Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2: Review & Performance

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Let's dive deep into the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 fork! If you're serious about mountain biking, especially tackling those gnarly trails, you've probably heard about Fox suspension. The Fox 40 is their flagship downhill fork, and the Performance Elite version with the GRIP2 damper is a popular choice. In this article, we're breaking down everything you need to know: what makes it special, how it performs, and if it's the right upgrade for your ride.

What is the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2?

Alright, guys, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 actually is. Essentially, it's a high-performance downhill mountain bike fork designed to soak up the biggest bumps and keep you in control when things get wild. The "40" in the name refers to the stanchion diameter (40mm), which is beefy and provides incredible stiffness for precise steering and handling. Stiffness is key when you're bombing down a mountain at speed! Now, the "Performance Elite" part means you're getting a fork that shares the same dampers, air springs, and adjustments as the top-of-the-line Factory Series, but with a different finish on the stanchions (anodized instead of Kashima coating). This helps bring the price down a bit without sacrificing performance. The real magic lies in the GRIP2 damper. This sophisticated piece of engineering allows for highly customizable damping, meaning you can fine-tune how the fork reacts to different types of impacts. We're talking about independent adjustments for high-speed compression, low-speed compression, high-speed rebound, and low-speed rebound. That's a lot of knobs to twiddle, but it gives you unparalleled control over your suspension feel. So, in a nutshell, the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 is a downhill fork built for serious riders who demand top-tier performance and adjustability. It's designed to handle the biggest hits, keep you planted on the trail, and give you the confidence to push your limits. Whether you're racing downhill, hitting bike park jumps, or just shredding technical terrain, this fork is built to perform.

Key Features and Technologies

Okay, let's break down the key features and technologies that make the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 such a standout fork. This is where you really start to understand why it performs so well. First up, and arguably the most important, is the GRIP2 Damper. As we mentioned earlier, this damper offers independent high and low-speed compression and rebound damping. What does that actually mean? High-speed adjustments control how the fork reacts to sudden, sharp impacts like rocks and roots, while low-speed adjustments manage things like brake dive and body weight shifts. Having independent control over these allows you to dial in the fork to handle everything from small chatter to massive hits without compromising performance. Next, we have the EVOL Air Spring. EVOL stands for Extra Volume. This technology increases the negative air spring volume, which helps the fork to start moving more easily and provides a more supple feel over small bumps. It also improves mid-stroke support, preventing the fork from diving too easily under braking or in corners. Basically, it makes the fork feel plusher and more responsive throughout its travel. Lower Leg Channels are another clever feature. These channels relieve pressure buildup in the lower legs as the fork compresses. This reduces friction and allows the fork to move more freely, resulting in a smoother and more responsive ride. It's a small detail that makes a noticeable difference. Then there are Lower Leg Bleeders. These allow you to easily release any excess air pressure that builds up in the lower legs during riding. This helps maintain consistent performance and prevents the fork from feeling harsh or stiff. Finally, let's not forget about the stanchions. While the Performance Elite version doesn't have the Kashima coating of the Factory Series, the anodized stanchions are still incredibly smooth and durable. They provide excellent sealing and reduce friction, contributing to the overall plushness of the fork. All these features and technologies work together to create a fork that is incredibly capable, adjustable, and responsive. It's designed to give you the confidence to tackle the most challenging terrain and push your riding to the next level.

Performance on the Trail

Alright, let's get to the good stuff: how does the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 actually perform out on the trail? This is where all those fancy features and technologies come together to make a real difference. First and foremost, the fork is incredibly smooth and supple. The EVOL air spring and lower leg channels work together to create a fork that glides over small bumps and chatter, providing excellent traction and control. You'll notice a significant reduction in hand fatigue, even on long and rough descents. When things get steeper and more technical, the Fox 40 really shines. The GRIP2 damper allows you to dial in the perfect amount of support and control for any terrain. You can set it up to be plush and forgiving for absorbing big hits, or firm and responsive for railing corners and hitting jumps. The independent high and low-speed adjustments give you the flexibility to fine-tune the fork to your exact preferences. One of the most noticeable things about the Fox 40 is its stiffness. The 40mm stanchions provide incredible torsional rigidity, which translates to precise steering and handling. You can point the bike exactly where you want it to go, and it will hold its line, even in the roughest conditions. This is especially important for downhill racing and bike park riding, where precision and control are paramount. The fork also handles big hits with ease. The GRIP2 damper provides excellent bottom-out resistance, preventing harsh landings and keeping you in control. You can confidently send it off jumps and drops, knowing that the fork will soak up the impact and keep you rolling. Overall, the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 is a phenomenal performer on the trail. It's smooth, supple, stiff, and incredibly adjustable. Whether you're a seasoned downhill racer or a weekend warrior, this fork will elevate your riding experience and give you the confidence to tackle any terrain. It inspires confidence, allowing you to push your limits and ride faster than ever before.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 with a good old-fashioned pros and cons list. No piece of kit is perfect, so let's take an objective look at what this fork does well and where it might fall short for some riders.

