Since its debut, the Fox 36 has been a staple in the world of high-performance mountain bike forks, known for delivering a perfect balance of stiffness, responsiveness, and smoothness. Now, Fox is raising the bar once again with the release of the all-new Fox 36 and the lighter, trail-focused 36 SL. Both forks are the product of years of innovation and refinement, pushing the boundaries of what riders can expect from their suspension systems.
Fox 36 – The apex of all-mountain performance
For trail and all-mountain riders, the new Fox 36 claims to be a game-changer. Designed to meet the growing demands of modern mountain bikes – longer travel, bigger tires, and higher speeds – this fork combines the confidence-inspiring handling of the Fox 38 with a refined, lightweight feel that doesn’t compromise on performance. Fox claims a 20% increase in torsional stiffness over the previous model, meaning that the new 36 is now stiffer, smoother, and more precise than ever before, making it the ultimate choice for aggressive riding.
Fox has reworked the chassis, with a new generative design that enhances both strength and aesthetics. The arch is optimised to increase stiffness while cutting down on weight, while the increased bushing overlap (as seen on the recently released Fox 34 SL) reduces friction for a smoother, more controlled ride.
But perhaps the most exciting update is the new FLOAT Glidecore air spring, which decouples the stanchion from the air shaft, ensuring smooth, consistent travel even under bending loads from speed or rider weight. It’s a detail that makes a huge difference when you’re bombing down a descent or charging through rock gardens.
With the updated GRIP X2 and GRIP X dampers, the 36 offers more control, more adjustability, and a refined feel that translates into better traction and faster speeds across all types of terrain. Whether you’re navigating technical features or flowing through rough trails, the 36 is built to give you the confidence to push your limits.
Key features of the Fox 36
- 20% Increased Stiffness: New chassis and optimised arch for a more responsive ride.
- FLOAT Glidecore Air Spring: Ultra-smooth travel with less friction.
- GRIP X2 & GRIP X Dampers: Enhanced traction, control, and adjustability.
- Refined Mudguard & Bleeder Mounts: Improved durability and easier maintenance.
Fox 36 tech specs
- Wheel Size: 29, 27.5
- Travel: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm
- Rake: 37mm, 44mm (27.5”); 44mm (29”)
- Axle: Kabolt, 15QR on Performance Series
- Rotor Size: Direct Mount 200, up to 230
- Air Spring: FLOAT EVOL Compliant
- Steerer: 1.5” Tapered
- Starting Weight: 1920g (29” 160mm GRIP X)
Fox 36 SL: Lightweight performance for the aggressive trail rider
For riders who want a lighter, more nimble option without sacrificing performance, the new Fox 36 SL delivers, weighing in at just 1755g (for the 29” 140mm version). The Fox 36 SL is designed for aggressive trail riders who demand precision and stiffness, but without the bulk. Offering 20% greater torsional stiffness than its predecessor, the 34, the 36 SL is a significant step forward for trail forks, giving you more control on everything from steep climbs to high-speed descents.
The 36 SL retains the same innovative FLOAT Glidecore air spring as the 36, with travel options from 120mm to 140mm. The new extended bushing overlap also features in the SL,, while the GRIP X damper offers excellent descending performance without sacrificing pedaling efficiency.
Key features of the Fox 36 SL
- 20% More Stiffness: A new arch and crown design for a stiffer, more responsive feel.
- FLOAT Glidecore Air Spring: Decouples stanchion and air shaft for smoother travel.
- GRIP X Damper: Great descending performance with easy access to a firm mode for climbing.
- Extended Bushing Overlap: Less friction for a smoother suspension feel.
Fox 36 SL tech specs
- Wheel Size: 29
- Travel: 120mm, 130mm, 140mm
- Rake: 44mm offset
- Axle: Kabolt SL
- Rotor Size: Direct Mount 180, up to 203
- Air Spring: FLOAT EVOL Compliant
- Steerer: 1.5” Tapered
- Starting Weight: 1755g (29” 140mm GRIP X)
Fox 36 and Fox 36 SL pricing
- Fox 36 MSRP: $1199–1999 AUD
- Fox 36 SL MSRP: $1199–1999 AUD
Available starting March 26th, 2025, the all-new Fox 36 and 36 SL represent the pinnacle of fork design for all-mountain and trail riders alike. With innovations in stiffness, smoothness, and adjustability, these forks are built to handle everything from aggressive descents to technical climbs with ease and confidence. Whether you’re chasing KOMs or shredding your local trails, the 36 and 36 SL are ready to help you push your limits like never before.
Our take on the 36 and 36 SL
The release of the Fox 36 and 36 SL marks a significant evolution in the trail and all-mountain fork category, but it’s not a revolution – rather, it’s a refinement of what riders already know and love. The 36 SL, in particular, is stepping in as Fox’s go-to trail fork. With its 20% increase in torsional stiffness and an optimised design for aggressive trail riders, the 36 SL claims to bring a new level of performance while maintaining the lightweight, nimble feel of the 34.
Rather than drastically changing the game, Fox’s latest updates refine the core characteristics that have made the 36 a staple in the mountain biking community. By incorporating innovations like the FLOAT Glidecore air spring, extended bushing overlap, and the GRIP X damper, the 36 and 36 SL are enhancing the ride experience with improved stiffness, smoother performance, and more control. It’s an evolution that builds on the strengths of its predecessors, without reinventing the wheel.
For those looking for an upgrade, the 36 SL is a natural progression from the 34, delivering better performance without the weight (the 34 Factory weighed in around 1750g – very similar to the 36 but minus the increased stiffness and other key features of the 36 SL), while the 36 continues to lead the charge for all-mountain riding. This isn’t a radical shift in design, but a careful evolution to keep riders at the forefront of suspension technology.
