that you used very few FPV shots. There was so much shot from that standing position halfway down the trail with that perfect bit of camera shake that you can’t get with a tripod. Always love your stuff, thanks for the reply.

[@FOTB407]

I have no intention of buying one of these but I’m going to watch all the review videos lmao

[@FOTB407]

I’m sure this will be one of the best

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks!

[@testing3166]

Lol me too!

[@mitchsargent5543]

Your content is so great! Refreshing, thourgough, bright and uplifting! Thanks for being you, and having a great channel!

[@IIISentorIII]

Still rocking my Fox 34 rhythm with grip on my Specialized Stumpjumper carbon comp, was planing to put a grip2 damper in it. Invested in some Carbon Elite Wheels pro36 that I installed this weekend. Some other reviewers complait that the Grip X makes "sucking" noises if you go beyond mid travel.

[@drewbacca8063]

Why did they invite a guy that only rides his rear wheel to test out their new fork?!? 😂 🤪

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Who, me?

[@j.l.5966]

Your video a few years ago helped me dial in my then new Fox 34 Factory Grip2. I have not yet out ridden that fork, so no upgrade in the near or even far future. But I always enjoy watching you put new products through the wringer, and your rides are always a blast to watch! 😎

[@JeepingNet]

Where it is a dampner change I wonder if you can upgrade say a fork with a Grip 2 to a x2 down the road? I'd assume they will not be selling the dampner solo for a few months. Great video!

[@MellowYellowCJ7]

Great review. It made me home sick for the 408/831. I have become accustomed to the blurry vision riding in North Carolina. I ditched my rigid bike after my second ride on these East Coast roots!

[@budgetbiker7]

Let's go!!! We get the old forks from the dentists that upgrade immediatly!

[@martinhayes5087]

Brilliant review, getting a view point from two riders on different terrain is super helpful and great information. Interesting about two of the same dampers feeling different too, something I have noted previously between mine and my friends 38'! thanks for a proper honest video, legend.

[@kellmurphy1344]

I really respect how honest you are about your relationship with your sponsors and the products you review. Very refreshhing!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks!

[@mrvwbug4423]

Sounds exactly as expected. The Grip2 felt more supportive on big hits because of the high speed rebound, which is most noticeable on big hits. Sounds like the GripX2 would close even that gap as it does still have the HSR adjustment, while having the better small bump sensitivity of the new damper. For most people the GripX will probably be great, you might want the GripX2 if you're either spending a lot of time in the bike park or are a heavier rider. I happen to really like the Grip2 that lives in the 38 on the front of my RM Altitude.

[@johnnnewmex]

I think what you said about Fox at the end is very true. Not perfect but they get a lot of things right.

[@rascal1234]

Just ordered the 38 of last year's. On sale for 50% off. Fox forks are already awesome. I don't need better.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Good move! That is the benchmark I compare this fork to, and it's hard to tell much of a difference.

[@petewill87]

Looks like some solid improvements. I like my completely silent and smooth Lyrik charger 3

[@marksmith2726]

Mate been watching your videos for ages so i finally subscribed, Love your riding style and your content and videos!!!!!

[@oldtimerv7]

a light bounce would work great for the garage shot. thanks for being great

[@mtbboy1993]

Nice to see improvements, but a long term test will show if they fixed the creaking CSU. The way you ride, if it doesn't creak for you I think it's good.

[@mk3driftmotion]

If they significantly improved the compression damping, you should be able to run a few less PSI and not have it not bottom out, while also feeling softer over the small stuff. The air pressure just keeps you at ride height, the damper should be slowing down the big heavy compression hits, and stopping you from bottoming out.

[@Andy-co6pn]

Not strictly true , look at High end kit such as the smashpot or motocross forks, they usually have a form of hydraulic bottom-out stop outside of the damper that prevents metal on metal contact

[@mk3driftmotion]

@Andy-co6pn I just mean in general the additional damping should allow for a little less air pressure

[@sandy_knight]

Of course the big question is does it come in any other colours? I already hate having an orange spring on my lime green and pink Nomad, adding a gold fork would really make a mockery of any attempt at a colour scheme! #FashionBeforeFunction 😜 (I won't be putting a 36 on my Nomad so hopefully by the time the 38 equivalent comes out there will be more options)

[@JeffKendallWeed]

They got black and orange up on the Jenson USA page!