Pros:

  • Incredible Adjustability: The GRIP2 damper with independent high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments allows for unparalleled fine-tuning of the fork's performance.
  • Smooth and Supple Feel: The EVOL air spring and lower leg channels create a plush and responsive ride that soaks up small bumps and chatter.
  • Stiff and Precise Steering: The 40mm stanchions provide exceptional torsional rigidity for accurate handling and control.
  • Excellent Big Hit Performance: The GRIP2 damper offers great bottom-out resistance, allowing you to confidently tackle jumps and drops.
  • Durable Construction: The anodized stanchions and high-quality components ensure long-lasting performance and reliability.
  • Performance Value: Offers nearly the same performance as the Factory Series at a slightly lower price point.

Cons:

  • Complexity: The sheer number of adjustments can be overwhelming for less experienced riders. It takes time and effort to learn how to properly dial in the fork.
  • Price: While the Performance Elite is more affordable than the Factory Series, it's still a significant investment.
  • Weight: The Fox 40 is a beefy fork, and it's not the lightest option on the market. This might be a concern for riders who prioritize weight savings.
  • Maintenance: Like all high-performance suspension components, the Fox 40 requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

So, who is this fork for? The Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 is ideal for experienced downhill riders, bike park enthusiasts, and anyone who demands top-tier suspension performance. It's a great choice for riders who are willing to invest the time and effort to learn how to properly adjust the fork and who prioritize performance over weight savings. However, if you're a beginner rider or you're on a tight budget, there might be better options available.

Alternatives to the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2

Alright, so the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 is a top-tier fork, but it's not the only game in town. Let's explore some alternatives you might want to consider, depending on your riding style, budget, and preferences. Remember, the best fork for you is the one that best suits your individual needs.

  • RockShox Boxxer Ultimate: This is the Fox 40's main competitor in the downhill fork market. The Boxxer Ultimate features RockShox's Charger 3 RC2 damper, which offers similar levels of adjustability to the GRIP2. Many riders find the Charger 3 damper to be slightly more intuitive to set up. The Boxxer is also known for its supple feel and excellent small bump sensitivity. It's a great alternative if you prefer the RockShox feel or want to try something different.
  • Öhlins DH38 m.2: Öhlins is a Swedish suspension company known for its high-performance products in the automotive and motorcycle industries. Their DH38 m.2 downhill fork is a premium option that offers exceptional performance and adjustability. The Öhlins fork is known for its smooth and controlled feel, as well as its excellent damping characteristics. It's a pricier option than the Fox 40 and RockShox Boxxer, but it's a top choice for riders who demand the very best.
  • Marzocchi Bomber 58: If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Marzocchi Bomber 58 is a great choice. Marzocchi is owned by Fox, and the Bomber 58 shares some of the same technology as the Fox 40, but at a lower price point. It features a simpler GRIP damper (not the GRIP2), which is still very capable but less adjustable. The Bomber 58 is a great option for riders who want a reliable and performing downhill fork without breaking the bank.
  • DVO Onyx DC: DVO Suspension is a smaller company that produces high-quality suspension components. Their Onyx DC downhill fork is known for its unique damping characteristics and its ability to handle a wide range of terrain. The Onyx DC features DVO's Diamond D1 damper, which offers excellent control and adjustability. It's a good option for riders who want something a little different and are willing to experiment with their suspension setup.

When choosing an alternative, consider your riding style, budget, and preferences. Do you prioritize adjustability, smoothness, stiffness, or weight? Read reviews, talk to other riders, and try out different forks if possible to find the one that's right for you.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2? It's a phenomenal downhill fork that delivers top-tier performance in almost every aspect. The GRIP2 damper offers unparalleled adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the fork to your exact preferences and the demands of the terrain. The EVOL air spring and lower leg channels create a smooth and supple feel that soaks up small bumps and chatter, while the 40mm stanchions provide exceptional stiffness for precise steering and handling. It inspires confidence and allows you to push your limits on the trail. Of course, it's not without its drawbacks. The complexity of the GRIP2 damper can be overwhelming for less experienced riders, and the price tag is certainly not cheap. It's also a relatively heavy fork, which might be a concern for some riders. However, if you're a serious downhill rider or bike park enthusiast who demands the best possible performance, the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 is definitely worth considering. It's a top-of-the-line fork that will elevate your riding experience and give you the confidence to tackle any terrain. Just be prepared to spend some time learning how to properly adjust it to get the most out of its capabilities. But once you do, you'll be rewarded with a fork that performs flawlessly in even the most challenging conditions. So, if you're looking to upgrade your downhill rig, the Fox 40 Performance Elite GRIP2 is a fantastic choice. You won't be disappointed.