OWNER'S MANUALS

FORK- 2016 36mm

FORK- 2016 36mm

Travel

 

FLOAT: 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm

TALAS: 140-110mm, 150-120mm, 160-130mm, 180-140mm (20QR chassis only)

831:     100mm

 

 

Features/Adjustments

 

Factory FLOAT FIT HSC/LSC: Kashima coated upper tubes, low-speed compression, high-speed compression, rebound, air spring pressure.

Factory FLOAT FIT4 3pos w/AdjKashima coated upper tubes, 3 Position Lever (Open-Medium-Firm), Open Mode Adjust (LSC), Rebound, Air Spring Pressure.

Factory FLOAT FIT4 3pos Remote w/AdjKashima coated upper tubes, 3 Position Remote (Open-Medium-Firm), Open Mode Adjust (LSC), Rebound, Air Spring Pressure.

Performance Elite FLOAT FIT HSC/LSC: Anodized upper tubes, low-speed compression, high-speed compression, rebound, air spring pressure.

Performance Elite FLOAT FIT4 3pos w/AdjAnodized upper tubes, 3 Position Lever (Open-Medium-Firm), Open Mode Adjust (LSC), Rebound, Air Spring Pressure.

Performance Elite FLOAT FIT4 3pos Remote w/AdjAnodized upper tubes, 3 Position Remote (Open-Medium-Firm), Open Mode Adjust (LSC), Rebound, Air Spring Pressure.

Performance FLOAT FIT4 LSC: Anodized upper tubes, Low-speed compression, rebound, air spring pressure.

Performance FLOAT FIT4 3pos: Anodized upper tubes, 3 Position Lever (Open-Medium-Firm), rebound, air spring pressure.

Performance FLOAT FIT4 3pos Remote: Anodized upper tubes, 3 Position Remote (Open-Medium-Firm), rebound, air spring pressure.

 

Factory TALAS FIT HSC/LSC: Kashima coated upper tubes, low-speed compression, high-speed compression, rebound, TALAS 2 position travel adjust, air spring pressure.

Factory TALAS FIT4 3pos w/AdjKashima coated upper tubes, 3 Position Lever (Open-Medium-Firm), Open Mode Adjust (LSC), Rebound, TALAS 2 position travel adjust, Air Spring Pressure.

Factory TALAS FIT4 3pos Remote w/AdjKashima coated upper tubes, 3 Position Remote (Open-Medium-Firm), Open Mode Adjust (LSC), Rebound, TALAS 2 position travel adjust, Air Spring Pressure.

Performance Elite TALAS FIT HSC/LSC: Anodized upper tubes, low-speed compression, high-speed compression, rebound, TALAS 2 position travel adjust, air spring pressure.

Performance Elite TALAS FIT4 3pos w/AdjAnodized upper tubes, 3 Position Lever (Open-Medium-Firm), Open Mode Adjust (LSC), Rebound, TALAS 2 position travel adjust, Air Spring Pressure.

Performance Elite TALAS FIT4 3pos Remote w/AdjAnodized upper tubes, 3 Position Remote (Open-Medium-Firm), Open Mode Adjust (LSC), Rebound, TALAS 2 position travel adjust, Air Spring Pressure.

Performance TALAS FIT4 LSC: Anodized upper tubes, Low-speed compression, rebound, TALAS 2 position travel adjust, air spring pressure.

Performance TALAS FIT4 3pos: Anodized upper tubes, 3 Position lever (Open-Medium-Firm), rebound, TALAS 2 positoin travel adjust, air spring pressure.

Performance TALAS FIT4 3pos Remote: Anodized upper tubes, 3 Position remote (Open-Medium-Firm), rebound, TALAS 2 position travel adjust, air spring pressure.

 

Factory 831: Kashima coated upper tubes, low-speed compression, high-speed compression, rebound, air pressure.

 

Lower leg

15QRx100, 15QRx110, 20mm or 15mm convertible pinch-axle, 180mm direct post style disc brake mounting.

