FOX black stanchions, lightweight XC fork, more boost
FOX usually waits until the Sea Otter Classic before showing its new product line. But this week they sent out a little teaser press release. We closely scanned the document and here are some of the big bits of beta. Stay tuned to the site this week (ok, for at least the next two weeks) for more information on the FOX launch and everything else being released at the four-day party of all things bike outside Monterey, California.
Black is the new black (click to enlarge).
Black Stanchions
While FOX uses golden Kashima coating on its highest product lines to help reduce stiction, the more affordable and OEM options came in less visually appealing anodized beige. While these stanchions lacked the buttery smooth golden coating (which is also popular in the motocross world), they did benefit from a number of additional machining processes to help reduce breakaway forces. For the 2017 model year, these mid-tier models will be getting a minor facelift in the form of black anodized stanchions.
Now stepping into the ring, a budget contender from FOX (click to enlarge).
New Budget Option
FOX has traditionally focused on the mid- to high-end segment of the market, but their new Rhythm series of forks will be its most affordable ever. Unlike the mid-tier products, it receives gray anodized stanchions, and there will be some concessions on the weight front. Rather than using the 7000 series aluminum found across the rest of the product line, the Rhythm uses a 6000 series chassis.
Internally, the fork will share the same closed cartridge FIT GRIP damper found in the Performance level series. The main difference between this damper and the popular FIT4 is that the grip uses a spring backed IFP, rather than an expanding bladder. This new design is less complicated, which helps to reduce manufacturing costs. In terms of tuning, you’ll notice the forks will still offer three compression settings (open, medium, and firm), as well as micro adjustments.
The new Step-Cast fork may look a little quirky, but you can’t argue with the sub-3-pound weight (click to enlarge).
Lightweight XC Fork
We’ve already covered the new Step-Cast fork in detail here. For those who aren’t interested in the nitty gritty, all you need to know is those funny shaped lowers, a new damper, and a complete chassis redesign allowed FOX to create a sub-3-pound XC fork.
Bring the Boost
If you hate new standards as much as I do, you’ll be glad to hear FOX is still offering a 26” version of their 36 chassis with a straight steerer. And if you love riding the newest tech as much I do, you’ll also be glad to hear they’re now offering boost versions of their 34 and 36mm forks. Both forks also get a new damper tune for increased sensitivity while maintaining support.
The new e-specific models are the 34 27.5” in a 120 or 150mm chassis, a 120mm 29er 34mm, or a 160mm travel 29er 36 (click to enlarge).
E-Bike Optimized
You can hate on e-bikes in the comments if you’d like, but the truth is that brands like Bosch and Specialized wouldn’t be developing these electric pedal assist harbingers of doom if there wasn’t a market for them.
Of course, these chariots of the apocalypse currently weigh more than your “classic bikes” so FOX has created a line of e-bike optimized products called Speed Pedelec. These models have a stouter chassis and offer increased durability due to adding material to strengthen critical areas. They also use tuning originally developed for enduro use, which they’ve found fits the needs of e-MTB and overall e-bike usage.
The new lockout switch makes the Float X2 a great alternative for hard charging riders on EWS-worthy machines (click to enlarge).
Float X2 Lockout
Our resident downhiller loved the feel of his X2, but felt it could be improved by having a climbing switch. Turns out dreams do come true. Full story/review here.
Anyone else still prefer the original Heritage decals to this new set? (click to enlarge)
Stickers, Stickers, Stickers!
Everyone loves stickers, but not everyone loves the stock decals on their FOX forks. For those who’d prefer a more custom touch, FOX just released a new batch of decal kits. Price is $20.
We’re meeting with FOX early this week to discuss all the new product line changes, so if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below and we’ll do our best to get them answered.
For more info visit www.ridefox.com.
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