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What’s the difference apart from lack of Kashima, and being old, fat, slow and under-skilled will I notice the difference?
If you are referring to factory vs performance elite, the only difference is as you said the kashima coating.
I have the 36 performance elite and the setup manual is the same for the factory and the performance elite.
Also have a pair of 34 performance elites, although not sure if they do a factory 34?
Performance, or performance elite?
Performance elite is the same as factory, just without kashima.
Performance is the grip damper, rather than grip 2 (on the 36) or fit4 (on the 32 and 34) factory & PE.
not sure if they do a factory 34?
They do. As well as a lighter, 120mm stepcast version, like the 32.
Rythmn is the OEM spec.
Will you notice? Definitely not if you don’t try them both.
As per the other thread I’m contemplating an SC34. Think the only options are Factory or Performance non-elite.
I thought the step cast was factory only tbh
27.5 is; 29 comes as Performance too.
Performance is the grip damper, rather than grip 2 (on the 36) or fit4 (on the 32 and 34) factory & PE.
I have PE Fit4 36s, OEM though.
I have PE Fit4 36s, OEM though
How old? Grip 2 came out last summer iirc, there was some overlap too.
2018s but bought new 2019
I'll have 2020 36 fit4's on my next bike. 2019 36 Fit4 on my current
Almost any combination is available to brands. e/g Scott used to have a Performance level fork on some builds that had a Fit4 damper - before grip.
Both factory and Perf Elite 36's can have Fit4 of Grip2 and these are the only aftermarket products from Fox that carry a retail SKU afaik.
Performance and Rhythm are OE only. So if you're buying these they're grey market
(or as an anomaly - the e-bike 36's are available as Factory Grip2 or Performance with the Grip(1) damper.
Grip2 is the money damper now. Grip2 doesn't work with remote systems though so I'll be sticking with Fit4 on my trail bikes.
As far as kashima vs no kashima, you'll not notice.
Kashima barely wears.
The black coating definitely wears quicker.
??
I've been looking at this for the 34SC 29er. I do wonder about the factory grip damper if you can't control the compression damping for the open mode, so either end up with brake dive, or over dampened depending on your weight and riding style.
This was for a Blur TR, which comes with the Factory 110 with remote, so no option to set it between the open and platform mode like on the non-remote option.
The factory comes in orange, surely that just makes it better!
On the 36's
Performance = lower end internals
Pre-Elite = top end internals
Factory = Kashmina coating
IF you listen to Doddy, and thats a BIG IF...
The Kashmina will sustain its performance level at a higher level, longer than the non-kash, but just post-service there will be essentially no noticeable difference, and if you keep on top of the lowers, then you dont loose much by going PE level....
Will you notice the difference between any of them.... hard to tell, maybe...
Will it make any difference to your enjoyment, speed... no
with remote, so no option to set it between the open and platform mode like on the non-remote option.
Other remotes are available - Scott use a 3 position remote on the grip(1) and the grip(1) damper has variable compression through the entire range of the top cap levers position. Fit4 is more sensitive to its middle setting lever position and it's possible to miss the correct position with a remote.
Grip (1) has no low speed compression adjust in remote or lever versions. Black dial on top cap per fit4/grip2
I think setting them up properly and keeping them serviced is far more critical than Factory vs Perf spec. I would expect the Kashima coating to last longer, but I can't say I've had any issues with the standard coatings. If you can easily afford the Factory spec then it gives you peace of mind (placebo) that you have the best setup, but otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.
I would expect the Kashima coating to last longer, but I can’t say I’ve had any issues with the standard coatings.
I had wondered about this one; haven’t had any issues so far with standard RS coatings.