Alright, guys, let's dive deep into the Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29, a fork that's been making waves in the mountain biking world. If you're an aggressive trail rider or an enduro enthusiast, this fork might just be your new best friend. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its key features and performance to how it stacks up against the competition. Buckle up, because this is going to be a thorough ride!

Overview of Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29

The Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29 is designed to tackle the most demanding trails with confidence and control. It's part of Fox's renowned Float 38 lineup, which is known for its stiffness, damping performance, and overall durability. The 'Performance Elite' designation means you're getting a high-end fork without all the bells and whistles (and the higher price tag) of the Factory series. This makes it an excellent choice for riders who want top-tier performance without breaking the bank.

Key features of the fork

• Stanchions: 38mm stanchions for increased stiffness and precise steering.
• Damper: Equipped with the FIT4 damper which offers excellent control and adjustability.
• Air Spring: Utilizes the Float EVOL air spring for a supple and supportive feel throughout the travel.
• Travel: Designed for 29-inch wheels and typically offers travel ranging from 160mm to 180mm, depending on the specific model.
• Lower Leg Bypass Channels: These channels help to reduce pressure buildup, improving small-bump sensitivity and overall performance.
• Kashima Coating: While not on the Factory model, the Performance Elite still boasts a high-quality anodized finish for durability and smooth performance.

Who is this fork for?

The Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29 is ideal for riders who: are into aggressive trail riding, enduro racing, or bike park sessions. Need a fork that can handle big hits, chunky terrain, and steep descents. Want a high-performance fork without the premium price tag of the Factory series. Appreciate a fork that offers a good balance of stiffness, sensitivity, and adjustability.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of the Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29 are immediately apparent. The 38mm stanchions are the first thing you'll notice, providing a stiff and burly appearance that inspires confidence. This increased stiffness translates to more precise steering and better control, especially when tackling challenging terrain. The fork's chassis is well-engineered, with clean lines and a robust construction that can withstand the rigors of aggressive riding. The anodized finish not only looks great but also adds to the fork's durability, protecting it from scratches and wear.

Materials

Fox uses high-quality aluminum alloys for the stanchions, crown, and lowers, ensuring a balance of strength and weight. The internals are precision-machined to provide smooth and reliable performance. While the Performance Elite doesn't have the Kashima coating found on the Factory series, the anodized finish is still very durable and helps to reduce friction.

Attention to Detail

Fox pays close attention to detail in the design and construction of the Float 38 Performance Elite 29. The lower leg bypass channels are a testament to this, as they improve small-bump sensitivity and overall performance by reducing pressure buildup. The fork also features a secure and easy-to-use axle system, making wheel changes a breeze. The overall fit and finish are excellent, with no noticeable imperfections or areas of concern.

Performance and Ride Experience

When it comes to performance, the Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29 truly shines. Whether you're hitting steep descents, navigating rocky trails, or launching off jumps, this fork delivers a smooth, controlled, and confidence-inspiring ride. The combination of the FIT4 damper and Float EVOL air spring provides excellent support throughout the travel, allowing you to push your limits with confidence. The fork's stiffness ensures precise steering and minimal flex, even when faced with aggressive riding conditions.

Small Bump Sensitivity

Thanks to the lower leg bypass channels and the Float EVOL air spring, the Float 38 Performance Elite 29 offers excellent small-bump sensitivity. It effectively absorbs minor trail imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. This is particularly noticeable on rough and chattery trails, where the fork helps to reduce fatigue and maintain traction.

Mid-Stroke Support

The FIT4 damper provides excellent mid-stroke support, preventing the fork from diving or wallowing during aggressive riding. This is crucial for maintaining control and stability when tackling steep descents and berms. The fork remains composed and predictable, allowing you to confidently navigate challenging terrain.

Bottom-Out Resistance

The Float 38 Performance Elite 29 offers impressive bottom-out resistance, preventing harsh landings and ensuring a smooth transition through the full range of travel. This is particularly important for riders who enjoy hitting jumps and drops, as it provides a safety net and prevents damage to the fork. The ability to adjust the air volume with volume spacers allows you to fine-tune the bottom-out resistance to suit your riding style and preferences.

Adjustability

The Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29 offers a wide range of adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the fork to suit your riding style, terrain, and preferences. The FIT4 damper provides on-the-fly compression adjustment with three positions which is Open, Medium, and Firm, allowing you to quickly adapt to changing trail conditions. Additionally, you can adjust the air pressure in the Float EVOL air spring to set the sag and overall feel of the fork. The ability to add or remove volume spacers allows you to fine-tune the bottom-out resistance, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride in all situations.

FIT4 Damper Adjustments

The FIT4 damper offers three on-the-fly compression adjustment positions: Open, Medium, and Firm. The Open mode is ideal for descending and soaking up bumps, while the Medium mode provides more support for climbing and undulating terrain. The Firm mode is designed for smooth surfaces and pedaling efficiency. Additionally, the Open mode has a low-speed compression adjustment that allows you to fine-tune the fork's sensitivity and support.

Air Spring Adjustments

The Float EVOL air spring allows you to adjust the air pressure to set the sag and overall feel of the fork. By adding or removing air, you can adjust the fork's stiffness and sensitivity. Additionally, you can add or remove volume spacers to fine-tune the bottom-out resistance. This allows you to customize the fork's performance to suit your riding style and the terrain you're riding on.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear picture, let's break down the pros and cons of the Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29:.

Pros

• Stiffness: The 38mm stanchions provide exceptional stiffness, resulting in precise steering and control.
• Damping Performance: The FIT4 damper offers excellent control and adjustability, ensuring a smooth and composed ride.
• Small Bump Sensitivity: The lower leg bypass channels and Float EVOL air spring provide excellent small-bump sensitivity.
• Adjustability: A wide range of adjustability allows you to fine-tune the fork to suit your riding style and preferences.
• Durability: High-quality materials and construction ensure long-lasting performance.

Cons

• Price: While not as expensive as the Factory series, the Performance Elite is still a significant investment.
• Weight: The 38mm stanchions add some weight compared to lighter forks.
• Complexity: The adjustability options may be overwhelming for some riders.

Alternatives to the Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29

If the Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29 isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• RockShox ZEB: The RockShox ZEB is a direct competitor to the Float 38, offering similar stiffness and performance. It features 38mm stanchions, a Charger damper, and a DebonAir air spring.
• Fox Float 36: The Fox Float 36 is a lighter and more nimble option for riders who prioritize agility over outright stiffness. It's a great choice for trail riding and more playful riding styles.
• Öhlins RXF36 M.2: The Öhlins RXF36 M.2 is a high-end fork that offers exceptional damping performance and control. It's a premium option for riders who demand the best.

Final Verdict

The Fox Float 38 Performance Elite 29 is an excellent choice for aggressive trail riders and enduro enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance without the premium price tag of the Factory series. Its stiffness, damping performance, and adjustability make it a versatile and capable fork that can handle the most challenging terrain with confidence and control. While it may not be the lightest or cheapest option, its performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious riders. If you're looking to upgrade your ride and push your limits, the Float 38 Performance Elite 29 is definitely worth considering.