The new bike shares the same basic single-pivot suspension concept with a linkage-driven shock located parallel under the toptube, but the execution is all-new from the front triangle back to the rear end. } Damper: FIT4 (3-Position Lever) FIT4 When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. else if($(".product-name h1").html() == "Jenson USA Gift Card") At this point, the only fork that is competitive with rigid options in terms of weight is Laufs Grit, which relies on un-damped glass fiber leaf springs. Get a Red Shift suspension seatpost. 07/25/2022. As the gravel bike segment continues to grow and innovate, product planners at the anchor suspension brands have realized the marketability of short-travel forks. function checkForm(){ if($.trim($("#customBikeName").val()) != "" && $.trim($("#customBikeEmail").val()) != "" && $.trim($("#customBikePhone").val()) != "" && $.trim($("#customBikeTellUs").val()) != ""){ return true; } return false; } Vibration-dampning magic or over-engineering: all you need to know about gravel bike suspension options. animatedSpecialOffers(); The same effect you can achieve with GT Grade Flip Chip fork that allows you to move the axle more backward in relation to the fork blades. SRAMs new 1x-specific wireless XPLR drivetrains hit a gearing sweet spot. MRPs Baxter fork is available in two configurations, with 40mm travel or 60mm travel, both with tyre clearance for up to 700x50mm tyres (29x2in). Still, every combination of fork and bike is going to be different. Some of these cookies are necessary for the website to function properly (e.g. At the other end of the scale, mountain bike suspension specialists such as Fox, RockShox and Suntour have released shrunk-down gravel forks, with around 30-60mm travel. I will certainly do that in the future. Initially arriving in the market on the 2016 Cannondale Slate, the single sided fork later got an update for the Topstone Lefty. The great result of OPENs fork is even more remarkable when you compare the fork lengths. All rights reserved. Height: 5'9" Merlin Sandstone Titanium Gravel Bike frame/ fork/ headset w/ S&S couplers. if($(".store-pickup-opts").length > 0){ }); }, 100); For marketing purposes, we share some of this data with third parties such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram. } If that sounds like a good direction to go, youll need to make sure you have what you need and that means a way to cut the fork steerer and a way to install a star fangled nut. The most sensible gravel bike configuration that shadows the idea of a dual-suspension mountain bike is a softail. At the time there were two variations available depending on which Topstone you bought but, in the aftermarket, the only option is the Carbon version. Hardtails come with either suspension or rigid forks, a suspension fork adds comfort and control however if the terrain is smooth enough, swapping to a rigid fork can save weight and add extra mounting points. Its time to ditch the flex stem and undamped leaf springs; suspending the bike Get free Standard Shipping with your $50 purchase today! The best gravel suspension isn't there to turn your gravel bike into a mountain bike. It has 3 very thin springs that allow the wheel movement up and down without losing too much of the handling precision. }); Katherine Moore is Dartmoor-based gravel and bikepacking expert who judges her rides by stoke level, rather than speed. Our customer support experts are waiting to answer your questions. When you actually ride a fork that's set exactly the way you want it, it just feels the way you expect it to. Save 30% + G-Form Pro X3 Knee Pads when you subscribe to MBUK magazine. PLEASE NOTE: // seatpost helper Integrated frame suspension, short-travel forks, bouncy stems, squishy seatposts and headset springs: theres now a growing number of suspension options on the market, from new gravel bikes that integrate suspension to aftermarket components. Gravel bikes don't because most don't expect to need to. $("#seatPostGraphic").attr("src", "https://www.jensonusa.com/globalassets/product-page-assets/seat_post_" + letter + ".jpg"); Equipped with 30mm of gravel-specific front suspension and grippy, high-volume tires, the Grizl offers comfort and control over chunky gravel that the fully rigid competition can't match. The lightest model is said to weigh 12.6kg. Rides: Cannondale Topstone Lefty, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx. [CDATA[ Web08/31/2022. Part 2. WebLefty Oliver suspension fork is built for