Even after all the hype, it seems the new Fox 36 is holding its own as their new weapon for enduro. It’s lighter. It’s more adjustable. And of course it is more stiff. The only thing that seems to be lacking is the ability to quickly change a flat or take off the wheel to fit it in your car. Fortunately, Flow Zone has the answer.
In previous years, the Fox 36 shipped straight from the factory with a quick release of its own. We’re assuming the decision to remove it for the 2015 36 came down to weight leaving riders with a lighter fork, but 5 bolts standing between them and wheel removal. While the Q36R quick release system from Flow Zone might be stepping into the past in terms of spec, we think there are plenty of 36 owners who will be all too happy to upgrade…
While the 2015 Fox 36 does not have a quick release, it does have an interchangeable axle system. That’s great news for anyone who has wheelsets with both 15 and 20mm hubs. Even better news is that the Q36R system is compatible with both the 15 and 20mm axle. Meant only for all 2015-2016 Fox 36, Flow Zone’s QR System looks to be a well engineered addition that adds a few pieces of hardware to work with the stock axles.
Using slightly longer pinch bolts than stock, the quick release levers pivot on brass cam bushings. Since the bolts can be tightened with the QR levers in the closed position, you are able to to get exactly the recommended torque from Fox meaning the QR system should be just as strong as the stock bolt on system. As for the axle, the Q36R lever is bolted to the already torqued axle meaning returning the lever to the same location should mean the same torque is applied each time the wheel is removed. After everything is installed, the Q36R system will add 99g over the stock fork weight.
Originating from the Denver, Colorado suspension shop run by Ethan Franklin, the levers are CNC machined from 7075 T6 and 6061 T6 aluminum with stainless steel hardware. Flow Zone will be selling the Q36R system for $89.00 with free shipping in the U.S. and as an authorized Fox dealer they will also be selling complete 36 forks with the Quick Release system already installed.