Fox 34 Float Performance 27.5 140 £749

Fox’s mid-weight 34 fork has long struggled to match the categoryleading performance of their XCorientated 32 and aggro 36, but this latest Performance series version is lighter and consistently reliable, even if the damper is a little on/off for us. It uses the same chassis as the £150 pricier Factory fork, but lacks its ‘Kashima’ stanchion coating and upgraded seals. It’s adequate rather than amazing in terms of tracking and braking stiffness, but at least it’s now significantly lighter than the 36. We’ve had no wear issues with the black stanchion finish, despite a year of regular use, and forks on complete bikes have been similarly reliable. While the ‘Float’ air spring is the same as in the Factory fork, the Performance 34 gets a GRIP rather than FIT4 compression damper. This is a simplified shim/metal-sprung IFP system. Three main settings (open, medium, firm) plus intermediate clicks give easy feel adjustment. Even when run fully open it often has a harsh, spiky feel in the upper stroke, and it’s dive-prone deeper in the travel. Adding the clip-in air spring volume spacers provided can create a more supportive, progressive feel but there are smoother, more sophisticatedfeeling forks for less money.