Opening PL Pro Air side Fox factory fork

[robertkehl]

I own the PL pro, I’m new with e-mtb bikes and how to tune the air suspension to my weight. I’m a bigger guy at 240lbs and to get my sag right for the rear. I had to set the psi at 290 psi. But this made the first part of the travel harsh so I swapped it out for the first gen Ohlins coil, I also Installed the Castcade link. Took a couple times to get the right spring at #674 for a 25mm sag. It’s so much pressure in the rear now. But the Fox factory 36 I haven’t been able to figured it out yet. I find it funny that I’m over 200lbs and got the sag set to Amflows recommendations. And it’s harsh on every thing but a smooth asphalt paved Road. I’ve heard about coupon in the air side of the fork for turning. I’m wondering if Amflow or Fox just puts the max coupons in the fork and expect us newbie to know to remove or add them for your weight. Btw I’m running a Schwalbe big Bertha gravity in the rear and a super soft Albert gravity tubeless. I guess my question is are these forks supposed to be harsh by nature. There nothing like my dirtbikes. Or is something wrong with them? Also has anyone opened the air side to see how many coupons are in there.

 

[ozzybmx]

2026 Factory 36 has only 1 volume spacer (token) in there.
The 36 struggles and you are 20kg heavier than I am.
In my opinion, you will not find a happy place with that fork and your weight.

 

[wik]

I own the PL pro, I’m new with e-mtb bikes and how to tune the air suspension to my weight. I’m a bigger guy at 240lbs and to get my sag right for the rear. I had to set the psi at 290 psi. But this made the first part of the travel harsh so I swapped it out for the first gen Ohlins coil, I also Installed the Castcade link. Took a couple times to get the right spring at #674 for a 25mm sag. It’s so much pressure in the rear now. But the Fox factory 36 I haven’t been able to figured it out yet. I find it funny that I’m over 200lbs and got the sag set to Amflows recommendations. And it’s harsh on every thing but a smooth asphalt paved Road. I’ve heard about coupon in the air side of the fork for turning. I’m wondering if Amflow or Fox just puts the max coupons in the fork and expect us newbie to know to remove or add them for your weight. Btw I’m running a Schwalbe big Bertha gravity in the rear and a super soft Albert gravity tubeless. I guess my question is are these forks supposed to be harsh by nature. There nothing like my dirtbikes. Or is something wrong with them? Also has anyone opened the air side to see how many coupons are in there.

Hi.
Same fork, same problem.
110 kg rider, 23 kg e-bike.
Fox 36 MY25 GripX2 cartridge.
I think in the end @ozzybmx is right...
What helped a bit was adding 2 more volume spacers, then lowering the pressure slightly, and setting the SAG to 30–32% instead of 25–28%. Ultimately, after several attempts, I had to switch to a stiffer fork like the Fox 38 or RS Zeb they are way more plusher.

 

[ozzybmx]

Ultimately, after several attempts, I had to switch to a stiffer fork like the Fox 38 or RS Zeb they are way more plusher.

I am 90kg ready to ride and failed to enjoy anything about the 36. Though mine was the lower spec Performance, it still has the same 'lack of' stiffness.

The OP has put the 160mm Cascade link on there and an Ohlins coil. The 36 fork will be feeling like a wet noodle at 110kg + 20kg bike.

I swapped to a 170mm Fox 38 pretty early and it transformed the bike, even with the standard 150mm rear. Just recently swapped the Fox 38 for a 170mm Podium.

 

[EMTB-by-the-Sea]

Yeah, I've not been satisfied with the harshness, or lack-of-plushness on the 36 on my Pro. Because I like to overdo things irreversibly, I'm having a Smashpot Coil Conversion fitted. Hopefully that gets it where I want it.

 

[irie]

Yeah, I've not been satisfied with the harshness, or lack-of-plushness on the 36 on my Pro. Because I like to overdo things irreversibly, I'm having a Smashpot Coil Conversion fitted. Hopefully that gets it where I want it.

Got a Smashpot in my Lyrik Ultimate D1. Paired with a coil shock can't fault it but was very careful to get the right spring for my weight and typical terrain.

 

[EMTB-by-the-Sea]

Got a Smashpot in my Lyrik Ultimate D1. Paired with a coil shock can't fault it but was very careful to get the right spring for my weight and typical terrain.

Yeah, this is my first foray into coil anything, so going based on the spring calculator on the vorsprung website and talking with my local installer. He's already said he'll swap the spring for me if it's not to my liking, so we'll see how it goes.

Just can't resist shiny new objects, I guess.

 

[dreys]

Take your bike to a suspension shop near you.

It will be cheaper and easier if they'll help you dial in your setup.

 

[EMTB-by-the-Sea]

FWIW, I had the Smashpot Coil Conversion fitted into my Fox 36 Factory fork on my PL Pro last week, and, though I've only ridden it a couple times, it's wonderful. Small bump compliance is a dream compared to what it was -- so plush. The harshness I had is gone.

I wasn't dissatisfied with the Fox Factory Float X shock, but seeing how much improved the fork was with the Smashpot, it's got me considering the Vorsprung Telum coil shock now.