MTB forks

MTB fork: the pleasure of overcoming obstacles

The MTB fork is always suspended, meaning it is equipped with suspension capable of absorbing trail impacts, increasing the rider’s control over the bike. The fork is made up of two stanchions that slide into two lower legs and works according to the trail and riding style. For this reason, it is essential to pay particular attention when choosing the right fork for our MTB. The first decision to make is whether to choose a spring or air fork. The first is more responsive, making it ideal for those who embrace aggression and responsiveness as their philosophy. This type of suspension must always be calibrated to the rider’s weight, although small adjustments can be made through a dedicated knob, thus changing the stiffness of the spring. The air solution is more versatile and adapts to the cyclist through air pressure adjustment. For this reason, it is generally more suitable for every rider. In both cases, at the top of one of the stanchions there is a lever that can lock the fork, preventing the damping mechanism from operating.

How to choose the most suitable fork for our bike

Many have likely experienced firsthand the distinctive behavior of the two fork types. There are choice factors that apply to both variants. Take, for example, compatibility with the wheel, which can cause fork measurements to vary significantly. A model designed for a 29-inch wheel will rarely fit a 27.5-inch rim. In addition, the wheel axle dimensions must also be considered, as they can vary depending on the model. If you need to replace the fork, it is therefore important to pay close attention to the format. This attention should also be given when assessing the final weight of our bike. In fact, an air fork will always be lighter than a comparable spring model. Further affecting this gap are the construction materials. An MTB fork in carbon, for example, does not fear competition from steel and aluminum models when it comes to weight.

Choosing the travel

Not all trails are the same: the roughest ones place a high level of stress on the fork, while the smoother ones demand far less. This is where choosing the correct travel comes into play, meaning the fork’s ability to absorb impacts of different types. A 100 mm travel, such as that of the RockShox Sid SL Ultimate Brain Boost, is perfect for tackling the climbs and descents typical of XC disciplines. For all-mountain, it is better to opt for a 130/150 mm fork, such as the Fox FLOAT 34 Factory Kashima. In Gravity, finally, travel reaches extreme levels, as in the case of the RockShox ZEB ULTIMATE Charger 3 from 180 mm.

MTB fork: the most popular brands

- RockShox
-Formula
- Fox
- DT Swiss
- Marzocchi,
- Magura
- SR Suntour