Today Fox is expanding and updating their suspension lineup with new 2022 models, which round out the overhaul of the lineup that started with new longer travel offerings in 2021…
Starting with up front with forks, the new 34 sees the same general architecture updates as seen on the 36, 38 and 40, but without bleeders or a floating axle, which are less both relevant on shorter travel models according to Fox. It’s worth noting that both forks see the same air channels present on the 36, 38 and 40 lower legs which help increase the volume, and thus decrease the pressure of the air trapped in the lower legs. In short, this makes for a more ideal air spring curve.
Anyhow, there is also a new 34 Step Cast fork which is aimed at the demands of modern XC racing and is the lightest weight 34 fork yet.
As far as rear suspension is concerned, there is both a new DHX coil shock and a Float X coil shock. Both units come in at a lower price than the DPX2 and Float X2, but feature just a single adjuster for both compress and rebound damping. Both shocks do however feature a lockout switch and many of the more attractive features of the 2021 Fox lineup – for example, much improved bottom out bumpers. With that in mind, there is new circuitry throughout as the DHX, for example, switched from a twin tube to a monotube damping layout.
With the exception of the DHX, all units are available in both Kashima coated factory versions and performance versions.
34 Fork Details
- ALL-NEW chassis
- NEW air/oil channels
- NEW arch shape offers improved head tube clearance with shorter rakes
- NEW 58mm diameter crown
- Updated EVOL air spring
- Damper option(s): FIT4, GRIP2, and GRIP
- Travel option(s): 120mm-140mm
- Wheel size(s): 29″
- Offset(s): 44mm and 51mm
- Axle(s): 15×110 QR and 15×110 Kabolt
- Factory Series models feature Genuine Kashima Coat
- Available in Factory, Performance Elite, and Performance
- Starting weight: 1698 g
- MSRP USD $769 – $969 / CDN $1079 – $1399 /EUR €1069 – €1389
34 Step Cast Fork Details:
- ALL-NEW chassis
- NEW air/oil channels
- NEW arch shape offers improved head tubeclearance with shorter rakes
- NEW 58mm diameter crown
- Updated EVOL air spring
- Damper option(s): FIT4 and GRIP
- Travel option(s): 100mm-120mm
- Wheel size(s): 29″
- Offset(s): 44mm and 51mm
- Axle(s): 15×110 Kabolt and 15×110 QR
- Factory Series models feature Genuine Kashima Coat
- Available in Factory and Performance
- Starting weight: 1496 g
- MSRP USD $849 – $1089 / CDN $1149 – $1469 /EUR €1129 – €1459
Float X Rear Shock
- ALL-NEW chassis and damper
- High-flow main piston
- Air seal package
- Volume spacers with smaller increments
- MCU bottom out bumper
- Numbered tool-free 12 position single-turn LSC (Low Speed Compression) adjuster
- Independent firm mode circuit – Clockable 2 position adjuster
- Increased rebound adjuster range (over DPX2)
- Optimized reservoir lengths per shock size
- Hydraulic top out feature
- Reduced damper noise
- Larger air sleeve bore reduces average rider pressure by 40 psi vs. DPX2
- Bearing hardware compatible both sides
- Air valve location offers improved frame fitment and pump access
- Available in Factory and Performance Elite
- MSRP USD $499 – $569 / CDN $699 – $799 / EUR €699 – €799
DHX Rear Shock
- ALL-NEW chassis and damper
- High-flow main piston
- Numbered Tool-free 12 position single-turnLSC (Low Speed Compression) adjuster
- Independent firm mode circuit – 2 position adjuster
- Optimized reservoir lengths per shock size
- Hydraulic top out feature
- Reduced damper noise
- MCU bottom out bumper
- Single-turn rebound adjuster with a varietyof access modes (Tool-free, 3mm hex (direct access),
- 2mm hex or similar (side access)
- Spring preload collar with detents and max / min number of clicks and direction arrow
- Full diameter spring retainer with wire ring (like DHX2)
- Spring scuff guard on body (like DHX2)
- Available in Factory
- MSRP USD $549 / CDN $769 / EUR €759
Frequently Asked Questions
34
Q: WHICH 34 IS BEST FOR ME AT 120MM?
A: If you are looking for a lightweight chassis for a XC/Downcountry bike, the 34 SC is the ticket. However, if you are looking for a burlier chassis for a lightweight trail bike and desire more adjustability, the 34 will likely be a better fit.
Q: IS THERE A NON-BOOST 34?
A: Not in the new chassis. Previous generations of 34 will continue to be for sale in this configuration.
Q: GRIP2 OR FIT4? WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME?
A: GRIP2 is the benchmark for unparalleled ride quality and ultra-precise tuneability. FIT4 provides three on-the-fly compressions settings to adapt to varying trail conditions, is remote-compatible and approximately 75g lighter than GRIP2, making it the clear choice for endurance applications.
Q: WHY DOESN’T MY 34 HAVE BLEEDERS AND FLOATING AXLE LIKE MY 36/38?
A: The 34 is designed to be as light and capable as possible. Bleeders, while offering an advantage in certain conditions, do add a marginal amount of weight. We encourage riders looking for this feature to move up to a 36. In shorter travel applications—such as the 34—there is less opportunity for chassis misalignment, therefore, the floating axle was not necessary.
