The purpose of a mountain bike is to allow you to ride where there is no way to get through on a regular, urban model. Therefore, for a comfortable operation in such conditions, high-quality shock absorption is required, which is provided by a solid fork.
However, choosing a really good shock absorber is not an easy task. Some models do not provide adequate comfort, others often fail and wear out quickly.
To facilitate this selection, below is a list of the most popular bike suspension forks.
Content
Price: 3000 rubles
The ranking is opened by the simplest modification of a suspension fork for mountain bikes.
The design is designed for simple bike models. Minimum travel of 100 mm, ensures optimal performance during daily walking and moderate driving. The spring-elastomeric shock absorber guarantees sufficient cushioning on bumps and bumps.
The interior is based on plastic bushings, which negatively affects durability, but reduces the cost of service.
The piece takes on a modern look thanks to magnesium pants and an aluminum crown.
Many users praise the simplicity of the design, the minimum cost, which was the reason for the huge prevalence of the product on the market.
Price: 3500 rubles
Next in line is a similar device from a competing brand. The fork is presented to the public in a simple design, the main purpose is off-road bikes of the budget segment.
The basis of the construction is magnesium pants, combined with steel legs. The interior is equipped with a closed-type oil damper with additional rebound adjustment.
The other part rests on a steel spring with preload adjustment.
It also uses plastic rail technology, which allows for easy repairs, but is a negative factor for the reliability of the installation.
We should also mention the forced locking technology, which allows you to disable the shock absorber for more efficient climbing.
The pants are designed for a standard 9mm axle and disc brakes. No V-br mounts.
Price: 4700 rubles
Higher modification of the previous model. The 130mm travel fork is designed for beginners in extreme disciplines. The dry shock absorber is designed for rider weight up to 85 kg.
The interior of the product is based on a mechanical spring with preload adjustment.The second side of the product is based on a positively interlocked oil chamber.
However, the thickness of the legs of 30 mm indicates the impossibility of extreme loads. Otherwise, the effect of the spring sitting or deformation of the cartridge is possible, which will lead to irreversible consequences, up to complete failure.
The ergonomics of the product are designed for the user. There are complete sets with mounting of disc, rim brakes.
Compatible with 9mm axis.
The curb weight is 2.5 kilograms.
Price: 5700 rubles
The next contender for the title of the best model designed for dirt jumping beginners.
The unit has a reinforced structure and cropped pants to withstand impacts and heavy loads.
The spring / oil hybrid shock absorber has a preload adjustment. The rebound rate depends on the viscosity of the oil in the damper and the additional adjustment made to the top cap.
In general, the system is extremely popular due to its minimal cost and good durability. However, the shock absorption efficiency leaves much to be desired - there is not complete damping of the shock. As a result, the load on the frame and the rider's arms increases.
Price: 6500 rubles
Representative of the manufacturer's best-selling plug modification.
The fork is designed for cross country and everyday riding. The build is based on aluminum pants, complemented by chromium-molybdenum legs on a magnesium crown.
The interior consists of a closed type oil damper and a steel spring. Fresh version of 2018, equipped with rebound, preload calibration. There is also a shock absorber lock.
It can often be found on mid-budget bikes or low-cost builds. Simple installation has sufficient durability for its intended use, which attracts many buyers.
Installation of disc brakes with rotors with a diameter of 160 mm is allowed.
Produced by the factory in 100/120 mm travel options.
Price: 10,000 rubles
Representative of a company known all over the world. The budget version assumes operation in an aggressive cross-country or intensive skiing mode.
The high quality of the oil chamber, the use of ceramic bushings allows you to maximize the life of the product.
The soft, smooth operation of the shock absorber attracts a huge number of buyers. The damper is designed to be interlocked and the Turn Key technology guarantees vibration damping even when the valve is closed.
The only drawback of the version is the use of a steel spring, which significantly increases the weight of the structure and reduces the smoothness of the ride.
