Tested: 2016 FOX Float 36 RC2 Fork
Vital ReviewReview by Johan Hjord // Photos by Tal Rozow and Johan Hjord
FOX’s 36 fork has in many ways always been leading the company forward, and this has certainly been true over the past few years. The 36 was the first fork in FOX’s lineup to receive the major recent updates that were then rolled out to the rest of the range for 2016, and it certainly had our attention as of the 2015 model year. For 2016, the 36 sees some further tweaks, and tweaks always leave us curious, especially when it comes to suspension products. Moreover, we wanted to really pit the 36 against the current de-facto “standard” trail bike fork to see where it might differ, and how. Bear in mind that this is not a shootout, but rather a review of the latest version of the 36 in light of its current main competitor.
2016 FOX Float 36 RC2 Highlights
- Made for Trail/All-Mountain/Enduro/Freeride use
- 36mm Kashima coated stanchions
- New FLOAT air spring system
- Tunable air spring via volume spacers
- Refined RC2 damper with sealed FIT cartridge
- External adjustments: Rebound (19-clicks) // Low-speed compression (22-clicks) // High-speed compression (26-clicks) // Air spring
- 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180mm stock travel options
- Internally adjustable travel in 10mm increments (sold separately)
- 26, 27.5, and 29-inch models
- Aluminum tapered (26, 27.5, 29) and straight 1 1/8-inch (26 only) steerer options
- Convertible 15/20mm thru-axle
- 180mm post mount disc brake tabs
- Weights ranging from 4.38-pounds (1987 grams) – 27.5” model, claimed
- MSRP: $1050 USD as tested
Initial Impressions
We had excellent impressions when we first tested the 2015 version of the FOX 36, and subsequent experiences with the same fork on other bikes left us equally impressed. While some might argue that comparing the FOX 36 to the RockShox Pike is actually a bit like comparing apples to oranges, we’d argue that this is still the comparison that will speak directly to the largest number of riders out there – simply because of the popularity of the Pike. Sure, the Lyrik is now back in the RockShox line-up, and on paper, it is certainly the fork that compares most directly to the 36. However, if you look at how the Pike is being specced and ridden, it is fair to say that it is the current “standard” hard-charging trail bike fork and as such, we felt it would be an appropriate reference and one that many can relate to.
We took delivery of the 27.5”, 170mm travel, RC2 version of the 36, and paired it up with FOX’s all-new Float X2 shock out back (our review of the X2 will follow shortly). Right out of the box, first impressions are convincing. The finish is rich and smooth, and the fork gives off a very sturdy vibe. One of the more significant improvements on this latest generation (2015-2016) of the 36 is the weight. Despite its menacing looks, the fork feels light – ours weighed in at 2021 grams with an uncut steerer (around the claimed 1987 grams once cut).
Examining the knobs, the impression of quality continues. The adjusters feel solid with well-defined clicks. The 36 offers hi- and lo-speed compression adjustment up top, and adjustable rebound at the bottom of the drive side leg. Additionally, the airspring’s progressivity can be tuned with volume spacers – adding or removing spacers is a 5-minute job. The fork comes with one spacer pre-installed, and a further 5 spacers of different volume in the bag of accessories.
The 36 is compatible with both 15- and 20-mm axles thanks to a clever insert system. There is no quick release available on the RC2 models, but if you opt for the FIT4 version you can have the fork delivered with a 15mm QR axle.
The 36 Float series offers adjustable travel, although the procedure here is significantly more involved than on the volume spacer side. There are 2 basic configurations, the 160-mm fork that can be adjusted down to 110-mm, and the 170/180 which can be reduced down to 130. Note that FOX does not sell a 180-mm version of the 27.5” fork, but the 170-mm version can in fact be extended to 180-mm of travel by removing a travel neg plate spacer. Also note that the airsprings are optimized around the baseline travel setting, straying too far will likely have a negative effect on performance. In other words, if it’s a 120 or 130mm fork you need, you’re probably better off with a FOX 34.
