Technically, the two contenders share a parallel history. Both the FOX 38 and the RockShox ZEB launched in 2020 with the same ambition: to bridge the gap between classic single-crown enduro forks and dual-crown models. Since then, both have evolved steadily, each receiving significant updates along the way.
By the way: You can find the individual reviews of both forks via the following links. There you’ll also find all information on the different models and prices.
Review: FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2
Review: RockShox ZEB Ultimate
Over the past few months, we’ve ridden different variants of the new FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 and RockShox ZEB Ultimate. From Queenstown to Tremp, Sintra, Finale Ligure, the Black Forest, and our home trails around Stuttgart, we tested the forks on a wide variety of terrain and bikes. To highlight the subtle differences between these two heavy hitters, we also tested them back-to-back in the Palatinate Forest. To keep things honest, we had two experienced test riders swap between both forks throughout a full day of riding, with base setups refined before the test began. Riding them back to back largely eliminates the usual variables: changing trail conditions, rider condition and creeping fatigue.
With a mix of high-speed sections, tight technical switchbacks, man-made berms, and jumps, our test tracks in the Palatinate offer the ideal conditions. They also provide a good mix of flat and steep sections, hard braking zones, fast jumps, and solid G-outs to evaluate the forks in every conceivable situation.
As visible in some of the photos, we also used a BYB V3 Pro telemetry system during the test. The data collected before, during and after the shootout gives us a lot to work with on both forks and their damping systems, but the findings still need more time and analysis before we can draw solid conclusions. We will be publishing everything in a separate article down the line. In this shootout, we focus purely on what the trail told us.
The Hard Facts in Detail: FOX 38 Factory vs. RockShox ZEB Ultimate
The New FOX 38 Factory GRIP X2 2027
The current 29″ variant of the FOX 38 Factory with 170 mm of travel tips the scales at 2,412 g. Visually, it follows the brand’s new design language, most recognisable in the revised cutouts on the crown, while remaining largely identical to its predecessor above the lowers. For offset, riders can still choose between 37 mm and 44 mm.
The technical centerpiece is the revised GRIP X2 damper. As before, it offers the full range of external adjustments with low-speed compression (LSC) and high-speed compression (HSC), as well as low-speed rebound (LSR) and high-speed rebound (HSR). To further minimize internal friction, FOX’s engineers rely on the new NA3 GlideCore air spring. A proven mechanical feature remains the floating axle: this system allows the axle to be tightened without putting stress on the lowers, minimising friction between stanchions and lowers.
The accessories have been thoughtfully updated too. The fender system comes in a short or the excellent longer version, aligns with the FOX 36 introduced last year and now bolts directly onto the fork. The pressure relief valves have been revised and are no longer part of the fender mounting. Volume spacers continue to be used to fine-tune the air spring curve. You can find more details in our in-depth individual review of the FOX 38 Factory fork.
The New RockShox ZEB Ultimate 2027
The current 29″ version of the RockShox ZEB Ultimate with 170 mm of travel weighs 2,540 g – which makes it around 100 g heavier than the FOX. Visually, the fork presents a very rectangular, aggressive look. A striking detail is the small cutout on the casting, reflecting SRAM’s current design trend – similar to the X0 crank or the new Maven brake levers. For offset, RockShox continues to use the standard 44 mm.
At the heart of the new ZEB sits the updated Charger 3.2 damper cartridge. Unlike the FOX damper, it offers external adjustment of low-speed and high-speed compression as well as low-speed rebound. In other words, you cannot adjust rebound speeds separately. The big innovation on the ZEB Ultimate, however, is the LinearXL air spring unit and the new proprietary AirAnnex.
To adjust end-stroke progression, the fork features the newly developed ABO system (Adjustable Hydraulic Out), which regulates progression over the last 7–17 mm of travel. Tokens can still be used as usual to fine-tune the air chamber. Also new is the position and design of the pressure relief valves, which have moved from the lowers up into the crown. And there is more to unpack. For a full breakdown of innovations like ButterWagon technology and everything else that has changed, our detailed individual review of the RockShox ZEB Ultimate is worth a read.
You’ll find the full test and how both suspension forks perform on the trail in the in-depth feature on ENDURO Magazine.
Words: Reynaldo Ilagan, Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker
