What exactly is “E Bike Tuning” on a set of Fox Forks?!?

[Clean]

As per the title…..

What exactly is “E Bike Tuning” on a set of Fox Forks?

is it essential, or can I stick a pair of the same spec forks on, minus the “E Bike Tuning”?

Does the same apply to rear shocks?

More cynical marketing or genuine technical innovation?

Discuss!

Clean.

 

[irie]

As per the title…..

What exactly is “E Bike Tuning” on a set of Fox Forks?

is it essential, or can I stick a pair of the same spec forks on, minus the “E Bike Tuning”?

Does the same apply to rear shocks?

More cynical marketing or genuine technical innovation?

Discuss!

Clean.

Stick them on your bike and set them up (ie "tune them") for yourself and your bike.

 

[Darren]

you get an extra free 10 psi for your money

 

[Mteam]

Fox think that ebikes will benefit from a different damping tune compared to regular bikes, so their ebike tuned forks have different damping characteristics..

Id disagree with that viewpoint, I reckon the damping requirements of an e MTB and normal mountain bike intended for the same discipline with the same rider, do not differ significantly, certainly within the normal range of adjustment available on a decent set of forks.

A couple of years ago their ebike forks had other physical differences in addition to damping changes,with thicker stanchions and stronger crowns which resulted in a stiffer chassis and more weight,but I think the current range of forks is identical except for the damping tune.

 

[irie]

Fox are playing silly buggers. As far as I know current Rockshox forks have a label saying eBike ready or something like that. My Rockshox Pike Ultimates which I took off my Fuel Ex and put on my Rail say that somewhere on them I think.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Having used both pretty extensively I can say there is a very noticeable difference. The E-Tuned is superior, in my opinion. Here’s what I notice:

- Much more supple on the initial stroke
- More sensitive and better small bump compliance
- LSR seems faster and able to recover from small bumps quicker, enhancing small bump compliance
- similar (excellent) mid stroke support to regular 38

It reminds me of the best part of the older B1 Lyrik (plush) and ramp up and stiffness and burly feeling of the standard 38.

It’s bloody brilliant, so much so that I’ve purchased 2 sets myself (one on my Rail one on my Kenevo).

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

For anyone interested in the damper internals, here’s the difference:

Fox 38:

Fox 38 e-Tuned:

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

And finally, I only noticed these differences after testing the newer ebikes that were coming with them. Like the Yeti 160e, Megawatt etc… that was the kicker for me, and then I realised they were all running the e-tuned version.

As soon as I rode another bike (Kellys Theos) that didn’t have one I noticed pretty much straight away… felt more harsh.

IMO the e-tuned… it’s the best Fox fork they’ve made.

 

[Mteam]

And finally, I only noticed these differences after testing the newer ebikes that were coming with them. Like the Yeti 160e, Megawatt etc… that was the kicker for me, and then I realised they were all running the e-tuned version.

As soon as I rode another bike (Kellys Theos) that didn’t have one I noticedpretty much straight away… felt more harsh.

IMO the e-tuned… the it’s the best Fox fork they’ve made.

Presumably that e tuned fork would also feel ace on a normal MTB? Or do you think it only feels so good because it suits an ebike and wouldn't suit a normal bike?

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Presumably that e tuned fork would also feel ace on a normal MTB? Or do you think it only feels so good because it suits an ebike and wouldn't suit a normal bike?

Don’t see a reason why not! It’s just a slightly different damper arrangement.

 

[irie]

So Fox eBike forks have different internal parts to Fox non-eBike forks, but Rockshox forks don't?

 

[Mteam]

Don’t see a reason why not! It’s just a slightly different damper arrangement.

It's odd that fox specify a different tune for ebikes and normal bikes, sounds like the etune should be the default damping for all their forks.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

It's odd that fox specify a different tune for ebikes and normal bikes, sounds like the etune should be the default damping for all their forks.

