The Fox 38 Performance Elite fork is built for aggressive trail and enduro riders who demand precision, stiffness, and tunability. Designed with the same chassis as the top-tier Factory series but without the Kashima coating, the Performance Elite version offers pro-level performance at a more attainable price. This guide offers a detailed breakdown of installation, tuning, and maintenance for the 38 Performance Elite, helping riders maximize their experience on challenging terrain.

Tools Required

• Torque wrench [paid link] (Nm scale)
• Allen keys [paid link] (4mm, 5mm, 6mm)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Shock pump
• Fox suspension oil (20wt Gold)
• Seal driver kit
• Clean rags and isopropyl alcohol
• Suspension grease (e.g., Slickoleum)
• Lower leg removal tool
• Digital calipers (for precise measurements)

Installation Guide for the 38 Performance Elite

Proper installation of the Fox 38 Performance Elite begins with careful steerer tube preparation. Ensure the steerer is cut to the correct length for your frame and headset stack. Install a star nut using a guide tool to avoid misalignment. Apply grease to the headset bearings before inserting the fork into the head tube. Torque the stem bolts and top cap to specification—typically 5Nm for stem bolts and 2Nm for the top cap preload bolt.

Attach the front wheel, ensuring that the 15QR Kabolt-X axle is correctly aligned and torqued. Engage the pinch bolts on the lowers to 5Nm. Brake caliper mounting should follow the post-mount standard, using a torque wrench [paid link] set at 6-8Nm. Finally, check that there is no lateral play and that the fork compresses smoothly before taking it out for a ride.

Adjusting Suspension Settings for Optimal Performance

The 38 Performance Elite is equipped with the GRIP2 damper, offering high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments. Start by setting the sag: with full gear on, sit on the bike and aim for 20-30% sag (approximately 38-57mm for a 170mm fork). Adjust air pressure accordingly using a shock pump.

Once sag is dialed in, move on to damper tuning. Begin with rebound by turning the knob clockwise for slower return and counterclockwise for faster. Then fine-tune low-speed compression to control movement under rider weight shifts and high-speed compression for impacts from rocks and roots.

For enduro racing or aggressive trail riding, stiffer compression settings provide added control. Trail riders preferring comfort over precision may opt for slightly faster rebound and softer compression. It is crucial to test ride and tweak settings based on terrain and personal riding style.

Routine Maintenance and Service Intervals

Fox recommends 50-hour lower leg service intervals and 125-hour full damper service for the 38 Performance Elite. For the 50-hour service, start by removing the lowers. Carefully release air pressure, then loosen the foot nuts at the base of the lowers. Tap gently to disengage them before pulling off the lower legs.

Clean the internals using isopropyl alcohol and soft rags. Replace foam rings and dust wipers as needed, applying suspension grease to ensure smooth movement. Refill with 20wt Gold oil (40ml per leg for the 38) and reassemble.

For the 125-hour service, disassembly of the damper and air spring is required. Given the complexity, it is advisable to follow Fox’s service manuals closely or entrust this task to a certified suspension technician.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

If the fork feels harsh or lacks small bump compliance, it may be overinflated or have excessive high-speed compression. Lower the air pressure slightly and reduce high-speed compression in small increments.

A spongy or unresponsive feel can indicate low oil levels or worn seals. Check for oil leakage around the wiper seals or base nuts. Inconsistent rebound often results from incorrect damper tuning or contamination in the internals.

Excessive fork dive under braking suggests too little low-speed compression or insufficient air pressure. Conversely, harsh bottom-outs imply the need for increased pressure or volume spacers. The 38 Performance Elite supports volume tuning via spacers in the air chamber, allowing riders to customize the progression curve.

Customization and Performance Optimization

The air spring in the 38 Performance Elite can be fine-tuned with volume spacers to adjust the bottom-out resistance. Riders who frequently bottom out should add one or two spacers to increase ramp-up. This is especially beneficial for heavier riders or those riding steep terrain.

The GRIP2 damper allows independent adjustment of high and low-speed rebound and compression, enabling precise tuning for different trails. Riders can also upgrade the fork with Fox’s axle-to-crown adjuster to tweak geometry for mixed wheel sizes or lower front-end setups.

Swapping out the standard bolt-on axle for a Kabolt-X saves weight and adds stiffness. Additionally, riders can upgrade the wiper seals to SKF low-friction models for improved sensitivity.

Compatibility with Drivetrain and Frame Standards

The 38 Performance Elite is compatible with boost front hubs (15x110mm) and tapered steerer tubes. It supports 180mm direct post-mount brakes and can accommodate up to 230mm rotors with adapters. The fork crown clears up to 2.6-inch tires on 29-inch rims, making it suitable for most modern trail and enduro bikes.

While primarily designed for aggressive riding, the 38 works well with full-suspension bikes equipped with 1x drivetrains and wide-range cassettes. Its chassis and damper can handle the torque and braking forces generated in high-speed descents, ensuring stable tracking and predictable behavior.

Comparison with Similar Forks

Compared to the Fox 36 Performance Elite, the 38 offers a stiffer chassis, increased bushing overlap, and a larger 38mm stanchion diameter. This provides enhanced front-end precision on steep or rough terrain, albeit at a slight weight penalty.

Against the RockShox ZEB Select+, the Fox 38 Performance Elite maintains similar stiffness but offers more sophisticated damping adjustment through the GRIP2. The ZEB has a simpler Charger damper, which some riders may find easier to tune, but lacks the same degree of control.

Fox’s Factory 38 is nearly identical to the Performance Elite, with the main difference being the Kashima coating. While this provides marginally better durability and slipperiness, the core performance and adjustability remain consistent.

FAQs

What is the difference between Fox 38 Factory and Performance Elite?
The main difference is the coating. Factory models feature a Kashima coating for improved durability and smoothness, while Performance Elite models use a black anodized finish but retain identical internals.

How often should I service the Fox 38 Performance Elite fork?
Perform a lower leg service every 50 riding hours and a full damper service every 125 hours for optimal performance and longevity.

Can I use volume spacers with the Fox 38 Performance Elite?
Yes, volume spacers can be installed to increase air spring progression, helping to reduce bottom-outs during aggressive riding.

What rotor sizes are compatible with this fork?
The fork has a 180mm post-mount brake interface and can accommodate up to 230mm rotors with the appropriate adapter.

Is the GRIP2 damper user-serviceable?
While technically serviceable, the GRIP2 damper is complex and should be serviced by a professional unless the user is experienced with damper internals.

Is this fork compatible with 27.5” and 29” wheels?
The Fox 38 Performance Elite comes in configurations for both 27.5” and 29” wheels. Check the specific model and axle-to-crown height for your setup.