First Look: 2015 FOX Suspension Lineup and First Impressions 7

iceman2058

4/8/2014 6:57am

It's no big secret that Fox struggled a bit with their 2013 CTD series, and it's also no secret that since then, the company has been working hard to remedy the issues. 2014 was a step in the right direction, but it was not the quantum leap many had hoped for either. A little while ago we had the opportunity to ride the Pro-only 2014 RAD products, and we came away impressed. But the question to answer then became, how will that cutting edge racing development program translate to new product for the regular consumer? That question is partially answered today, with the announcement of the 2015 FOX Suspension Lineup.

A few days ago we took part in a Mondraker press camp (more on that a bit later) and we had the opportunity to ride the production version of the 2015 34 Float CTD fork. The fork we rode certainly felt smoother than previous versions, but crucially, it also rode higher in its travel without giving up too much in terms of small bump sensitivity. It felt nice and supple even at pressures where we were not using full travel. This shows that a lot of what we liked about the RAD products has made its way into the production offerings, specifically the improved compression tune and the reduced overall system friction. We’ll need a bit more time on the fork to come to definitive conclusions of course, but the initial impressions on the trail are very positive. It was not without reminding us of the feeling of the RockShox Pike which is somewhat of a benchmark currently.

The redesigned CTD remote also works well enough, although it is still fairly stiff in its action, and lacks a distinct “click” to denote reaching the Trail or the Climb modes.

As for the CTD tune itself, we actually enjoyed riding both the fork and the shock in Descend mode most of the time - we were surprised to find ourselves at the bottom of fairly steep and aggressive runs without having used up all the travel, but also without having noticed any particular harshness. Overall, the fork seems both more active and more supportive than previous versions, and it would seem as though there will be less need to run the fork in Trail mode to get that extra level of support, which was previously often the case. There was a fair amount of bob around the sag point in the fork when hitting steep climbs in Descend mode, which is where the Trail setting WILL come in handy. As on the previous product, the Climb setting is essentially a lockout, something we find all but useless unless you regularly climb asphalt roads with a bob-prone bike. It certainly makes for less efficient climbing on any kind of rougher surface.

Read on to find out more about the whole new range of product available from FOX, and stay tuned for further ride impressions as we get more saddle time with the 2015 range.

Press Release:

A completely redesigned 36 Enduro fork headlines the lineup, along with updates to the rest of the line that are a direct result of the 34 RAD project during the 2013 race season.

FOX is celebrating its 40th anniversary since Bob Fox started redefining ride dynamics in the motocross world in 1974. Our entire fork lineup has received attention, with significant updates being made to the 32 and 34 models and a completely redesigned 36 series—some of the most exciting product offerings we’ve ever introduced. FOX will also be offering special edition stealth black forks and heritage graphic kits that will fit any FOX fork or shock.

40 YEARS OF FOX PHILOSOPHY: DEVELOP IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS WITH DEMANDING ATHLETES
In 1974, Bob set out on a quest to build a better motocross suspension. His approach was to work with top athletes at the racetrack to help them improve. Our current-day Racing Applications Development (RAD) program continues to work with athletes at the top of their game on some of the most demanding terrain around the world.

Several key developments from the RAD program have been used in the 2015 product line. New compression tunes, redesigned damper seals, and lubrication oil all add up to performance improvements.

32 & 34 forks have updated damping tunes for better small bump compliance and traction
32 & 34 Factory models offer on-the-fly CTD damping adjustment and 7-click Trail mode fine tuning
32 & 34 & 36 forks feature a redesigned seal head architecture that virtually eliminates breakaway force
32, 34, 36, & 40 use an advanced lubrication oil that integrates Molybdenum from the Kashima Coat formula

OUR LIGHTEST 36 RC2 FORK EVER: REDESIGNED FOR 26, 27.5 AND 29” WHEEL SIZES
The model year 2015 36 offers rigidity and improved traction for all-mountain riding and Enduro racing in a new lighter chassis. Also of note is its updated geometry, new convertible thru-axle design that works both with 15mm and 20mm, purpose-built RC2 damper, and redesigned air spring system that equalizes rider weight for increased traction.

Lighter: half-pound weight savings over its predecessor (starting at 4.19lbs/1901g)
36-specific RC2 damper: redesigned valve system provides better small bump compliance, reduced friction, better traction, and wider tuning range
Redesigned air spring system: equalizes rider weight for increased traction
Convertible thru-axle design: works with 15mm and 20mm axles

SPECIAL EDITION FORKS & DECALS
Heritage Fork & Shock Decal Kits, reminiscent to the first motocross decals these heritage graphics come in an array of colors.