There is a possibility that the average system weight of ebike and ebike rider are higher than a regular pedal mtb, and the e-Tuned damper tunes suit a higher weight.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

So Fox eBike forks have different internal parts to Fox non-eBike forks, but Rockshox forks don't?

Correct.

 

[irie]

Correct.

There is a possibility that the average system weight of ebike and ebike rider are higher than a regular pedal mtb, and the e-Tuned damper tunes suit a higher weight.

So Fox eBike forks are different to Fox non-eBike forks based upon the likelihood that a typical eBike weighs perhaps 10kg more than a non-eBike. Good job I don't have Fox forks because with warm clothing etc. in winter I could weigh several kilos more than in summer so I'd have to have different forks depending on the season.

 

[dobbyhasfriends]

As per the title…..

What exactly is “E Bike Tuning” on a set of Fox Forks?

is it essential, or can I stick a pair of the same spec forks on, minus the “E Bike Tuning”?

Does the same apply to rear shocks?

More cynical marketing or genuine technical innovation?

Discuss!

Clean.

if you flick the wheel arch with a fingernail while gently cradling the steerer tube to keep muting to a minimum, if you listen carefully you can hear a frequency of exactly 329.63 Hz at a wavelength of 104.66 cm..

otherwise known as..

the key of E !!!!

voila !

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

So Fox eBike forks are different to Fox non-eBike forks based upon the likelihood that a typical eBike weighs perhaps 10kg more than a non-eBike. Good job I don't have Fox forks because with warm clothing etc. in winter I could weigh several kilos more than in summer so I'd have to have different forks depending on the season.

I just checked Fox’s site. Here’s what they say:

e-MTB Tuned

FOX’s e-MTB Tuned forks feature the same chassis as our standard forks except with a custom damper and air spring tune for the slightly different ways in which e-MTBs are ridden as compared to standard MTBs. For example, e-MTBs allow riders to conquer technical rolling terrain with greater ease than is possible on a standard MTB.

In order to utilize the assistance provided by the bike in this type of riding the rider must keep pedaling. It’s difficult to maintain traction while pedaling over rough terrain. Therefore, our e-MTB Tuned forks feature a custom compression tune that helps keep the wheels glued to the ground at all times, maintaining traction and forward momentum, and a more progressive air spring tune to make sure that even though the initial stroke is softer the end stroke ramps up to provide the right amount of support for those bigger hits.

These may seem like subtle differences but optimizing to even the smallest degree is a trait we’ve learned the importance of over our many years of winning races – sometimes by the smallest of margins.

 

[Pdoz]

So Fox eBike forks are different to Fox non-eBike forks based upon the likelihood that a typical eBike weighs perhaps 10kg more than a non-eBike. Good job I don't have Fox forks because with warm clothing etc. in winter I could weigh several kilos more than in summer so I'd have to have different forks depending on the season.

If you haven't noticed the need to adjust dampening with temperature changing oil viscosity, you wouldn't really notice the performance difference of a sticker

 

[Jackware]

I just checked Fox’s site. Here’s what they say:

e-MTB Tuned

FOX’s e-MTB Tuned forks feature the same chassis as our standard forks except with a custom damper and air spring tune for the slightly different ways in which e-MTBs are ridden as compared to standard MTBs. For example, e-MTBs allow riders to conquer technical rolling terrain with greater ease than is possible on a standard MTB.

In order to utilize the assistance provided by the bike in this type of riding the rider must keep pedaling. It’s difficult to maintain traction while pedaling over rough terrain. Therefore, our e-MTB Tuned forks feature a custom compression tune that helps keep the wheels glued to the ground at all times, maintaining traction and forward momentum, and a more progressive air spring tune to make sure that even though the initial stroke is softer the end stroke ramps up to provide the right amount of support for those bigger hits.

These may seem like subtle differences but optimizing to even the smallest degree is a trait we’ve learned the importance of over our many years of winning races – sometimes by the smallest of margins.

