fork mtb travel 160

Suspension travel: Understanding fork length and how it affects your mountain bike

Forks come in varying lengths of suspension travel and stanchion sizes, this is what they mean for your riding

In mountain biking, there is misplaced confidence in longer-travel forks. With your front wheel having to steer and balance traction on those big trail features and steep descents, the logic is often that more suspension travel is better. But is this the case?

To better understand how the suspension travel of the best mountain bike forks influences your riding and what should be best for your trails, you need to understand the relationship between terrain absorption and trail feedback.

Modern mountain bike geometries are designed explicitly around suspension travel. For example, the best XC forks for cross-country mountain bikes are short-travel forks as the trails are relatively smooth and comprise lots of climbing. They need to be light and responsive while still providing a decent range of compression.

As you move through the various types of mountain bikes, fork travel requirements change. The weight, stanchion thickness, and travel all increase to meet the demands of each discipline – and longer forks aren’t superior in every application.

Cross-country: 100-120mm travel, 30-32mm stanchion diameter

Shorter travel forks are generally aimed at cross-country mountain biking , designed to balance performance, lightweight and just enough suspension travel to help smooth out bumpy singletrack. 

Cross-country forks can work with narrower 30-32mm stanchions because the upper tubes aren’t exposed to much leverage. This helps to keep the overall fork weight down.

But why shouldn’t you fit a cross-country mountain bike , recommended for maximum fork travel of 120mm, with a 130mm fork? Isn’t that a great idea? Not really.

Any increase in fork travel will slacken the bike and shorten its reach. Slacker head angles boost confidence in steep descending terrain, but they make a mountain bike less agile at climbing technical singletrack as well as unbalancing the bike by moving the rider's weight backward. It will also raise the bottom bracket which will cause the bike to feel less planted and confident in corners.

For many years 100-120mm forks were designed either as ultralight racing components or cheap beginner bike suspension. That has changed with the popularity of downcountry and there are now 120mm forks that have much stiffer crowns.

Consider the terrain you are riding. A 100- to 120mm lightweight cross-country fork will be ideal if your trails are smooth and flowing. The shorter suspension travel gives a more responsive feel and you’ll enjoy greater trail feedback through the handlebar and grips.

Shorter suspension travel forks also bob less when climbing up steep trails in a standing position. Many short travel forks further support climbing with the addition of a lockout switch.

Trail: 120-150mm travel, 34mm stanchion diameter

The best trail mountain bike market is probably the most competitive category in mountain biking and these bikes are often ridden right up to their design capabilities.

Reasonably efficient climbers and confident descending bikes, the trail machine is a hybrid between cross-country and enduro. And as you would expect, it needs a fork with more travel and stiffness than those 100-120mm options.

There has been significant development with the Fox 34 in recent years. RockShox has reacted too with its latest Pike range, blending 35mm stanchions with low fork weight.

At 150mm of suspension travel, you are probably pushing the limits of what a 34mm stanchion can deal with, especially for aggressive trail riding. The sweet spot for suspension travel and stanchion size for trail bikes would be 130- to 140mm.

Yet again, it is a tale of less being more. If you use a 34mm stanchion fork at the upper reaches of its travel, there might be a higher risk of terrain-induced steering deflection due to flex. Those roots and rocks can ping you offline, despite being sure of your steering inputs.

Too much travel can also dull the feedback of your trail bike. We recommend that a trail fork ideally have 34mm stanchions, at 130-140mm, for a 29er - possibly, up to 150mm, for the smaller 27.5in wheel size.

As fork travel increases with trail bikes, the latitude of responsiveness from your damper becomes more complex. You will see premium trail bike forks offering high- and low-speed compression adjustment, allowing riders to balance full travel benefits on gnarly terrain without having the fork dive too much in high-speed berms. 

Enduro: 150-180mm travel, 35-38mm stanchion diameter

The fork stiffness formula is simple: when adding more suspension travel increase stanchion size.

Single-crown fork design has had to go longer, with the best enduro mountain bikes now ripping down terrain once reserved for downhill rigs. RockShox and Fox introduced 38mm stanchion single-crown forks last year, especially for the riding demands of enduro mountain biking .

