Fox and RockShox have been the benchmark brands in suspensions for mountain bike practically since this discipline took off in the 1990s. Currently, they almost completely dominate the suspension market for mountain bikes. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date with their ranges, fork and shock characteristics, technologies, and adjustments so that, when you buy a bike or just change suspensions, you know which brand and model best suits your needs. For now, we are going to focus on the front suspension, listing the current fork models from both brands' catalogs, their features, and the type of mountain bike (XC, trail, enduro, etc.) they are intended for. A complete and practical guide to help you with your future purchase.
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Fox Fork Range
2020/12/Fox32-1.jpg"> Fox divides its range of suspension forks by the diameter of their stanchions. Likewise, each model is offered in different versions depending on the type of damper used, from the simplest aimed at occasional mountain bike use to the most complex and customizable dedicated to competition.
Fox 32
The Fox 32 is the reference fork from the American brand for mountain biking, limited to cross country. It was the first suspension fork for MTB that Fox launched on the market, back in 2001. Its great innovation compared to other brands was increasing the diameter of the stanchions to 32 mm, providing greater stiffness and control of the bike in the most technical sections. Currently, and for the past three years, it has been available with the practical Step-Cast design, whose stanchions are cut in half at the bottom to give more space to the brake disc and hub. At the same time, this design saves material and weight, which amounts to more than 360 grams compared to the previous generation. But, apart from the ultra-light Step-Cast (whose lightest version in 27.5” weighs only 1,387 g), Fox also offers the version with conventional stanchions. All of them have 100 mm of travel, are available for 27.5" and 29” wheels, and have different finishes depending on the cartridge type and damping system: Factory (high-end) and Performance (low-mid range). At the same time, it is possible to choose the model with a three-position adjustment dial (climb, flat, or descent) or with a remote lockout lever from the handlebar.
Fox 34
The Fox 34 is the brand’s most versatile fork and is intended for trail bikes. Its stanchions are 34 mm in diameter and it is offered in three travel options: 120 mm, 130 mm, and 140 mm, for both 29" and 27.5” wheels, and a special version for e-bikes with thicker stanchions, in 120 mm or 140 mm. Thus, it covers all assemblies and combinations for trail . On the other hand, it has recently inherited the Step-Cast design from the Fox 32, but with a slightly smaller step on its stanchions. This Fox 34 Step-Cast is only available in 120 mm (for 29" and 27.5" wheels) and is recommended for Down Country bikes (cross-country bikes with better downhill performance) or for practicing a more rolling type of trail. As with the Fox 32, it can be purchased in both the high-end Factory version and the more affordable Performance version. The compression adjustment dials, meanwhile, come in three (open, medium, or closed) or two positions (open or locked, controllable from a remote lever).
Fox 36
The Fox fork with 36 mm stanchions is designed for all mountain or enduro riding. Tested in competition by the best riders in the world, the Fox 36 is a very stiff fork with a wide range of adjustments and travel options. In fact, for 2021, its high-end Factory version introduces the GRIP2 cartridge, with compression adjustment dials for both low speed (pedaling) and high speed (obstacles, jumps, and drops). Besides the GRIP2, it is available with the FIT4 system, featuring Fox's classic three adjustment modes: open, medium, and closed (lockout). Additionally, Fox 36 Factory forks with FIT4 add 22 extra compression adjustment positions in open mode. The Fox 36 comes in versions for 29" and 27.5" wheels, with 150 and 160 mm travel, Factory and Performance Elite finishes, and a special variant for electric bikes, the Fox 36-E, with special anodizing on the stanchions.
Fox 38
This is the latest major innovation in Fox's range of suspension forks. The Fox 38 is an alternative for more radical enduro, derived from the 36. It is introduced for the first time in the 2021 lineup and increases the stanchion diameter to 38 mm. It also increases travel by 20 mm, up to 180, although there are versions with 160 mm and 170 mm. The Fox 38 is a fork recommended for riders who frequent the bike park or take on especially technical enduro routes. It features the GRIP2 with high and low speed adjustments and is available in three finishes: Factory, Performance Elite, and Performance, for both 27.5" and 29" wheels. In addition, it also has a version adapted for electric mountain bikes, the Fox 38-E.
