The Fox 36 Factory GRIP2 suspension fork stands as a premier choice among aggressive trail and enduro riders. Recognized for its superior adjustability, stiffness-to-weight ratio, and precise damping control, this fork represents the pinnacle of Fox’s trail fork engineering. Below is a complete, expert-level guide tailored for those looking to install, tune, maintain, and optimize the 36 Factory GRIP2 for peak performance.
Tools Required
- Torque wrench [paid link] (Nm scale)
- 5mm and 6mm hex wrenches
- Suspension pump
- Calipers (for precise measurement)
- Shock oil (Fox 20wt Gold)
- Clean rags and isopropyl alcohol
- Fork seal press tool
- Allen key set
- Pick or seal puller tool
Installation Procedure
Installing the 36 Factory GRIP2 demands precision and a firm grasp of component alignment. Begin by confirming steerer tube length compatibility. If uncut, the steerer must be sized to your head tube plus spacer stack, allowing for proper headset preload.
Insert the star nut or install a compression plug for carbon steerer tubes. Next, mount the fork into the head tube with the appropriate crown race seated. Align the stem and torque the headset cap to eliminate play while maintaining smooth steering. Ensure the front brake caliper aligns with the fork’s post-mount standard, typically requiring a 180mm or 203mm rotor adapter.
Finally, install the thru-axle, ensuring the wheel is properly centered between the stanchions. Torque the axle and pinch bolts to Fox specifications.
Proper Adjustment for Optimal Performance
The GRIP2 damper enables granular control via four independent knobs: High-Speed Compression (HSC), Low-Speed Compression (LSC), High-Speed Rebound (HSR), and Low-Speed Rebound (LSR). Begin by setting the sag at 15–20% of travel using the suspension pump. This is typically 18–24mm of sag for a 160mm fork.
Rebound should be adjusted from slow to fast by bouncing the bike and ensuring it returns to its natural ride height without overshooting. Compression settings should be fine-tuned based on terrain. Increase HSC to resist harsh landings and LSC for platform support during pedaling.
Use a measured approach: turn knobs in small increments (¼ turn) and ride sections of trail repeatedly to assess changes. Maintain a tuning log to track preferred settings.
Maintenance Guidelines
Routine maintenance ensures the longevity and performance of the 36 Factory GRIP2. Wipe down stanchions after every ride to remove dust and debris. Every 30–50 riding hours, conduct a lower leg service by draining the oil, inspecting foam rings, and replacing seals if wear is visible.
At 125-hour intervals, a full damper and air spring service is recommended. This includes removing the damper cartridge, replacing O-rings, inspecting the air piston, and refilling with the correct oil weight. Always reassemble using the recommended torque values and follow a clean workbench protocol to avoid contamination.
Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues
Riders may experience inconsistent travel, spiking over bumps, or oil seepage. Inconsistent travel often stems from incorrect sag or trapped air in the negative spring—this can be fixed by equalizing air pressure via the top cap’s equalization button.
Spiking on rapid hits typically indicates overdamped HSC or insufficient rebound. Adjust these settings incrementally and check for improvement. Oil seepage around the seals may result from clogged foam rings or worn seals, which should be inspected and replaced as needed.
Noises such as a squelching sound can indicate contaminated damper oil. In this case, a complete damper rebuild is required.
Customization and Performance Optimization
The GRIP2 allows in-depth customization through volume spacers and damper tuning. Reducing or increasing volume spacers alters the air spring curve—fewer spacers result in a more linear feel, while more spacers create a progressive ramp.
For advanced users, Fox offers tuning shims and support via authorized service centers to revalve the damper for specific rider weights or styles. Optimizing rebound circuits can benefit heavier riders who need firmer damping for control on high-speed descents.
Switching to a custom Kashima-coated CSU or matching the fork with a coil spring upgrade are additional performance upgrades pursued by elite riders.
Model Comparison: 36 Factory GRIP2 vs. Competitors
Compared to RockShox Lyrik Ultimate and Öhlins RXF36, the 36 Factory GRIP2 excels in fine-tuning and stiffness. While the Lyrik offers excellent small-bump sensitivity, it lacks the dual rebound and compression adjustability found in the GRIP2.
Öhlins provides unique coil compatibility and a plush feel but trades off weight and less responsive high-speed control. Riders seeking a race-tuned feel with precise adjustability will favor the 36 Factory GRIP2.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
The fork’s 110mm Boost spacing ensures compatibility with modern wheelsets and front hub standards. Its 51mm offset caters to modern trail geometry and complements short-offset designs aimed at improving trail handling.
It supports both 29” and 27.5” wheels, depending on the specific model variant, and accommodates rotors up to 203mm. Riders must ensure that head tube dimensions and crown clearance align with frame and frame geometry before committing to installation.
The GRIP2 damper is self-contained, allowing seamless pairing with most full-suspension platforms without affecting drivetrain performance or requiring remote lockout integration.
Conclusion
The Fox 36 Factory GRIP2 stands at the intersection of adjustability, performance, and durability. Its advanced damping system, robust chassis, and wide compatibility make it a leading choice for trail and enduro riders demanding precision and reliability from their front suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I service my Fox 36 Factory GRIP2 fork?
A: Perform a lower leg service every 30–50 hours of riding and a full damper/air spring service every 125 hours for optimal performance.
Q2: Can I install the 36 Factory GRIP2 on any mountain bike?
A: Compatibility depends on your bike’s head tube size, axle spacing, and travel requirements. Ensure these match before installation.
Q3: What are the ideal compression settings for trail riding?
A: Start with mid-range LSC and HSC, then adjust based on terrain. Softer settings work better for technical, low-speed trails; firmer for high-speed flow trails.
Q4: What is the difference between GRIP2 and FIT4 dampers?
A: GRIP2 offers high- and low-speed adjustments for both compression and rebound, making it more tunable than the simpler FIT4.
Q5: Why is my fork not using full travel?
A: This can result from too many volume spacers, excessive air pressure, or over-adjusted compression damping. Recheck sag and settings.
Q6: Can I switch the air spring to a coil in the 36 Factory GRIP2?
A: Yes, coil conversion kits are available but should be installed by professionals due to the complexity of the modification.