HISTORY
The previous generation of the 36 launched in 2022 alongside the now legendary Fox 38, a burly and all-new fork that quickly grabbed all the attention. While the 38 impressed with its stiffness and support for aggressive enduro use, the 36 felt like a minor update by comparison. Many riders found it underwhelming, especially when pushed hard—it had a tendency to bind under load and lacked the composed, plush feel of its bigger sibling. As a result, the older 36 was often overlooked in favor of the 38, even on bikes that didn’t need quite as much travel or stiffness.
WHAT’S NEW ON THE FOX 36?
The 2026 36’s updated air spring and bushing layout are Fox’s attempt to remedy the old 36’s biggest flaw: binding under load.
A standout update in the 2026 Fox 36 is its re-engineered air spring – the Float Ultra-Low-Friction Compliant Air Spring. Unlike previous versions that used a rigid assembly, the new design introduces a slight amount of controlled play in the internal assembly. This flexibility allows the air spring to self-align inside the fork when the chassis is under side loads or twisting forces—like when you’re cornering hard, landing sideways, or riding through off-camber compressions.
This may sound like a small change, but the result is a big one: smoother travel, fewer instances of binding, and a more supple, controlled feel throughout the stroke. Combined with increased bushing overlap – up 30mm from the previous generation – this new air spring design is a key reason the 36 finally feels as good as the 38, especially when pushed hard.
Smaller updates include the 200mm post mount for the front brake; an air top cap which now utilises a cassette tool interface; and redesigned lower leg bypass channels with smaller air bleeders. Then of course, there’s that eye-catching generatively designed arch to increase stiffness and minimize weight.
As before, the new 36 will be offered with the choice of Grip X or Grip X2 damper, with 140mm to 160mm travel options.
ON THE TRAIL
Do all of these updates add up to an appreciable difference in performance? The short answer: Yes!
This fork now tracks noticeably better through rough terrain, jumps, and steep tech. It’s more planted, more responsive, and flat-out better than before.
Swapping between this and a 38, I could barely tell the difference—except for the weight. Unless you need more than 160mm of travel, the new 36 should be on your shortlist.
QUIRKS & DAMPER TUNES
One wrinkle worth mentioning: my test fork came with a “P” designation in the serial number, marking it as a pre-production unit. Like many media testers, I received a damper tune that felt… odd. It was a Compression Medium / Rebound Extra Light setup—reportedly similar to what might ship on some OEM builds. On trail, it felt mismatched: too firm on compression and too fast on rebound.
I had the damper switched to a CLRL (Compression Light / Rebound Light) tune, which Fox says is the aftermarket spec, and the fork instantly came alive. Supportive, controlled, and balanced—exactly what you’d expect from a high-end trail fork. Consumers buying aftermarket won’t need to worry, but it’s a good reminder that pre-production reviews sometimes involve a bit of beta testing, and product managers can manage to mess up a good thing.
Also worth noting is that the brake hose routing rubs the paint on the arch. I noticed the same issue on my 34SL and used tape to protect the paint but I shouldn’t have to do this on a new fork. Fox should create a revised cable clamp to solve this issue across all of the new fork offerings with the generatively designed arch.
WHY WEIGHT MATTERS
At around 200 grams lighter than the Fox 38, the new 36 hits a sweet spot for modern trail and enduro bikes that are increasingly trending toward heavier builds. With long-travel dropper posts, coil shocks, and beefy tires becoming more common, shedding a bit of weight up front can help balance things out.
While the 38 is still the go-to for full-on enduro abuse, the new 36 now offers comparable performance with less mass. That makes it a better choice for riders who want to push hard without sacrificing playfulness or pedal-ability.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Fox has finally given the 36 the treatment it deserves. It’s precise, supportive, and confidence-inspiring without the extra heft of a 38. 
Price: $749-$1199
Website: Ridefox.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Eric Olsen’s natural habitat is the steep loam and techy jank of Bellingham Washington and the San Juan Islands. He is a creature always on the move and is known for bike touring on DH tires, producing movies about wet rats, 3d printing, being a failed reality TV star, and interviewing people with bananas. He spends most of his time racing and filming bikes all over the world.
Rank: Contributor
Size: 6’2” / 188cm | 180lbs / 81kg
Social: @jankyeric
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