Fox 32 Step Cast Factory fork review

Fox has overhauled the 32 range of forks for 2025 with a complete redesign. The changes bring improvements across the board, delivering performance that firmly establishes it as the best mountain bike fork available. 

• DT Swiss F 232 One Fork review
• RockShox SID SL Ultimate 3P suspension fork review
• Manitou Mezzer Pro suspension fork review

Fox has updated its full range of forks for 2025, introducing new dampers and construction methods across the board. Of all the models, the Fox 32 SC (Step Cast) sees the most significant changes, with every component redesigned, from the structure to the damper.

The most immediately noticeable change is the fork’s construction, which now features a new rear arch matrix design. This was made possible by the expiration of Manitou’s patent for a suspension fork with a rear arch. The arch-shaped matrix is particularly striking, with the material extending well behind the stanchions.

Fox 32 Step Cast Factory Matrix Arch.jpg, by Matthew Page

The 32 SC is available in two versions: the Performance model, featuring the GRIP damper and priced at £1,199, and the Factory version we have on test, equipped with the GRIP SL, at £1,119. Both versions are offered with either a fork-mounted lever or a remote.

Fox 32 SC Factory fork – Technical details

Fox claims the new 32 SC Factory is the lightest fork they have ever produced, with a stated weight of 1,276g for the lightest configuration. However, our test fork weighed in at 1,355g. While the remote version was tested, the actual weight measured was without the remote lever or cables. This suggests that Fox’s claimed weight includes a cut steerer tube. On the fork tested, with the steerer cut to ???mm, the weight dropped to 1,319g — still above the sub-1,300g headline figure. For comparison, the RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork I tested weighed 1,385g with an uncut steerer, and also it was the remote version, but without a remote.

Further updates include a redesigned crown, manufactured from 7000-series aluminium, featuring zero offset and angled supports for the steerer tube to achieve the desired rake while increasing stiffness.

Fox 32 Step Cast Factory Top.jpg, by Matthew Page

}
The GRIP SL damper is another major development, claimed to be 60g lighter. It features a coil-backed internal floating piston (IFP) and comes in a three-position lever version or a two-position remote version.

Two volume spacers are included with the fork, and for the remote version, Fox provides the thumb lockout and all necessary cables for installation.

Fox 32 Step Cast Factory Crown.jpg, by Matthew Page

Fox does not specify an official tyre clearance, but we tested the fork with a 2.4in Schwalbe Rick XC tyre, which still had some clearance. However, we would not recommend going much wider.

Fox 32 SC Factory fork – Performance

Fitting the fork was straightforward, except for the remote, which was slightly tricky. Adjusting the tension on the crown while simultaneously tensioning the cable and tightening it into place requires multiple hands, and using an inline cable tension adjuster is vital.

The 32 SC impressed, offering significantly more mid-travel support and damping than other short-travel forks currently available. With air pressure set at the recommended level (giving 20% sag), there was no need to add extra air to support the fork or prevent it from diving deep into its travel over small and medium bumps. This is an improvement over the previous FIT4 version and the RockShox SID SL Ultimate, both of which tend to dive.

Fox 32 Step Cast Factory Stantions.jpg, by Matthew Page

Despite the improved support, the fork remains supple. While not the plushest option, for most riders—especially racers—the slight reduction in suppleness is a worthwhile trade-off for better support.

The 32 SC handles bigger impacts well, rarely bottoming out, and the rebound does not produce harsh kickback. To save weight, Fox has removed the external rebound dial, and instead, adjustments require a long 2.5mm Allen key. Fox includes one, but it is barely long enough, adjusting more difficult than they should be. However, beyond the initial setup ride- where we used a longer Allen key to make a few tweaks – no further adjustments were needed. The rebound range offers 17 clicks, providing ample tuning options – all under tool-free operation.

Fox 32 Step Cast Factory Close.jpg, by Matthew Page

Two volume spacers are supplied, allowing riders to adjust the fork’s progression. It is good to see these included as standard, providing an easy way to fine-tune the suspension. That said, I did not feel the need to use them, as the fork already offers ample mid-travel support and is less prone to diving.

Fox makes multiple claims regarding improved stiffness. While the 32 SC is comparable to the SID SL- a similarly lightweight, race-focused fork – stiffness is not a standout feature. In back-to-back testing with the DT Swiss F232 One, the latter felt significantly stiffer, although it is also 200g heavier.

Fox 32 Step Cast Factory Lower.jpg, by Matthew Page

While the lever version offers three modes, the remote version tested has just two: open or locked. When adjusted, the lockout is firm, with only slight movement when climbing. However, the cable requires precise tuning, and during testing, we had to adjust the cable tension a few times. Fortunately, this is simple with an inline adjuster.

One major issue, especially for British riders, given how frequently we ride in wet and muddy conditions, is the lack of compatibility with a mudguard. Fox does not offer an official mudguard for the updated rear arch design, and existing options, such as the RRP ProGuard and Crud Catcher XL Front Fender do not fit. Attempts to mount the RRP guard backwards resulted in reduced mud clearance, making it impractical. With the rear arch matrix design likely to become more common, hopefully, Fox or a third-party manufacturer will eventually introduce a compatible mudguard soon.

Fox 32 SC Factory fork – Verdict

The Factory version of the 32 SC, the only model in the 32 range to feature the new GRIP SL damper, retails at £1,199. This is significantly more than the recently tested SID SL Ultimate, priced at £959. However, given the performance improvements, the price difference is easier to justify. The DT Swiss F232 One also performed well and retails at £925, making it a strong contender for those less concerned with weight savings.

Fox 32 Step Cast Factory Fitted.jpg, by Matthew Page

Fox has made bold claims with the updated 32 Step Cast fork and, while not all of them translate into real-world gains, the new damper and impressive ride quality deliver a truly outstanding fork. The fork stands tall and remains smooth over smaller bumps, making it the best short-travel XC race and marathon fork currently available. Hopefully, a compatible mudguard solution will emerge to address its biggest drawback.

• ridefox.com
• The reader’s guide to Off-Road.cc’s review scoring system

You might also like:

• Busting those suspension myths with Fox
• Bike check: Nino Schurter’s Scott Spark
• Big Read: Riding and surviving the Jeroboam, a tough as nails gravel race in Italy