(160mm direct post style disc brake mounting for 20QR chassis)

 

Spring

FLOAT w/self-adjusting negative air or TALAS Travel Adjustable (30mm Adjustment Range Standard, OE configurations may vary)

Riding style

Trail, Enduro, AM, FR (831: DJ, 4X)

For general information and installation instructions click here »

Before You Ride

Step 1

Make sure that your fork is ready to ride

  1. Check that quick-release levers and axle pinch bolts of the bike are properly adjusted and tightened.
  2. Inspect the entire exterior of your fork. The fork should not be used if any of the exterior parts appear to be damaged. Contact your local dealer or FOX for further inspection and repair.
  3. Check your headset adjustment. If loose, adjust it accordingly to your bicycle manufacturer's recommendations.
  4. Check that all brake cables or hoses are properly fastened.
  5. Test the proper operation of your front and rear brakes on level ground.
  6. Before every race or ride, clean the outside of your fork with only mild soap and water, and wipe dry with a soft dry rag. Do not spray water directly into the seal/upper tube junction. Do not use a high pressure washer on your fork.

Mounting Disc Brakes

WARNING: Follow your brake manufacturer's installation instructions for proper installation and adjustment of the brake system. Failure to properly install and adjust your brakes can lead to a loss of control of the bicycle which can result in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

The 2015-2016 36 FLOAT uses 180mm Post Mounts that allow you to bolt your caliper directly to the fork and utilize a 180mm rotor. This post mount eliminates the need for a caliper adaptor when using the most common 180mm rotor size for forks with these amounts of travel, which saves overall system weight. 

 

If your current 180mm brake setup came with bolts and a caliper spacer, you may need to source shorter bolts as you will not need a caliper spacer when using a 180mm rotor.

 

If using a 203mm rotor, you will need to source the appropriate caliper spacer and bolts. Contact the brake manufacturer for further information.

 

180-brake-mount.jpg

 

The 2015-2016 36 TALAS 180 (20QR chassis) uses 203mm Post Mounts that allow you to bolt your caliper directly to the fork and utilize a 203mm rotor.

Installing the Front Wheel (15mm or 20mm Pinch Axle)

Step 1

Install Your Wheel Correctly to Benefit From the Floating Axle

The 2015-2016 36 fork uses a true floating axle. Follow the installation instructions in the video below to properly install your front wheel and enjoy the friction reducing benefits of the floating axle. 

Wheel installation is identical for both the 15mm and 20mm axles. Information regarding converting between 15mm and 20mm axles can be found in the 15mm and 20mm Axle Conversion section. Additional information regarding installing wheels can be found here »

 

 

Setting Fork Air Pressure

2016 36 FLOAT maximum air pressure is 125psi

2016 36 TALAS maximum air pressure is 200psi

Depending on variables such as riding style, terrain, bike geometry, etc, you may find that you can only achieve proper sag and ride performance with up to 10psi over or under the recommended value in the suggested starting pressure chart below. Feel free to experiment with fork air pressures using the information below as a guide.

Setting sag is desired and necessary for proper fork performance during general XC/Trail/AM riding. The 831 fork is not intended for general XC/Trail riding use, but for four cross racing, slalom, slope-style, or dirt jumping. Therefore, the air pressure is generally not set by obtaining proper sag, but is intended to be set for proper riding feel and bottom out control. 

Step 1

Sag should be set to 15 - 20% of total fork travel

To achieve the best performance from your FOX suspension, adjust the air pressure to attain your proper sag setting. Sag is the amount your suspension compresses under your weight and riding gear. Sag range should be set to 15–20% of total fork travel.

  1. Unscrew the blue air cap on top of the left fork leg counter-clockwise to expose the Schrader valve. 36-sag-range.jpg
  2. Attach a FOX High Pressure Pump to the Schrader valve.
  3. Pump your fork to the appropriate pressure as listed in the 'Suggested starting points for setting sag' table below, then remove the pump.
  4. Using your forks sag setting o-ring on the left upper tube (or temporarily install a zip tie to the upper tube), slide the o-ring (or zip tie) down against the fork dust wiper.
  5. Make sure that your compression adjusters are in the Open position
    • Rotate the 3-Position lever to the Open mode (the riders 1 o'clock position).
    • If you have a 3-Position Remote fork, click the black release lever once to set the fork to Open mode.
    • If you have LSC or HSC/LSC adjust, make sure all adjusters are open (fully counter-clockwise.
  6. Dressed to ride (including a filled hydration pack, if you use one), position your bike next to a wall or table to support yourself. Mount your bicycle. Assume your riding position for at least 10 seconds, allowing the suspension to fully settle. Make sure you distribute your weight evenly between the saddle, handlebars and pedals.
  7. While in your riding position, slide the o-ring (or zip tie) down against the fork dust wiper.
  8. Dismount your bike without bouncing, to avoid further moving the o-ring or zip tie. Measure the distance between the dust wiper and the o-ring or zip tie. This is your sag measurement. Suggested sag measurements are listed in the table below.
  9. Add or remove air pressure until your sag measurement is between 15-20% of your forks total travel.
  10. Repeat steps 2-8 and recheck sag measurement.
  11. When sag measurement is correct, screw the blue air cap on clockwise until snug.

