As gravel riding continues to evolve—pushing deeper into more technical, remote, and unpredictable terrain—the demands on both riders and their bikes have changed. Modern gravel bikes now feature progressive geometry, wider tire clearance, and, in many cases, are designed with suspension forks in mind. The goal? A ride that delivers greater confidence, control, and comfort when the road gets rough.
Enter the FOX 32 Taper-Cast Gravel Fork, the lightest suspension fork FOX has ever made. Engineered specifically for the unique demands of gravel, the 32 TC is designed to smooth out chundery farm roads, float over washboard descents, and tame unpredictable terrain—like that found at Unbound Gravel. At Unbound, sharp rocks, deep ruts, and endless miles of challenging riding define the experience, which is why more and more racers are turning to gravel suspension to gain an advantage.
Built for Modern Gravel
The 32 TC is designed to meet the demands of today’s gravel riders, helping them cover more terrain without sacrificing comfort or handling. Races, such as Unbound, Lost and Found, Seven Serpents, and Rule of Three, are where the 32 Taper-Cast truly shines. With the same 32mm stanchions found in FOX’s high-performance mountain bike forks, it brings unparalleled ride quality to gravel.
With 40–50mm of travel, the 32 TC delivers noticeable gains in rider comfort and control, improving speed and responsiveness. When the terrain gets rough, it’s hard to maintain the momentum needed to continue powering forward. However the 32 TC reduces chatter, which helps to diminish rider fatigue, so you can push harder and ride longer.
In fast, high-consequence events, a suspension fork can eliminate second-guessing your line choice. At Unbound, where flats and mechanicals feel inevitable, the 32 TC provides greater margin for error—and greater confidence. In dust-filled pacelines where visibility is limited, the fork absorbs high-frequency hits, helping riders maintain control when it matters most.
Built around the GRIP SL damper, the 32 TC offers best-in-class pedal-to-bump efficiency, letting riders charge harder through rough sections. It’s also easily tunable on the fly, so you can firm up or open the fork based on what’s ahead.
Tested and Trusted at Unbound
Unbound Gravel—one of the sport’s most iconic and brutal events—offers the perfect proving ground for the 32 TC. With 200 miles of sharp flint rocks, bone-jarring washboards, and relentless exposure, riders need every possible advantage. The 32 TC smooths out the noise and absorbs the unexpected, helping you stay focused, fast, and in control.
“The 32 Taper-Cast has been a massive performance advantage for a lot of events I’ve done. Similar to big tires, the fork allows you to descend at a much higher rate and gives you a bit of a get-out-of-jail-free card if you hit unseen objects. Plus, at the end of the day, it saves your body significant fatigue over the course of a 6, 7—even 18-hour day.”
— Rob Britton, Professional Gravel Racer
Ready to Go the Distance
For those heading to events like Unbound, we recommend pairing the FOX 32 TC with Easton’s EC90 ALX carbon wheels—a lightweight and aero-optimized wheelset that slices through Kansas headwinds while staying compliant over rough terrain. Add Schwalbe G-One RX 45mm tires and you’ve got a setup ready to roll fast and confidently across the Flint Hills.
Frame Compatibility
Thanks to its reverse arch design, the 32 TC fits a wide range of gravel bikes and is available in 50mm or 45mm rake to better match your bike’s geometry. Many modern gravel frames are suspension corrected, meaning they’re designed to accommodate the added travel without compromising handling or ride feel. Still, it’s wise to check with your frame manufacturer to confirm fit and stack height.
Race-Day Gear Essentials
The bike is only part of the equation. The Flint Hills are notorious for wild weather swings and intense heat, so having the right gear is critical. A hydration pack (like those from Apidura) keeps fluids and extra layers easily accessible. A top tube pack ensures your nutrition is always within reach—no digging through jersey pockets mid-paceline to find that one elusive gel.
The Final Word
Suspension on a gravel bike isn’t just about comfort—it’s a performance upgrade. The FOX 32 Taper-Cast Gravel Fork, paired with a gravel specific wheelset like Easton’s EC90 ALX or EC90 AX, delivers the speed, stability, and confidence you need to chase PRs, conquer finish lines, or take on your next big adventure—whether that’s in Kansas or beyond.