Having more travel is great but potentially useless if the fork internals can’t make the best use of it. That 180mm enduro fork is pointless if it blows through its travel or is entirely unresponsive to small-bump impacts.

With 150- to 180mm single-crown forks, you don’t need a lockout control for climbing, but you want to control the multiple channels of compression and rebound. Balancing the increased leverage effect and fork dive under braking in steep terrain is the crucial enabler with long-travel single-crown forks.

As a forks suspension travel lengthens, set-up becomes crucial. This is why you'll find 150- to 180mm enduro single-crown forks with intricate compression and rebound adjusters and dials. These allow riders to make the best of all that travel by configuring the damping circuits and rebound to work across all terrain.

A decade ago, the idea of a 180mm single-crown fork that could provide an adequate compression platform for pedaling uphill was unfathomable. But today’s big-hitting 38mm single-crown forks are hugely adaptable, giving riders all the precise cornering support and cushioning when landing those huge drops or landings.

Downhill: 180-200mm travel, 40mm stanchion diameter

These are the largest forks you can buy with the most suspension travel and a dual-crown design to cushion the rider from the huge, repeated impacts when riding the most technically demanding descents possible.

With the amount of leverage involved at 200mm of travel, and considering how slack the best downhill mountain bikes are, the dual-crown design is crucial. There would be enormous flex issues if you were to produce a single-crown fork at 200mm of travel and ride it down very steep and technical terrain.

Downhill riders are less bothered by weight or climbing efficiency. This frees engineers to focus all their resources on making the stiffest structure containing sophisticated internals and valving.

The speeds that downhill bikes roll over highly technical terrain require exceptional torsional stiffness at the axle to prevent riders from being deflected off-line and crashing. That dual-crown structure increases the stiffness of these long-travel forks, although steering angle is reduced, at very low speeds.

Dual-crown forks are at the complete opposite spectrum of those short-travel,100-120mm forks, with nearly rigid lockout control. Downhill mountain biking is solely about descending, with huge dampers that react intuitively to terrain impacts and help maintain the front tire's contact with the ground when cornering and braking.

• Suspension 101 : Everything you need to know about your mountain bike suspension dials
• How to adjust mountain bike suspension

Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect , Lance has written for MBR.com , Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.

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The best mountain bike fork 2021 – 9 suspension forks in review

The battle for the best enduro suspension fork is hotting up. Muscled up forks with bigger and burlier chassis have entered the arena, throwing down the gauntlet to the skinnier forebears. We put 9 of the best 170 mm suspension forks to the test to find out which comes out on top.

For the last 2 years, it’s fair to say that not a lot has happened on the mainstream suspension fork scene. Yes, there have been small revisions to some of the leading forks, but there has been nothing groundbreaking. This year, instead of small evolutionary steps, some brands have taken a giant leap. Of course, we mean the two suspension giants FOX and RockShox who have both released their new 38 mm platforms to complement their existing 35 and 36 mm enduro offerings. Alongside the new Manitou Mezzer PRO, these bigger and burlier forks have made us ask whether stiffer forks are better. Will a stiffer fork make us faster or give us more control? To find out, we tested these burlier forks alongside the best 35 and 36 mm options in our group test, abusing them mercilessly on some gnarly Scottish terrain.

Table of contents

Suspension fork faq, what makes a great suspension fork, how to choose the right suspension fork for your bike, how should i set up my suspension fork, the contenders – which forks did we include in this group test, how we tested the suspension forks, where did we test, four things we learned from the 2021 fork test, which is the best enduro fork of 2021, what is a mountain bike suspension fork.

While containing many complex components, a suspension fork has a simple function. To lessen the impact of trail obstacles by absorbing their energy through its compression. The suspension fork has three main elements:

Damper – The damper’s function is to convert the kinetic energy of the spring into heat energy, usually by forcing oil through adjustable ports. The damper helps control the speed at which the suspension can compress and extend. The damper is found in the opposite fork leg to the spring.

Spring – The spring absorbs the energy created by an impact, isolating the rider from it. The spring stores the energy, releasing it when the fork extends, while the damper converts excess energy to heat. The stiffness of a spring is defined by its spring rate, the ratio of force per distance the spring is compressed. The spring is found in the opposite fork leg to the damper.

