The all-new Fox 32TC gravel suspension fork is now the lightest gravel suspension fork with a telescoping design, thanks to a complete re-think of their step-cast layout, a reverse arch, and minimalist design.
The original Fox AX gravel suspension fork was little more than a rebadged, shortened 32 Step Cast mountain bike fork. It worked, but was overbuilt for the task at hand, and thus heavier than it needed to be. And the broad crown presented clearance issues for some frames. Fox knew they could do better, and the new 32TC is the result.
The 32 Taper Cast comes in three levels -Factory, Performance Elite, and Performance- and they all share the new lightweight chassis with the arch on the back.
If we’re going by claimed weights at launch, the 1,226g 32 TC is one gram lighter than the 1,227g Rockshox Rudy fork launched last August. Marginal gains, indeed. And both claims are with trimmed steerer tubes, so your results may vary.
To save weight, Fox gave it a shorter air spring that delivers the desired spring curve. Where the old 32 SC could take up to seven volume reduction spacers (and benefited from using them), the new 32 TC fits a maximum of four, and Fox says you may not even need to use any.
It comes only with a 1.5″ tapered steerer tube, which they say makes it compatible with the vast majority of bikes out there, with a focus on modern frames that are all using that standard.
Sticking with 12x100mm thru axles kept it narrow, and the knobs and switches on the top are smaller, lower-profile versions than what’s on their MTB forks. Combined, these help it clear most frames’ downtubes.
More weight savings come from a chiseled lower that tapers (hence the “TC” Taper Cast moniker versus “SC” Step Cast from before). Note the bulge for the bushings mid-leg and you get a sense of how lean they’ve made it.
Fox says these cutouts won’t become clogged with mud, and it’s why they’ve put the trusses and cutouts on the front of the reverse arch…so that they’re aimed away from the direction of flying mud. Unless you’re riding backward.
The arch is reversed because it allows them to place it lower and further reduce material…and it looks much sleeker from the front, more appropriate for a drop bar bike.
Fender mounts at the bottom and on the arch allow a full fender to be mounted, and mounting tabs are included with each fork.
2022 Fox 32TC Specs
Shared specs across all three trim levels are:
- 40mm and 50mm travel options
- Axle to Crown: 435.5mm (40mm) and 445.5mm (50mm)
- 45mm and 50mm rake options
- FIT4 and GRIP damper options
- 700c chassis (not 650B compatible*)
- 700x50mm tire max clearance (45mm max with fender installed)
- Lower leg air/oil bypass channels
- 1-1/8″ to 1.5″ tapered steerer
- Flat mount brakes – 160mm/180mm rotor compatible
*Why isn’t the Fox 32TC fork 650B compatible? Because those bushing-and-seal bulges at the top of the lowers just so happen to be right where a 650B tire’s widest point would be, which limits tire clearance to just 30mm. And we all know that’s not enough.
Fox 32TC Factory
The 32TC Factory forks get Kashima coated stanchions and their FIT4 dampers, offering external low speed compression damping adjustments in Open mode, plus the usual three-position Open-Medium-Firm switch that stops short of being a full lockout. The rebound knob on all models is recessed inside the lowers. Choose from gloss orange or gloss black on this model.
Fox 32 TC Performance Elite
The Performance Elite model keeps the FIT4 damper, but switches to their black anodized coating on the stanchions. All models use the same Kabolt-X bolt-on thru axle. If you like the stealth matte-black color, go for this one or the…
Fox 32TC Performance
The 32TC Performance fork gets Fox’s three-position adjustable GRIP damper, which gives you micro adjusts between indents.
Pricing for the forks ranges from $769 to $949 USD ($1,039 to $1,279 CAD / 1259€ to 1039€)
Video Hype
Above, the sizzle reel. Below, Geoff Kabush takes it for a spin and compares it back to back with a rigid fork.
All models are available now. Stay tuned, we’ve been riding one for a while and will report back after the bonanza of Sea Otter Classic this week…
