Fox 38 Vs RockShox Zeb | Head-To-Head: Battle of the 38s
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- Step into the ring for the Fox 38 vs RockShox Zeb bout. Two heavy hitting single crown forks designed to push the envelope of eMTB and aggressive enduro/trail shredders and bike park freeriders square up. Ever since we reviewed the Fox 38 several months ago and proclaimed it as the best fork we'd ridden, yet, we have been waiting to put this comparison together. Our testers rode many different Fox 38 and RockShox Zeb forks over the last six months, but most notably we put both forks on our dedicated test sled for some back to back comparisons on the same trails. By having one bike as a dedicated test sled we could isolate other variable like suspension platforms, varying shock life and tire pressure to give us the best chance of walking away from this test with educated impressions of the fork. Then, in the name of science, and to ensure we didn't get a hot-rodded, customized fork with some special treatment from either of the brands, we also rode no less than three other Zeb and 38 forks on other test bikes we've received recently, all with similar findings. While both forks are undoubtedly capable and impressive, there is one that we would pick as our dream fork and this video explains why.
At the end of the day you can't really go wrong with either of these forks on the front of your bike but when it comes to our crew, we'd all prefer to see a new rig pop out of the box with a Fox 38. When we were testing the Fox 38 vs the RockShox Zeb, we found that each fork has a uniquely different feel and depending on your terrain, riding style and preferred feel, you could go either way. Our testers tend to like the way the Fox 38 feels just a little bit more over a wider range of terrain. There's no denying that RockShox's 2-year warranty and cost savings are hard to deny when looking to pull cash out of your own pocket, so ultimately, the choice is yours but we doubt you'll be bummed in this win-win scenario and are thankful brands are making such rad products to help progress the way we ride.
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• Fox 38: alnk.to/dAfuLMD
• Rockshox Zeb: alnk.to/fwjPyLU
00:00 | Intro
00:30 | Specs and Features
05:49 | How'd it Perform
10:00 | Final Selection
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Nice review. Went with the fox 38 based on your original review. Cant wait to get on trail. That trail on video looks fun.
In Germany, a ZEB ultimate is ~800€ while a 38 will run you 1200-1500€
Exactly. Zeb wins every time just for this reason. Never mind the fact that it probably performs as well if not better, there’s plenty of reviews going the other way. Probably won’t start creaking after three months and that sram have a much better warranty department. Honestly have no idea why someone would buy fox.
No doubt the cost factor is one worth considering. When cost is put aside and we focus on just the performance, we'd pick the 38.
@@TheLoamWolf fair enough, I’ve just bought the zebs and I’m going to buy a set of pikes for my hardtail for pretty much the same as the cost of a 38. The 38’s need to be a lot better to justify the price really. And to prove they’ve fixed the creaking and it’s not going to take thee months to get your forks back when they go back for a new csu.
Manitou Mezzer Pro for the win in EU. Same price as Zeb but more tunable. Easy to change travel. Lighter than 38 or Zeb.
Thank you for your review! That helped me out alot. Was was deciding between the ZEB and the 38. I picked the 38. And now I feel more endorsed by your video. =D
Glad we could help!
If you're interested in a new fork or any other bike, outdoor gear, visit Competitive Cyclist's website and use LOAMWOLF15 for 15% off applicable items.
• Fox 38: alnk.to/dAfuLMD
• Rockshox Zeb: alnk.to/fwjPyLU
The 38's bleeders are such a nice touch. The "I am Megatron!!" look of the Zeb though...I dig that so much!!
Good, well balanced review.
Thanks appreciate the feedback.
Yeah, the Zeb looks like it takes no prisoners!
38 is literally over twice as expensive as the zeb ultimate in Europe though. I don't understand Fox' pricing
I had a 38 on my new Slash and after a few months of riding I realized it was honestly too much fork, my ride style did not really need anything more than a 36, and the extra pound was not worth it. When my future ebike finally comes avail I will probably put one on that though. Great vid guys!
Solid input! We certainly don't think that everyone, ourselves included need a 38 on pedal bikes, especially in areas like Phoenix, SoCal and New Mexico where loose rocks are plentiful and traction is scarce... Some compliance is great.
Iv just changed from fox 38’s to the zeb ultimate because I had to send the fox 38’s back twice because off problems so far been riding the zebs 170mm for about 6 months and iv had no issues and they do the job perfectly 🤘🤘
what different between zeb select + and ultimate?
Nice review, my new bike came with the new 36 grip2. I really like it, the only thing I miss from my previous Rockshox was the sag indicator. Can t believe you have to pull a ruler to mesure sag on such a great fork... they really have to do something about that ...
which is softer the fox or the zeb?
Would be interesting to compare the DVO Onyx SC to these two, it manages to be both soft off the top and takes big hits amazingly well at the same time.