Chassis – The chassis of the fork houses the spring and damper, providing a strong and stable platform for the internals to work effectively and providing accurate steering for the rider.

What is the difference between coil and air springs in a suspension fork?

The spring component of the fork can be either an air spring or a coil spring. Coil springs are linear, meaning that the amount the coil compresses under a given load is identical no matter where the spring is in its travel. Some manufacturers now make progressive-rate springs with varying coil spacing, requiring more force to compress the spring the same distance at the end of the stroke than at the beginning. By far the most popular choice, most mountain bikes now come fitted with air sprung forks. An air spring is a sealed chamber filled with air. Under compression, the fork lowers push an internal air piston up against the air in the chamber, reducing its volume and increasing the pressure. This increase in pressure applies an opposing force to the air piston, pushing it back out again. Unlike coil springs, air springs have a progressive spring curve, the amount of force required to compress the spring increases exponentially through the stroke. The advantage of air springs is that their spring rate is defined by the air pressure in the air chamber, therefore they are easily adjusted by the user using a simple pump.

What does a negative spring do in my suspension fork?

Before your fork can start moving in response to an impact, it needs to reach the breakaway force. The breakaway force is the sum of the forces of the static friction of the seals and the pressure in the positive air chamber against the air piston. To reduce the breakaway force, either pressurised air or a coil spring can be added behind the piston to oppose the main air chamber spring and counterbalance the breakaway force. This is known as a negative spring. Most air negative air-springs use a valve or bypass dimple to equalise the pressure in the negative and positive spring, so the initial pressure on either side of the air piston is the same.

What does the damper do in my suspension fork?

The force of an impact transmits energy into the suspension, with the spring storing and returning energy by compressing and extending, while the damper stops the spring from bouncing uncontrollably or oscillating, controlling the rate at which it moves. Like the air spring, the damper is a chamber containing a piston that can move up and down, actuated by the movement of the suspension. Unlike the air spring, the chamber is filled with damping fluid, usually some kind of oil. When the damper is compressed, the volume of the immersing shaft displacing some of that oil, forcing it through the adjustable orifices of the compression damper – located at the top. When the fork extends again, the shaft is pulled in the other direction. The head of the shaft houses both the piston and the rebound damping. As the shaft extends, oil is forced from one side of the piston to the other, moving through the adjustable orifices of the rebound damping circuit. As the fluid flows, friction is generated, converting the energy stored in the suspension to heat. The tighter the restriction, i.e. the smaller the opening of adjustable orifices/valving, the more energy is converted as the oil flows through the damper, and in turn, the higher the damping.

What is rebound damping?

Rebound damping controls the speed at which compressed suspension extends after an impact. If rebound damping is too low (-) the suspension will extend too fast and feel bouncy and out of control. If the rebound damping is too high (+) the suspension will not recover fast enough after repeated impacts and pack down, sinking ever lower into its travel and performing poorly.

What is low-speed compression damping?

Low-speed compression damping influences your suspension characteristics at low shaft speeds (not bike speeds), predominantly influencing the mid-portion of the suspension travel. If you feel like you have achieved a good spring rate with good small bump performance and good bottom-out control but you feel that the bike lacks mid-stroke support, sinking deep into its travel when you brake hard, ride steep trails or push the bike into corners and jump faces, you need to add more low-speed compression damping. Adding low-speed compression damping does decrease suspension sensitivity, so you only want to add the minimum level to achieve enough support.

What is high-speed compression damping?

The most expensive forks and rear shocks have a high-speed compression damping adjustment (HSC), controlling the damping when the suspension compresses at high shaft speeds (big, fast impacts). If you find that your fork or shock is still bottoming out too easily and have a high-end shock and fork with the option, you can adjust your high-speed compression damping. Adding more high-speed compression damping reduces the amount of travel the fork uses in high-speed impacts (shaft speed not bike speed). Low levels of high-speed compression result in digressive damping which allows full travel easily in response to big, fast hits.

When I set up my fork, should I measure the adjustments from fully closed or fully open?

You should always measure the number of ‘clicks’ of your fork settings from fully closed (maximum damping). This gives a better reference point, as when fully opening the ports inside your suspension, the last click or so tends to be a little vague due to different tolerances from fork to fork.

