Suspension Fork

Buying advice for: Bicycle frame: Suspension Fork

• Suspension fork types

  Full-suspension forks offer additional stiffness and stability thanks to two crowns and are ideal for downhill and freeride mountain bikes where maximum control and suspension are required. Whereas single-sided suspension forks only have one crown and are therefore lighter. Road bike suspension forks are usually less pronounced and offer light suspension for comfort on rough tarmac without compromising performance through additional mass. Cross-country suspension forks are designed specifically for cross-country use, offering a balanced combination of weight, travel and stiffness.

• Suspension fork brands

  RockShox is known for its innovations and wide range of suspension forks for mountain bikes, from entry-level to high-end models. Fox Racing Shox offers premium suspension forks for various disciplines, including enduro and downhill, and is known for its excellent performance and durability. Marzocchi is a brand recognised for its robust and powerful suspension forks in the freeride and downhill sector. Manitou offers a wide range of suspension forks for various applications, including cross-country and all-mountain.

• Materials and workmanship

  Suspension forks are made of different materials that influence their performance and durability. Aluminium is often used for the steerer tube and lower fork legs as it is light and strong. High-quality suspension forks can also contain carbon fibre, which offers additional weight savings and stiffness. The finish is crucial to performance: precision manufactured seals and bushings ensure smooth running and a long service life. Some models have special coatings to minimise friction and increase durability.

• Technical features

  Modern suspension forks offer numerous technical features that improve the riding experience. Suspension travel, measured in millimetres, influences comfort and control: longer travel offers more comfort on uneven terrain, while shorter travel provides more direct control. Adjustable damping systems allow the fork to be adapted to different conditions by controlling compression and rebound. The installation length, which determines the distance from the head tube to the axle, must match the frame geometry. The type of spring (air suspension vs. steel suspension) also influences the weight and customisability of the fork.