{"id":1872372,"date":"2026-04-08T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872372"},"modified":"2026-04-08T16:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:00:00","slug":"fox-just-updated-grip-x-for-trail-bikes-and-firm-mode-is-gone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1872372","title":{"rendered":"Fox just updated Grip X for trail bikes, and firm mode is gone"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<div id=\"wp_content_article\" class=\"st_article_class\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/36SL-GRIPX.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"585\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20585'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/36SL-GRIPX-1170x585.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up view of a black and orange bike suspension fork with a blue adjustment knob at the top, featuring markings for compression settings and high-speed adjustments, set against a dark background.\" class=\"wp-image-716761 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/36SL-GRIPX-1170x585.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/36SL-GRIPX-750x375.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/36SL-GRIPX-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/36SL-GRIPX-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/36SL-GRIPX-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/36SL-GRIPX.jpg 2000w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photos provided by Fox.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For 2027, Fox Factory is introducing a revamped Grip X damper designed specifically for trail biking. In a nod to how mountain bikers are actually using their forks for trail rides, Fox is doing away with firm mode. The suspension brand says the updated damper offers improved performance as well.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-apparently-most-trail-riders-just-don-t-use-firm-mode\">Apparently, most trail riders just don\u2019t use firm mode<\/h2>\n<p>According to Fox, \u201cfirm mode saw limited use compared to open and trail settings,\u201d with riders opting to climb in trail mode, or staying in open mode for the entire ride. The new two-mode Grip X setup simplifies operation while providing both full-open mode and a more efficient setting for the climbs that remains responsive to rocks and roots on the way up.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FoxariegeHD043.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FoxariegeHD043-1170x780.jpg\" alt=\"Mountain bikers walking on a dirt trail, with a close-up view of a bike's front fork featuring a vibrant orange color and the brand name &quot;FOX.&quot; The background shows a blurred mountain bike and a wooded environment.\" class=\"wp-image-716760 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FoxariegeHD043-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FoxariegeHD043-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FoxariegeHD043-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FoxariegeHD043-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FoxariegeHD043-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FoxariegeHD043-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FoxariegeHD043-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>For riders who <em>do<\/em> prefer to have firm mode available, the Fox Grip SL damper will continue to offer all three selections. The Grip X damper is being positioned between the lightweight, climb-optimized Grip SL and the more fully featured and gravity-oriented GRIP X2 damper. Fox notes that the new Grip X damper is 120g lighter than GRIP X2 while borrowing some of its design and performance characteristics.<\/p>\n<div style=\"min-height: 250px;padding: auto;margin-bottom: 20px\" class=\"singl-a9f5299d7450c186983b4a413435e70d singl-content\" id=\"singl-a9f5299d7450c186983b4a413435e70d\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-grip-x-gets-improved-performance\">Grip X gets improved performance<\/h2>\n<p>Fox writes that the Grip X features a \u201ccompletely redesigned mid-valve piston and valve stack\u201d that \u201cimproves oil flow characteristics, resulting in increased sensitivity, greater mid-stroke support, and improved consistency on rough terrain.\u201d The brand goes on to say that it\u2019s the ideal damper choice for the majority of trail riders.<\/p>\n<p>Still, buyers will have choices within the 2027 Fox trail fork lineup. The Grip X damper will be an option on Fox 34 SL and 36 SL forks, in addition to Grip SL. And the 150-160mm Fox 36 gets a Grip X damper option, alongside Grip X2. Given the damper\u2019s positioning as the ideal choice for trail riding, it\u2019s a little surprising that Fox isn\u2019t speccing the mid-travel 36 SL with Grip X exclusively. Still, having choices is generally welcome.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on the model, Fox forks with the newly revised Grip X damper will retail between $1,159 and $1,299.<\/p>\n<div style=\"min-height: 250px;padding: auto;margin-bottom: 20px\" class=\"singl-e39bf33de07fa5325aa45f38ee244d4a singl-content\" id=\"singl-e39bf33de07fa5325aa45f38ee244d4a\"><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t&lt;!