I own an onyx sc, the thing is BURLY. I would love to see dvo up that chassis to a 38mm. I love that fork, though.
Same here. I have a sc Onyx in 27.5 and 29. Awesome forks for sure! DVO rocks. Would still like to try a 38 tho lol. And 100% would buy a 38mm DVO single crown fork if that ever happened! 🤘🏻🤣
Great Review, thank you. Any thoughts on the lower levels of each fork, ie Fox 38 Performance vs Factory option. I’m trying to decide if paying extra for the Factory or Ultimate versions of the forks is worth it or would an average rider not feel much difference. I’m also not one to adjust all the time but more of a set it up once and just ride kind of a guy.
You'd get a majority of the ride from a higher end Fox Performance product without going to Factory. The bleeders are a nice option, but can be retrofitted easily if you buy a fork that doesn't have them and you want to get them down the line.
Hello there, sorry if you already answered this question, but anyways, are these the emtb purpose models or the standard ones.? Thanks.
STANDARD
Do you think if you gave the zeb 25 % sag
And threw a volume spacer in there it would help right off the top or not?
It could definitely offer some improvement there.
Isn’t the bleeder for releasing built up pressure with heat generated for fork actuation not for altitude??
PV = nRT; Temperature and ambient pressure both matter.
Would either of these fit directly with no modifications on a 2020 Trek Rail 9.7? I am looking to upgrade my fork. Thanks!!
Yes
Both have 160mm travel as an option. So yes both of these forks would fit.
Zeb 2023 Update 👀👍🏼🤔
Nice review. Did you find the suggested air pressures on the Zeb to be in the ballpark of what you ran ? I'm on a 170mm Zeb and about 10psi lower than recommended with no tokens. Feels great. If I ran the suggested pressures it was way to harsh for me. Cheers
Yeah, most people I know tell me they run lower pressure and other bike shop mech's tell me the same. Reason, I got one on the way. Anyway, they said it feels great.
@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 you like the zeb?
@@blazinmtbco719 Oh yeah, its an amazing shock for the terrain I ride. I replaced a Lyrik and I like that it sits about 8mm higher than the Lyrik at the same travel. I also run no tokens and about 12-15 psi lower pressure.
I have the Zeb ultimate. I highly recommend it. It's more affordable and lighter than a Fox 38.
@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 sweet man right on. Getting one tomorrow
@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 hey I was installing my brake caliper and one of the post mounts stripped. A moment of silence. Hopefully I get it warranty
The important thing the ZEB is missing for me is both high speed and low speed rebound adjust. As a larger rider I must run higher PSI in the fork and having the ability to control the high speed rebound is necessary as otherwise it rebounds to fast on high speed impacts.
Thanks for that input Jeff! Very valid point there.
Yeah, when you're on the far ends of the spectrum more adjustments are definitely appreciated. I'm the exact opposite of you, I'm very light and most forks are way overdamped for me.
Except for forks that have an insane range, there's not much I can do with it other than re-valving the damper.
I don't think it would be hard for RockShox to include external high-speed rebound adjustment: Suntour has done it on their 600€ Durolux... The charger 2.1 needs some attention as it's lacking behind other dampers (fox's grip 2, DVO...) by quite a bit, so maybe they'll add an external high-speed rebound on the next revision?
How would I go about getting a 230mm rotor?
Must look very hard.
Both great forks, forever I think there is an objective and subjective winner here.
Objectively speaking, the 38 is the superior fork, as it seems to consistently get (slightly) better reviews for its overall performance. Its greater range of damper adjustment also contributes to some reviewers being able to get the 38 100% dialed in, when they could only get the Zeb 95% dialed.
Subjectively, however, the Zeb is probably the better fork for most people. While reviewers said they could only get the Zeb 95% dialed, compared to 100% for the 38, they also pointed out that it only took 2-4 rides to get the Zeb 90-95% perfect, while it took at least 2 weeks to get the 38 perfectly dialed. They also claime that its much easier to accidentally make the 38 worse if you don't know what your doing.
So if you're a pro, or incredibly precise and specific about your suspension, the 38 is the choice for you, but for most riders the significantly easier setup of the Zeb will be more advantageous. The Zeb is also noticeably cheaper in most markets, with the Zeb Ultimate priced closer to the 38 Performance Elite.
What settings did you end up liking for the 38 for the rail ebike, on compression high and low speed and rebound high in low speed, how many clicks from closed? Thanks
Pretty soon, those ebikes will just be electric motorcycles! Lol! 😁
@@keirfarnum6811 they already have electric motorcycles. They are faster than regular motorcycles. E-bikes are regulated and restricted to be safe on trails.
I dont need any of this fork for the way I ride, but them zeb went on 250$ off sale! And I must have!
The Zeb looks much better but I would go for the 38 if money was no object!!
