Suspension mountain bike forks
Our MTB Forks page brings together our tips for replacing or upgrading your MTB fork: travel, stanchion diameter, air or coil spring, rebound and compression adjustment, axle standard, steerer and wheel size, depending on your riding style.
Comfort and control at the front.
According to the discipline
The travel is chosen based on the discipline: one hundred to one hundred and twenty millimetres for cross-country, one hundred and thirty to one hundred and sixty for trail and enduro, up to two hundred for downhill. The stanchion diameter, the upper tubes, increases with travel: thirty-two to thirty-four millimetres for cross-country, thirty-five to thirty-eight for enduro, for increased stiffness and more precise steering.
Other suspensions
Suspensions also come in various types:
All suspensions can be found on the suspensions page.
Two technologies
The air spring fork, adjustable with a pump according to the rider's weight, is lightweight and has become standard on quality mountain bikes. The coil spring fork, which is heavier, is found on entry-level mountain bikes and some downhill models for its sensitivity. Adjustments for rebound, return speed, and compression, with locks for climbs, refine performance.
Compatibility
You check the wheel size, twenty-seven and a half or twenty-nine inches, the axle standard, quick release or fifteen millimetre thru-axle, often to Boost standard, the steerer, straight or tapered, and its length, which may need to be cut for the frame. A travel that's too different from the original alters the bike's geometry. You should service your fork according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Good deals
Good finds can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new products showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The yearly highlights follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back to school.
Frequently asked questions
What travel should I choose for my mountain bike?
Expect one hundred to one hundred and twenty millimetres for cross-country, one hundred and thirty to one hundred and sixty for trail and enduro, up to two hundred for downhill. The travel should also respect the geometry specified by the frame manufacturer.
Can a twenty-nine inch fork fit on a twenty-six inch mountain bike?
No, the fork must match the wheel size: a twenty-nine inch fork raises the front of a frame designed for twenty-six and significantly alters its geometry. Stick with the original wheel size, whether it's twenty-six, twenty-seven and a half or twenty-nine inches.
Air fork or coil spring, which one to choose?
The air fork, being lighter, is easily adjustable according to weight using a high-pressure pump. The coil spring offers great sensitivity and consistent performance appreciated in downhill, but needs changing according to the rider's weight and is heavier.
How do I set the sag on a mountain bike fork?
Sitting on the bike in riding position, observe the fork's compression using the rubber o-ring on the stanchion. Aim for about one-fifth of the travel, a bit less for cross-country and more for enduro, then adjust the pressure.
What to check before buying a new fork?
Check the diameter and length of the steerer, tapered or straight, the front wheel axle standard, the type of brake caliper mount, and the maximum disc diameter. The wheel size and the travel specified by the frame complete the list.