When the 36 was overhauled in 2015, a number of key improvements were made in order to reduce overall system friction. Improved Kashima coating, special 20 weight “Gold Bath” oil, and increasing the distance between the bushings in the lowers, among others. The 2016 version saw a revision to one of the damper side pistons that aims to improve rebound recovery and provide a plusher feel to the compression cycle. And with all that said, it is high time to find out what it all means on the trail…
On The Trail
The 36 is a hard-hitting fork and as such, it comes with 180-mm postmount brake tabs. If you run 203mm rotors up front, note that the jump from 160 to 183 isn’t the same as the jump from 180 to 203 (strangely enough), and the perfect adapters for the job can be hard to come by. FOX sells a 180-203 adapter kit under part number 820-09-009-KIT, which retails for $35.00 if you need it. Otherwise the best solution is to run 180 or 200-mm rotors, and use a “+20mm postmount” adapter for the latter. In our case, a little spacer was needed to align the brake caliper and the rotor perfectly, but other than that, the installation was smooth. Note that the current generation of the 36 has a lower axle to crown compared to its predecessors, which meant that replacing the 160-mm Pike on our test bike with this 170-mm 36 resulted in only an extra 7-mm on the A2C and a minimal impact on the bike’s geo. Switching to the Float X2 shock also gave us a bump in travel out back, up from 165-mm to now match the front at 170-mm.
We started the test running the 15mm axle. Performing the usual parking lot maneuvers, checking the front-end for stiffness and friction, the first impression is of a seriously solid chassis. This thing was built for charging and it shows. The second aspect that stands out early is a different, almost muted feeling to the fork, especially at low to moderate speeds over uneven surfaces. It is certainly not harsh, but it still lets you know that something is going on beneath the wheels. Riding the Pike and the 36 back to back on the same test loop, this muted feeling of the 36 persisted, even when we backed the compression damping right off.
We started off with one volume spacer and the suggested 79psi, which turned out to be a bit much for this 190-pound tester. Dropping it down towards 70, the fork would still not use all its travel except on the biggest hits. We began testing with FOX’s recommended settings on compression and rebound, which ended up being close to our day-to-day settings, with the exception of high speed compression which we backed off quite a bit. Even with just one volume spacer and relatively low air pressure, the fork is still very economical with how it uses its travel, giving up the last inch or so only when absolutely required. This translates to a lot of control and a bottomless feeling, especially when getting airborne.
As speeds pick up and the trail gets rougher, the 36 comes into its own. The word that comes to mind first when describing the way this fork performs is control. It never seems overwhelmed and the way it deals with medium sized hits and bigger chunk is extremely confidence inspiring. The chassis is exceptionally stiff which translates to improved precision, and the way the wheel tracks the ground provides a ton of grip. There is a bit of a whooshing noise going on as the fork rebounds, a good reminder that while you are enjoying the view behind the handlebars, there’s a lot of technology hard at work beneath you taking the drama out of the trail. It’s a good thing too, because the fork knows to make itself forgotten otherwise.
The 36 gives you control over both high speed and low speed compression damping in addition to rebound. As previously mentioned, the progressivity of the air spring can be tuned with volume spacers. Unlike the Pike, there is no lockout or pedal-assist mode, but when it comes to forks, that is never the first feature we look for. The adjustments on the 36 provide a very wide, usable range of settings allowing you to dial it in to suit your riding style and terrain. We experimented with additional volume spacers but eventually came back to just one. For reference, we ended up with about 5-6 clicks from fully OPEN on the high speed compression side, with low speed compression at 14-16 clicks from closed, and rebound at 10 clicks from closed. 1 token and 70 psi proved to be our sweet spot for most trails.
About halfway through the test, we converted the front axle from 15 to 20-mm. The procedure is simple, if anything removing the 4 (!) pinch bolts and the screw-in axle was almost the most time-consuming part here.