Fox 40
The Fox 40 series refers to downhill forks. With a double crown, it competes on the market with the RockShox Boxxer. For 2021 it has been redesigned, introducing the GRIP2 cartridge and an optimized EVOL air chamber to enhance customization possibilities and better absorb small obstacles. It is only available in the Factory finish with Kashima anti-friction coating on the stanchions. Available for 27.5" and 29" wheels, its travel is 203 mm.
RockShox Fork Range
2020/12/RockShox.jpg"> RockShox is a pioneer in suspension systems for mountain bikes. Since 1990, with the launch of the unprecedented and revolutionary RS-1 fork, it has been a benchmark in the suspension market. Currently, its range consists of 15 models, but they are not divided into series according to the diameter of the stanchions like Fox. RockShox has specific models for each mountain bike discipline, as well as others for low and mid-range builds. This is their current offering.
RockShox SID
We begin with RockShox's benchmark fork for cross country, which competes in the market with the Fox 32. It has a long history of achievements in competition, with specific versions for racing, such as the SID-SL (only in 100 mm and 29”), and for enthusiasts (SID range). The latter, the conventional SID, has recently changed by introducing versions with more travel (110 mm or 120 mm) and a new chassis with 35 mm diameter stanchions, for down country and trail bike builds.
RockShox Reba
This is the brand's mid-range XC fork, which also has a long track record in the suspension market. It is simpler, heavier, and has fewer customization options than the SID, but it is still a very valid and reliable fork for training and even occasional racing. It is available for both 27.5" and 29” wheels with travel options of 100 mm, 110 mm, and 120 mm.
RockShox Pike
This is the trail fork from the American brand, rivaling the Fox 34. With 35 mm diameter stanchions, it covers a wide range of travel, from 120 mm to 160 mm, allowing it to be mounted even on many all mountain or enduro bikes. It combines the DebonAir air chamber with the Charger 2.1 damper to achieve a fork with low friction, progressive absorption, and not as heavy as the more enduro-oriented options.
RockShox Yari
The Yari is a mid-range fork that serves as an entry point to RockShox's all mountain and enduro series. It inherits the Lyrik chassis design, with strong 35 mm stanchions and is available in 150 mm, 160 mm, 170 mm, and 180 mm options, as well as for 27.5", 29", and 29" plus wheels, making it a good option to consider for e-bikes. For suspension, it uses the DebonAir chamber and the Motion Control damper, with a low-speed compression adjustment dial.
RockShox Lyrik
The Lyrik represents a leap in quality compared to the Yari in design, damping system, and suspension adjustments. Instead of the Motion Control, it uses the Charger 2.1 like the Pike, but with dual compression adjustment for high (obstacles, jumps) and low speed (pedaling) in its top finishes, the Ultimate and the Select +. The most economical finish, the Select, uses the Charger damper, with only low-speed adjustment. The RockShox Lyrik is available for 29" and 27.5” wheels, in travel options of 150 mm, 160 mm, 170 mm, and 180 mm. It competes in the enduro market with the Fox 36.
RockShox ZEB
It is the answer to the Fox 38. A long travel suspension fork positioned between enduro and downhill. The RockShox ZEB also features a chassis with 38 mm diameter stanchions, but expands the travel range of the Fox 38 by adding 160 mm, 170 mm, 180 mm, and 190 mm travel versions. It includes the Charger damper in all its versions, although the Ultimate Select finishes have both high and low speed adjustments. It is also available for both 29" and 27.5”, and is also a good fork for radical e-bikes.
RockShox Boxxer
The downhill option from RockShox is missing. The Boxxer is a classic fork within the most radical discipline of mountain biking, present on the market since 1998. The current generation is offered for 29" or 27.5” wheels, with 200 mm of travel and a chassis with 35 mm stanchions. The range is divided into two models depending on the finish: Ultimate (for competition) and Select, which is simpler and has fewer adjustment options.
Other affordable RockShox forks
To complete its wide range of suspension forks, RockShox offers variants for various disciplines and lower to mid-range builds, such as the 30, 35, XC, Recon, Sektor, or the Revelation from trail. There is also an affordable fork for bikes with plus-size tires, up to 3” wide, like the Judy. Or the Bluto, with a special chassis for fat bikes.