ABOUT THE FOX 34 SL FORK
The biggest change is an increase to 130 mm of travel, a notable bump from the previous Step-Cast’s 120 mm max. This fork is built for modern XC riders pushing boundaries, or downcountry riders who want more capability without a weight penalty. Fox also redesigned the crown using generative design techniques, giving it that distinctive webbed look while maintaining stiffness and keeping the grams in check.
I tested both the Grip SL damper with the three-position lever; and the Grip X option, which is more trail-oriented and adds about 60 grams. This fork comes in at just over 1,400 grams—nearly identical to the outgoing Step-Cast—but with 20% more bushing overlap, making it noticeably stiffer.
Fox also introduced the Twin Stick remote, a clever little contraption that combines a dropper lever and lockout control into one tidy unit. Compared to other multi-control remotes I’ve used, like Orbea’s Squid Lock or Scott’s TwinLoc, the Twin Stick feels more refined, with a lighter lever action and a tactile, clicky feel.
THE DIRT
My History with 34 Step-Cast & Other 130mm Forks | I first got into mountain biking through the WSCL (NICA equivalent in Washington), so XC has always been something I’ve kept tabs on. Recently the Fox 34 Step-Cast has been my go-to fork, and I’ve spent countless hours on both the FIT4 and Grip SL dampers. While I appreciated the light weight and efficiency, I often found myself wanting more stiffness and control when pushing into rougher terrain.
I even experimented with longer travel XC forks in the past. Back in 2018, I ran a 130 mm RockShox Pike on my Trek Top Fuel, slackening the head angle and increasing the bike’s capability for technical trails. In 2019, I ran a MRP Ribbon SL at 130 mm on a custom project bike. Both of these setups proved to me that there was real value in running extra travel on an XC bike, but the weight penalty was always an issue. The Pike and Ribbon SL were both hovering around 1800 grams, making them nearly a pound heavier than dedicated XC forks.
My Experience on the new Fox 34 SL | I mounted the Fox 34 SL on my Ibis Exie, a race-bred machine originally designed for a 120 mm fork. Right away, I noticed that the 130 mm setup changed the geometry a bit, but after a few rides and some cockpit adjustments, I found it struck a great balance between comfort and capability.
I put this fork through its paces in Arizona, riding the chunky, rocky terrain around Tucson, Globe, and Mesa, before heading to Temecula to race the UCI XC Pro Cup at Vail Lake. Finally, I brought it back home to Bellingham for some laps on Galbraith Mountain and a local short-track race. Across all of these rides, the fork performed well.
Compared to the previous 34 Step-Cast, the added stiffness was immediately noticeable, giving me more control and better front-end tracking when I pushed the Exie beyond its usual limits. I tested both the Grip SL damper and the Grip X damper, and each had its own strengths. The Grip SL was impressively supple off the top when open, soaking up small bumps while still offering enough support for bigger hits, making it great for pure XC applications. The Grip X, on the other hand, was firmer and more supportive—ideal for aggressive riders looking for a bit more mid-stroke support and a slightly more trail-capable feel.
System Weight vs. The Competition | One of the stand out aspects of the 34 SL is its weight compared to other XC and downcountry forks. Fox claims that the 34 SL, Float SL shock, and Transfer SL dropper create one of the lightest full-suspension XC systems available. When compared to RockShox’s SID Ultimate and SID Luxe, the Fox system is roughly 300-400 grams lighter, while offering more travel. Compared to Flight Attendant-equipped setups, which add even more weight, Fox is making a strong argument for keeping things simple and light.
Why I Think The Fox 34 SL Fork Matters | With modern XC courses getting rougher and bikes pushing deeper into trail territory, 130 mm travel makes a lot of sense. Fox even suggests that World Cup racers might start running longer-travel forks like this for rougher courses. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this become a popular option for events like BC Bike Race or Whistler Back 40, where that extra travel could make a difference.
One standout feature is the native 180 mm post mount, which means you can run a 180 mm rotor without an adapter, and even bump up to 200 mm if you want more stopping power. Considering most World Cup racers are already using 180 mm rotors, this change makes a lot of sense for aggressive XC and downcountry riders.
Something to consider when upgrading to 130 mm travel is your bike fit. Increasing fork travel raises the front end, which can affect handling and climbing position. To compensate, I lowered my stem height and tested a negative-angled stem. If you’re running a -5° stem, switching to a -15° could help keep your fit feeling familiar. If you’re already on a -15° stem, moving to -25° might be worth considering for a race-focused setup. I switched from a 60mm -6 degree stem to a 70mm -17 degree stem on my personal bike, and found that my position was returned to where I liked it.
Thoughts on the Fox Twin Stick Remote | Fox’s Twin Stick remote combines a dropper and lockout lever in one, and after using it for a while, I found it to be one of the best-integrated solutions out there. The ratcheting lockout mechanism works smoothly, and the dropper lever has a light, precise feel—a welcome detail during long XC races when your hands are wrecked. Compared to the current benchmark – the Orbea Squidlock – the lever feel is significantly lighter.
WHO IS THE FOX 34 SL FORK FOR?
The Fox 34 SL is a perfect match for riders looking to push their XC or downcountry bikes into rougher terrain without adding unnecessary weight. If you’re running a modern short-travel bike that blurs the line between XC and trail, this fork is worth considering.
If you’re a pure XC racer, you may prefer to run it at 120 mm to maintain a lower front end while still gaining stiffness over the previous 34 Step-Cast. For riders doing multi-day events like BC Bike Race or tackling rough marathon races, running it at 130 mm could be the perfect balance of control and efficiency.
Ideal bike candidates for the 34 SL include:
- Transition Spur
- Rocky Mountain Element
- YT Izzo
- Specialized Epic EVO
- Orbea Oiz
- Ripley AF and Ripley V4
The Wolf’s Last Word
The Fox 34 SL does an excellent job of balancing weight, stiffness, and capability. Whether you’re racing XC or building a lightweight downcountry rig, this fork delivers. With the added ability to run a 180 mm rotor natively, it’s more versatile than its predecessor.
Fox is pushing the idea that XC bikes don’t have to be limited to 100-120 mm travel, and after riding this fork, I have to agree. The 34 SL proves that longer travel doesn’t have to mean extra weight or a loss of efficiency. If you’re looking for a fork that blurs the line between XC and trail, this one should be at the top of your list. 
Price: $649-$1099
$149 – Twin Stick Remote
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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