Fox made a significant splash last year with the release of their inverted enduro fork, the Podium. At launch, Fox offered quite a few reasons why an inverted fork is “better” — bushing overlap, friction reduction, etc, etc.
However, one notable feature was missing from the Fox Podium. Early into the release of the fork, many of us had the same question: “What about a fender?”
Simply put, with the uppers and lowers flip-flopped, there is no supporting arch connecting the lowers on the Podium. Instead, the inverted fork uses a larger 20mm axle, which is most commonly used on DH bikes to achieve the required stiffness and support. But this lack of an arch also means there is no place to mount a fender.
Also, due to the upper and lower flip-flop, the only place left to mount a fender was at the crown. I think we all expected it, as it seemed the only plausible option. Other inverted mountain bike forks used the same mounting location, obviously borrowed from dirt bikes.
Well, Fox mounted the new Podium fender exactly where we expected it to be. And the look? Needless to say, it gives a clear motocross vibe.
Due to its higher mounting position, the new Fox Podium fender is slightly shorter in the tail and slightly longer in the nose than the brand’s other fenders. However, Fox claims that at 20-25% compression, the coverage area is similar to a 36 or 38’s fender.
While the look can be polarizing, Fox claims other benefits to a high-mounted fender over one mounted lower:
- A low-mount design adds unsprung mass—not only the fender but also the increased size and reinforcement around the stanchion supporting it.
- A low-mount fender has a larger surface area and carries more weight from mud that sticks to it.
- Less chance of rattle or breaking off with a high-mount fender because there is less chance of trail debris (sticks, etc.) hitting the fender due to high clearance.
So what do you think? If the Podium is on your bike, are you using the fender or not?
See the new fender and Fox’s other fenders at ridefox.com.