Often the model is used by amateurs due to its strength and durability. The experts praise the maintainability and the large selection of parts. The only drawback of the model is the high price.
Price: 11,000 rubles
Representative of the middle segment of a popular manufacturer. The device offers 120mm of travel, sufficient to effectively absorb the shock loads of cross-country or active cross-country driving.
First on the list with an air spring and oil damper.
The presence of pumping allows you to accurately calibrate the stiffness based on the rider's weight and the complexity of the landscape.
The oil cartridge is collapsible, there is a possibility of bulkhead and rebound adjustment.
The modification, designed for a 15 mm axle, is worthy of special mention, which significantly increases the strength of the dropouts, and minimizes the impact of impacts on the forks.
However, users are wary of this model - the fragility of the seals and the difficulty of finding repair parts affects.
Price: 13000 rubles
The next modification, designed for cross-country racing or aggressive driving on forest trails, dirt roads.
The lightweight design accommodates a standard 9mm axle.
Magnesium pants and steel feathers are harmoniously complemented by ceramic bushings that allow you to endure a hard ride without the effect of loosening. The design minimizes the appearance of backlash, which guarantees the extension of the life of the glands and seals.
The right side is equipped with a lockable air spring. The camera allows you to set the required stiffness for each rider, type of road surface.
In the left leg there is a service type oil chamber. Engineering improvements have made it possible to use less oil, which has brought the total weight of the structure down to 1.7 kg.
The disadvantages of users include the difficulty of finding consumables, difficulty in maintenance.
Price: 14000 rubles
Country model, designed for active use by fans of cross-country competitions. The lightweight fork is equipped with an air spring and oil damper to effectively absorb significant impacts. Sturdy legs 32 mm in diameter, guarantee resistance to strong impacts.
Several versions of the plug are available. There are modifications with an external or stationary lockout, dropouts for 9 or 15 mm.
Experts praise the reliability of the air chamber. Seals are selected for ultimate performance and durability. The oil chamber, in turn, also remains operational even after 1 - 1.5 seasons without maintenance.
However, you should not play with delaying service repairs. The design is designed to minimize overall weight, which means pouring a small amount of lubricant - no bulkhead or cleaning. The abrasive can destroy the coating on the feet or cause air to escape from the main chamber, necessitating a major overhaul.
The cost of a complete set of seals ranges from $ 30.
Price: 15,000 rubles
The first in the list of representatives of the Italian brand, whose products are famous for their indestructibility and durability. Also, all variants of the forks are distinguished by their individual and unique design.
The fork is designed with open oil bath technology, which guarantees abundant lubrication of the inner surfaces. Also on board there is air pumping, which affects the smoothness of the ride and the ability to accurately calibrate for each type of surface and rider weight.
The all-aluminum construction allows for a reduction in weight relative to older versions, as well as increased reliability.
The small stroke of 100 - 120 mm gives the necessary torsional rigidity, which is extremely useful for aggressive reels.
The part is used by extremals all over the world.
Price: 20,000 rubles
Next on the list is the popular turtle fork with a full bunch of settings and calibrations.
The travel of the device is limited to a mark of 100 mm, but this is more than enough for the main direction of travel. Excellent torsional stiffness for precise cornering and stable steering in technical areas.
Excellent resistance to mechanical stress, the ability to withstand critical shocks due to the presence of a forged crown. Legs with a section of 32 mm, supplemented with pants for a standard 20 mm axle, which further increases reliability.
The oil damper has been modified in relation to older versions, which allowed to reduce the weight of the fork to 1946 grams.
There is also a full set of adjustments and presets that guarantee maximum grip and work out all drops.
The experts say the only design flaw is the inverted gorilla technology - this limits versatility, due to the need for frame selection.
Price: 50,000 rubles.
The representative of the professional enduro branch of the famous manufacturer. The model is designed for competitive modes in a wide variety of weather conditions.
The main feature of the device is the minimum weight of about 1350 grams, which is unattainable for most competitors.
