RockShox Zeb vs Fox 38: 2025’s Heavyweight Fork Battle
In the world of mountain bike suspension, RockShox and Fox have been throwing jabs at each other for years, each trying to land that perfect uppercut to claim the crown. This time, we’re squaring up the 2025 RockShox Zeb Ultimate against the Fox 38 Factory—two titans of the single-crown world. If you’re hunting for a new fork to tackle technical trails, enduro races, or bike park laps, chances are these are already on your shortlist.
After days of back-to-back testing and nitpicking every bump, drop, and corner, here’s where we landed with the RockShox Zeb vs Fox 38 2025 review.
Quick Spec Rundown
RockShox Zeb Ultimate
Travel Options: 150mm to a hefty 190mm
Damper: Charger 3.1 RC2 with ButterCups (yep, that’s what they’re called)
Air Spring: DebonAir+
Weight: 2324g (29", 170mm travel)
Fox 38 Factory
Travel Options: 160mm to 180mm
Damper: Grip X2
Air Spring: Float EVOL
Weight: 2381g (29", 170mm travel)
Weight & Price: Does It Even Matter?
Let’s address the obvious: both forks will lighten your wallet considerably, with the Fox 38 priced $90 higher than the Zeb. In terms of weight, the Zeb edges out the Fox by 57 grams—about the weight of a couple of trail snacks. But are we really counting grams in this category? These forks aren’t about shaving weight; they’re built for strength and performance. Call it a tie and let’s move on.
Bleed Valves: Push vs Twist
Both forks let you vent unwanted air pressure, but their designs couldn’t be more different. The Fox 38’s push-button valve is a convenient touch... until your fork takes a ride on the chairlift and the rack decides to press that button for you. Ever had your fork bleed oil on the way up? It’s not pretty.
RockShox went with a threaded bolt design for the Zeb—less flashy, but foolproof. Call it a happy accident of legal battles (long story), but the Zeb’s valve avoids unwanted surprises. Score one for practicality.
Damper and Bushing Upgrades
Fox went all-in on updates this year, introducing the Grip X2 damper with significantly more oil flow and a shim stack that screams adjustability. It’s a fiddler’s dream—if you’re into customising your suspension feel, this is your playground.
The Zeb didn’t go quite as wild but focused on improving oil flow and tweaking the high-speed compression circuit. Their goal? Make it easier for lighter riders or those who lean towards a plusher setup to find their sweet spot.
Both brands updated their bushings, aiming for buttery smooth action and consistent performance. Fox smoothed out grooves that were causing friction, while RockShox refined its manufacturing process. In practice? Both feel dialled.
Trail Feel: Comfort vs Precision
Here’s where the personality of these forks really comes out. The Zeb feels like a plush cloud, eager to soak up every little bump. Its initial stroke is soft and inviting, giving a coil-like comfort that prioritises grip over razor-sharp feedback. It’s the fork equivalent of your mate who always has snacks and a spare tube—supportive and reliable, but not in-your-face.
The Fox 38, on the other hand, is all about precision. It doesn’t just float over the terrain; it slices through it. That direct feel gives you immediate feedback, letting you know exactly what’s happening under your front wheel. Some might call it “racy,” but not in the Lycra-and-heart-rate-monitor sense—more like a rally car that’s tuned to perfection.
The Verdict: Plush or Precise?
At the end of the day, this comes down to what kind of rider you are. Love the idea of your fork hugging the ground and making every ride feel a little more forgiving? The RockShox Zeb has your back. But if you’re chasing race lines, pushing limits, and want that extra edge in feedback and control, the Fox 38 is hard to beat.
For us? The 38 took the win this round. That controlled support in every corner and impact sealed the deal. But hey, that’s just our take—what about you? Are you a Zeb loyalist, or does the 38’s precision call your name? Let us know in the comments below.
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