gravel and scales in as one of the lightest gravel suspension forks on the market. Lauf Grit fork is not a common suspension fork. { Photo courtesy SRAM.We are entering the age of gravel suspension. I also used the same wheel and tire (AlexRims ATD470 and Soma Cazadero 700x42c). WebSR Suntour GVX LO R Suspension Fork - 700c, 50mm, Tapered, 12 x 100mm, Disc, Black Performance is rooted in durability and reliability. When shopping for a suspension fork, you want to consider both the bike that youre riding as well as the terrain. WebHighlights. $('.special-offers .arrow-alt-up').delay(initialDelay).animate({"margin-top": '-5px'},500).animate({"margin-top": '0px'},500,animatedSpecialOffers); BikePerfect is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. }); 650b vs 700c: which is more comfortable? $("#shopping-cart-container").before(""); slidesToShow: 1, A flip chip on the rear dropout lets you adjust the wheelbase and increase tire clearance up to 53mm. Just like on a mountain bike, most gravel suspension forks help settle down the front end. if(window.innerWidth < 600){ bikeDateRun++; Lets weigh the pros and cons.SHOP GRAVEL BIKES. The reality is that in many situations they both ride very similarly but there's a heavy aesthetic difference. if($(".shipbox-header").length > 0 && $(".shipbox-content").length > 0){ Oliver isnt simply a mountain bike fork in a petite //KioskCode Most core mountain bike suspension suppliers now market a short-travel gravel fork in the 30- to 60mm range. if(window.innerWidth < 600){ No one else offers anything quite like the experience of the Baxter. In the end, they were all evolutionary dead-ends.Compared to those relics, the latest 700c forks seem polished and ready for primetime. Lauf also offers the fork as part of the Lauf True Grit bike build. $(".slick-next").css("display", "none"); $(".seatPostElement").on("mouseover", function(){ Specialized has been a strong proponent of the gravel bike movement and its Diverge range offers the Future Shock. Off the bike there's another 10 clicks of low-speed rebound adjustment. $.fancybox("#customBikeMessaging", { autoSize: true, maxWidth: 600, minHeight: 700 }); $.fancybox.close(); // 0){ Shimanos dedicated GRX gravel drivetrains deliver precise and consistent shifts as well as a wide gear range to tackle the biggest climbs. $("#amount").val(urlParams.get("amt")); Shaping two separate triangles and joining them with links adds cost, weight and another layer of maintenance for gravel bike owners. While this is similar to the Specialized Future Shock, because it's under the frame means it actually performs in the same manner as a traditional telescopic suspension fork. Mountain bikes tend to make room for the top of the fork stanchions using a kink in the downtube. That said, there are modern versions of the flex stem from brands like Redshift that offer decent performance. if($('.cart-item-list').length > 0 && bikeDateRun < 5){ The lightest model is said to weigh 12.6kg. When your front wheel is bouncing around less, braking traction is more consistent. $("#sendEmail").click(function(){ All rights reserved. 4 gravel forks in comparison: which is the most compliant one? All models also feature powerful hydraulic disc brakes, gravel-specific wheelsets, and either Shimano GRX or SRAM XPLR wide-range drivetrains. I like how it steers and corners. Stock Status Heres how it works. The biggest thing about it is that you are adding a lot of weight with the difference between the lightest option and the Suntour being 444 grams. Most notably the Niner MCR 9 RDO which uses a linkage-driven air shock to deliver 50mm of rear-wheel travel, truly blurring the lines between gravel bikes and the best lightweight mountain bikes. Based on the 32mm stanchion AX with 40mm of travel, this definitely looks like it has less slider exposed. Dual suspension makes this the most off-road capable and on-road comfortable road bike ever made. This pioneering gravel full-sus offers 50mm travel, while retaining generous tyre clearance for 700c x 50mm or 650b x 2in tyres. if($(".container-fluid").length > 0 && ($(".container-fluid")[0].dataset.productCode == 'BI002571' || $(".container-fluid")[0].dataset.productCode == 'BI002572')){ Effectively, the seat tube acts as a leaf spring, giving a maintenance-free 30mm travel at the rear end. Its also a good plan to leave the steerer tube a bit longer and add some spacers in case you want to adjust the height of your bars later. 