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While the 34 and 36 suspension forks might be big sellers for Fox, their XC-focused 32 is still a strong fork in their line-up. 2017 (yep, we’re there already, folks) sees a new iteration of the 32, the 32 Step-Cast.
XC courses are no longer mundane slogs across grassy fields, so damping performance and stiffness are important features of a high-end XC fork. That said, weight is still a massive consideration, so there’s a sweet-spot to be found between performance and weight. The 32 Step-Cast takes these (at times contradictory) considerations, and aims to solve both.
We’ve had an early-bird look at the 32 Step-Cast, so before we get into our take on the fork, here’s a quick run-down of what Fox want you to hear.
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Fox 32 Step-Cast highlights
- 100mm travel
- 1,378g / 3.04lb (actual weight for 29in version w/uncut steerer)
- 15QR x 110 Boost and 15QR x 100 Kabolt axle options
- 27.5in and 29in wheel options
- FIT4 damper
- Available in gloss orange, matte black and gloss white
- $889 / $1450 AUS / £799
The chassis
From the side you might not notice much, but viewed from the front the 100mm-travel 32 is noticeably different. The fork has been narrowed, with a new, lighter highly-formed crown bringing the Kashima coated stanchions closer together. Obviously this impacts on tyre clearance, which is why the upper’s brace is neatly sculpted to maximise tyre clearance – Fox reckon you can still squeeze a 2.3” tyre in there though.
Looking lower down the legs you can see the cut-out Step-Cast design – this allows the aforementioned narrower crown, while still fitting the now on-trend Boost hubs, something which we’ve found to increase stiffness in the wheel. 100mm axle versions are still available, while both 27.5 and 29in wheels are accommodated.
Inside workings
Strong first impressions
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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