[@TomCollins-c4h]

My rebound knob felt gritty and was hard to turn at first, it is getting a little better now though.

[@ivostarmans1199]

Great and the old orange ones going for sale now. I will pick those

[@jjsells21]

Appreciate the honest review! Always trust your input!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks!

[@nilog8587]

*manualing down the whole trail*. „Both forks are feeling similar“

[@TomCollins-c4h]

Got my Fox 34 Grip X from Jenson also!

[@taol8258]

Should've done a blind test. Maybe try that next time with the Grip X2?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

If I can get a GripX2, maybe I will? Stay tuned!

[@Rudy_MTB1]

Only thing I have to say. Wish they’d have the option of the matte black on their 38’s and 40’s.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Also great forks! I'm fairly indifferent between Zeb and 38, or Lyric and 36. The latest ones are fantastic.

[@milktop1]

I’ll take a zeb or lyrik

[@323johnnybravo]

Easier to setup , more reliable , cheaper , longer service time, Butter cups !!

[@justsayin3600]

Fox is definitely more tunable than RockShox and geared for racing in my opinion. I'm a heavy rider and the current fork is definitely not for heavy riders. I'm going to have to check this replacement out on my 1st service.

[@frankschock9981]

Main feature I like on GripX is the lockout ability

[@alstar300]

Makes sense. The #1 reason people love the 38 > 36 isn’t the added stiffness but the increased small bump compliance. That’s why so many people run their 36 wide open. So to get a little more SBC + a tad more support all without the (now) 400g weight penalty is a good thing. Who knows, maybe we won’t see so many 38’s on 150mm trails bikes, bro points be damned. Another solid vid sir!

[@hootie_owl2771]

Yea was curious about this. My ripmo came with a 38, and I thought it was overkill, but I actually never think about the fork ever which is a fantastic compliment. I can't say the same about other forks where I'm thinking about flex or harshness

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ripmo and 38 is fine, but I do think the bike is more fun in a wider variety of terrain with a Float X rear shock and a 36 fork. From what I recall, Ibis couldn't get any 36s, so the 38 was substituted.

[@HiDez_EMTB]

Love wilder, UCSC and Demo 👍🏼

[@dustinfinch]

You should review the new Push fork!

[@ronm7489]

Jeff shredding down the trail on a rigid bike faster than I would on my full squish.

[@METEORA_47]

Need more video about you smash the trail with hardcore hardtail 🤘🔥

[@pernyberg2816]

Bushings man! Most of em are not good straight out of the factory. Get the right size and shape et VOILÀ! Its the best change you can make for almost any fork to make it function better = more sensitivity

[@bthomas518]

Is the Grip X damper really that noisy when going past ~50% compression? Thought I could hear it through the video.

[@mtbboy1993]

19:11 Maybe that's the famous over greasing issue? But if they were build by the suspension experts not the factory then it's not that.

[@uskypg]

Nice comparison, but the real challenger for Grip 2 is actual Grip X2 not the X, the X is for the fit 4 as they explained 😂 anyway if the X is that good compared to the Grip 2 then the Grip X2 should be pretty great.

[@AppleJack76]

That intro music was like I was watching the Lifetime channel.

[@mountainlessmtb9940]

Solid review 🔥idk how I feel about the gold it kind of reminds me of the old mag 21 although its not quite an exact match

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Thomas! I love the factory orange.

[@ridedirtymtb9938]

hey Jeff great video! What's your thoughts on a lock out for a fork? my bike is a 2024 supercaliber, I do the occasional race and im considering getting the new sl stepcast. my issue is that these forks have more adjustability with out the lockout vs the 2 pos open or closed of a lock out fork. I live in south Florida and I only use lockout for gravel and sprints.

[@TRG36]

I just wish I was a good enough rider to tell the difference in suspension. Outside of major adjustments it all works for me

[@tracerxrider]

I thought this same thing especially when they really couldn't describe it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I tried to be as forthcoming as possible that the new damper doesn't feel hugely different from the prior. Both are great. The newer is slightly better, but it's a subtle difference in many scenarios. More noticeable on the Shuttle SL than the Occam or Ripmo.