 

 

 

Suggested Starting Points for Setting Sag
Rider Weight (lbs) Rider Weight (kgs) FLOAT Pressure (psi/ bar) TALAS Pressure (psi/ bar)
120-130 54-59 51psi/ 3.5 bar 98psi/ 6.7 bar
130-140 59-64 55psi/ 3.8 bar 105psi/ 7.2 bar
140-150 64-68 59psi/ 4.1 bar 113psi/ 7.8 bar
150-160 68-73 63psi/ 4.3 bar 121psi/ 8.3 bar
160-170 73-77 67psi/ 4.6 bar 129psi/ 8.9 bar
170-180 77-82 71psi/ 4.8 bar 137psi/ 9.4 bar
180-190 82-86 75psi/ 5.2 bar 144psi/ 9.9 bar
190-200 86-91 79psi/ 5.4 bar 152psi/ 10.5 bar
200-210 91-95 83psi/ 5.7 bar 160psi/ 11.0 bar
210-220 95-100 87psi/ 6.0 bar 168psi/ 11.6 bar
220-230 100-104 91psi/ 6.3 bar 176psi/ 12.1 bar
230-240 104-109 95psi/ 6.5 bar 183psi/ 12.6 bar
240-250 109-113 99psi/ 6.8 bar 191psi/ 13.2 bar

 

Suggested Sag Measurements
Travel 15% sag (Firm) 20% sag (Plush)
140mm/ 5.5 in 21mm/ 0.8 in 28mm/ 1.1 in
150mm/ 5.9 in 23mm/ 0.9 in 30mm/ 1.2 in
160mm/ 6.3 in 24mm/ 0.9in 32mm/ 1.3 in
170mm/ 6.7 in 25mm/ 1.0 in 34mm/ 1.3 in
180mm/ 7.1 in 27mm/ 1.1 in 36mm/ 1.4 in

Adjusting Rebound

Step 1

Rebound controls how fast the fork extends after compressing

The rebound adjustment is dependent on the air pressure setting. For example, higher air pressures require more rebound damping.

 

FIT4:

For FIT4 cartridges, use your air pressure to find your rebound setting. Turn your rebound knob to the closed position (full clockwise) until it stops. Then back it out (counter-clockwise) to the number of clicks shown in the table below.

 36-rebound.jpg

 

 

FIT HSC/LSC:

Turn your rebound knob to the closed position (full clockwise) until it stops. Then back it out (counter-clockwise) to 13 clicks.

RC2-rebound.jpg

 

Adjust rebound until when tested, the fork returns quickly but does not top out.

Top out is felt when a fork fully extends too quickly and comes to an abrupt stop when it reaches full extension (you will hear/feel a small noise). Top out should be avoided through proper rebound setting.

Factory and Performance Elite FIT4 Compression Adjusters

Step 1

Easy on-the-fly adjustments for unprecedented control and performance

3-Position Lever: The 3-position lever is useful to make on-the-fly adjustments to control shock performance under significant changes in terrain, and is intended to be adjusted throughout the ride. You can use the OPEN mode during rough descending, the MEDIUM mode for undulating terrain, and the FIRM mode for smooth climbing.

FOX recommends beginning with the 3-position lever in the open mode.

32-3-pos.jpg

 

*OPEN Mode Adjust: Open mode adjust is useful to control fork performance under rider weight shifts, G-outs, and slow inputs. OPEN mode adjust provides 22 additional fine tuning adjustments for the OPEN mode. Setting 22 will have a more plush feel and setting 1 will have a firmer feel.

FOX recommends beginning with the Open mode adjust set to 18 clicks out (counter-clockwise) from fully closed (clockwise).