We almost wish we could say we noticed an effect on the stiffness or the performance of the fork as a result of fitting the bigger axle, but that was not the case. The truth is that a 15-mm front axle is more than stiff enough for anything you would ever consider putting a fork like this through. But having a fork that can do both is still awesome, especially if you own a DH bike and like to swap wheels now and then. One positive aspect of the pinch bolt system of the 36 is that the axle is allowed to float on one side before being locked down by the pinch bolts, which means that any hub width fluctuations will not affect the alignment of the fork lowers, which could otherwise cause some amount of bushing bind in extreme cases. On that very topic, we have not noticed any particularly significant occurrences of bushing bind on the 36, no doubt aided in this by the bigger bushing overlap and the generally low level of friction present in the fork.
To sum up our experiences with the 2016 FOX Float 36 RC2, it is clear that FOX has caught up with the leaders of the aggressive trail fork market. The new 36 is light, stiff, smooth, and offers almost complete adjustability. Back to back with the Pike, we feel that the Pike may still hold an edge in terms of how it deals with small bumps (as we previously alluded to, the 36 has a slightly more muted feel especially at cruising speed, which remains even with the compression dials backed all the way off). The tables are turned when it comes to the really rough stuff, here the 36 pulls slightly ahead with very impressive levels of control and poise. There is a slight weight difference (about 100 grams or so), and in real life also a financial penalty to the 36, it is up to you to decide if the differences between the 2 products is worth it. For this tester, the 36 took the performance of an already very capable bike up a notch further on the more serious trails, and we’ll be in no hurry to look for another fork at present. If we were, we’d probably look to the new Lyrik to provide an even closer match for the 36…
Things That Could Be Improved
For a fork that will certainly appeal to racers, finding a quick release solution for the front axle seems to be a real requirement. You can argue that if you flat in a world class enduro event your weekend is over, but every second counts when you’re still fighting for points, and grabbing your multi-tool to release 4 pinch bolts as well as the axle itself takes a lot longer than just winding out a QR. For the general public, we feel that the 15/20-mm compatibility and the slight reduction in weight is probably worth the inconvenience, as is the floating axle interface, but perhaps FOX should look into offering a race-oriented version of the RC2 with a choice of either 15 or 20-mm QR lowers.
The absence of any sag markings on the stanchions is inconvenient, as is the fact that there is no table of recommended pressures on the lowers. Sure, the 36 is essentially a high-end, pro-level fork, and you could argue that working out your settings involves more science than just looking at a rubber ring, nevertheless this is an area where FOX could make the product easier to live with.
A final word on the price. At MSRP, the 36 is not far off its main competitors, but the Pike in particular can be had for a lot less.
Long Term Durability
Previous generations of FOX forks were certainly a bit needy in terms of maintenance. The new 36 offers longer service intervals, although FOX still “unofficially” recommends a basic lower service every 50 hours. Depending on where you ride, this is pretty good practice with any fork, anyhow. Pulling the lowers to change oil and clean up the lowers is not a very demanding task on the 36, nor does it involve any special tools.
We’ve been on the 2016 version of the 36 for a good 2 months now, with no longevity issues to report at this stage. The performance of the fork remains the same, the finish has held up well to a few muddy rides, and all the adjustments remain easy to use with solid, confidence-inspiring clicks. We’ll keep a close eye on how the fork performs over the coming months, and we’ll report back towards the end of winter to let you know how it has been holding up.
What’s The Bottom Line?
Light, smooth, highly adjustable and just about as burly as you can make a single crown fork, the 2016 FOX Float 36 RC2 ticks all the boxes. It will compete on level terms with the main alternatives out there, and will really come into its own when the gnar factor increases. If it’s ultimate adjustability in a fork that packs a serious punch you’re after, look no further.
More information at www.ridefox.com.
About The Reviewer
Johan Hjord loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After many years spent practicing falling off cliffs with his snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Ever since, he’s mostly been riding bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many flaws as a rider. His 200-pound body weight coupled with unique skill for poor line choice and clumsy landings make him an expert on durability - if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much okay for anybody. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style that he describes as "none" (when in actuality he rips!). Having found most trail features to be not to his liking, Johan uses much of his spare time building his own. Johan’s other accomplishments include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly on 11.
