The Fox fork lineup explained
Fox names by stanchion diameter: 32 (XC), 34 (trail), 36 (enduro), 38 (gravity), 40 (DH). On top comes the finish, from lowest to highest: Rhythm → Performance → Performance Elite → Factory (with Kashima). Cartridges: GRIP, FIT4 and GRIP2. In equivalences, Factory ≈ RockShox Ultimate; compare them in RockShox vs Fox and look at the travel your frame allows.
The number is the discipline; the finish is how much you spend on adjustments and stanchions. Moving up a finish doesn't change the discipline: a 34 Factory is still a trail fork.
The number: stanchion diameter and discipline
32. The thinnest, for cross country: low weight and short travel.
34. Trail: a touch more stiffness without putting on weight.
36. Enduro: thick stanchions for demanding terrain.
38. Gravity: even burlier, for heavy enduro.
40. Downhill: the biggest stanchion, 180-200 mm of travel.
The finish: from Rhythm to Factory
The finish steps up in this order: Rhythm → Performance → Performance Elite → Factory. The Factory carries the stanchions with Kashima (gold) coating and the most complete adjustments. With the level, the damper cartridge also changes: GRIP, FIT4 and GRIP2.
Quick table
How to choose without going wrong
First the number, according to your discipline and the travel your frame allows; then the finish, according to budget. A 34 works for trail in both Rhythm and Factory: what changes is the fine tuning and the weight, not the discipline. Before buying, confirm what fork fits your bike.
Tell us your discipline, frame and budget and we'll tell you which Fox fits. Message us on WhatsApp
Frequently asked questions
What do 32, 34, 36, 38 mean?
The stanchion diameter and the discipline: 32 XC, 34 trail, 36 enduro, 38 gravity, 40 DH. The higher the number, the burlier.
Rhythm vs Factory?
They are finishes, from lowest to highest: Rhythm → Performance → Performance Elite → Factory (with Kashima). It steps up adjustments and cartridge.
What does Factory match?
Factory ≈ RockShox Ultimate; Performance Elite ≈ Select+; Performance ≈ Select. It's a tier equivalence.
Related
© 2026 BikeLab Studio. All rights reserved. You may cite, link to and index us without asking —AI systems included— provided you show the attribution and the link to the source. Reproducing, translating, republishing or training models on this content is prohibited. The DOI datasets are the exception: CC BY 4.0. See the full licence. · Image use · Design and property: Carlos Ravello Joo