In 2025, FOX launched two new forks designed to meet the evolving demands of modern mountain bikers: the updated FOX 36 and the all-new FOX 36 SL. While they share a similar name and the same storied heritage, these forks serve two distinct types of riders. We’ll get into the details a bit more later, but the short version is:
The 36 is for All-Mountain riding, for riders look for a reasonably aggressive fork in the 150-160mm travel range.
The 36 SL is for Trail riding, or riders wanting a slightly stiffer and more capable fork for their short travel bikes in the 130-140mm range. It supplants our previous 34 Trail fork.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into these two forks, and why we now have two different forks with 36mm stanchions. By the end of this article you should have all the information you need to decide whether you want the 36 or 36 SL on your bike.
History of the 36
FOX has always designed suspension for race-level performance. With an origin story deeply rooted in motocross racing, FOX is all about engineering premium suspension to land riders on top of the podium. The original 36 came out in 2005, one of the largest single crown chassis forks at the time. Riders loved how they were able to take this incredibly capable fork anywhere, including race day. The original 36 covered the spectrum of Trail and All-Mountain riding long before those terms were even invented. To this day, the 36 chassis is the most versatile in the FOX line-up.
Evolution of the 36
While the FOX 36 Factory served admirably as a premium trail fork in the past, as mountain bikers evolved to push the limits of their riding, FOX suspension also had to evolve. In March 2025, FOX unveiled the fully redesigned 36 and the new 36 SL. These forks are tailored to specific riding styles, travel preferences and the demands of riders who want uncompromised performance without additional weight.
Both the FOX 36 and FOX 36 SL are available in Factory, Performance Elite, and Performance Series for different rider needs and budgets. Let’s break down the difference between the FOX 36 and the FOX 36 SL, including travel, weight, damping, and performance.
36 and 36 SL Travel
Mountain bike suspension has evolved dramatically. From rigid forks in the 1980s, to 50mm of spring or elastomer suspension in the 1990s, to the invention of more advanced air spring suspension beginning in the 2000s (enter the original FOX 36). As mountain bike technology has advanced, so has the ability of riders to push their suspension further and charge harder.
FOX 36 or FOX 38?
The 2025 36 comes in 150mm to 160mm of travel delivering the perfect balance of stiffness, control, and smooth travel. You may be wondering: is the FOX 36 an enduro fork? And the answer is that it depends on you, the rider. The 36 is designed for All-Mountain riding, but plenty of our World Cup Enduro athletes will run a 36 on their bikes, either season-long or at certain races. The FOX 38 which is our long travel enduro leader, with 170-180mm of travel. But with the new FOX 36 achieving 87% of the 38’s torsional stiffness, the 36 can truly offer an Enduro feel without the extra heft.
What if I want less travel?
If you’re looking for a true Trail fork, then the FOX36 SL could be right fit for your riding. The FOX 36 SL weighs less than 1800g, the perfect medium for riders who want to climb fast then descend with confidence and control. With 130 or 140mm of travel, the 36 SL gives modern Trail riders the confidence to go big without the weight.
Dampers for 36 and 36 SL
There is a choice of dampers when comparing the FOX 36 SL vs 36.
The 36 Factory and Performance Elite Series have the gravity-ready GRIP X2 damper for ultimate descending control on technical terrain, or GRIP X for easier setup, slightly less weight and descent performance that’s more than capable. If you’re looking at the 150mm travel option 36, GRIP X could be a great option to save a bit of weight.
The 36 SL Factory and Performance Elite forks were engineered with the GRIP X damper in mind, for Trail riders who are weight conscious but don’t want to compromise on descent performance or pedaling efficiency. 
Both the 36 and 36 SL feature the pressure balanced GRIP damper in the Performance Series, for an easy-to-setup fork in a more affordable package.
36 and 36 SL: Which one is stiffer? Which one is lighter?
So who exactly is the FOX 36 for? If it’s not a Trail fork like the 36 SL and it’s not a full-blown Enduro race fork like the 38, then what are its strengths? As All-Mountain riders began to to tackle more and more aggressive trails with confidence, the 2025 FOX 36 was redesigned for 20% more torsional stiffness than the previous 36. If descending performance is your top priority but you don’t see yourself requiring the travel or stiffness of a 38, the 36 is for you.
Stiffer forks are great for heavier riders or those on eMTBs, or those who are looking for more responsive steering when blasting trails at higher speeds.
The 36 SL is built around the same stanchions but with a slightly different chassis to keep the weight down and optimize pedaling efficiency.
If you ride aggressive Enduro as well as Trail, or if you are a heavier rider, in either your weight or your riding style, then the 36 is still your go-to fork. If you are lighter, or ride light, then the 36 SL may be the wiser choice.
Which fork is right for me?
Ultimately, the choice for your next fork comes down to personal preference. Whether you’re riding steep backcountry lines or chasing KOMs on your favorite local trail, there’s a FOX 36 fork suited to your style. We designed the 36 to be the premier fork for All-Mountain riders. While the 36 SL’s performance on both climbs and descents makes it the ultimate Trail Machine. But that’s our take.