Don't start making people realise they can get answers by RTFM, or this forum will be doomed

 

[flash]

I wish they'd talk about these tunes based on weight and riding style, not bike type. There's far more variance with riders weight on the same bike than adding a motor. And I don't pedal more often on an eBike than an acoustic. And if anything it's easier to keep traction on an eMTB because of the weight. Saying "motorless eBikes" don't want as much traction is laughable.

Just say. Heavier system weights benefit from a different tune, and be done with it.

Gordon

 

[RustyIron]

- Much more supple on the initial stroke
- More sensitive and better small bump compliance

^^^^ This is exactly what I like on the eMTB.

After all, who doesn't want more suppleness at the top end of the stroke? An eMTB needs even MORE small bump compliance because we have extra power, so we're riding the bikes further into the steep chunky trails where the tires MUST stay glued to the ground at all times.

These characteristics would be good on an Amish bike, as well, except they burn up extra energy. On an Amish bike, we don't have much power to spare. Sometimes we have to give away one desirable characteristic to gain another.

 

[ilostmypassword]

What ever they have done my 36 forks are bloody great. Best fork ive ever ridden. They must be doing something right!

 

[Tim1023]

Given that the weight differences between MTBs and eMTBs is considerably smaller that the weight differences between riders, maybe they should also make a big boys (or girls) tune!
I'd go for that option for my next bike.

 

[Mteam]

Its interesting that they dont do e-tuned for the rear shocks, given the justification on their website for specific e tunes for forks.

 

[R120]

Whether you have an e optimise or normal fork, I would say that getting your suspension custom tuned and set up by a professional is money well spent - I did this with my suspension and it transformed the bike, I was very happy already with how I had set it up so was surprised at how much difference getting it custom tuned made. It gave me a confidence in the bike that I didn't know I lacked before.

 

[Mteam]

Whether you have an e optimise or normal fork, I would say that getting your suspension custom tuned and set up by a professional is money well spent - I did this with my suspension and it transformed the bike, I was very happy already with how I had set it up so was surprised at how much difference getting it custom tuned made. It gave me a confidence in the bike that I didn't know I lacked before.

Who did you use to tune the suspension? what did you tell themin order for them to change it, and do you know what they did to it - as in how the damping was changed?

 

[R120]

I used Surrey Hills Suspension. Liam there is a wizard. I cant tell you exactly what he did, but he listened to what I wanted, looked at how the existing suspension had performed, and then went about his business. Importantly (I believe) I took the whole bike to him, so that he could see the set up and check the installation.

The main thing I wanted was more midstroke support - I had managed to get the bike tracking really nicely ( I am more interested in maximising mechanical grip than taking big hits) but I couldn't get the bike to respond to pumping etc as I wanted, and the rear suspension especially was not giving me the support I wanted.

The most tangible difference for me was the bike still tracked really well, but the response to me trying to get speed out of corners/rollers/terrain etc was dramatically improved.

 

[2WHLFUN]

Correct.

The ZEB that came on my Rossignol Mandate Shift Deore 12 has an Emtb sticker on the crown.

 

[RickBullotta]

Having used both pretty extensively I can say there is a very noticeable difference. The E-Tuned is superior, in my opinion. Here’s what I notice:

- Much more supple on the initial stroke
- More sensitive and better small bump compliance
- LSR seems faster and able to recover from small bumps quicker, enhancing small bump compliance
- similar (excellent) mid stroke support to regular 38

It reminds me of the best part of the older B1 Lyrik (plush) and ramp up and stiffness and burly feeling of the standard 38.

It’s bloody brilliant, so much so that I’ve purchased 2 sets myself (one on my Rail one on my Kenevo).

...though you can generally achieve the same results with a Grip 2 cartridge and proper settings.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

...though you can generally achieve the same results with a Grip 2 cartridge and proper settings.

Have you tried both the 38 and 38 e-Tuned?