The Fox 36 Performance Elite is a front suspension fork engineered specifically for aggressive trail and enduro riders who demand superior handling, adjustability, and durability. Positioned just below the Factory series, the Performance Elite retains the same high-end internals, including the GRIP2 damper, without the Kashima coating. This makes it an ideal choice for riders who want top-tier performance at a more approachable price point. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of installing, adjusting, maintaining, and optimizing the 36 Performance Elite fork for the best trail riding experience.
Tools Required
- Torque wrench [paid link]
- 6mm and 5mm hex wrenches
- Shock pump
- Suspension sag meter or ruler
- Fork crown race setter (if needed)
- Grease and carbon paste (as appropriate)
- Measuring calipers or ruler
Installation Guidelines for the 36 Performance Elite
Installing the Fox 36 Performance Elite requires precision to ensure optimal function and rider safety. Begin by confirming the steerer tube is the correct length for your frame and stem stack. If trimming is necessary, cut the steerer carefully using a guide, and deburr the edge.
Next, install the star nut (for aluminum steerers) or use the appropriate compression plug for carbon steerers. Apply carbon paste or grease on the steerer tube, depending on your frame material, and slide the fork into the headtube. Install spacers, the stem, and top cap, ensuring proper compression before torquing the stem bolts to specification.
If you’re replacing an old fork, ensure the crown race on the 36 Performance Elite matches your headset system. Seat the axle correctly in the dropouts and torque to specification—typically 15 Nm for the 15mm Kabolt-X axle.
Initial Setup and Adjustment
Setting Sag and Air Pressure
Proper sag setup is critical for maximizing the 36 Performance Elite’s performance. With the rider in full gear, measure sag with the fork under load. The recommended sag is 15-20% of total travel, which for a 160mm fork translates to 24-32mm. Adjust air pressure using a shock pump accordingly.
Fox provides an air pressure chart as a starting point. Fine-tune the pressure to match your riding style and terrain. Lower pressures improve compliance, while higher pressures offer more support on big hits.
Adjusting Rebound and Compression
The GRIP2 damper allows high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments:
- Low-speed compression helps control mid-stroke support and pedal bob.
- High-speed compression mitigates impacts from rocks and roots.
- Low-speed rebound controls fork extension during small bumps.
- High-speed rebound handles the fork’s return after major impacts.
Set all dials to the middle and test ride. Gradually adjust in single-click increments. Listen for “packing down” or excessive bounce to correct rebound. Aim for a balance where the fork feels planted but responsive.
Maintenance and Service Intervals
Regular Maintenance
To maintain performance, clean the stanchions and dust seals after every ride. Wipe off dirt and apply a suspension-specific lubricant to the seals.
Every 30 hours of ride time, perform a lower leg service. This includes:
- Draining and replacing bath oil.
- Cleaning the air spring and damping shaft.
- Inspecting foam rings and seals.
At 100-hour intervals, conduct a full damper and air spring service. This task requires specialized tools and knowledge. If you’re unfamiliar with suspension internals, consult a Fox-certified technician.
Common Wear Points
Monitor the stanchion coatings for signs of wear or damage. Inspect seals and wipers for cracking or excessive oil leakage. Check the axle interface for play or wear. Addressing these issues promptly will extend the fork’s lifespan.
Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues
Fork Feels Harsh or Unresponsive
This often results from excessive air pressure or over-damped compression. Recheck your sag, and reduce high-speed compression in small increments.
Fork Bottoms Out Frequently
First, ensure you’re using the correct number of volume spacers. The 36 Performance Elite allows fine-tuning progression with air volume spacers. Add one to increase ramp-up and reduce bottom-outs.
Excessive Fork Dive Under Braking
Reduce low-speed compression slightly and consider increasing air pressure by 5 psi. Verify proper sag to ensure the fork isn’t sitting too deep in its travel.
Customization and Performance Optimization
Volume Spacers for Progression
The Fox 36 Performance Elite supports volume spacers to alter spring progression. More spacers increase end-stroke resistance, ideal for aggressive riders on steep descents.
Upgrade Compatibility
Although the fork lacks Kashima coating, its internal GRIP2 damper and EVOL air spring match the Factory series in functionality. Riders can upgrade the air spring or replace seals with high-performance alternatives to enhance responsiveness.
Personalized Tuning
The GRIP2 damper offers enough adjustability to tailor fork behavior precisely. Enduro racers may prefer a slower rebound and firmer compression, while trail riders might soften settings for comfort and traction.
Compatibility with Drivetrain and Frame Standards
The Fox 36 Performance Elite is compatible with tapered head tubes (1.5 to 1-1/8”) and 29” or 27.5” wheels, depending on the model. Its 110mm Boost spacing ensures compatibility with modern frames and hub standards.
It’s crucial to check for clearance with your frame and tires, especially with full compression and under load. The fork supports 180mm post-mount brakes and up to 220mm rotors with adapters, aligning it with current brake standards.
Comparison With Similar Forks
When compared to the Fox 36 Factory, the Performance Elite retains all tuning capabilities of the GRIP2 damper but omits the Kashima coating. This makes it slightly heavier and potentially less slippery under certain conditions, though most riders won’t perceive a significant difference in performance.
Compared to the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, the 36 Performance Elite offers more nuanced damper adjustments. While the Lyrik is lighter, the GRIP2 damper provides superior control for technical terrain.
For those considering a Fox 34 or 38, the 36 sits in the sweet spot—more capable than the 34 for enduro, but lighter and more agile than the 38.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What travel options are available for the 36 Performance Elite?
A: It comes in 140mm to 170mm travel options, depending on the model year and wheel size.
Q2: Can I change the travel of the fork?
A: Yes, travel can be adjusted by replacing the air spring shaft. This requires disassembling the fork’s air side and installing the correct shaft length.
Q3: How often should I service the 36 Performance Elite?
A: Perform a lower leg service every 30 hours and a full service every 100 hours or annually—whichever comes first.
Q4: Is the Performance Elite suitable for enduro racing?
A: Absolutely. With the GRIP2 damper and stiff 36mm chassis, it excels in aggressive riding and racing scenarios.
Q5: Does the lack of Kashima coating affect performance?
A: Not significantly. While Kashima reduces friction marginally, the Performance Elite’s black anodized stanchions perform nearly as well in real-world conditions.
Q6: Can I use this fork on a hardtail?
A: Yes, but ensure the geometry suits your riding. The fork is overbuilt for most hardtails but ideal for aggressive trail and enduro frames.
Conclusion
The Fox 36 Performance Elite is a high-performance fork offering premium adjustability and trail precision without the high cost of Kashima coating. It delivers the same GRIP2 damper technology as Fox’s top-tier forks, ensuring you get elite-level control on descents and technical climbs. With its robust construction, user-friendly tuning, and competitive pricing, the 36 Performance Elite is a compelling choice for riders who demand serious trail performance.