32-open-mode-adjust.jpg

32-open-mode-range.jpg

 

*Factory and Performance Elite Series forks only.

Factory Series HSC/LSC Compression Adjusters

Step 1

Independently Control High and Low Speed Compression

Adjusting your high and low speed compression setting controls how the fork feels as it's compressed through its travel under various types of hits. Use your high and low speed compression adjusters to tune the fork to meet your riding style and terrain.

High-speed compression (HSC) adjustment is useful to control fork performance during bigger hits, landings, and square-edged bumps.

36-HSC.jpg

Low-speed compression adjustment is useful to control fork performance during rider weight shifts, G-outs, and other slow inputs.

36-LSC-(hsc-lsc).jpg

 

FOX recommends beginning with the High-speed and Low-speed compression set 15 clicks out (counter-clockwise) from closed (full clockwise). 

36-HSC-LSC-chart.jpg

Performance Series LSC Compression Adjuster

Step 1

Adjusting your low-speed compression setting controls how the fork feels as it's compressed through its travel under various types of hits. Use your low speed compression adjusters to tune the fork to meet your riding style and terrain.

 

Low-speed compression (LSC) adjustment is useful to control fork performance during rider weight shifts, G-outs, and other slow inputs.

36-LSC-(hsc-lsc).jpg

 

FOX recommends beginning with the Low-speed compression set 12 clicks out (counter-clockwise) from closed (full clockwise). 

40-LSC-chart.jpg

15mm and 20mm Pinch-Axle Conversion

Step 1

Some 36 Fork Models Can Convert Between 15mm and 20mm Pinch-Axles

The video below guides you through the process of converting from the 20mm pinch-axle to the 15mm pinch-axle.

  • Grease can be used in place of suspension oil when coating axle adaptors during installation. FOX recommends Slick Honey or a multi-purpose lithium based grease.

 

 axle-adapter-id.jpg

 

 

  

 The video below guides you through the process of converting from the 15mm pinch-axle to the 20mm pinch-axle.

WARNINGThe 15mm axle should only be used with the 15mm axle adapters and 15mm axle slit shims. Do not use the 15mm axle without the 15mm axle adapters. Do not use the 15mm axle with the 20mm axle slit shims. Failure to use the proper adapters and axle slit shims with the 15mm axle can damage the fork dropouts which can lead to a loss of control of the bicycle which can result in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: Never attempt to modify axle slit shims or axle adapters. Modification of these parts can lead to improper installation which can lead to a loss of control of the bicycle which can result in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: When using the 15mm axle slit shims, make sure to install the notched shim in the rider's left dropout. Failure to install the 15mm axle slit shims in their correct locations may result in damage to the dropout that can lead to a loss of control of the bicycle which can result in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNINGThe 20mm axle slit shims must be used when using the 20mm axle. Leaving the 20mm axle slit shims out when using the 20mm axle can allow for dropout damage to occur, which can lead to a loss of control of the bicycle that can result in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: Never attempt to force any parts to fit. Doing so may result in dropout damage, which can lead to a loss of control of the bicycle that can result in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Adjusting Fork Compression Ratio with Air Volume Spacers (FLOAT only)

Step 1

Adjust Your Compression Ratio For The Perfect Air Spring Feel

The 2015-2016 36 FLOAT uses an air spring system that can be adjusted to provide different compression ratios. The video below shows you how to change your compression ratios by adding or removing air volume spacers.

There are two different air volume spacers: small Blue 7.6cc and large Orange 10.8cc

New 2015-2016 36 FLOAT forks come from the factory with one blue 7.6cc spacer installed. To make it easier to achieve full travel, you can remove the existing spacer to lower your compression ratio. If you are going through your travel too easily, you use  up to 4 total spacers (any combination of blue and orange) to achieve the desired compression ratio.

 

 

Air volume spacers may be desired when reducing travel as any reduction in travel will reduce your overall compression ratio. 

WARNING: Never attempt to modify air volume spacers, as this can damage your fork causing a loss of control of the bicycle leading to SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.

WARNING: FOX suspension products contain pressurized nitrogen, air, oil, or all 3. Suspension misuse can cause property damage, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT puncture, incinerate or crush any portion of a FOX suspension product. DO NOT attempt to disassemble any portion of a FOX suspension product, unless expressly instructed to do so by the applicable FOX technical documentation, and then ONLY while strictly adhering to all FOX instructions and warnings in that instance.

