Mountain Bike Forks: Best Options and Reviews 2017
Mountain bike forks are used to help with travel, suspension working as “shocks,” stock, and weight on the bike. You have your choice of dozens and dozens of forks, so you’ll need to think about your specific preferences to narrow down your choices. Your riding style is one of the primary factors in choosing a mountain bike fork.
Mountain bike forks and fork legs are available in a variety of sizes and styles. You’ll also be thinking about how often you ride and what your style of riding is and how much they need to work as shock absorbers. Many of the same considerations you have when choosing the tires, the frame, the rear suspension, the wheel sizes and other components of your bike play a role in choosing a fork. You also have to consider what you are going to use the bike for. Are you looking to create a downhill bike, a cross country bike, or simply an everyday mountain bike?
Once you’ve narrowed down your specific needs, you can begin to comparison shop. We’ve assembled a list of some of the forks we think are the best on the market right now. What’s on our list?
SR Suntour Mountain Bike Disc Fork XCT 26”
This fork does offer travel adjustment of 80 mm or 100 mm. It fits a 9 mm axle, but only works with disc brakes. It has aluminum lower legs. This is an “entry level” fork and is not sufficient for downhill riding or extreme rides—it’ll perform best on simple trails and easier riding paths for beginner riders or those who are just not going hard at the time. It weighs about five pounds—so it’s a bit on the heavy side—and has a standard 1 1/8 inches steerer tube attached. This is one of the more affordable forks on the list, making it ideal for beginners. This fork retails for around $70.
Nashbar Rigid 26” Mountain Bike Fork
This is another affordable fork that offers solid quality for not that much money. This is one of the simplest forks on the list and it’s rigid and able to be customized. You’ll get extra clearance to keep out of mud and debris, but it’s not going to affect the handling of your bike. It features a 1 1/8” diameter steerer tube and is compatible with disc or rim brakes, as long as your wheels are small enough. Larger wheels need to use disc brakes—otherwise you won’t be able to clear the fork. This fork isn’t cut out for extreme riding but is a great option for beginning or intermediate riders. This fork retails for around $45.
RockShox 30 Gold TK Crown Adjust Solo 100 mm Air Fork
This 100 mm travel fork is very light (it weighs less than four pounds) and uses air to create a light feel as you ride. You’ll enjoy a smooth ride—even on extreme rides—with increased performance with this fork. We love this fork for its ability to absorb all of the bumps you’ll hit along the trail. It features a turnkey lock out. One of the downsides of this fork is its installation. It can be tough if you don’t have the tools you need and if you’re not experienced with installing forks. The travel on this fork cannot be changed. For a higher than average price, though, we think this is a great, high-quality option. This fork retails for around $300.
RockShox 30 Silver TK Fork: 27.5", 100 mm, Coil, 9mm QR, Crown Adjustment, 1-1/8" Alum Steerer, Disc Brake, A3, Gloss
This is a suspension fork that works with both disk and rim brakes. It features aluminum lower legs and weighs approximately seven pounds. It has a travel of 100 mm and is compatible with 9 mm front hubs. Its turnkey lock will last at least a year and is specifically designed to be long-lasting. This fork is also able to be modified to suit your specific needs, but keep in mind that you can’t adjust the travel on it. This model features a four piece bushing system.
You’ll get a long-lasting fork that provides smooth suspension for an affordable price. However, the added weight can throw off hardtail suspension bike and the weight exceeds competition limits. This fork retails for around $170.
DNM USD-8 Downhill Mountain Bike Air Fork
This fork is the one you need if you’re into extreme riding and love downhill on rough terrain. The DNM USD-8 is high quality, but you’ll pay for it. It features a long travel of 203 mm and is able to utilize a three-system damping and bottom out. It is truly the ideal fork for riders who love rough terrain, or who are looking for a race fork. It absorbs all impact and you’ll barely even notice bumps when you’re riding.
This fork is 29.6 inches long and weighs eight pounds, so it’s not lightweight by any means. It also only works with disc brakes. There are three adjustments possible, which include preload, rebound, and adjust high pressure. Despite the high performance of this fork, it’s not made for pro cycling. It’s also expensive, so it’s not going to be the first choice for many riders, especially beginners or novice riders. But if you’re looking for the highest quality fork that isn’t pro-approved, this is it. This fork retails for around $400.
ZOOM 565 Suspension Fork for Mountain Bike AL 80 mm Travel 1-1/8" QR Disc Brake(IS) and V-Brake
This fork is fit for 26-inch disc brakes or for a V-Brake Mountain Bike. It has a 15-inch travel length and weighs just under five pounds. It provides a powerful, functional riding experience and is a great option at a reasonable price. It retails for around $85.
XOSS MTB Front Suspension Forks, Replacement Bike Air Shock Aluminium Alloy Fork 26/27.5 100 mm Travel
This aluminum alloy fork is durable and lighter than many other fork options. It’s fit for 26''/27.5'' bike. It comes in two colors (black or white) and features an airspring, 100 mm travel, and adjustable travel valve. Its diameter steerer tube is 28.6 mm. It retails for around $135.
These are a few of the best forks available for mountain bikes. Take some time to think about what you need and how much you want to budget. You’re sure to be able to find exactly what you need for a price you find affordable.
