Fox 40 RC2 (2006) review

Fox’s monolithic 40 fork has set new stiffness standards. The massive 40mm legs make them relatively stiff over small bumps, but once they’re moving the titanium-sprung stroke feels great.

The stiffness keeps them supple however hard you’re braking, cornering or smacking into square edges too. You’ll need strong wrists and forearms to really exploit this advantage on long courses rather than being battered. It’s a remarkably light fork for its stiffness and stability though, and travel can be reduced in 12.7mm increments, making it a great race choice.

Effective compression and rebound controls are hidden under the dustbin cap on the base of the fork leg, and you get heavier and lighter (steel) springs in the box too. End stroke control is still a pro internal job, but distributors Mojo are the official tuners anyway, so all that can be sorted at sale. Regular seal lubing aside, this fork is impressively fit and forget – our ‘freshened up’ set still feels great after a year. Shims in the axle clamps stop previous overtightening problems too, and if the RC2 is over budget, the simpler R model costs £899.