Spy Shots! Long Travel 27.5-Inch FOX 36 Fork Spotted 8

bturman
4/1/2014 4:47pm

Eagle-eyed viewers of the new Santa Cruz Nomad launch video may have noticed a new FOX 36 fork being used on the front of Dylan Wolsky's Nomad. To date, FOX hasn't made a 36 with 27.5-inch lowers.

The use of the gold-colored "Kabolt" thru axle may indicate that it's a special Racing Applications Development (RAD) Program fork. Also note the dual pinch-bolt clamps on both sides.

Racers and discerning riders alike have been asking for independently adjustable high and low-speed compression, and the 36 delivers in that regard. The right leg appears to have the same low- and high-speed adjuster found on current 36 forks.

Photo: Gary Perkin / Santa Cruz Bikes

Photo: Gary Perkin / Santa Cruz Bikes

What's going on internally? That's anyone's guess, but if it's anything like the prototype RAD 34 fork we rode a few months ago, it's going to be a big improvement for FOX. Browse through this slideshow where we previously discussed and rode a fork that may have an influence on future offerings or hold clues about what's coming next from FOX:

“Stiffness has become more important to the Pros, and I’m sure it will get even more important as the bigger wheeled bikes progress.” - Mark Fitzsimmons, FOX RAD Director

The damper, seals, lubrication oil, bushings, and axle on the RAD fork we rode all saw changes that may or may not make it to production. Most changes were made in the name of improved damping and control while lowering friction. Of particular interest was the prototype RAD CTD damper, which included a mid-valve.

Similar to the new FOX FLOAT 40, the RAD fork used Kashima coated damper rods, 20-weight gold lubrication oil, and new seals throughout to reduce dynamic friction. The bushings were also opened ever so slightly to further improve the smoothness of the fork.

There's no official word on whether or not this 36 will see production, but given that castings aren't cheap we're betting it will be available soon. Expect more details from Sea Otter next week. In the meantime, don't miss the new Nomad video to see it in action...

8 comments

View replies to: Spy Shots! Long Travel 27.5-Inch FOX 36 Fork Spotted

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Randy_Geniec
10 years ago
We need it simple they say- 3 positions. Now they are trying to sell us the same fork they sold in 2010 with high and low speed compression adjusters. What was old is new again. Get a Pike everyone if all mountain. If DH - get DVO. Dont be lemmings and fall for the hype. Learn to adjust your fork properly.
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Nicholast
10 years ago
I thought DVO was still all hype at this point since no one has owned one for more than a couple months so there is no creditable, real world experience that cuts through the this-is-shiny-and-expensive-so-it-must-be-the-best placebo effect from new buyers. Not discrediting DVO, but there is irony to your statement that contains both "don't be lemmings and fall for the hype" and "buy this...."
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Randy_Geniec
10 years ago
That would be true if in a few years DVO would offer a conventional DH fork. This is their first offering. Adjustability, parts availability, and ease of maintenance and support are the keys to any good fork. Fox has made their forks complicated and with limited adjustability the last few years. You need to be a brain surgeon to repair it or send it in for repair. Compare it to Rock Shox with the easy to maintain Pike and the OTT loader of DVO and you can see the direction the fork industry needs to go. I am glad Fox realized this and made changes but they make is seem like it is something special. Its the same high and low speed stuff they gave up a few years back.
c50 krogerjumpBMX
Morpheous
10 years ago
A) they (Fox) are not trying to sell us anything, these are speculative "spy" shots. B ) Fox has been making 36mm 180mm travel coil and air forks for some time, they are a match for this bike. (esp. TALAS) C) the Nomad is now 165mm rear travel, it may evolve into a Mini-DH sled, especially with a long travel SC fork. There is an in between Park bike (read Whistler Assualt weapon) need that this fork, if a real product to be offered, may fulfill. Not sure of your angst, but its mis directed. The Pike is an excellent fork no doubt, the DVO s beautiful but unproven as stated. Unfortunately, most people will never learn to tune their suspension, they need out of the box performance.

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