Fox Announces new Grip X
Fox adds a new GRIP X damper to its lineup, focusing on lighter weight and simpler, trail performance.
This week is a big one in the mountain bike suspension world, with Fox announcing a new Grip X damper update. While RockShox has increased damper adjustability and tuning with the recent release of the Charger 3.2 on the Zeb and Lyrik, Fox have taken the other road and focussed on simplifying performance and reducing weight with the Grip X.
GRIP X: What’s it all about?
Last year Fox launched the new SL platform, focussing on performance in a lightweight package that allowed even the weeniest of cross-country riders to ride with more travel, without a weight penalty. Conversely, the Grip X2 damper has been the go-to for riders who are prioritising descending with a more comprehensive range of adjustment.
The Grip X is the ‘in betweener’ – a balanced ‘trail performance’ damper that offers the best of both worlds – a reduced system weight to keen the front end light for climbing and preloading, and intuitive high speed compression and rebound adjustment. Unlike the Grip SL damper that’s all about a firm pedalling platform, the Grip X removes the Firm mode, Fox stating that most trail riders weren’t prioritising this feature.
For many riders, the Grip X damper allows for enough descending performance to compare to the X2, with a 120g weight saving.
Lending heavily from the GRIP X2, GRIP X now features a completely redesigned mid-valve piston and valve stack resulting in increased sensitivity, greater mid-stroke support and improved consistency on rough terrain.
OMG what do I pick?
This Grip X damper release broadens Fox’s offerings, enabling riders to find their perfect ride – but what damper do I need to find my happy place? Read on…
I want to go fast uphill. Weight and pedalling efficiency matter to me.
Cross country and climb-loving downcountry riders will likely enjoy the firm setting of the FOX Grip SL damper, so looking at the Fox 34 SL is the likely right pick for those with 120–130mm travel.
I enjoy trail riding on my short to mid-travel bike. Climbing is an important part of my riding, but I want to send it as well.
Travel is important here, as the 120–130mm travel Fox 34 SL has the capacity for Grip SL as well as the new Grip X, but for a little extra travel there is the option of the 36 SL with both Grip SL and Grip X. For those looking for climbing efficiency, the SL is your pick but for those who enjoy climbing but perhaps without a race plate – Fox claims that the Grip X offers performance similar to the X2 on the descent.
Lemme send it!
For those who dream of endless enduro runs and twiddling knobs day in and day out, the Grip X2 offers the most comprehensive tunability and is available on the Fox 36 (150–160mm travel). Those who prefer a slightly simpler setup on their mid-travel rig will enjoy the Grip X’s performance with the added weight savings this simplified damper can bring.
Where can I find the new Grip X damper?
The updated GRIP X damper is now featured across FOX’s complete Trail fork offering:
FOX 34 SL
- 120–130mm travel
- Starting at 1475g
- Available with GRIP SL or GRIP X
FOX 36 SL
- 130–140mm travel
- Starting at 1755g
- Available with GRIP SL or GRIP X
FOX 36
- 150–160mm travel
- Starting at 1920g
- Available with GRIP X or GRIP X2