Q: WHAT’S WITH THE NEW ARCH DESIGN ON THE 34/34SC?
A: The new arch design is the optimum shape for max stiffness and min weight, and the forward lean is to provide clearance at full compression for modern, large profile head tubes.
Q: IS THERE A MUDGUARD FOR THE 34?
A: FOX does not make a compatible mudguard for the 34 at this time.
34 SC
Q: WHAT’S UP WITH THE NEGATIVE AIR SPACER VOLUME ON THE 34 SC? A: There’s a negative air spring volume spacer option in the new 34 SC,
you can run it if you want more firm off the top XC race feel, or remove it if you want more of a supple trail feel for Downcountry-style riding. Forks set to 120mm from the factory, don’t come with the volume spacer installed. Fork’s set to 100mm from the factory do come with the volume spacer installed. A 110mm air spring kit is available separately and can be installed with or without the negative volume spacer (sold separately).
Q: HOW DO I INSTALL/ADJUST THE NEGATIVE VOLUME SPACER?
A: The lower leg assembly and air spring must be removed in order to in- stall or remove the negative volume spacer. The spacer itself simply clips on to the air spring shaft.
Q: WHY NO GRIP2 DAMPER?
A: The FIT4 aligns best to the design intent of the 34 SC. The GRIP damper is available on the Performance Series 34 SC.
Q: MAX TIRE SIZE?
A: Due to its narrowed ultralightweight chassis, max tire size on 34 SC is
29×2.4”*. We encourage riders looking for a wider tire to move up to the standard chassis 34.
*Due to tire and rim variance in manufacturing, always check for proper clearance, regardless of tire size.
Q: CAN I MAKE MY 34 SC 130-140MM TRAVEL?
A: The 34 SC is optimized for 100-120mm of travel. We suggest going with the standard chassis 34 to accommodate that travel range.
FLOAT X
Q: IF THE DPX2 WAS SO GOOD, WHY DID YOU GO BACK TO A MONOTUBE DESIGN?
A: Rather than thinking of the Float X as a replacement for the DPX2, think of it as a scaled down, lightweight version of the Float X2 with a feature set aimed squarely at the trail category. The Float X features a large piston and large air volume for a wider range of tuneability on more frames.
Q: WHY DOES THE SHOCK REQUIRE LESS AIR PRESSURE THAN THE DPX2 TO ACHIEVE SAG?
A: It has a larger piston area, which means less air pressure to achieve the same spring force.
Q: WHY IS THIS A 2-POS LEVER, WHEN THE DPX2 HAD A 3-POS LEVER? A: We found we could make a higher performing, more tunable shock by only having a two-position lever. If you are looking for a three-position lever, the DPS is still available in 3-pos.
imperial sizes in the Float X2 and DHX2. We will continue to produce the DPX2 in a variety of imperial sizes as well.
Q: WHY THE DIFFERENT REBOUND KNOB LOCATIONS BETWEEN FLOAT X AND DHX2?
A: The Float X and DHX use the same damper architecture, however, due to our needs to optimize the design, they are laid out in an inversed platform.
Q: IS THE DHX AND FLOAT X COMPATIBLE WITH FOX BEARING MOUNT HARDWARE?
A: Yes! On both sides.*
*Check with frame manufacturer for compatibility.
Q: IS THERE A REMOTE LEVER OPTION FOR FLOAT X AND DHX?
A: Yes, it is remote compatible. We offer a kit to convert the Float X and DHX to remote (sold separately).
DHX
Q: Q: WHY NO 190MM SIZE?
A: The product selection we offer is driven by demand. We are watching the coil trends, as this demand increases, we will look at creating 190mm.
Q: IS THE DHX COMPATIBLE WITH STRUT MOUNT FRAME DESIGNS? A: Strut mount designs can vary quite a bit, please contact your frame manufacturer to determine shock compatibility.
Q: ARE THERE DETENTS ON THE DHX SPRING COLLAR? A: Yes, we’ve adopted this great feature from the DHX2.
Q: IS THE DHX COMPATIBLE WITH 3RD PARTY SPRINGS?
A: The DHX has only been approved for use with FOX springs. Using a 3rd party spring may void your warranty.
Q: IS “FIRM MODE” TUNABLE?
A: Yes, your shock can be submitted to FOX to be configured with a lighter tune. This service must be performed at an authorized FOX Service Center.
Q: WHY ARE THERE DIFFERENT LENGTH RESI’S ON DIFFERENT TRAVEL SHOCKS?
A: The reservoirs are optimized for each size, based on the amount of oil that is displaced during compression.
Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS SHOCK WILL FIT MY BIKE?
A: Please consult your bike manufacturer or local bike shop for fitment notes.
Q: WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR VOLUME SPACERS?
A: Air volume is now more adjustable than ever before. The volume can be adjusted in 0.1 increments: -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0
You can add the additional 0.1 spacer to any of the above options. To determine which volume spacer is best for your shock and bike combination, please consult your bike frame manufacturer.
Q: WHY NO IMPERIAL SIZES?
A: Metric shocks offer a higher degree of bushing overlap than Imperial, which enables us to produce higher performing/more durable shocks. The industry is also moving away from Imperial shocks in general. The Float X and DHX are not available in imperial sizes, however, we do offer limited
