New Fox 38 brings increased stiffness, smoothness and sensitivity to enduro's favourite fork

Fox Racing Shox has unveiled a significant update to its popular 38 enduro fork, promising enhanced stiffness, smoothness, and sensitivity. The revised model features a redesigned crown and lower leg assembly, which Fox claims boosts torsional stiffness by 17% and fore/aft stiffness by 31% compared to its predecessor. Internally, the fork incorporates a new air spring and damper tune, aiming to improve small bump compliance and mid-stroke support for aggressive trail riding.

This refresh of the Fox 38 is crucial in the highly competitive enduro suspension market, where marginal gains in performance and durability are hotly contested. The 38 has long been a benchmark for aggressive trail and enduro riders, known for its robust chassis and tunable performance. This update signals Fox's intent to maintain its leading position against rivals like RockShox's ZEB, which also offers a formidable package for the same segment. Riders demand not just strength, but also refined damping for increasingly technical terrain.

Ultimately, Fox's incremental improvements to an already highly-regarded product demonstrate a commitment to iterative perfection. Whether these percentage gains translate to a genuinely transformative on-trail experience, or merely a slightly firmer wallet, remains to be seen on the dirt.