Just when we thought we had the 2025 Fox fork lineup figured out, the brand dropped another fork that represents an even bigger change. The Fox 36 SL is an all-new, lightweight addition to the Fox 36 all-mountain line, offering 120-140mm of travel. Previously, Fox 36 forks started at 150mm of travel, with the 130-140mm travel range handled by the Fox 34.
A stiffer short-travel fork
The Fox 36 SL fork is said to be 20% stiffer than the Fox 34, which it replaces. The brand explains that “trail riders have long had to choose between over-forking for stiffness or under-forking for lower weight.” The solution: bring bigger stanchions to a wider travel range without a major weight penalty. Like the Fox 34, the 36 SL is available in 130mm and 140mm travel versions, plus a shorter 120mm option that was previously only available on Fox 32 and Fox 34 Step Cast forks.
The move to bigger stanchions for a wider travel range could also benefit e-bikes where more robust components are necessary. However, according to Matt Hornland, Fox PR and Content Marketing Specialist, the Fox 36 SL is not officially eMTB-optimized. The “36 SL could be a great choice for a short travel, lightweight eMTB application,” he told me over email, though not for every rider. Based on this, it sounds as if we won’t see the fork specced on eMTB builds, though riders could choose the fork as an aftermarket upgrade.
The 29x140mm Fox 36 SL is said to weigh 1755g, compared to 1686g for a 29x140mm Fox 34. Still, the new fork weighs less than any Fox 36 to date, thanks to the GRIP X damper, arch cutouts, and a Kabolt SL thru axle on select models.
In the 130mm travel range, the RockShox Pike is a top competitor with 35mm stanchions. By moving to 36mm stanchions, Fox is positioning the 36 SL as a potentially more robust trail fork alternative.
The Fox 36 SL mountain bike fork is priced between $699 and $1,149.
The “regular” Fox 36 has been updated, too, and shares some new features with the 36 SL
Both the Fox 36 and 36 SL see refinements that promise to make the forks even more user-friendly. Fox updated the bleeder valves to make it easier for air to escape when pressed. And the mud guard now mounts to the arch and seal flanges instead of the bleeder ports for stability and a cleaner look.
2025 Fox 36 forks get the same arch cutouts as the 36 SL, plus the updated chassis is said to be 20% torsionally stiffer and nearly as stiff as the beefier Fox 38. It’s still offered in 150mm and 160mm travel lengths, plus a new shorter-travel 140mm version. Weights start at 1920g for a 29x160mm Fox 36 with a GRIP X damper.
The Fox 36 is priced between $749 and $1,199.
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