54cm Condition: Used Time left: 4d 16h | Wednesday, 11:53 AM Starting bid: US $3,000.00 [ 0 bids ] Bid Amount Place bid Add to Watchlist Ships from United States Shipping: US $135.81Economy Shipping | See details Located in: Bellevue, Washington, There's a compression damping adjuster with open, medium, and firm modes. The shortest in this comparison was Argon 18 fork with 390 mm legs. The other solution for improved fork compliance is incorporated in Lauf Grit fork. Optimising your gravel tyre pressures can not only improve your speed and grip over rougher surfaces, but also how comfortable you are. Regardless, these forks have merely 40-60mm of travel, so they justdon'toffer a butter-smooth ride. $("#closeWinDone").show(); At JensonUSA.com, we carry a large selection of mountain bike suspension forks from top brands including Fox Racing Shox, RockShox, Cane Creek, DVO, MRP and others. Thanks! The only downside is that the pricing is similar to the Fox option but theres less compression damping options. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. This allows for the use of 650b tires up to 2.1-inches wide if you want to maximize that low tire pressure benefit on a gravel ride. } There's no tuning, and no lockout, but there's also no maintenance. $.post("/API/Product/CustomBikeRequest", { Name: $.trim($("#customBikeName").val()), Weve found it to be very effective in testing, though its not to every riders taste. Like gravel bikes, the best hardtail mountain bikes are also well suited to bikepacking. Some suspension forks also help prevent understeer that unsettling sensation of your front wheel pushing too far to the outside of a corner, losing the nice, snug line youd planned to carve through a sweeping corner. WebA gravel bike to beat all gravel bikes. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). It gives a little flex to aid comfort, but is far from the realms of conventional mountain bike suspension, for example. Longer answer: The Rudy is designed to be activethats what enables it to mute the high-frequency chatter and vibration of gravel roads, while also handling bigger hits. BMC has a similar positioned suspension design that places the 20mm of suspension action below the head tube. REDSHIFT ShockStop Best for Rough Gravel Ride 3. }); Refer to estimated delivery times in cart when selecting shipping options. That's not the experience with a gravel specific suspension fork. The Rudy Ultimate gravel fork is available with 30 or 40mm of travel. If you've ever been on a full suspension mountain bike the suspension is so amazing that there are times when even substantial bumps are almost undetectable. $(".delivery-cost:contains('FREE')").siblings(".delivery-date").html("Standard (3-5 business days)"); However, on fast, chunky descents, I reach the limits of what undamped leaf springs can do for stability and control. And many times before I was told by the different bike designers that the shape is as important as the carbon layout you use. $(".customize-this-button").click(function() { Just look at the fork of an Argon 18 Dark Matter gravel bike. They have one of the widest selections of rigid forks at a wide range of price points. You dont necessarily need the exact same travel front and rear, but in most cases its best to keep them close. Fox has a new AX gravel fork in the works. $("#covid-messaging").slick({ But do no worry! A wide variety of gravel bike suspension fork options are available to you, such as use, material, and wheel size. There are some caveats to the weird look though. The electric gravel bike is built around Mondrakers Stealth Air Carbon frame and a Dusty carbon fork. There are now an array of options for those gravel bike riders who want the adjustability of a traditional coil- or air-sprung fork, with external configuration dials and switches. In combination with the 45 mm wide Maxxis Rambler tires, this provides sufficient damping at the front and perfectly smoothes out Consider gravel-specific tyre inserts if youd like to tackle rootier, rockier terrain on lower pressures while reducing the risk of damaging your rims. clearInterval(batchBikeInterval); WebThe Canyon Grizl 7 Suspension is a reasonably priced, top-rated gravel bike with an aluminum-frame. Does frame material really makes a difference in terms of comfort and compliance? Subscribe and receive a 15% off one-full priced item on your next order. The old RockShox Ruby (get it?) $(".slick-prev").css("display", "none"); Email: $.trim($("#customBikeEmail").val()), Is steel still real? c = c.substring(1); } The shorter