SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Fox Factory went public with its 2019 model year offerings on Tuesday, unveiling a wide range of updated Fox-branded suspension as well as the first Fox-built line of Marzocchi products since Fox bought the Italian brand in 2015.
Fox updates and adds gravel and e-bike forks
Fox made improvements across its line of forks and shocks. Highlights include the new 34 Step-Cast cross-country fork, new GRIP2 damper, and an updated Float Air Sleeve and bottom-out system.
New additions to the line include the AX gravel fork, which has been seen in spy shots for about a year. The AX uses 32 Step-Cast fork legs with 40 mm of travel, for use with 700c tires up to 40 mm wide. It will retail for $819.
Another addition is the Speed Pedelec fork for e-bike use. It will be available with 34 mm legs for 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels at 120 mm travel, and 36 mm legs for 29-inch wheels, with 160 mm of travel. Aftermarket pricing ranges from $746 to $1,059.
Fox's 34 line is now divided between the 34 Step-Cast and the regular 34. The Step-Cast leg design was introduced in a lightweight cross-country model last season, the 32 Step-Cast, which remains available as Fox's lightest fork model. The 34 Step-Cast is also categorized as a cross-country fork, but stiffer than the 32 Step-Cast and a half-pound lighter than the regular 34. The 34 Step-Cast is available in travel from 100-120mm.
The regular 34 is considered a trail fork and is available in 120-140 mm travel. Aftermarket prices range from $739 to $892.
The 36 fork model continues as a trail/enduro design with updated damper and air spring features plus a new Gloss Orange paint option. Prices range from $899 to $1,065.
The 40 is Fox's DH fork, with the new Grip2 damper, new 29-inch option and the new Gloss Orange option. It's available only in the Factory Series configuration, retailing for $1,700.
Fox also continues to offer its Rhythm forks exclsuively for original equipment use.
Changes to Fox's shock line and other technologies are included in the 2019 model year introduction, attached.
Marzocchi relaunches with two forks and a dropper post
Marzocchi spokesman Matt Pacocha said Fox has worked to transition Marzocchi production from its previous Taiwan manufacturer to Fox's factory in Taiwan. The brand is being positioned as "high-value," he said.
"The forks are very high quality and durable. They just give up some weight and adjustability to hit a lower price," he said. The Marzocchi fork line starts at $699 in the aftermarket, while Fox's least expensive aftermarket fork starts at $729.
The Marzocchi line includes two forks — one for trail and one for DH — and a dropper post. The fork pricing starts with the Bomber Z1 at $699 in the aftermarket, lower than any Fox aftermarket fork. Both forks feature Fox's FIT GRIP dampers and EVOL air springs. They use 6000-series aluminum lower legs, while Fox uses higher grade 7000-series aluminum on all Fox-branded forks except the Rhythm.
The Bomber Z1 is a product name that dates to 1997, and has had a reputation for prioritizing ride quality and durability over feathery weight. The latest iteration will be available in 27.5-inch and 29/27.5+ wheel sizes. The 29/27.5+ model will be available in travel from 130 mm to 170 mm in 10 mm increments, while the 27.5-inch model will be available in 150-180mm versions. The fork will retail for $699 and be available in red or black.
The second Marzocchi fork is the Bomber 58, a 203 mm-travel air-spring double-crown fork with new 40 mm lower legs. It will be available for 27.5-inch wheels with 20x110 DH axles and will retail for $999, also in red or black.
The Marzocchi Transfer dropper post has Marzocchi branding for riders who like to match their forks with their post. It's a cable-activated post available in 100-, 125-, or 150 mm travel options, with internal or external remote cable routing. There are below-bar and above-bar remote options and it retails for $294.
The Marzocchi line information is in the brand's 2019 model year introduction, attached.
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The Bomber Z1 -
The Bomber 58. -
The Fox AX gravel fork.
