The 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 [paid link] suspension fork from Fox is designed to deliver top-tier performance for modern electric mountain bikes (E-MTBs). It combines cutting-edge technology with robust construction, ensuring smooth, precise control over a wide range of trail conditions. This fork is engineered specifically for the demands of E-MTB riding, offering exceptional handling, stability, and durability.
Design and Construction
The 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 [paid link] fork is built to handle the higher speeds and greater forces typical of electric mountain bikes. The “36” refers to the fork’s 36mm stanchions, which offer increased stiffness and strength while maintaining low weight. The Factory designation indicates Fox’s highest-performance materials and finishes, with the fork featuring their Kashima coating, known for its durability and smoothness.
One of the most notable features of this fork is its custom-tuned GRIP2 damper, which is designed to provide precise and tunable control, giving riders the ability to adjust their ride to suit different terrain and riding styles. The fork also features an E-MTB specific tune, ensuring that it can handle the added weight and power of electric bikes.
Key Features of the 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 Suspension Fork
GRIP2 Damper Technology
The GRIP2 damper is the centerpiece of the 36 E-MTB Factory fork. It provides superior compression and rebound control, allowing for precise tuning to match rider preferences and varying terrain. The GRIP2 damper offers separate high- and low-speed compression adjustments, which allows riders to fine-tune their suspension setup for optimal performance.
- High-Speed Compression: Controls the fork’s response to large impacts, such as drops and hits from rocks.
- Low-Speed Compression: Adjusts the fork’s ability to handle smaller, more frequent impacts, such as riding over roots or uneven ground.
- Rebound Control: Ensures the fork returns to its original position at the right speed after absorbing a bump.
This level of adjustability allows for more precise customization, providing a tailored suspension setup for any rider and trail condition.
Lightweight Yet Sturdy Build
The 36 E-MTB Factory fork is built with a lightweight design that ensures excellent performance without compromising on strength. The fork’s 36mm stanchions are made from high-quality aluminum and feature the Kashima coating, which not only reduces friction but also increases the fork’s resistance to wear and tear.
Despite being lightweight, the fork can handle the increased demands of E-MTBs, including higher speeds and added weight from the motor and battery. The fork’s robust construction ensures that it performs well on both technical trails and aggressive riding scenarios, offering outstanding durability and long-term reliability.
E-MTB Specific Design
Designed with E-MTBs in mind, the 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 suspension fork features a specific tuning that caters to the extra forces encountered by electric mountain bikes. E-MTBs tend to be heavier and faster than traditional mountain bikes, and the 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 is built to handle these factors while maintaining a smooth, controlled ride.
- Increased Stiffness: The fork’s 36mm stanchions offer more rigidity, ensuring better control at higher speeds.
- Enhanced Travel: The fork is available in various travel options (160mm, 170mm, and 180mm), allowing riders to choose the right amount of suspension for their riding style and terrain.
- E-MTB Specific Tune: The damping and spring rates are tuned to handle the extra weight and speed of electric bikes, offering smoother suspension action and better control.
Air Spring Technology
The 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 fork uses Fox’s proprietary FLOAT air spring system. This air spring offers adjustable volume and allows for better fine-tuning of the suspension to match specific riding conditions and rider preferences. The FLOAT system is known for its consistent feel throughout the travel, making it more responsive and comfortable on rough terrain.
- Adjustable Volume Spacers: Riders can adjust the volume of the air spring to change the fork’s progression, allowing for more or less ramp-up toward the end of the fork’s travel.
- Smooth Stroke: The air spring provides a supple initial stroke for small bumps, with a controlled and stable mid and end stroke to handle larger impacts.
This level of adjustability makes the 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 fork versatile [paid link] and adaptable to different riding conditions.
Installation and Adjustment
Installation
Installing the Fox 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 suspension fork requires the correct tools and a thorough understanding of fork setup. Begin by removing your old fork and ensuring that your frame is compatible with the 36 E-MTB Factory. Make sure to check the fork’s steerer tube length and that it fits your frame’s head tube.
Tools Required:
- 5mm and 6mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- Star nut or compression plug
- Suspension oil (for maintenance)
- Fork-specific spacers (if required for travel adjustments)
Adjusting the Suspension
Once installed, adjusting the suspension settings is a critical step for achieving optimal performance. The GRIP2 damper offers a wide range of adjustments:
- High-Speed Compression: Set this to your preference based on trail conditions. If you’re riding aggressive terrain with larger hits, increase the high-speed compression to prevent bottoming out.
- Low-Speed Compression: Adjust this to control how the fork behaves on smaller, repetitive bumps. Lowering it will allow the fork to absorb more small impacts.
- Rebound Control: Set the rebound to a moderate position, ensuring the fork doesn’t return too quickly or too slowly after compression.
- Air Spring Pressure: Adjust the air pressure based on your weight and desired suspension feel. The correct air pressure ensures proper support without bottoming out.
Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues
Fork Bottoming Out
If the fork is bottoming out too easily, this could be due to too little air pressure or insufficient high-speed compression. Adjusting the air spring pressure and increasing the high-speed compression will help reduce bottoming out.
Harsh Ride or Stiff Suspension
A harsh or overly stiff ride may be caused by too much air pressure or too much low-speed compression. Try reducing air pressure or lowering the low-speed compression to allow more small bump sensitivity.
No Rebound Control
If the rebound is too fast or too slow, ensure that the rebound knob is set correctly. Too much rebound can cause the fork to feel overly firm, while too little can cause it to bounce back too quickly.
Comparison with Similar Models
When compared to other suspension forks on the market, the 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 stands out due to its combination of precision tuning, high stiffness, and E-MTB specific features. For example, the RockShox Lyrik also offers similar performance levels, but the Fox 36 GRIP2 provides more detailed adjustability with its separate high- and low-speed compression adjustments.
Another competitor, the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 [paid link], is a solid option for riders looking for affordability without sacrificing too much performance. However, the Fox 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 excels with its superior damping performance and higher-quality construction, making it the preferred choice for high-end E-MTB setups.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
The Fox 36 E-MTB Factory GRIP2 suspension fork is compatible with most modern electric mountain bike drivetrains. It works seamlessly with both 1x and 2x drivetrains, offering a stable and controlled ride regardless of the gearing setup. However, when choosing your fork, it’s crucial to ensure that the travel matches the geometry of your bike. A mismatch can affect handling and performance, so it’s always best to consult your bike’s manufacturer recommendations for optimal fork travel and specifications.
The fork also integrates well with modern E-MTB brake systems, which tend to have higher stopping power due to the added weight and speed of electric bikes. The 36 E-MTB Factory fork’s stiffness and damping performance provide excellent support, helping maintain stability during aggressive braking.