With the new FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 suspension fork, the American suspension colossus takes the next big step – or perhaps just a small one? After FOX already completely revised the core of its high-end forks in 2024 with the GRIP X2 damper and switched from the VVC system back to a classic shim stack, the 38’s chassis initially remained untouched. Now comes the next logical step: a comprehensive overhaul of the entire fork. In addition to a revised chassis, the GRIP X2 damping has also been further refined,without overturning the fundamental concept once again.
The previous FOX 38 with GRIP X2 damper already secured the test victory in our major suspension fork comparison test. At the same time, FOX shook up the market last spring with the radical FOX Podium upside-down fork and showed that far from everything has been exhausted and that they’re not afraid to question the classic right-side-up concept. Nevertheless, the significantly more popular 38 platform will not simply disappear from the market. Instead, insights from recent developments have been used and implemented in the new FOX 38. But does that actually make it an even better fork – or has FOX gone one step too far?
The new FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 suspension fork in detail
The key data of the new FOX 38 at a glance
The new FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 naturally remains in its element and, with a travel of 160, 170 or 180 mm, covers the enduro and gravity segment in the FOX line-up. This places it in the same category as the Podium USD fork, giving you two high-end concepts to choose from. It’s available for both 29” and 27.5” wheels and with either 37 or 44 mm offset. With the casting, FOX consistently follow a modern approach: the fork comes with a 200 mm post mount and is approved for brake rotors up to 230 mm – smaller rotors make little sense on bikes in this category anyway. The proven 15 mm thru-axle with 110 mm installation width remains unchanged.
With a weight of 2,412 g (with 170 mm travel, 19 cm steerer tube length and Kabolt thru-axle), the new FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 sits exactly at the level of its predecessor. In terms of price, the Factory model at 1.499 € clearly remains in the high-end segment, even though the MSRP has dropped by 200 € compared to its predecessor. In addition to the Factory model with Kashima coating – which is available in classic FOX orange and black – there will also be a Performance model with black stanchions and lowers. The new Performance Elite version still relies on the high-quality GRIP X2 damper and should therefore deliver the same performance as its fancyFactory counterpart, as the difference in coatings is hardly noticeable. However, there are currently no euro prices available for this model. On the US market, however, the price difference is only 110 USD.
The revised chassis
According to FOX, stiffness has been specifically adjusted in the new chassis: with 8.8 % more fore-aft stiffness – i.e. stiffness in the direction of travel – the fork is said to respond more precisely to impacts, while the 6.8 % reduced torsional stiffness – i.e. resistance to twisting – is intended to provide more grip. In addition, the stanchions have been slightly lengthened, increasing the bushing overlap from 120 to 140 mm. The greater overlap with the bushings is intended to reduce twisting and thereby minimize friction.
New GlideCore air spring unit and revised details
Another update is the new NA3 GlideCore air spring unit, which was already introduced with the new FOX 36 last year. Its goal: to reduce friction by actively compensating for minimal deformations of the chassis. The air spring can move slightly in multiple directions and thus remains sensitive even under load. In contrast to the FOX 36, the new GlideCore air spring unit on the 38 – due to the slightly longer stanchions – is not backwards compatible.
FOX have also refined some details: the bleed valves have been slightly optimized and the fork is now compatible with the new mud fenders of the current 36. These sit much closer to the casting, preventing dirt from slipping between the fender and casting as it could on the previous fork. The fender is now also mounted using four small pan-head screws instead of the bleed valves – however, installation remains fiddly and the screws can strip quickly if you are not careful.
Fine-tuning of the GRIP X2 damping
The heart remains the GRIP X2 damping cartridge, which has not been left untouched either. FOX revised the mid-valve piston as well as the shim stack. In particular, the new shape of the shims is intended to improve oil flow within the cartridge and thus ensure better breakaway performance. This revised cartridge was already used in the new Podium USD fork – albeit with a different shim tune adapted to the specific ride characteristics of an upside-down fork. The new 38 now adopts the technology, tuned to the classic single crown design.
Unchanged adjustment options:
Low-speed compression (LSC): 18 clicks
High-speed compression (HSC): 8 clicks
Low-speed rebound (LSR): 16 clicks
High-speed rebound (HSR): 8 clicks
Design and finish
In purely visual terms, the FOX 38 remains true to its clean and rather understated look. Compared to some competitors with a more rectangular shape, it still appears rounded and tidy. From above, it’s hardly distinguishable from its predecessor. From the front, however, it’s clearly recognizable by the new crown, which now adopts the familiar cutouts of the new 36.
The low-speed compression adjuster dial and the air cap still feel rather sharp-edged. The revised air cap is slightly lower and therefore somewhat easier to open, but it can still require considerable force at times. However, most users won’t need to access this frequently. The top cap on the air side has also been raised slightly to prevent you from slipping with a wrench, although a 32 mm 6-point socket or pliers are still required to open the air chamber, for example to install tokens – unlike on the FOX 36 or RockShox forks, where a cassette tool can be used.
The new FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 suspension fork in the first test
During initial setup, the new FOX 38 proves pleasantly straightforward. The pressure in the slightly larger air chamber hasn’t changed drastically compared to its predecessor – in practice, we ran about 15 – 20 PSI less than on the previous FOX 38. The recommendations on the fork serve as a solid starting point and worked well for all our testers. The base settings for low- and high-speed rebound and compression are impressively well dialed right from the start, making it easy to achieve a solid setup without much trial and error. However, there is room for improvement in terms of usability: while the low-speed compression clicks are satisfyingly crisp, the high-speed compression dial still feels somewhat vague. In addition, there’s no clear labeling of the clicks – meaning you have to count them yourself and either take good notes or count again when making later adjustments. The rebound adjusters have clearly defined and audible clicks, but here too you have to count them yourself.
On the trail, the new FOX 38 rides noticeably high in its travel, which boosts confidence, especially in steep terrain, thus supporting an active riding style. However, the travel is significantly easier to use compared to the previous model, without risking harsh bottom-outs. It also retains its character, and the new FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 suspension fork continues to be very traction-focused. Compared to some other forks, it feels less “lively” and more planted and controlled. Those looking for more pop or a more playful ride feel will need to compensate via rebound speed – but this comes at the cost of a more nervous ride. In return, the FOX 38 fully plays to its strengths in responsiveness. It reacts extremely sensitively to small bumps, and the reduced friction compared to the previous model is clearly noticeable. The issue of the fork sticking slightly during out-of-saddle pedaling that affected previous 38 models is now a thing of the past. The noise level is also a positive: the new FOX 38 operates extremely quietly, and even with extreme rebound or compression settings, there’s no slurping or sucking noise. In addition, the very planted, damped ride-feel pairs exceptionally well with the current FOX FLOAT X2 and DHX2 shocks.
When tuning, the new FOX 38 shows a differentiated character. The rebound offers a relatively compact adjustment range, but one that is very finely graduated. This often gives you several settings that work well and also allows for very precise tuning. Even heavier riders still have sufficient scope to adjust rebound meaningfully. A similar picture emerges with compression: the adjustment range is not huge, but it is very precisely stepped. Changes to high-speed compression are clearly noticeable and quickly provide more support. Low-speed compression, on the other hand, requires a few more clicks before a noticeable difference is felt when pumping or cornering. However, you also have twice as many clicks available here.
Conclusions about the new FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 suspension fork
The new FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 builds on an already excellent predecessor. Improved sensitivity, noticeably reduced friction, and an even more traction-focused ride feel take its performance up a notch, all while operating in near silence. It stays true to its composed, planted character, though it doesn’t quite match the liveliness of some competitors. If we’re being picky, usability could still be refined, and depending on personal preference, slightly broader adjustment ranges would be welcome.
Tops
- Excellent traction and control
- Finely adjustable
- Very quiet
Flops
- Adjuster dials not labeled and partly vague
For more information, visit the FOX website.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker, FOX