&#8211;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4>Related articles<\/h4>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8211;&gt;<\/p>\n<div style=\"height: 30px\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\tjQuery(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tpostpayloads._3bda6a1737baaafeabbf89aa21d61f85 = {&#8220;ids&#8221;:&#8221;697796,692482,692387,715348&#8243;,&#8221;posts_per_page&#8221;:null,&#8221;offset&#8221;:0,&#8221;style&#8221;:&#8221;4up&#8221;};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tpostcounter._3bda6a1737baaafeabbf89aa21d61f85 = {start: 0, step: 0, end: 0};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p>\n<div class=\"row\" style=\"background: #fff\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/the-fox-podium-is-a-premium-inverted-trail-enduro-fork-designed-to-ride-like-a-dh-fork\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/20250613_Pivot-Firebird-Podium-Fork-7-750x500.jpg\" alt='A close-up view of a mountain bike partially obscured by a tree, set in a lush forest. The bike features a white frame, front suspension, and chunky tires marked with \"Schwalbe.\" Surrounding greenery includes ferns and moss, creating a natural and adventurous atmosphere.'><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/gear\/components\/mountain-bike-forks\/\">Forks<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/the-fox-podium-is-a-premium-inverted-trail-enduro-fork-designed-to-ride-like-a-dh-fork\/\">The Fox Podium is a premium, inverted trail\/enduro fork designed to ride like a DH fork<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/the-fox-36-sl-replaces-the-brands-previous-trail-fork-the-34\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/068A5147-750x500.jpeg\" alt=\"Close-up view of a mountain bike's front suspension fork and handlebars, featuring a frame labeled &quot;Commencal Bikes.&quot; The fork has orange and black components, with blue knobs for adjustments, and the tire shows dirt, indicating off-road use. The background consists of natural greenery.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/gear\/components\/mountain-bike-forks\/\">Forks<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/the-fox-36-sl-replaces-the-brands-previous-trail-fork-the-34\/\">The 2026 Fox 36 SL replaces the brand&#8217;s &#8220;previous trail fork,&#8221; the 34<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix visible-xs\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/fox-34-sl-mountain-bike-fork-delivers-up-to-130mm-of-travel-in-a-lightweight-package\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Fox-34SL-Peter-Disera-19-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"A mountain biker navigating a rocky terrain in a forested area. The rider is leaning forward on the bike, wearing a helmet and gloves, showcasing focus and determination. The ground is covered in moss and scattered rocks, with trees visible in the background.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/gear\/components\/mountain-bike-forks\/\">Forks<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/fox-34-sl-mountain-bike-fork-delivers-up-to-130mm-of-travel-in-a-lightweight-package\/\">Fox 34 SL mountain bike fork delivers up to 130mm of travel in a lightweight package<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/fox-factory-fiber-core-bike-grip-granted-patent-for-finger-trap-design\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mtb-grip-finger-trap-750x500.png\" alt=\"Schematic illustration of a tubular mesh structure, showcasing two views of the same design. The upper and lower sections feature labeled components, including reference numbers for different parts of the structure. The mesh material is depicted in a grid-like pattern, with solid end caps shown at both ends. The background is black, enhancing the visibility of the white line drawing.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/gear\/components\/handlebars-stems-grips-saddles\/mountain-bike-grips\/\">Grips<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/fox-factory-fiber-core-bike-grip-granted-patent-for-finger-trap-design\/\">Fox Factory Fiber Core bike grip granted patent for finger-trap design<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix visible-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Photos provided by Fox. For 2027, Fox Factory is introducing a revamped Grip X damper designed specifically for trail biking. In a nod to how mountain bikers are actually using their forks for trail rides, Fox is doing away with firm mode. The suspension brand says the updated damper offers improved performance as well. Apparently, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,274],"class_list":["post-1872372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-singletracks-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1872372","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1872372"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1872372\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1872372"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1872372"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1872372"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}