FOX 34 STEP CAST FACTORY FORKS
More XC bikes are hitting the market with bigger forks and dropper posts, and the new Fox 34 Step Cast is squarely aim at this market. The Step Cast version of the Fox 34 shaves up to 225g from the previous model by shortening the stanchions, customising the damper and stepping the lowers on the outside of the legs as opposed to the 32 model with the steps on the inside of the fork. The Kabolt axle also shaves off some more grams, and travel maxes out at 120mm. Whether you count grams or not, 225g is some handy weight to drop from your bike without any sacrifice in performance. Although released in the 2018 range of 34 forks, the 34 SC also have the EVOL air spring, with a larger negative chamber to give a linear spring rate early in the stroke, and a more tunable spring curve with the use of volume spacers so you can have good bottom out resistance too. Along with an updated tune to the FiT4 damper, the 34 SC mixes trail sensitivity and bigger hit performance with low overall weight. Aesthetically the changes are minor with the externally stepped lowers, and the minor changes to the shape of the fork brace. The Gloss Orange option is now available to buy, along with black for a more subtle look. We have the Factory model with Kashima stanchions and they are also available in the Performance Elite model with the same internals, and Performance with the GRIP damper. Remote lock out options are also available.
SETTING UP THE 34 SC
This was simple, setting the air spring to the recommended setting for my weight, and adjusting the rebound for the spring rate. A bounce test in the driveway to check the compression dampening then I hit the trails. The Fox 34 SC replaced the 2017 Fox Factory 34 120mm that I normally run, and the improved suppleness in the first half of the stroke was immediately noticeable, combined with good support without any harshness as you push through to the limits of its travel. My initial tune had me running very little compression dampening with just enough pressure that I wasn’t blowing through the travel. I later dropped a couple of PSI and wound the compression dampening up several clicks to see if I could get it even more supple as well as adjusted the rebound a click to account for the drop in spring rate. This gave me less feedback through the bars on the small bumps, but started to feel a little harsher on repeated medium hits, so I wound the compression dampening out 2 more clicks and was happy with the balance. I rarely run my forks out of the Open setting, but if settling in for a fire road climb I’ll switch it to Medium to firm up the midstroke to prevent bobbing. The Firm setting isn’t as rock solid as on the 32 and offers a touch of give in case you encounter the odd bump – or forget it's on.
WHO IS IT FOR?
If you run a dropper post on your XC rig, or like to keep your 120mm trail bike as light as possible this fork may well pique your interest. Any rider that loves to climb hills with ease and then bomb them on the way down is not going to say no to a good weight saving and improved feel and control. The Fox 34 SC gives you more adjustability and tyre clearance up to 2.8” on the 27.5” model, and little to no noticeable difference in stiffness to the previous model. Riding the 34 SC has made me consider the EVOL air spring upgrade for my 2017 Fox 34, as the weight saving makes for an expensive upgrade. If you have an older fork or shorter XC fork or you are building up your next sled and it’s in the 100-120mm travel range then you should most definitely take a look at this model as there aren’t many other forks that have what Fox is offering with the 34 SC. Need more than 120mm? Then the usual 34 range still exists. HITS - Improved small bump compliance
and tuning options - 225g weight loss with the Kabolt - Increased tyre clearance - ORANGE! MISSES - More adjustments takes a little more time to tune. RRP: $1519 ($1599 with remote) FROM: ridefox.com