We spotted it from afar earlier this season, but now we’ve got an up close look at what’s likely the next generation Fox 32 SC suspension fork, plus exclusive details from our friends at the Maxxis Factory Racing team.
The lowers are obviously updated with that reverse arch and said to be much lighter.
Like their AX gravel forks, moving the arch to the back can maintain stiffness with a lighter design, but that’s not all…
The arch gets a woven, lattice-like structure, leaving only what’s needed to resist twisting forces. They say it’s stiff without being overweight. It’s also much deeper, extending back over the sides of the tire much more than a typical arch would.
This could definitely (and we’re betting will) be used to make the AX gravel fork even lighter in the future, too.
Surprisingly, they say it can have 100-120mm travel, an increase from the current 32 Step Cast fork’s 100mm limit. A lot of brands spec the 34 SC on 120mm XC bikes because it’s much stiffer than the 32 SC. But we could see that changing if this new one is noticeably stiffer than the current 32 Step Cast fork. Improved stiffness plus that longer travel could make it more of a threat to the 35mm stanchion Rockshox SID, too.
The design will fit 29×2.40 tires…like these prototype Maxxis Rekon Race tires…
This one has their existing three-position (lock, semi-open,full-open) remote lockout working a FIT GRIP damper. The other lever is the dropper remote. Check that bar tap in the middle for those brief seconds when an aero tuck helps!
The crown is also quite different looking. It’s a bit taller, but with different shapes. No word on whether that particular part is lighter, or if the weight savings come specifically from the new lowers.
No word on availability or other details. It’s still part of their RAD development branch and only for sponsored athletes for now.