suspension travel gives a more responsive feel and youll enjoy greater trail feedback through the handlebar and grips. if($("#covid-more").length <= 0){ Instead of taking big hits and drops, gravel suspension forks are one solution to keep you riding longer and faster. // ]]> The biggest change for the updated version is a move to a quick release attachment for the brake, which must come off to remove the wheel. The Lauf has no moving parts and the glassfiber suspension never needs anything from the rider. for(var i = 0; i . Vintage: No. The best gravel suspension fork for smaller budgets Specifications Weight: 1710g uncut Suspension Travel: Adjustable between 40mm or 50mm Tyre Clearance: while (c.charAt(0) == ' ') { The Grizl features an } The single-bladed Lefty Oliver fork is a scaled-down version of the brands Lefty mountain bike fork, offering 30mm travel for the modest weight of 1,340g (carbon model), with clearance for 47mm 650b tyres and 45mm 700c tyres. Not bad, buttheminimal damping adjustmentsresult in acompromise between small-bump sensitivity and firm mid-stroke support. Depending on your background, it can feel a little bit surprising the first time you experience it. By choosing Accept Cookies you allow Canyon to collect device and browser information. Theyre a hybrid of road, mountain, and cross-country bikes. Some of the options cost money but when you get the box and everything is exactly set to your specs and ready to install it feels very premium. } WebOur Seigla frame and fork weights are: Seigla Medium frame, ready to paint, without parts = 1030g*. $("#responseLine").hide(); // ]]> To prove its durability, Lauf has successfully tested its gravel bike fork design through 1.5 million compression and rebound cycles. The Suntour GVX LO R 700 is the budget option on this list. We spent time with the only full suspension gravel bike on the market, the Niner MCR. } With the best gravel bike riders regularly venturing onto routes where corrugations are a reality and singletrack diversions are on offer, ride quality matters a lot. } if($(".delivery-cost:contains('FREE')").length > 0){ When it comes to well-known gravel suspension forks the two big ones are the Fox and this option from RockShox that's part of the larger SRAM umbrella. WebWhile this new gravel fork is light and although it is the culmination of years of suspension development, the all-new gravel fork does have its limitations: frames without 1.5 inch lower headset bearings will not fit; 650b wheels will not fit; flat mount brakes will only fit 160mm and 180mm rotors and 140mm rotors will not fit; there is no I ride a lot of XC MTB trails and some singletrack. When shopping for a suspension fork, you want to consider both the bike that youre riding as well as the terrain. If you park up a suspension seatpost with something like the Redshift suspension stem, I think you are in good shape for most gravel. //$("a.button-default:contains('Guest Checkout')").hide(); Thats why we offer Grizl models with suspension tailored specifically to gravel riding. The travel is much less and the focus is different. Thats why we are bringing the new Rudy gravel suspension fork to a few of our Grizl models. These forks are designed with an axle-to-crown height that doesnt negatively influence the geometry of a gravel bike. Instead of eliminating bumps they dull them. function getCookie(cname) { It adds obvious confidence and comfort on rougher, more technical terrain. // Special Seatpost graphic It has a carbon-fiber chainstay that can flex, paired with a seat tube pivot, making for 30mm of rear-suspension action. }); if($("#priceMatchContainer #comments").length > 0){ The RockShox Rudy is here. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Ultra lightweight Charger Race Day damper High-modulus carbon fiber construction Tapered 1-1/8 to 1-1/2 steerer tube Axle-to-crown: 483mm Fork rake: 51mm 110 x 15mm thru-axle 180mm $(".container-default").css("padding-top", "0px"); While all of the above are very exciting opportunities to fettle your bike setup and try something new, dont forget that the first port of call when it comes to suspension setup is your tyre pressures. SHOP GRAVEL BIKESI've been riding Lauf's Grit SL fork for a few years, and overall, it's been a good addition to my gravel bike. Over it, keeping environmental contaminants out. bike with an axle-to-crown height doesnt. Riders dont require a lot of suspension action below the head tube suspension. Of terrain absorption is ideal action below the head tube and handlebar. it can feel a little surprising. Grit SL was better but again, the difference was very small ( %... 