The weight is almost 300g difference? That's a lot to me. Id like to ride both but I don't think that will be possible in this year. Pink bike said the Zeb has better off the top feeling. Sounds like these are both very close and you cant go wrong either way. Thank you for the review. Do they both have factory bolt on mud guard options?
Definitely agree about the weight. The 38 is close in weight to the BoXXer than the Zeb, so there's a definite weight advantage to the Zeb. Performance wise they do both seem very close, although I've noticed most reviewers give a slight performance edge to the 38, while praising the Zeb for its easier setup. Also, yes, they are both available with bolt on mudguards.
Thanks Duane glad you enjoyed it. It's certainly a difference in weight and could be a deal breaker for some. We'd wager the price savings would be a bigger factor, but in our opinion and riding style, the 38 suits us. Would we be bummed if our next bike was spec'd with a Zeb, certainly not, but we'd be just a little happier if it had a 38. Hope that helps.
An interesting thing about the Zeb's set up is it is much more sensitive to air pressure. While the Fox definitely requires in-tune riders to add reducers and play with compression, the Zeb can change quite a bit with as little as 2-3 PSI change. Which can be a big difference in set up and perceived feel.
@@TheLoamWolf what do you guys like for pumps?
No idea where you got 300g from? He literally states the difference and it's 7 grams.
Is the fox fork 170mm or 160mm
160 - 180 mm
Can we get some DVO?
Im a big fan of fox suspension. But this time fox 38 is less progressive then 36 fox. Even Im using spacer like I did in my 36 but still not as good as the 36. This time I tested the zeb. And is more progressive then 38 and the vibration I don't feel like I did in the fox 38. This time I will swap to Zeb is better in bumps,rocks, roots. And I still have my fox 36 and to.me still better then fox 38
charger2.1 rc2 damper and debonair airspring * 2:59
Anybody riding the fox 38 on a sb130lr?
useless
36 is already stiff and lighter
Zeb vs Marzocchi bomber z1?
Which Zeb? The Z1 is a great fork and would likely be our go to with the exception of the ZEB ultimate.
@@TheLoamWolf Zeb R (the most basic)
IDK man, Manitou Mezzer is 37mm so a bit more flexy but much cheaper, much lighter and has a few features that neither of these forks offer.
Stanchion diameter isn't the be all and end all of fork stiffness. DVO uses a 36mm stanchion on the Onyx SC, but uses thicker wall tubing on the stanchions to get stiffness to rival the 38mm forks.
@@mrvwbug4423 yep that and the overlap plays a big role and considering some flex probably comes from steerer too, i sometimes question if 38 is really needed to begin with.
@@TeamCykelhold Both have very good points! SR Suntour is another brand with impressive performance and a great value. BUT, this was the review people wanted, so we gave it to them. haha.
There's more to fork stiffness than just stanchion diameter (although it is a major contributor). In the case of Manitou, they claim that their signature reverse fork arch design is inherently stiffer than an equivalent forward arch fork, which in turn allows a 37mm fork to have the same stiffness as competing 38mm forks.
Unfortunately, everyone is so set on comparing the 38 and Zeb that no one seems interested in comparing them to any other forks at the moment.
I've heard some pretty unpleasant reviews about the Mezzer though.... things like harshness over repeated hits, packing down over repeated hits, and pre-mature bushing play.
I'm still salty I didn't jump on a Pistachio when I had the chance... even though I don't think that shit would fit on my bike, haha
haha. ohh man. it'll always nag at you. you coulda just sat on it until your next bike??
i agree the zeb is harsh off the top of the stroke. It definitely fatigues more than a 36 or lyrik
Im planning to buy Zeb Ultimate..is it harsh? They have same damper as lyrik ultimate though
@@zachaxel4403 I just find the need less pressure then recommended. Happy with them now but just took me some time to set them up.
Zeb all the way
Debonair damper lol
Ohlins
oh bro I totally have such a shitty day when im not a bike with Fox factory 38's. Like if the bike im on doesn't have factory 38's I actually start having health problems bro like I need that Kashima or I might as well not get up in the morning. Also let me add that I only mountain bike so I can endlessly take out loans to buy extremely marked up components. Lmao I honestly don't even know how to ride a bike haha but I do know that if you run anything that isn't top of the line, I will definitely judge you and I hope you feel bad about yourself cuz "you don't need 38mm stations" or cuz "im not a pro im just having fun on my bike". PFFFF jeez that sounds so bitchy. The whole purpose of buying a mountain bike is so you can buy more parts for it. DUH.
ok.
TRUE
Everyone knows the Fox 38 is the best fork out there 🤪🤟🤘
You might be right but here in the eu it's nearly twice the price zeb ultimate 800€ and the fox 38 is fucking 1450€ just insane so the zeb is obviously a no brainer
Nah there isn't really a "best" fork out there
The zeb is just a piece of wood bruuh
first