36 FLOAT E-Optimized Factory Grip X 29in

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"I've run a lot of iterations of the 36, and this version is the most capable yet — the new arch design makes a noticeable difference in how planted the front end feels through high-speed corners and rock gardens. The GRIP X damper is a great middle ground between the full-on GRIP X2 and something more trail-friendly, and the firm mode is genuinely useful for long climbs without being a hassle to engage. The e-optimized chassis handles the extra demands of a heavier build without any flex or vagueness in the front end."

Some forks define categories. Since 2005, the FOX 36 has been the benchmark for single-crown all-mountain suspension — the fork that serious trail riders spec when the terrain gets consequential and the speeds get real. This reimagined version raises that bar with a generatively designed arch and crown that delivers a 20% increase in torsional stiffness over its predecessor, closing to within 87% of the FOX 38's rigidity while shedding 275 grams. The e-optimized chassis builds on that foundation with reinforcements in the zones that matter most for the unique load demands of e-MTB riding.

The technology underneath that stiffness gains is what makes the new 36 feel as good as it measures. The FLOAT Glidecore Compliant air spring decouples the stanchion from the air shaft, allowing the piston to move freely and preventing the binding that can compromise mid-corner sensitivity when lateral loads get heavy. Inboard Bypass Channels reduce pressure ramping, improve small-bump compliance, and keep oil circulating to protect bushings and seals over long, demanding days. Increased bushing overlap tightens the relationship between stanchion and lower leg, translating to a fork that feels composed and planted at speed rather than vague and reactive.

The GRIP X damper sits in the right place for riders who want genuine descent capability without the full complexity of the GRIP X2 — lighter, more accessible, and equipped with an easy-reach firm mode that makes extended climbs efficient without sacrificing the open, active feel the 36 is known for on the way down.