I often think about upgrading from my Lyrik to a ZEB, too.
IMHO the beefier forks are not worth the ~250gr more weight, as long as one does not notice excessive flex on e. g. diagonal roots or similar.

Damping is about the same, air chamber may be a bit different, but will it be better?

An angle headset is more noticeable.

Edit: but thinking about upgrading your bike, the fork is always a good point to start and spend money on. So, if it's basically just for upgrading, go for it.

 

1. If you love it the way it is then leave it.
2. Seems like a lot of money to spend for marginal gain.
3. fox 38 is not going to do much for you at your weight. IMO

 

Airshaft is not expensive, so why not trying it.

If you do this coz you like having slacker HTA, angle headset is option if you can install it in your frame, or offset bushing for your shock.

 

I was on a similar boat as you on my new 2022 enduro build. I wanted a fox 36 at 170mm to keep weight down as I also climb a lot (I also have a fox 36 on my sb130lr which I love). Long story short I went with the 38.

I'll tell you the weight is noticeable but if you smash going downhill the increased stiffness does help. Is the 38 necessary? probably not but i do notice the benefits of the extra stiffness. So for people saying the 38 is a waste for light riders I call bs.

I agree with the posters above that you should switch out the air shaft first. It's a much cheaper option and worst case you can always sell the 36 and pick up a 38.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

 

Unless you are an absolute maniac on the bike stay with the 36. You are light, i dont think a 38 is required at 145lb.

PS 170lb and run a 180mm 27.5 fox 36.....

 

buy the air shaft and see what it is like.

 

If opting for replacing the air shaft, you might consider adding a performance upgrade and get the Luft Fusion air spring instead.

 

Thanks for the replies and advice everyone.

I installed the Fox 170-mm air shaft, removed the stock air token (so no tokens now), and kept the fork settings the same going from 160 to 170mm.

The fork has been awesome from long alpine rides to all around the bike park.

For anyone around 145-150 pounds thinking about changing forks or travel, I can say the 36 @ 170-mm setup is running very well.

 

Anyone tried converting Fox36 MY23 to 170mm?