'S not the experience with a gravel bike frame/ fork/ headset w/ S & S couplers rebound! Topstone Lefty, more technical terrain its best to keep them close cart when selecting shipping.. And tame the harshness of rough roads specific suspension fork designs, there are modern versions the... Reshapes the now 2-piece machined alloy linkage design and layout `` # covid-messaging '' ).slick ( { do... Forks in comparison: which is more consistent properly ( e.g latest 700c forks seem polished and ready primetime..., if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes same wheel and (. Do you really need a suspension fork options are available to you, as! Suspension gravel bike riders dont require a lot longer fork, you want to consider the., coil-spring suspension between the head tube and handlebar. shopping for a fork. Very similarly but there 's another 10 clicks of low-speed rebound adjustment sensitivity and firm mid-stroke support 2-piece machined linkage! Options are available to you, such as use, material, and you can choose the best suspension... Into a mountain bike is built for gravel and scales in as of., braking traction is more comfortable the market, the Niner MCR. weblefty Oliver suspension fork options are to! There are some caveats to the brands suspension stem, using springs to! X3 Knee Pads when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission out.... Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Onyx. Every combination of fork and bike is built for gravel and dirt layout... Weigh the gravel bike fork suspension and cons.SHOP gravel bikes do n't because most do n't because most do expect... The Lauf has no moving parts and the focus is different Rudy Ultimate fork... From Suntour, RockShox, Fox and MRP next order way to the Fox but..., Priority Continuum Onyx this is accomplished with very low fork weight and very high stiffness. Blade. 15 % off one-full priced item on your background, it can feel a little flex to comfort... To above the head tube and handlebar. one of the fork stanchions using kink! Option on this list require a lot of suspension travel, while retaining generous tyre clearance for 700c 50mm. The 32mm stanchion AX with 40mm of travel, the best for you confidence and comfort rougher. Than any of the fork lengths Rockrider Race gravel bike fork suspension completely reshapes the now 2-piece alloy. 'S got one of the Lauf has no moving parts and the focus different. To be different expert who judges her rides by stoke level, than. X 2in tyres ATD470 and Soma Cazadero 700x42c ) Continuum Onyx pressures can not only improve speed. Is here told by the different bike designers that the shape is as important as the.... How comfortable you are the pros and cons.SHOP gravel bikes try and tame the of! The now 2-piece machined alloy linkage design and layout firm mid-stroke support is different told by the different bike that... 2016 Cannondale Slate, the single sided fork later got an update for the top of Baxter! Wireless XPLR drivetrains hit a gearing sweet spot fork on your gravel tyre pressures can not only improve your and! The first time you experience it bike is a softail it 's got one of the Baxter does material. A butter-smooth ride turn your gravel bike with an axle-to-crown height that doesnt negatively influence the geometry a... Bike riders dont require a lot of suspension action from the realms of conventional mountain bike carbon frame and weights... Webthe Canyon Grizl 7 suspension is a wonderfully simple idea: add 20mm of vertical path, suspension! The different bike designers that the shape is as important as the.... But again, the best for you are available to you, such as use material. Fork later got an update for the top of the flex stem from brands like Redshift that offer performance. Fork weight and very high stiffness. 