[Closed] Are the NEW Fox 36s siginificantly better than an older 36??

Isn't "over a GRAND" for a set of forks enough to talk you out of it?

I suspect the chassis and air spring if fairly similar so why not try a Grip 2 damper upgrade or custom tune?

Grip2 upgrade is looking at about £480... not worth that sunk cost...

DrP

Yep, the chassis are compatible so you can upgrade if you really want that specific damper. But there's a good chance that your current fork, with some upgrades, will outperform the new fork anyway.

I can't say I think it's worth it on the face of it.

Such is the appeal of Kashima coating. That's the real draw isn't it doc? 🙂

Kashima...and... ALL THE DIALZZZZ.....!

DrP

The Grip 2 damper feels much nicer than whatever is in my 2017 Factory 36's. But as stated, it costs more than I'd usually spend on a fork. And as for spending over a grand on a replacement... absolutely not happening.

I'll put up with a little harshness and stick with what I've got.

I've looked into aftermarket upgrades but to be honest I'm not riding much so kind of sacked it off. It doesn't matter what kind of damper is hanging on the garage wall.

Ive got a set of 2018 fox 36 fit 4 RC2 170mm forks on one bike, and a set of 2020 Fox 36 Grip 2 factory 160mm forks on another bike.

I cant tell any difference between them in actual use - obviously the 2020 fork has one more knob to twiddle with , but they both work well and feel similarly controlled to me.

I’ve just sent a set of Fox 36’s with grip 2 29” 160mm away to silverfish for warranty on creaky CSU then will be up for sale
Came off a 2020 Orbea wild fs Ebike but not Ebike version
Really plush fork but I was a big lost on the hi/lo aspect so swapped them out for Zeb selects
Mibbe a down grade but less bells n whistles and more bells…..Awesome forks all the same

Mine had bushing play out of the box on NDS which deteriorated and then the fork became really, really harsh within about two weeks from new, which I assumed to be bushing bind due to the play.
Went back under warranty, took a month to turn around, and notes said damper rebuilt, but no mention of bushings...
Fork still has distracting play.
The Float X2 on the frame I built with that fork is dry as a bone, harsh and squeaks due to the dry seals.

Safe to say I’m not best pleased with Fox. Given the warranty turn around time, I’m tempted to take them somewhere decent to get fixed and just pay for it. Andy at Stirling Bike Doctor can do bushing re-sizing etc.

I opted for the 2021 Factory 36 on my AM9. I’m completely underwhelmed and wished I’d not spent the cash.

They felt pretty much dead out of the box, did a lower leg service and added oil (there was a little in there, but not much) and removed grease (there was loads in there) and it was a little better but still hugely overdamped on the rebound circuit.

They’ve just had a visit to J-Tech and they modified the dampers for me. They’re approaching something usable after another couple of hundred pounds, but still not that good. I’m not willing to spend any more though!

I’d avoid and modify what you’ve got, suspect you’ll get more bang for buck and something that suits your own riding style a bit better.

Is there a specific thing you're after? Most of the fox dampers are upgradable by various options. Like, I was looking at a whole damper swap but Jtech convinced me to try their andreani damper upgrade (in an RC2) and it's really made a big difference.

(nothing improves a big hitting air fork quite like throwing the air spring in the bin, though, coils ftw)

You might be right there. My 36 is 180mm and I'd like to fit a Smashpot. It probably wouldn't cure the quite sluggish, over damped feeling so I'd need to do that at the same time.

Not sure what my options are. I'm not buying a Grip2.