8.8% stiffer fore-aft and 6.8% less stiff in torsion. The new 38 also increases bushing overlap by 20mm.
We only received our test sample yesterday (thanks UK customs!) but we have fitted it to a bike and Benji is probably out riding it as you read this.
In the meantime, here’s the PR bumf…
Press Release in full:
The Undisputed Enduro Leader
Composure in the chaos. When the track gets wild at race speed, the 38 doesn’t flinch.
While many challengers have followed with 38mm Enduro forks, the FOX 38 has remained on top since it’s debut in 2020, this past year winning 2025 EDR World Championships under Richie Rude and Elly Hoskings. Now, the latest evolution brings all our most recent developments into a fresh, ground-up design that preserves weight, while increasing performance and fine-tuning ride feel.
Available from 160 to 180mm of travel, the 38 continues to define modern Enduro – built to charge hard, race flat-out, and tackle the steepest terrain with total confidence.
Support Without Harshness
GRIP X2 is the most tunable, supportive and smoothest descent-focused damper ever created by FOX. Sit higher in the travel, keep tires glued to the ground and corner with increased traction, all while reducing overall rider fatigue.
High Stiffness. Low Friction.
Using the learnings gained from the FOX Podium, we increased bushing overlap by 20mm to push the fore-aft stiffness by approximately 9% while reducing friction under load at high speed. The new arch optimizes torsional stiffness even further for steering responsiveness and handling.
Smooth Under Pressure.
The seamlessly compliant FLOAT Glidecore air spring reduces friction and bind by moving with the fork under dynamic load. Large cross-section O-rings dampen and control this motion while also reducing breakaway friction of the air spring. The result? Smoother suspension action.
Updated GRIP X2 Damper
The biggest update is the entirely new mid valve piston and valve stack (AKA main piston assembly). We kept the same high-fidelity valve stack, but updated shape of the valves. The shape of the ports in the piston are also different. These updates build upon GRIP X2’s already award-winning suppleness while preserving support without the harshness.
- New Glidecore vertically and horizontally compliant air spring with MCU bottom-out bumper.
- New generative designed lower legs with 20mm increased bushing overlap for decreased friction and increased sensitivity.
- Updated bleeders, relocated bypass channels.
- Same shared 36/36SL Mud Guard with GD3 mount.
- PM200 – 29” / PM180 – 27.5”
- 230mm Max Brake Rotor
- 2.6″ Max Tire Size
- Starting weight – 2200g (29, F-S, 200, Grip X2, Kabolt X)
- Factory Series SRP £1,439.00, Performance Series Elite £1,299.00
- Distributed by Silverfish UK
Full review in a few weeks. First thoughts on our socials next week.
Yeah, gone is the expensive and over complication of the “tube in tube" airspring… I might get one now (swapping travel without over expensive parts is essential for me). Interesting that they’ve basically fitted half an MRP Noken to help with the effects of this simplification. Very interested to hear how you get on with this Benji.
Is the reduced torsional stiffness because finally compliance is being appreciated as a useful thing, or is it to make the podium seem less noodly?
or so the 2029 model can be 15% stiffer?
How can this be the 2027 model when it’s not even summertime 2026 yet
Because it’s the bike industry and they’ve been doing this since the early 90’s?
The forks will feature on 2027 bikes, so it sort of makes sense. If you can make model years make sense at all that is.
I have 2 questions on this fork
Where do you get 1.5mm spacers for shimano 203 rotors
Has fox stopped over greasing them so the negative chamber bypass dimple works?
Just use washers, and make sure your bolts are long enough, or search for : SM-MA-F203P/PL2 200-203