I have a bike with a 2022 Fox Factory 34 with the fit4 damper. I have tried several different psi and token configurations and it still feels harsh overs small bumps. Also just gave it lower leg service and new seals. I have a cheaper manitou and cheaper fox with the regular grip damper and they both feel much better of small bumps no matter how I set them up. Is the fit4 just that bad?
Is the fit4 just that bad?
D3bf48
21 - 33 of 33 Posts
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50,076 Posts
Naw dude, I just got 4th Masters in a big race and it's pretty crap.
I had an older Fox 34 FIT4 from around 2017, and was not happy with the small bump compliance. I got it custom tuned by PUSH, and it was better but still not great. Then I installed a Luftkappe air spring and was pretty happy with it at that point.
Then I got a Fox 34 Grip2, and it was pretty good right out of the box.
Then I got a Fox 34 Grip2, and it was pretty good right out of the box.
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60 Posts
And yet, they are not. At least for the picky types that come here to find out if there is a better way.
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332 Posts
Every time I've had mine serviced it feels like riding on a cloud until it comes around time to service it again. Hugely noticeable difference between freshly serviced & needing service. That's been my experience since so far anyway.
Every Fit-4 fork I have ridden feels harsh on single hits. I have a 36 that feel like is broken when I am riding on smooth trails with the occasional hit. But that same fork feels absolutely amazing at speed through the nastiest chunk. My fit-4 XC forks are better on the single hits, but obviously are not the same in the chunk.
For the OP are you comparing your forks on the same bike? The reason I ask is HA and reach can have a signficant effect on how your fork feels. As HA get slacker and reach gets longer forks generally feel worse. Particuarly at slow speed on shallower grade trails.
For the OP are you comparing your forks on the same bike? The reason I ask is HA and reach can have a signficant effect on how your fork feels. As HA get slacker and reach gets longer forks generally feel worse. Particuarly at slow speed on shallower grade trails.
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2,116 Posts
They SHOULD be... but they're not. That's the frustrating part.
Which is why I haven't paid retail for a fork since about 2008.
I'm not going to spend an additional $400-500 on a fork that sucks, because that $ adds little value when you sell the used fork later.
Buy leftovers at 40-50% off. When it sucks you don't lose much if you give up on it quickly 😂
Mid 2000's I had a lot of RS, Manitou & Marzocchi forks. Used / new I didn't pay more than a a few hundred bucks. Fox was always seemed to cost more even way back then. Over the years prices went up and I wasn't swapping forks like i did, sometimes twice per season. I had to really start evaluating my swapping when forks went past $500. After having a few dismal used purchases I started going new looking for closeouts, earlier models etc. I have brand new Fox Factory 36 I paid $600 for collecting dust because of all the "harshness" reviews I have read. Could buy a Helm for $570 or a Mezzer Pro for $650...Alas analysis paralysis & cost keeps me on my $300 Rhythm 34.
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5,983 Posts
I'm not even picky. I set up my Mezzer to the factory setup guide and ride it. I've never spent a day fiddling with 2 psi plus or minis in the irt.
That said, I have a Fox 34 Grip 1 and Grip 2 in my closet that were obviously always under par. But kashima. But pinkbike love letters. That's a no from me dawg.
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6,030 Posts
This can't be overstated.
Good suspension forks take very little fiddling.
My Helm MKII, I set up to Cane Creek suggestions and on the first ride adjusted the main air chamber a few PSI and essentially haven't touched it since.
The base valving is a little different. It would be interesting to try a 34 with the 32 valving.
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