Fox 38 vs RockShox ZEB | Compared in 3 Minutes

The Fox 38 and RockShox Zeb are the two most popular suspension forks for enduro, freeride and trail bikes gone downhill. While there's already a bunch of videos on this comparison, they're all super long and just summarize that they basically feel the same. However, we've spent lots of time on each forks and can report that there definitely is a difference in how each fork rides, but they are similar enough for this to be a very easy comparison. So tune in for 3 minutes and get the lowdown on which fork will be best for you and how you ride! 🤘

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The Lost Co.

Bellingham, WA

360-306-8827

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0:00 - Intro
0:54 - The 3-minute comparison
3:20 - The comparison In a nut shell
4:00 - Summary and quick specs

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#mountainbike

#thelostco

#ridelost

[TheLostCo]

After hearing our 3 minute comparison, which fork would you choose and why?

[JuanWayRock]

The BEST "straight to the point" video on mountain bike forks I've ever watched on Youtube.

[zakkane]

Honestly, if it's this close, I see no reason to go with the more expensive fork unless you have a deep affinity for Fox.

[artoutlawphoto]

in germany fox 38 (factory) 1410€, rockshox zeb (ultimate) 805€ all with vat included. You can basically buy a zeb ultimate and super deluxe ultimate with the same money you buy a fox.

[harryls]

Great job dude. It doesn’t take 30 minutes to get a good review of any product. Again, great job. 🤙

[Climberson]

I live in Europe and own a Fox 38 Perf Elite. Awesome fork, love it. But my CSU started to creak like hell less than a year into owning it. It is now away with Fox EU for a warranty. It's been gone for about three weeks now. Three weeks in the middle of riding season, cancelled trip etc. Seeing this customer support in EU, I'm planning on buying the ZEB now and selling the 38 when it comes back.

[ArnetTrips]

Still watching this even after 2 years I can’t still afford it, Suntour XCM for now haha 🤙🏼

[kene]

I’ve owned both and prefer the feel of the Zeb, but one additional point is that fox forks just tend to feel more delicate and precious to me. The slightest tweak will kill the forks feel and I notice that after about 10 rides or so fox forks seem to lose their off the top suppleness and small bumps start sending sharp shockwaves through the hands.

The zeb just plows and dominates. Low maintenance, feels good every time, takes 10mins to dial in on first ride. No more fox for me ever.

[samueledmondson]

That was the best comparison I’ve watched

[evo]

I found the Fox 38 has more hold up in the corners and good traction and rebound HSR makes a difference. The Zeb is close but sits lower in the stroke but not far of and the rebound is not as well controlled as it bounces of roots and then when adjusted it's too slow. This trial was on my two mates bikes and I tried both on ebikes Specialized levo's.

[barnawithmarc]

this is actually useful, im going for the Zeb just fits my stile of riding.

[or-ian]

I found it interesting that the 2023 YT Capra would use the fox38 on the core 2 but the zebb ult. for the core 3. Pretty good price difference between the two builds. Core 3 also switching to a carbon frame.

[_gummikko_]

Im riding now Lyrik 160 and definatily going next with Zeb. I like more riding than tuning

[ericmountainbiker]

I am 6'4" 235 and have a Fox Factory 38 on my Commecal Clash Signature and its an amazing fork. It was a bit to set up but so worth the time it took.

[lexusstefan]

Here in Europe i got my Grey Zeb for 920 dollars while the Factory 38 costs around 1500 bucks cheapest but mostly retails for 1650 bucks when converted from Euros, ridiculous price difference so the Zeb was the obvious choice for me

[reillys]

I've been looking forward to this video, and I was not dissapointed!

[levis.]

Honestly, both of these forks are gonna please anyone, I think I’d go with a. Fox 38 performance elite, the kashima coat is basically all marketing, and does very little to improve smoothness, I rode a pivot mach 6 with a 38, and it was incredible. Also, I feel like rockshox suspension is usually more plush and uses more travel, while fox uses less travel on comparable terrain, but can take big hits better than rockshox.

[qcTOOL]

Price comparaison, you should pick the 38 Performance Elite which as the same Grip 2 damper, without the Kashima coat.
If you don’t bring forward the small advantage of the Kashima, might as well compare the same coating.
I believe the price should be similar.
Then, chose the one you like🤘

[billdesportes]

Perfect, simple and to the point comparison!!
From what I've read and heard from experienced your all about racing get the Fox 38 if your more of a free rider, park rat or send it/hucker style rider get the ZEB. Some other quality reviews say the ZEB seems to stay sitting up/remain tall in its travel and has more bottom out resistance while the Fox 38 is very small bump sensitive (traction) but seems to sit/ride a little lower in its travel.. Im personally on a ZEB Ultimate 180mm on my EVIL Insurgent 27.5, but that's cuz I'm reckless AF. Cheers Homies

[robgoffroad]

I ordered the ZEB after watching a bunch of the other videos... it came down to two things -- the ZEB is more plus and seems better suited to a "milder" riding style (me), AND, I also got it for almost $300 less than the FOX 38.