Fox Factory 38 Setup Guide: PDF Instructions & Tips

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Alright guys, let's dive into setting up your Fox Factory 38 fork like a pro! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the fork's features to fine-tuning it for your specific riding style. We'll also point you to a handy PDF that you can keep for reference. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your mountain bike!

Understanding Your Fox Factory 38 Fork

The Fox Factory 38 is a powerhouse of a fork, designed for enduro and aggressive trail riding. Before you even think about adjustments, it's crucial to understand what makes this fork tick. This section will cover the key features and technologies that set the Factory 38 apart, so you can make informed decisions about your setup.

  • Chassis Stiffness: The beefy 38mm stanchions are the heart of this fork's stiffness. This translates to more precise steering and control, especially when you're railing through corners or bombing down technical descents. Understanding how this stiffness affects your ride is the first step in dialing in your setup.
  • EVOL Air Spring: The Extra Volume (EVOL) air spring provides a more linear spring rate, especially in the initial part of the travel. This means you'll get better small bump sensitivity and more consistent support throughout the fork's travel. Knowing how to adjust the air pressure in the EVOL chamber is critical for achieving the right level of plushness and bottom-out resistance.
  • Grip2 Damper: The Grip2 damper is the crown jewel of the Factory 38. It offers unparalleled adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the fork's compression and rebound damping to suit your riding style and terrain. We'll delve deeper into the Grip2 damper's adjustments later in this guide.
  • Lower Leg Bleeders: These nifty little buttons allow you to release pressure buildup in the lower legs of the fork. This pressure can negatively affect the fork's performance, making it feel harsh and unresponsive. Bleeding the lower legs regularly will keep your fork running smoothly and consistently.
  • Kashima Coating: The signature gold Kashima coating isn't just for looks. It reduces friction and improves the fork's overall sensitivity, resulting in a smoother and more responsive ride. Taking care of the Kashima coating will help prolong the life of your fork and maintain its performance.

By understanding these key features, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your fork setup and get the most out of your Fox Factory 38.

Getting Started: Initial Setup

Before hitting the trails, a proper initial setup is essential for optimal performance and safety. This involves setting the correct air pressure, checking the rebound, and ensuring everything is properly installed. Let's walk through the steps to get your Fox Factory 38 ready to shred. Make sure you have the right tools and a clean workspace before you begin. It will help you ensure accuracy and safety throughout the process.

  1. Air Pressure: Use a shock pump to add air to the fork. Consult the Fox air pressure chart (usually found on a sticker on the fork leg or in the PDF manual) as a starting point. This chart will give you a recommended pressure range based on your weight. Remember, this is just a starting point; you'll likely need to fine-tune it based on your personal preference and riding style. Start with the recommended pressure and then adjust in small increments (5-10 psi) until you find the sweet spot. If you're consistently bottoming out, add more pressure. If you're not using full travel, reduce the pressure.
  2. Rebound: Rebound damping controls how quickly the fork returns to its extended position after being compressed. Too little rebound damping can result in a bouncy, uncontrolled feel. Too much rebound damping can make the fork feel harsh and packed down. Start with the rebound adjuster in the middle position and then adjust it based on your riding conditions. If the fork feels like it's bouncing back too quickly, add more rebound damping. If it feels like it's packing down and not recovering quickly enough, reduce the rebound damping.
  3. Compression: The Grip2 damper on the Fox Factory 38 offers both high-speed and low-speed compression adjustments. These adjustments control how the fork responds to different types of impacts. Low-speed compression affects the fork's response to slow, gradual compressions, such as body weight shifts and cornering forces. High-speed compression affects the fork's response to fast, sharp impacts, such as rocks and roots. Start with both compression adjusters in the open (fully counter-clockwise) position and then add damping as needed. If the fork feels too soft and wallowy, add low-speed compression. If it feels harsh on high-speed impacts, reduce high-speed compression.
  4. Sag: Sag is the amount the fork compresses under your weight when you're in a riding position. It's a crucial factor in determining the overall feel of the fork. Aim for around 20% sag. To measure sag, sit on your bike in a normal riding position and have a friend measure how much the fork compresses. Adjust the air pressure as needed to achieve the desired sag.
  5. Torque Check: Ensure all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. This includes the axle, stem, and brake caliper bolts. Use a torque wrench to ensure accurate tightening and prevent damage to the components.

By following these initial setup steps, you'll be well on your way to a dialed-in fork that performs optimally on the trail.

Fine-Tuning Your Ride

Once you've got the basics dialed, it's time to fine-tune your Fox Factory 38 for your specific riding style and the terrain you'll be tackling. This is where the Grip2 damper really shines, offering a wide range of adjustability to cater to your every need.

  • Grip2 Damper Deep Dive: The Grip2 damper features independent high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments. This level of control allows you to precisely tailor the fork's performance to suit your preferences. Experiment with small adjustments and pay attention to how they affect the fork's feel.
  • Compression Adjustments:
    • Low-Speed Compression (LSC): Adjusts the fork's resistance to slow compressions, like body weight shifts and cornering forces. More LSC provides a firmer feel and reduces brake dive. Less LSC improves small bump sensitivity and traction.
    • High-Speed Compression (HSC): Controls the fork's response to fast, sharp impacts, like rocks and roots. More HSC provides more support on big hits and prevents bottoming out. Less HSC improves compliance and reduces harshness on rough terrain.
  • Rebound Adjustments:
    • Low-Speed Rebound (LSR): Affects how quickly the fork returns to its extended position after a slow compression. Faster LSR improves traction and responsiveness on chattery terrain. Slower LSR provides more stability and control on smooth trails.
    • High-Speed Rebound (HSR): Controls the fork's rebound speed after a fast, deep compression. Faster HSR allows the fork to recover quickly after big hits. Slower HSR prevents the fork from bucking you off the bike after a hard landing.
  • Trailside Tweaks: Don't be afraid to make adjustments while you're on the trail. Carry a small multi-tool with you and experiment with different settings until you find what works best for you. Remember to only make one adjustment at a time so that you can accurately assess the effect of each change.
  • Document Your Settings: Keep a record of your settings so you can easily revert back to a known baseline if you get lost in the tuning process. Note down the air pressure, rebound settings, and compression settings for different types of trails and conditions.

Fine-tuning your Fox Factory 38 is an ongoing process. As you become more experienced, you'll develop a better understanding of how each adjustment affects the fork's performance. With practice and experimentation, you'll be able to dial in your fork to perfection and unlock its full potential.

Finding the Fox Factory 38 Setup PDF

Fox provides detailed setup guides for all their forks, including the Factory 38. The easiest way to find the correct PDF for your fork is to head to the Fox website and search for your specific model year and fork. You can usually find the PDF in the