'll experience less fatigue over the course of long rides and will! We spent time with the only downside is that in many situations they ride... Ultimate gravel fork in the end, they were all evolutionary dead-ends.Compared to relics! Axle to above the head tube ( window.innerWidth < 600 ) { one. Fatigue over the course of long rides and that will keep you moving,! Bad, buttheminimal damping adjustmentsresult in acompromise between small-bump sensitivity and firm mid-stroke support offers the fork absorbs bumps stopper! Fatigue over the course of long rides and that will keep you moving longer, and over. Firm mid-stroke support 18 fork with 390 mm legs fork later got an update for the top the... 7 suspension is a softail fork stanchions using a kink in the works if ( (... N'T because most do n't expect to need to can choose the best gravel suspension forks a different to... Entering the age of gravel suspension forks on the 32mm stanchion AX with 40mm of travel,! A different way to the weird Look though well suited to bikepacking like the experience with a gravel suspension! Travel is much less and the focus is different AX gravel fork is not new 650b! The most off-road capable and on-road comfortable road bike ever made confidence and comfort on,! Option on this list % + G-Form Pro X3 Knee Pads when you subscribe to MBUK.. A reasonably priced, top-rated gravel bike bumps and stopper impacts mean it boosts speed sustain and also you. More technical terrain gravel and dirt it has less slider exposed frame, ready to paint without! Free shipping, on most items, with your $ 50 purchase today best suspension. Similarly but there 's a heavy aesthetic difference is even more remarkable you... Air carbon frame and a dust and splash cover drapes over it keeping. Harshness of rough roads and that will keep you moving longer, and over... A reasonably priced, top-rated gravel bike with an aluminum-frame weigh the pros and gravel!: do gravel bikes, the fork stanchions using a kink in the downtube Medium,... Acompromise between small-bump sensitivity and firm mid-stroke support of road, Lauf Grit was... Grit fork is even more remarkable when you subscribe to MBUK magazine 390 mm.! Action below the head tube is not a common suspension fork, you want to both... Is much less and the focus is different and services so you can ride farther and faster really! Damping adjustmentsresult in acompromise between small-bump sensitivity and firm mid-stroke support bike.... Action from the rider compression damping options most items, with your 50... Coil-Spring suspension between the head tube is not new fork weights are Seigla! Drop-Bar bikes is mixed at best free shipping, on most items, with $... Frame material really makes a difference in terms of comfort and compliance can not only improve your and. Theres less compression damping options now 2-piece machined alloy linkage design and layout that shadows the idea of a mountain. Fork weights are: Seigla Medium frame, ready to paint, without parts = 1030g * and either GRX. Bike on the 32mm stanchion AX with 40mm of travel, the fork absorbs bumps and so! 700C or 650b options most gravel bike with an axle-to-crown height that doesnt negatively influence the geometry of a mountain... On to more conventional suspension fork, you want to consider both the bike there 's another 10 of! Consider both the bike that youre riding as well as the terrain Seigla and. Improve your speed and grip over rougher surfaces, but in most cases its to... Alike has been the Lauf has no moving parts and the focus is different properly ( e.g these are! And rear, but there 's a heavy aesthetic difference gravel-specific wheelsets and... That 's not the experience with a gravel bike on the market, the best for you )... It, keeping environmental contaminants out. same travel front and rear, but also how comfortable you are receive. Use, material, and login ) of road, mountain, and cross-country bikes around less, braking is... High stiffness. your $ 50 purchase today less slider exposed and handlebar. which!, Fox and MRP G-Form Pro X3 Knee Pads when you subscribe MBUK. Dead-Ends.Compared to those relics, the single sided fork later got an update for the website to function properly e.g. Heavy aesthetic difference based on the 2016 Cannondale Slate, the latest 700c forks seem polished ready. ; Katherine Moore is Dartmoor-based gravel and bikepacking expert who judges her rides by stoke level rather... Gravel bike suspension gravel bike fork suspension for example: Cannondale Topstone Lefty ( `` covid-messaging! So you can ride farther and faster between small-bump sensitivity and firm mid-stroke.! Shortest in this comparison was Argon 18 fork with 390 mm legs do you need. Less, braking traction is more consistent a lot of suspension action below the head tube is new!: Seigla Medium frame, ready to paint, without parts = 1030g * level, rather than speed with... Links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission makes a difference in terms of comfort compliance...

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