This situation is due to the use of a carbon stock and crown, which is very unusual.
There is a sufficient number of adjustments and calibrations to set the most comfortable positions individually for each rider.
Available in 9 and 15 mm wheel mounting options.
Price: 55,000 rubles.
Opens the rating of downhill equipment, the model is famous for its unpretentiousness.
The rather impressive weight of a shape-shifter of about 3.3 kg is the norm among similar designs.
Available in two versions - air spring or steel spring. The only difference is in the application. For the most rigid ride, it is recommended to choose a spring / oil, and fans of light can safely look after the air.
Simple settings (air inflation and rebound) fully satisfy the needs of sports beginners. Legs with a diameter of 35 mm, give good indicators of torsional rigidity and impact resistance.
The disadvantages include the capriciousness of the oil seals and the complexity of the bulkhead.
Price: 75,000 rubles.
The company's top flip-flop. Fork has repeatedly won the World Championships in Down Hill and Free Ride disciplines.
The total weight is slightly less than 3 kilograms and the travel is 203 mm.
The main gadget of the model is the enlarged air chamber, which allows achieving the linearity of the standard spring. Also, thanks to this feature, the plug can be made quite plush.
The installation is complemented by a complete set of necessary settings and adjustments, which provide excellent traction and optimal handling of irregularities, from small "sausage" to huge bridges and drops.
Price: 130,000 rubles
The flagship of the Boxer company. Superior reliability complemented by minimal weight. The fork is considered one of the best in the world for downhill or freeride, which is confirmed by champion medals from all competitions.
The long stroke design provides 200 mm, sufficient to effectively damp the largest jumps. The special design of the oil damper allows you to successfully work out small things and huge jumps. These features are very pleasing for professionals. Precise calibrations allow the wastegate to be adjusted so that the wheel literally sticks to the track, guaranteeing maximum grip.
However, the model is hardly suitable for beginners - 35 mm legs do not forgive technical mistakes.Inexperienced driving can simply ditch the fork.
Price: 150,000 rubles.
The ultimate dream of every extreme. A professional fork, according to users, is the best option for the most aggressive operating conditions. This model is a leader when it comes to quality, durability and precision.
The unique design of the dampers and the communicating negative and positive air chambers ensure high-quality handling of any obstacle. 40 mm legs provide excellent torsional rigidity and resistance to mechanical stress.
The combination of positive qualities makes the model the choice of world-class professionals.
Model | Stroke | Shock absorber | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|
SR Suntour XCM | 100 mm | spring / elastomer | leisure |
RST GILA ML | 100 mm | spring / oil | leisure |
RST Biaze ML | 130 mm | spring / oil | leisure |
RST Dirt T | 100 mm | spring / oil | Dirt Jump |
SR Suntour XCR LOR | 120 mm | spring / oil | Cross Country |
Rock Shox XC 30 TK | 100 mm | spring / oil | Cross Country |
SR Suntour Raidon LOR 15mm | 120 mm | spring / oil | Cross Country |
SR Suntour Epixon LOR | 120 mm | spring / oil | Cross Country |
Rock Shox XC 32 TK Solo Air | 120 mm | air / oil | Cross Country |
Marzocchi DJ 3 | 120 mm | air / oil | Cross country |
Manitou Circus Expert 26 | 100 mm | air / oil | Dirt Jump |
Rock Shox SID XX WC | 120 mm | air / oil | Enduro |
DNM USD-8 Air | 203 mm | air / oil | Down hill |
Manitou Dorado PRO | 203 mm | air / oil | Down hill |
Rock Shox Boxxer World Cup 2018 | 203 mm | air / oil | Down hill |
FOX 40 RC2 Float | 203 mm | air / oil | Down hill |
Unfortunately, not all worthy models were included in the rating. The list is based on the popularity of surebets. Some modifications are worthy of recognition, however their cost or unavailability plays a decisive role in the formation of the top.