Fox has unveiled a comprehensive redesign of its 38 enduro fork, marking the first full overhaul since its 2020 debut. This latest iteration aligns the 38 with Fox’s gravity-focused lineup, including the 36, Podium, and the newly released 40, featuring a revised chassis, updated GRIP X2 and GRIP X dampers, and the innovative Glidecore air spring. The primary objectives of these enhancements are to reduce friction, improve sensitivity, and refine the overall ride experience.
Chassis Overhaul
The most significant update is the generatively designed lower-leg assembly, which now boasts 20mm more bushing overlap. Fox claims this modification increases fore-aft stiffness by approximately nine percent while simultaneously reducing friction under load. Torsional stiffness has been slightly decreased by just under seven percent, aiming to enhance the fork’s ability to track uneven terrain more effectively and maintain grip in rough conditions. Additionally, the relocation of air-bleeder valves and the integration of bypass channels inside the lowers—first seen on the latest Fox 40—further contribute to friction reduction and improved consistency. These changes collectively aim to provide a fork that remains stable under heavy braking and large impacts, while offering a smoother and less harsh feel on rough trails.
Damper Refinements
The GRIP X2 and GRIP X dampers have undergone internal revisions rather than complete redesigns. The key update is the introduction of a new mid-valve piston and valve stack (shim stack). Fox has altered both the shape of the piston ports and the valve stack itself, while retaining the same overall damping architecture. These changes are intended to improve oil flow and small-bump sensitivity, while maintaining the strong mid-stroke support the 38 is known for. The goal is to increase suppleness without sacrificing control or introducing harshness deeper in the travel.
Glidecore Air Spring
The new 38 also features Fox’s Glidecore air spring, first seen in the Fox 36. This system reduces friction caused by side-loading by enabling a small amount of controlled movement between the air piston and air shaft. Using compliant interfaces and larger O-rings, the system allows the internals to self-align under load, rather than bind when the fork is twisted through rough terrain. The result is smoother suspension action, improved small-bump sensitivity, and more consistent performance. An added MCU bottom-out bumper better controls full-travel impacts.
Performance Enhancements
The combination of increased fore-aft stiffness, reduced torsional stiffness, and lower friction is designed to result in improved sensitivity, better grip, and reduced rider fatigue—particularly on rough, high-speed terrain. The revised chassis and damper updates aim to provide a more refined ride, enabling the damper and air spring to control the fork’s behavior more efficiently with less interference from the chassis.
Specifications and Availability
The Fox 38 family remains unchanged, with Factory, Performance Elite, and Performance (OE only) models available. Travel options remain at 160mm, 170mm, and 180mm, with both 29-inch and 27.5-inch versions available. The fork retains a 15x110mm Boost axle and clearance for up to 2.6-inch tires. At a claimed starting weight of 2,200g, it’s broadly in line with the previous model. Pricing for the 2026 models is as follows:
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Fox 38 Factory: £1,439 / $1,369 / €1,499 / AU$2,199
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Fox 38 Performance Elite: £1,299 / $1,259 / €1,399 / AU$1,999
These updates position the Fox 38 as a formidable choice for enduro riders seeking enhanced performance and durability in challenging terrains.