How should I set up my suspension fork sag?

Sag is important when setting up your suspension fork. Sag is the amount your fork compresses under the rider weight (including riding gear) and setting the correct sag is the only way of reaching the optimum air pressure for your riding weight and style. Most fork manufacturers recommend between 15-20% sag depending on riding style. Sag can also be considered a tuning method. Changing the amount of sag on the forks changes the geometry of your bike, running less sag will cause the front of the bike to stay high on steep trails and under braking but will result in a harsher ride with less cornering traction. Running more sag will give a more comfortable ride with more grip, but lower the front end height under hard braking and on steep trails. It’s all a balance. In general, more sag (20%) is better for cornering, increasing weight on the front wheel and helping the front end dive through turns, while less sag (15%) is better for high-speed stability and pedalling efficiency.

How often should I service my suspension fork?

Let’s face it, nobody likes spending money on servicing. Instead, we would love to spend all our expendable cash on shiny new bike kit. However, you wouldn’t buy a Ferrari 488 and never change the oil. Suspension forks are complex moving parts and therefore require frequent lubrication. Investing time keeping your fork well serviced will give you a noticeable performance benefit. All the forks in this test use suspension oil in the lowers to lubricate the seals and while a full damper service may be beyond the capabilities of most amateur mechanics, a lower leg service is a very straightforward process. Most fork brands produce service schedules and useful how-to videos and tutorials and learning how to do a basic service is a treat for you and your bike. Changing oil regularly will not only boost your mechanical kung-fu but also leave you with silky smooth forks.

What do I do if my suspension fork creaks?

Creaking forks are unnerving and nearly all manufacturers suffer from this with a very small proportion of their forks. Telltale symptoms include sharp cracking or popping sounds under braking or full compression. The issue may sometimes be down to dirt or grime under the crown race, but is more often the stanchions creaking in the press fit crown. Both RockShox and FOX are the biggest offenders, not because their forks necessarily creak more than others but because their forks are far more popular, and therefore rare problems are seen in larger numbers. If your fork creaks under hard braking, the first step is to check and clean the crown race and headset bearing faces. If, after that, your fork still creaks then it’s time to call in the professionals and drop off your fork at a service centre. Many manufacturers will replace the CSU (crown, steerer and stanchion assembly) under warranty.

Can I adjust my mountain bike suspension fork travel?

If you frequently buy new frames or like to adjust the geometry of your bike, then a fork with adjustable travel may be desirable. While there used to be on-trail travel adjust systems a few years ago, such systems tended to compromise performance. The current range of top-tier enduro forks are fixed travel. However, some of the forks like the Manitou Mezzer Pro have internally adjustable travel, allowing you to change the travel up to 50 mm using internal travel reducers. This does require partial disassembly of the fork but allows a lot of flexibility and takes the worry out of experimenting with a travel change. The travel of the other forks can be adjusted but in most cases, a different length air spring will need to be purchased.

Why do we not have upside-down suspension forks like motorbikes?

We have been waiting for a good upside-down suspension fork for years. Once motorbikes went upside-down they never looked back. so why don’t we have an inverted fork? Inverted forks make a lot of sense, as you hammer down the trail, the highest fore-aft stress your forks encounter is under the crown where the leverage is highest. On a standard fork, this is where the stanchions are bonded into the crown. On an upside fork, this point can be substantially thicker using more material, resulting in more fore-aft stiffness. However, having no arch means that upside-down forks have always suffered from increased lateral flex. We’ve tested a number of upside-down forks over the years and have found that while they offer many advantages in ride comfort, they still lack the precise steering in high-load situations that aggressive riders require and often come at a price premium. We did invite an upside-down fork to this test but it was declined as it was deemed that our findings would be the same.

While unquestionably complex, a suspension fork has three main components. Firstly, it has a spring to absorb the violent hits when you roll foolishly into a crazy line. Secondly, the fork contains an oil-filled damper, which controls the speed of the spring. By forcing oil through small ports it converts the kinetic energy of the spring into heat. The best dampers will provide support and stability on steep terrain, keeping the fork high in its travel under hard braking and weight shifts, and using full travel only when needed. Finally, the fork needs a stiff chassis, allowing steering inputs from the bars to be translated accurately onto the trail, carving accurate lines while under pressure and keeping you out of the trees. Often, with infinite tuning configurations, the best forks will be easy to set up to your riding style and home trails without needing a PhD in suspension kinematics.