WARNING: Modification, improper service, or use of aftermarket replacement parts with FOX forks and shocks may cause the product to malfunction, resulting in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT modify any part of a fork or shock, including the fork brace (lower leg cross brace), crown, steerer, upper and lower leg tubes, or internal parts, except as instructed herein. Any unauthorized modification may void the warranty, and may cause failure or the fork or shock, resulting in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Internally Adjusting Fork Travel (FLOAT only)

Step 1

The 2015-2016 36 FLOAT uses an air spring system that can be adjusted down to lower travel settings in 10mm increments. To shorten travel you will need one Neg Plate Spacer (PN: 234-04-627) for each 10mm reduction in travel desired. 

 

  • 2015-2016 36 FLOAT 170mm and 180mm forks can be reduced in travel down to 130mm.
  • 2015-2016 36 FLOAT 160mm forks can be reduced in travel down to 110mm.

  • 2015-2016 36 FLOAT 160mm forks CANNOT be extended past 160mm of travel.
  • 2015-2016 36 FLOAT 180mm forks CANNOT be extended past 180mm of travel.

  • 2015-2016 36 FLOAT 170mm forks can be extended to 180mm of travel.

 

  • The 2016 36 831 uses an 831-specific transfer shaft that allows it to be run at 100mm travel in its stock configuration
    • 2016 36 831 100mm forks can be extended to 130mm of travel.
    • 2016 36 831 100mm forks can be reduced in travel down to 80mm.

 

2015-36-float-air-shaft-id.jpg

 

160mm Maximum Travel Configurations
160mm Hole #1/ No Spacers
150mm Hole #2/ 1 Spacer
140mm Hole #3/ 2 Spacers
130mm Hole #4/ 3 Spacers
120mm Hole #5/ 4 Spacers
110mm Hole #6/ 5 Spacers

 

180mm Maximum Travel Configurations
180mm Hole #1/ No Spacers
170mm Hole #2/ 1 Spacer
160mm Hole #3/ 2 Spacers
150mm Hole #4/ 3 Spacers
140mm Hole #5/ 4 Spacers
130mm Hole #6/ 5 Spacers

   

36-FLOAT-NA-Travel-Adjust-Map.jpg

 

The video below shows you how to travel adjust your 36 FLOAT fork.

 

Using the TALAS Travel Adjustable Air Spring (TALAS only)

Step 1

Precise Travel Adjustments Offer Great Control

TALAS forks give you the option to switch between two travel settings while riding. 

 

Long Travel Mode:

TALAS 5 long travel mode.jpg

Turning the TALAS lever toward the "+" (clockwise) sets your fork in the long travel mode. When adjusting to long travel mode, your fork will extend once unweighted.

 

Short Travel Mode:

TALAS 5 short travel mode.jpg

Turning the TALAS lever toward the "-" (counter-clockwise) and compressing the fork sets your fork in short travel mode. You must compress the fork deeply into its travel after turning your lever to the short travel mode to travel adjust your fork to short travel mode.

Service Intervals

Step 1

Make sure to properly maintain your fork

To best maintain the performance and durability of your product under normal use, FOX recommends that you have regular fork and shock maintenance performed according to the service intervals listed below.

2015 fork service intervals.jpg

 

*Suspension product will require more frequent servicing the harder they are worked. For those who ride lift-accessed DH, Park, or Extreme Freeride or in extremely wet/muddy or dry/dusty environmental conditions where trail debris is sprayed onto the fork or shock while on the trail, or e-mtb's, FOX encourages riders to perform maintenance earlier than recommended above as needed. If you hear, see, or feel something unusual, stop riding immediately and contact a FOX Authorized Service Center for proper servicing.

WARNING: FOX products should be serviced by a qualified bicycle service technician, in accordance with FOX specifications. If you have any doubt whether or not you can properly service your FOX product, then DO NOT attempt it. Improperly serviced products can fail, causing the rider to lose control resulting in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Dust Wiper and Bath Oil Service

Step 1

Maintaining your fork is key to good performance on the trail. This video guides you through the process of changing your bath oil and dust wipers in the 2015 and 2016 36mm fork in order to reduce friction and prevent wear.

Any bath oil service should be accompanied by an evaluation of the damper and service if necessary. Information on damper services can be found here »