[ForMartha]

Heya,

I'm using a Fox 34 Performence (GRIP) lowered to 120MM, it's a MY2020 model that haven't been used till i've installed it.
The fork is pretty smooth after the initial sag point, but, on small bump, it's pretty harsh compared to the rear DPX2 elite I have.

I guess it boils down to the damper and air spring. so what are my options? budget isn't very limited but I'm not into spending too much for improving it.

Cheers,
-M

 

[Cary]

Start by running it with the compression fully open and adding 10 psi to see if that helps. Then try less rebound to see if it improves (I decrease rebound until I start to lose traction, then add a click back in). The 34 is very sensitive to not enough pressure and will feel harsh if under inflated.

 

[2021Mach6]

Heya,

I'm using a Fox 34 Performence (GRIP) lowered to 120MM, it's a MY2020 model that haven't been used till i've installed it.
The fork is pretty smooth after the initial sag point, but, on small bump, it's pretty harsh compared to the rear DPX2 elite I have.

I guess it boils down to the damper and air spring. so what are my options? budget isn't very limited but I'm not into spending too much for improving it.

Cheers,
-M

What's your riding weight? And what kinda bike is it? That would help us get you dialed in, cause there shouldn't be such a noticable difference from your DPX2.

I can't speak to the 2020 version, but in my experience with Fox suspension, their recommended settings aren't even remotely close to how most riders prefer them to be, so it's probably just an adjustment that's needed.

Oh, and what kinda trails and level of riding are you typically doing?

 

[ForMartha]

Start by running it with the compression fully open and adding 10 psi to see if that helps. Then try less rebound to see if it improves (I decrease rebound until I start to lose traction, then add a click back in). The 34 is very sensitive to not enough pressure and will feel harsh if under inflated.

I will give it a try. I wonder where does the under inflated method is written.
In any case, I'm running the compression fully open.

 

[ForMartha]

What's your riding weight? And what kinda bike is it? That would help us get you dialed in, cause there shouldn't be such a noticable difference from your DPX2.

I can't speak to the 2020 version, but in my experience with Fox suspension, their recommended settings aren't even remotely close to how most riders prefer them to be, so it's probably just an adjustment that's needed.

Oh, and what kinda trails and level of riding are you typically doing?

I'm riding a 2021 Banshee Phantom V3. My weight is around 75kgs loaded. I'm typically riding XC tracks, nothing too harsh, that's why I've used the 120mm version.

 

[TylerVernon]

Did you take all the air out and check the bushing friction? It could just need some time to break in.

 

[2021Mach6]

I'm riding a 2021 Banshee Phantom V3. My weight is around 75kgs loaded. I'm typically riding XC tracks, nothing too harsh, that's why I've used the 120mm version.

Watch this video... Dude does a better job explaining it than I'm able to.

My buddy is 195lb and rides that same fork on his trail bike (same shock too). He just texted me back and said he doesn't know the settings off the top of his head, but he'll get back to me, so I'll report back ASAP. I know he doesn't use any spacers.

Dope bike btw. Big fan of Banshee!!

Edit: Just noticed your flag...♥ from the US!

 

[stripes]

If it has tokens in them, take them out.

Those things are the devil.

 

[Cary]

If it has tokens in them, take them out.

Those things are the devil.

I am not a fan of tokens and they are often misused. The way Fox changes travel in forks causes there to be far less rampup than when at longer travel. This is why the factory number of volume spacers increases as travel is shortened. When set at 140 mm Fox has two spacers from the factory, at 120mm, 5.

I would start with 4 spacers at 120mm, get the air pressure right for the first half of travel, then add a spacer if you are bottoming on rides, take one out if you are not getting full travel.

https://www.ridefox.com/dl/bike/605-00-136-34-Tuning-Guide-revC.pdf

 

[OrenPerets]

what is your front tire pressure...?

Did you take all the air out and check the bushing friction? It could just need some time to break in.

+ take the airspring out and verify the negative spring is not overfilled with grease ..

 

[kosmo]

That old, without any use, I'd hang it upside down for a day or two.

+ take the airspring out and verify the negative spring is not overfilled with grease ..

And this. 2020 was definitely a year for this on new forks. Mine went two for two.

 

[ForMartha]

Watch this video... Dude does a better job explaining it than I'm able to.

My buddy is 195lb and rides that same fork on his trail bike (same shock too). He just texted me back and said he doesn't know the settings off the top of his head, but he'll get back to me, so I'll report back ASAP. I know he doesn't use any spacers.

Dope bike btw. Big fan of Banshee!!

Edit: Just noticed your flag...♥ from the US!

Thanks pal!
Hugs and cheers from the holly land! Hope you'll be able to ride here as well

The video highlighted what should I do going forward.

 

[Cary]

Thanks pal!
Hugs and cheers from the holly land! Hope you'll be able to ride here as well

The video highlighted what should I do going forward.

I never knew the holy land was also the land of hollys.

 

[2021Mach6]

Thanks pal!
Hugs and cheers from the holly land! Hope you'll be able to ride here as well

The video highlighted what should I do going forward.

Israel is at the top of my list once Covid is over. The history is so intriguing, and I've heard nothing but great things about the people and culture. Hopefully later this year or at least 2023!!

 

[Bikeventures]

Down the road, I'm open to adding a Vorsprung Secus to my Fox 34. Would it make sense on a short/mid travel 34?

 

[litany]

Heya,

I'm using a Fox 34 Performence (GRIP) lowered to 120MM, it's a MY2020 model that haven't been used till i've installed it.
The fork is pretty smooth after the initial sag point, but, on small bump, it's pretty harsh compared to the rear DPX2 elite I have.

I guess it boils down to the damper and air spring. so what are my options? budget isn't very limited but I'm not into spending too much for improving it.

Cheers,
-M

Sell it and upgrade to the 2022. It’s a huge difference. I had a 2020 34 SC, hated it. Similar problems to you. Fork seemed smooth but felt harsh all the time. Never felt controlled.

New bike had a 2022 and I was shocked. It’s way better. Fox said that with the new chassis they fixed the problem where it wouldn’t use its travel. In my experience it is true.

Pinkbike gave it suspension product of the year and has been saying how impressive and capable the new 34 is. I agree, I never ride my Ibis Ripmo anymore. I’ve never taken an xc bike on such gnarly trails before, or had as much fun on an xc bike before.

 

[ForMartha]

Selling it is a bit too tight on my budget, as the new 34 it's too pricey for what I'm doing.

And to be honest, if I'll sell it, Manitou would be a better option for me.

Which 34 your have? Which damper?

 

[mikesee]

Heya,

I'm using a Fox 34 Performence (GRIP) lowered to 120MM, it's a MY2020 model that haven't been used till i've installed it.
The fork is pretty smooth after the initial sag point, but, on small bump, it's pretty harsh compared to the rear DPX2 elite I have.

I had this exact same scenario last spring.

Not wanting to jump to any conclusions, I dropped the lowers to have a look, and found things mostly dry.

I slathered the moving bits with slick honey. Added in the appropriate amount of bath oil.

Put it back together and it felt somewhere between fine and great.

In other words, I still had to fine tune it to my preferences, but I was no longer fighting a lack of lubrication.