Three new Fox GRIP dampers and a 32SC fork

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A whole new swathe of dampers from Fox: GRIP X2, GRIP X and GRIP SL. And a total rejig of the Fox 32SC 100mm fork for XC racer-types.

Here’s the press release from Fox:

THE NEXT GENERATION OF GRIP

Dampers are the core of suspension

As mountain bike riding and racing has evolved, so too have the need of athletes pushing the potential of what is possible on a mountain bike.

Drawing on 50 years of suspension innovation, in 2024 FOX is launching three new dampers—each engineered from the ground up—that represent the pinnacle of suspension performance; the Grip X2 for ultimate descending performance, The Grip X for uncompromised all-mountain traction, and the Grip SL, the lightest XC damper with unparalleled ride feel.

GRIP X2

GREATER TRACTION.

EVEN MORE CONTROL AND SPEED.

34 (OEM only), 36, 38, 40

To create the ultimate descent-focused damper, we sought the level of tunability seen in motocross and supercross racing suspension. Our award-winning Grip 2 damper had a 20mm base valve diameter and seven valves. Grip X2 scaled up the tunability by increasing the base valve diameter to 24mm with 23 valves. The result is the most tunable, supportive, and smoothest descent-focused fork damper ever created by FOX.

Riders reap the benefits of sitting higher in the travel while tires stay glued to the ground. They can corner with increased traction, giving them the confidence to push the limits of downhill and enduro racing, all while reducing overall rider fatigue.

GRIP X2 is the winning difference.

  • 24mm Base Valve lowers pressure to increase sensitivity and allows space for more damping circuitry.
  • 23 Count Valve Stack for unprecedented tunability and quicker response to bumps.
  • Pressure Balancing maintains low positive pressure, allowing 5-10ms damper response time to rider inputs.
  • Our award-winning Grip 2 damper had a 20mm base valve diameter and seven valves. Grip X2 scaled up the tunability by increasing the base valve diameter to 24 mm with 23 valves.
  • 4-Way Adjustability with high/low-speed compression and high/low-speed rebound, now with less cross talk.

GRIP X

UNCOMPROMISED ALL-MOUNTAIN PERFORMANCE

34, 36, 38 (OEM only)

When it’s time to climb, simply rotate the high-speed compression adjuster clockwise until you feel the final distinct click. At that point, Grip X simultaneously closes both high and low-speed compression, allowing a firm platform for efficient power transfer to the pedals. Before dropping in, back the high-speed adjuster off to the desired setting and descend with all the added traction and predictability, without compromise.

Grip X lets you dominate all-mountain.

  • Firm Mode engages at final click of high-speed compression. Easily accessible when climbing.
  • 20g Lighter than the Grip X2 while maintaining similar traction and predictability.
  • 3-Way Adjustability (rebound, high/low-speed compression) for easier set up and trail functionality.

GRIP SL

CLIMB FASTER.

DESCEND HARDER.

RECOVER QUICKER.

32TC, 32SC, 34SC

In the world of endurance racing, every gram counts. With the Grip SL, we created a short travel-specific damper that not only reduced weight but could keep up with increasingly demanding World Cup XCO and XCM races. Lockout performance is paramount on the Grip SL; firm for hammering pedals during a sprint while maintaining a smooth blowoff force when you hit a bump with lockout engaged. This reduces fatigue and conserves rider energy. When the compression adjuster is in Middle or Open mode, riders experience a supple stroke in the early stages of the travel with an optimized pedal-to-bump efficiency.

Grip SL gives riders the lightest XC damper with unparalleled ride feel.

  • 3-Position on-the-fly compression adjust for changing terrain conditions. Remote option available.
  • Firm Lockout with smooth blowoff force, reducing bump fatigue when riding locked out.
  • 60g Lighter than FIT4 (in 100mm travel).
  • Optimized Packaging specific to lightweight FOX forks delivers a weight advantage over all competitors.

FOX 32

FATIGUE REDUCING DAMPING.

LIGHT AS POSSIBLE.

The GRIP SL is packaged specifically for the 32mm chassis providing an unparalleled ride feel in the endurance class while keeping the overall weight low. Riders experience a supple stroke in the early stages of the travel with an
optimized pedal-to-bump efficiency, allowing them to carry more speed through rougher sections of trail.

A firm lockout is accessible via a 3-position lever on the compression dial or a handlebar-mounted remote. When racers are hammering on the pedals during a sprint and flick on the firm mode, the lockout allows a smooth blowoff force, reducing fatigue on the rider.

40% STIFFER THAN THE ORIGINAL

REAR ARCH MATRIX

REDESIGNED CROWN

The rear arch matrix was generatively designed to increase torsional stiffness by 40% over the previous 32SC while minimizing weight. With the new 32 SC being available in 100mm travel only, the rear arch has all the necessary clearance for XC frames.

We also gave the 32 SC a new 7000 Series aluminum crown, utilizing geometry that maintains strength while dropping nine grams. The crown has zero offset with angled stanchions to achieve the 44mm rake, reducing the amount of aluminum needed.

NO STONE LEFT UNTURNED

  • GRIP SL DAMPER (VS FIT 4) -65 G
  • KABOLT SL AXLE -12 G
  • DOUBLE BUTTED UPPER TUBE -9 G
  • ULTRALIGHT STEERER TUBE -11 G
  • STIFFNESS OPTIMIZED CROWN -9 G
  • ULTRA-LIGHT CABLE GUIDE -1

TECH SPECS

  • WHEEL SIZE: 29
  • TRAVEL: 100
  • RAKE: 44
  • AXLE: KABOLT SL 110

ALL 32 STEP-CAST FACTORY FORKS

  • UPPER TUBE FINISH KASHIMA
  • ROTOR SIZE 160 DIRECT POST MOUNT, UP TO 180 COMPATIBLE
  • AIR SPRING FLOAT EVOL
  • STEERER 1.5 TAPER
  • STARTING WEIGHT 3.06 LB / 1287 G (32 SC, 29” GRIP SL)*
  • *165mm steerer tube length

UK pricing

32TC GRIP SL: £1,099
32 GRIP SL: £1,099
34SC GRIP SL: £1,179
34 GRIP X: £1,019
36 GRIP X: £1,119
36 GRIP X2: £1,309

(Psst… some 50th Anniversary Podium GOld fork models on the way also)

ridefox.com

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Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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