Upgrading Your Ride: Is 38 Factory GRIP2 Worth It?

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The Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 is a premium fork engineered for aggressive trail and enduro riders seeking top-tier performance. With advanced damping control, increased stiffness, and enhanced adjustability, it appeals to riders looking for more than just marginal gains. This guide explores every aspect of the 38 Factory GRIP2—from installation to performance tuning—helping you determine whether this fork is a worthy upgrade for your setup.

Tools Required

  • 6mm and 8mm Allen keys [paid link]
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Crown race setting tool
  • Star nut setter or threaded insert tool
  • Suspension grease
  • Shock pump
  • Caliper or ruler
  • Cassette lockring tool [paid link] (for some through-axles)
  • Rubbing alcohol and clean rag

Technical Overview of the 38 Factory GRIP2

The 38 Factory GRIP2 is Fox’s answer to the need for a stiff, responsive, and highly tunable enduro fork. Built around 38mm stanchions, it offers superior torsional stiffness compared to its 36mm sibling. The GRIP2 damper delivers high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping, enabling meticulous fine-tuning for varied terrain.

Key features:

  • GRIP2 damper with VVC (Variable Valve Control)
  • 38mm stanchions for added stiffness
  • Float EVOL air spring
  • Factory-level Kashima coating
  • Available in 160mm–180mm travel options
  • Compatible with 29-inch wheels and 110mm Boost spacing

Installation Guide for the 38 Factory GRIP2

Installing the 38 Factory GRIP2 requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Begin by removing the old fork, noting steerer tube length and crown race specifications. Ensure your headset and frame are clean before proceeding.

Cut the steerer tube to match your current setup or desired cockpit height. Install the star nut or threaded insert depending on whether the steerer is aluminum or carbon. Seat the crown race using a crown race setting tool.

Slide the fork into the head tube, stack spacers, stem, and top cap. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to secure the stem bolts and top cap bolt to manufacturer specifications. Finally, install the front wheel and brake caliper. Re-center the caliper to prevent rotor rub.

Adjusting the GRIP2 Damper Settings

The GRIP2 damper offers four separate adjustments:

  • High-speed compression (HSC)
  • Low-speed compression (LSC)
  • High-speed rebound (HSR)
  • Low-speed rebound (LSR)

Begin with Fox’s factory-recommended baseline settings. Adjust LSC and LSR for small bump compliance and traction. Tuning HSC and HSR will help with support on big hits and prevent harsh bottom-outs or rebounds. Each click makes a significant difference, so adjust gradually and test ride frequently.

Float EVOL Air Spring Setup

Use a shock pump to inflate the air spring to the pressure suggested by your weight in the Fox setup chart. The EVOL air spring features a negative air chamber that improves small bump sensitivity. Use volume spacers to adjust ramp-up. Adding spacers increases bottom-out resistance; removing them makes the fork more linear and plush.

Maintenance Intervals and Procedure

Fox recommends:

  • Every 50 hours: Clean stanchions and inspect for wear.
  • Every 125 hours: Lower leg service—replace oil and seals.
  • Every 200 hours: Full damper rebuild.

Regularly inspect the fork seals and bushings. Wipe stanchions clean after each ride to avoid contamination. When servicing, use Fox’s 20wt Gold oil and specific seal kits to ensure performance and warranty compliance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Excessive Fork Dive

  • Increase air pressure or volume spacers.
  • Increase LSC slightly to enhance mid-stroke support.

Harsh Bottom-Out

  • Add a volume spacer or increase HSC slightly.

Fork Feels Sticky or Unresponsive

  • Clean and relube stanchions.
  • Check for dirt or wear on seals and bushings.

Clicking or Unusual Noises

  • Verify axle is torqued correctly.
  • Inspect for loose headset or rotor bolts.

Performance Tuning and Customization

The 38 Factory GRIP2 allows riders to tailor performance to their riding style and terrain. For downhill tracks, increase compression damping and reduce rebound speed. For trail rides, lighten compression and increase rebound for comfort and traction. Use different air spring volumes and damper tuning to optimize performance without sacrificing compliance.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain and Frame Components

The 38 Factory GRIP2 is compatible with:

  • 1.5-inch tapered head tubes
  • Boost 110x15mm hubs
  • 29-inch wheels (up to 2.6-inch tires)
  • Post-mount 180mm brake calipers (adapters available for 200mm+)

It integrates seamlessly with most modern enduro frames. Check clearance if using full fenders or high-volume tires.

Comparing the 38 Factory GRIP2 to Similar Models

38 Performance Elite

  • Same chassis and air spring
  • GRIP damper (not GRIP2), lacks HSR/LSR tuning
  • More affordable, slightly less tunable

RockShox ZEB Ultimate

  • Similar stiffness and travel
  • Charger 3 damper offers comparable adjustability
  • Less small bump sensitivity compared to Fox’s EVOL spring

Fox 36 Factory GRIP2

  • Lighter and more agile
  • Less torsional stiffness
  • Better suited for trail and light enduro

Is the Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 Worth the Upgrade?

For riders demanding top-tier control, stiffness, and adjustability, the Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 delivers unrivaled front-end confidence. It excels in technical terrain and aggressive riding, justifying its premium price tag. While overkill for casual trail riding, it is an ideal match for enduro racers and heavy-duty riders looking to extract every ounce of performance from their bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I install the 38 Factory GRIP2 on a trail bike?
Yes, if your frame supports 160mm+ travel and tapered head tube with Boost spacing. However, it may be too stiff or heavy for lightweight trail builds.

Q2: How often should I service the 38 Factory GRIP2?
A lower leg service is recommended every 125 hours or sooner if you ride in dusty or muddy conditions. Full rebuilds should occur every 200 hours.

Q3: What’s the difference between GRIP2 and GRIP dampers?
The GRIP2 offers independent high- and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments, while the GRIP is simpler with fewer tuning options.

Q4: How do I choose the right travel for my riding style?
160mm is ideal for aggressive trail, while 170–180mm suits enduro and bike park use. Match travel to your frame’s design and intended terrain.

Q5: Does the GRIP2 damper make a noticeable difference?
Yes, especially for advanced riders. The high-speed rebound and compression adjustments allow you to fine-tune suspension behavior precisely.

Q6: Can I use 27.5-inch wheels with the 38 Factory GRIP2?
Not unless you have the 27.5-inch version. The 29-inch model won’t provide correct geometry or axle-to-crown length for 27.5-inch wheels.

Conclusion

The Fox 38 Factory GRIP2 is a serious upgrade for enduro and aggressive trail riders who demand uncompromised performance. With precise damping control, robust chassis stiffness, and exceptional tunability, it stands out as one of the most capable forks in its class. If your riding style aligns with its strengths, this fork is unquestionably worth the investment.