[@TRG36]

@@JeffKendallWeed you do a great job on your reviews. Very honest. What more can a consumer ask for.

[@AZMTB]

I want that x2 cartridge!

[@thel1zardking]

Curious how the Grip2 compares to the GripX2? I believe the GripX is supposed to be a simplified and lighter version, but the GripX2 would have been a more direct comparison, no?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

They didn't have any GripX2s for me to try, and it's generally going on 40, 38. and only some 36 chassis. The whole idea was that the GripX2 is too overbuilt for trail riding, and the GripX is simpler, provides an on-the-fly lockout solution, and is lighter. In general, more oriented to general trail riders like me.

[@ethanrevitch]

Fox is just a couple years behind Rockshox now!

[@MYGiTHSE]

Hey jeff! Got a question for you, at around 3 min mark on the purple bike. There is something rattling on it, do you know what it is? Because i got a bike with that same noice. Love ur mannys on the trail, make me smile :D

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks! And that rattle is likely the brake pads.

[@erebrblosh]

Not really sure you compared right forks. GripX2 is new version of previous model Grip2 and GripX is new version of previous FIT4 damper.

[@asifitmatters1]

What’s really annoying is that Fox is presenting the changes as the result of some sort of special research and technical progress. But that’s a pile of crap! eXT Era has 24mm since the start and almost every single motocross fork is more technically advanced than these “ancient” MTB products sold at a massive markup!

[@frwrd_09]

You should try the new Forbidden Dreadnought v2!

[@MrDaymien1]

The Grip 2 is just phenomenal, I didn't rush out for the 38 ever after having many 40`s . Is the grip 2 now the lower spec 36? or is it going away ?

[@ab_mtb]

It's going away

[@billydeewilliams8909]

Would love some tips on setting up my rigid bike. It's a 2020 Santa Cruz Chameleon with a Trek 1120 rigid fork, 29x3.0 front and 29x2.5 rear, i40 WTB rims. I'm thinking about putting an angleset in to slacken it by 1.5-ish degrees, but I probably wouldn't be able to run a viscoset as well, which I'm not sure I even want. I am definitely going to try a 35mm stem, but I'm worried about making the reach too short. The frame reach is only 460, which is even shorter in practice without a suspension fork. Currently I'm running a 50mm stem with carbon 31.8 Whisky bars. At the same time, I have a wingspan of about 183 cm with an ape index of 1.022, so I already should be sizing up generally afaik. And then, because I'm fancy and like colors, I'd want an i9 stem, and they only come in 30 and 40 for 31.8 bars. I just took it up to Pleasanton Ridge this afternoon, and it shook my bones pretty good.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey Billy, I would say look at Kush core, especially for the rigid bike. Next, consider a shorter stem. I think those are the best bang for your buck real life, rigid bike set up Hacks. If Bike feels too small with a 35 mm stem, go wider with your handlebars. And I hope you’re running a dropper post? That’s extra important on a rigid bike.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I actually made a video all about how to ride rigid. Hopefully it’s helpful for you. Oh and it’s not public facing, but here it is anyhow: How to ride a rigid bike (and not die) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoXVn5WPq5uLfq8

[@billydeewilliams8909]

@@JeffKendallWeedThanks! I already have cush core, should have said. Definitely have a dropper, and my bars are already at 800, and the bike feels a bit short even with the 50mm, though definitely less short than on the stock setup, which was 780 with 50mm. Whisky does offer up to 840 though. You also just earned a new patron.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you, Billy! Ah just saw this about CushCore… anyhow - I hope you can try some of those riding techniques. But also, there can be a bit of an initial adjustment to riding rigid. I now have it in my brain that 70 or 80% speed on the rigid bike is about what’s reasonable. I can go from the Endura Bike straight to the rigid bike and that’s not a big deal to adapt. I hope you are able to dial your Bike in more!

[@Donovangulya]

Off topic question. I have a jamis komodo frame with ok parts. I work at a specialized hero dealer. Is it worth to get the haro saguaro for a cheap hard tail for big features

[@averagepinoyrider8114]

can you just buy the grip 2x damper?

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Couldn't care less for the company or gold theme but if JKW say it's good imma look into it 😆

[@brettkilian9855]

At what point are these companies making solutions to problems that don’t exist? Genuinely, how many changes and updates can be made?

