Fox have just released their new Podium fork. Featuring reverse stanchions and bigger crowns, they’re not your average suspension forks. But what’s actually behind this unique design and what do we at Merlin think?
What’s behind the product
Fox’s aim with the Podium was to make their lowest-friction fork possible. To attempt this they adopted reverse stanchions – a first in Fox’s history of MTB forks – for its benefits with regards to reduced unsprung mass. This is due to the stanchions switching places with the lowers (as found on a traditional fork). As a result, it allows for improved sensitivity as less upward force from the trail is required to compress them. This is furthered through the improved lubrication of the fork; the seals and bushes are constantly fed with suspension oil due to gravity keeping it gathered at the bottom of the stanchions. A heavier duty crown also plays a key role in this fork’s efficiency as it reduces for/aft flexion mitigating any risk of binding during compression.
From the outside…
The high price point of the Podium is what immediately stands out to many with these forks. With a cost well above many top-of-the-range downhill forks, it can be hard to justify spending so much on a pair of enduro forks. That being said, Fox promise these forks to offer the best of both worlds. The Podium offers downhill fork qualities yet kept all within the travel ranges of an enduro bike. The other key downside to these forks is that while thicker stanchions offer improved stiffness, they contribute to a weight much heavier than your average single crown fork.
Performance
Despite it being the first fork of this type for Fox, the reviews surrounding the Podium Fox suggest that it does what Fox have designed to do. The thought behind the reverse stanchions means the fork can make better use out of its travel when things get rougher. However, it still allows for the option of climbing hills efficiently. While some would argue that your traditional forks still have the upperhand when it comes to all-round riding, these forks are the ideal component for heavy enduro days and bike park laps where forks like the Fox 38s might fall short of support.
To find out more about Fox’s new Podium fork, click here.
The reverse stanchions in the Fox Podium seem like a game-changer, especially when considering the reduction in unsprung mass. I’m curious how this compares to other high-end forks when it comes to real-world trail performance.