How badly do you need a "bleeder valve" ?

Stanceslao said:

Looking at Fox 36 forks. I see the new ones starting from 2021 have bleeder valves in them. The older versions tend to be on sale but the "bleeders valves" on new forks keep me from buying. Do I really need those bleeders? Thanks

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Those valves are nice addition to an already good fork. They are not a must have. In the 2021+ chassis there is also a new channel on the backside of the lowers which allows oil circulate better up to the bushings. And the Grip2 Compression damping is also a vvc type in the newer version which changes damper characteristics and problems some users had with the former version.

With all that said, if you are on a budget, the former version is already a very good fork.

Ride on

I have a Fox 49 with bleeder valves and when I press them it’s like a night and day performance increase.





Actually I’ve never been able to notice any difference.

I have a 2013 x fusion metric with bleeder valves. It's kind of cool but if pressure build up was a real issue they would be standard features on all forks. Don't sweet it.

If you're heavier than average you might be better served by the older version without VVC compression damping.

Bleeder valves are needed when you have a large volume of oil in an open bath damper being worked hard. Because that makes the oil release gas.

There are not many forks around matching that description. Dorado 36mm and 37mm Comp/Expert are the main two I can think of. The older Fox 40's with open bath dampers are a while back now.

Dougal said:

Bleeder valves are needed when you have a large volume of oil in an open bath damper being worked hard. Because that makes the oil release gas.

There are not many forks around matching that description. Dorado 36mm and 37mm Comp/Expert are the main two I can think of. The older Fox 40's with open bath dampers are a while back now.

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Completely notice this in my dorado on my damper side, pretty epic gassing, spring side, none.