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The Fox Podium’s inverted design and moto-inspired looks certainly caused a splash when it was launched in June.
But that praise proved to be more than skin deep, with riders – me included – lauding it as one of the smoothest-feeling forks they’d ever ridden.
While the differences between the Podium and its closest competitor – RockShox’s ZEB Ultimate – are marginal, they’re still big enough to make the Podium the better of the two.
It’s the uncommon design, Fox’s relentless drive for better performance and the Podium’s awesome looks that make it my pick for the best product of 2025.
High-tech performance
The extended bushing overlap afforded by the upside-down (USD) chassis design is one of the biggest contributors to its smoothness.
Here, the bushings are further apart compared to a conventional fork, helping better manage fore-aft bending and flexing forces during compression. Plus, as they compress, the axle – which is attached to the stanchions – gets closer to the bushes, further boosting how well they control flex.
Add in the massive 47mm upper legs, a chunky 20mm bolt-thru-axle and the large crown, and the Podium feels almost magical in scenarios where other forks falter.
High-load, rough, hole-strewn, on-the-brakes corners put any fork through the wringer, twisting it torsionally while bending it backwards, creating a scenario where bushing binding is most likely. To boot, it’s in these conditions where riders need the most grip and control, with potentially dire consequences if they don’t.
It’s here where the Podium’s performance is most notable. Where competitors become harsh, lack grip or aren’t quite up to the job, the Podium blasts through, providing smooth and luxurious control.
Rock and root-littered trails are also made immensely smooth by the Podium. While a normal fork may cause your tyre to deflect off the slanted, diagonal leading edges of a root or rock, the Podium unlocks this surefooted calmness that’s akin to tapping into another level of riding prowess.
I’ll admit the difference between the Podium and a regular fork isn’t as stark as maybe that example paints it to be, but the subtle improvements represent a hunt for marginal gains normally preserved for the top echelons of bike riders.
And, of course, the narcissist in me loves the attention it garners from admirers – the Podium looks so damn cool.
The £2,199 / $1,999.99 / €2,399 asking price is prohibitive for most of us, but if you can afford it, there are so many reasons to justify slapping a Podium on the front of your bike.
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