[@jayswavely6371]

I just ride. I'm not paying $1,100 for a fork. Great review.

[@oldtimerv7]

MRP ribbon test please

[@kjohnston84]

Which trails did you ride in SC??

[@trotro80]

What I find annoying about Grip2 and as it's throughout this video with the new damper is that they are making these (rebound) sucking noises. My Fit4 on my hardtail is silent like the night in comparison.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah a bit of noise is fine, but mine was certainly noticeable.

[@jojoaspi7398]

How can you give a detailed fork review if you keep that front wheel off the ground? 😂 Cool vid!

[@powskier]

That's the fork for dummies. The gripX2 is the one to have.

[@eddies5675]

forget about the fork... the speed on that fully rigid, jesus!

[@sampah89]

So are we just going to ignore the covering of the first four letters of Ari's former brand name at minute 1:33? Lol

[@marcinbalcer1772]

looks like marzocchi cr55 tech

[@MTBSHOGUN]

So Zeb with a PUSH HC97 for the win😅

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Are you sure you actually need a front wheel, Jeff? I'm guessing the real reason for Fox's new fork is the Rock Shox simpler adjustments and Buttercups motion control.

[@CalvoSaitama]

So Fox Turned their 36 into an old rockshox? xd

[@michaelbrashear6308]

Setting forks by pressure and not sag percentage...

[@cliffordrichardc]

wah super good

[@leepik6027]

A ucsc local 😂 no wonder he shreds so hard 🤙

[@jokermtb]

In other words….ya gotta learn every fork and its dials

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

JEFF doing manual making sure he maximize the forks capabilities 😂😂😂😂 its basically the same fork as DVO

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Who, me?

[@hjalmarbergendoff2419]

Gold looks hidious

[@mrpachuco696]

Un poco de bunny 😂

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Claro!

[@64Spokes]

Hope these are more reliable than any other fox product with “X” in its name… dpx2, float x and float x2 are literally disposable. Yes those are shocks but still trash from a so called premium brand

[@JeffKendallWeed]

My Float X has been solid, and my DPX2 went for over 2 years between rebuilds. I've only had one X2 failure in the last 4 years. I'm pretty happy with Fox product. Seems on par with Rock Shox, DVO, and Marzocchi. None of it is going to last forever without maintenance.

[@64Spokes]

@@JeffKendallWeed i can’t honestly speak on the float x as I swapped it out immediately after hearing nothing but bad, but my dpx2 and x2 didn’t last half a summer season, maybe 10 rides? so not a maintenance issue. Seems a $600 fox shock is about on par with an entry level $300 rockshox in terms of consistency and dependability in my experience. Not good.

[@loamchasers]

So they made a rockshox zeb just a few years later…….fox seems to cater to the less than average riders

[@michaelvinogradov8864]

why do you even need the front fork? your front wheel is never on the ground....

[@FoCoFlowShow]

I’m not sure the fork works super well if you manual the whole trail 😂

[@bs838]

Surprised they invited the guy who barely uses his fork to review a new fork

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Who, me?

[@harzenduro]

I am sure that I would NOT feel any difference at all.

[@wagnerpinheiroezequiel3690]

Second

[@Zaba...]

Seriously, from the guy that never uses the front wheel lol

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Who, me?

[@jimmyz5831]

Bet you $1 you couldn't tell which one was on your bike.

[@bikebudha01]

Not sure if I trust a "FORK" review, with so much "Wheelie-ing"...

[@LiveStoked]

That gold is absolutely hideous looking. They need a better aesthetics department.

[@mikel4159]

The latest, greatest fork, that probably costs 1700+ that you can't have fun without! And look, I test it by manualing down the trail!! Look out for my next shock review that I test by nose manny down the tral!!

[@peterthomson6161]

Doesn't sound any different.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I mean, it's not a different world of feel on the trail, as I try to explain at the end of the vid. I wouldn't upgrade just to upgrade, but if it was indeed time for a new fork, it's a great option.

[@TurboWolf5000]

Bartle Dew 🍺 🤮

[@that1bush201]

First

[@adammoonface]

You spend far too much time on your back wheel to review a fork 😅. Maybe you should switch to mountain unicycles?