When it comes to choosing the best suspension fork for your bike, there are several points you need to consider.

Wheel size The first consideration is the wheel size. Yes, you can physically fit a 27.5” wheel into a 29” fork, but the axle to crown distance (if you buy a fork with the same travel) will be different on the longer 29” fork, changing the geometry of your bike.

Travel Unless you know what you are doing or are looking to change the personality of your bike, it is best to stick to the amount of travel the bike comes with from the factory. Fitting a longer travel fork will raise both the stack height and bottom bracket height of your bike, impacting the handling. Also, fitting a longer travel fork may void your bike’s warranty.

Air or coil? There has been something of a resurgence of coil forks and shocks in the enduro sector. Finally, riders are realising that overall bike weight is less important than performance, allowing them to choose products that help their riding, not the readout on a scale. Requiring fewer seals, and therefore having less friction, coil spring forks have always been the champion of small bump compliance, smoothing the trail and providing huge grip. Air forks are certainly the most popular choice and while arguably they still cannot match a coil for sensitivity (though they are now very close), they are significantly lighter and can be easily adjusted to different rider weights where a coil fork might require a different spring to be installed. Generally, due to the nature of air compressing inside the spring, air forks have more progression, giving more support to the middle and end of the stroke. However, many of the latest coil forks feature technologies to increase end stroke support, such as the mechanical Ramp Control in the MRP or the trapped air volumes in the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 coil.

Which offset is best?

The concept is simple: the shorter the fork offset, the longer the trail (the horizontal distance between where the wheel and the steering axis contact the ground). In theory, longer trail stabilises the steering and traditionally, manufacturers gave 29ers longer offsets to produce shorter trails for faster steering. However, that thinking is changing now that we are riding big wheels in harder terrain. Many brands are now offering multiple offsets per wheel size, such as the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate that offers both 51 and 42 mm offsets in 29” (46 and 37 mm in 27.5”). After extensive back-to-back testing with both offsets, we found that any differences in ride feel are very small and quickly counteracted by the rider’s position. We tend to choose the shorter offsets for our own bikes as there seems to be no loss of agility or responsiveness to the steering.

Chassis stiffness – is bigger always better?

The diameter of the stanchions of a suspension fork often dictates its intended use. Forks with bigger stanchions are heavier and stiffer, thus most often used with longer travel for more gravity focussed use.

The new, bigger 38 mm stanchions are hot property in the enduro fork world right now and are claimed to be significantly stronger and stiffer. It might seem like a lot of excitement over a 2 mm increase. However, given the same wall thickness, doubling the diameter of a tube increases the tube stiffness four times, meaning that small changes in diameter play a bigger role than you may think. That said, there’s always a sweet spot as increasing the diameter of a tube often increases the weight. Also, we need to start asking when a fork is too stiff. Just like overly stiff carbon wheels that reduce grip in certain situations, compliance is important in forks too.

If you race, are a very heavy rider or push hard enough to flex a FOX 36 or RockShox Lyrik, then the latest generation of super forks will be ideal for you. However, if you are looking for more of an all-round bike for fun laps with friends and post-work shreds, the lighter and more comfortable 36/35 mm chassis may be the best choice. It’s ‘mountain bike rider nature’ to lust after the latest models and flagship products, but by being honest with yourself about how and where you ride, you will end up with a more balanced bike that best suits the riding you do.

There are no longer good and bad forks, only good and great forks. Now, more than ever, the correct setup is key. If you want to find out more about how to get the most out of your bike, check out our complete guide to suspension fork setup . You can have the incredible RockShox Lyrik Ultimate but if you set it up badly, it will perform worse than a well set up RockShox Yari RC. Unlike shocks, where frame engineers use the rear suspension kinematics to control the forces acting on the shock, suspension forks all encounter the same leverage ratio: 1:1. Different riders with different riding styles may want different responses from their suspension fork. Some desire buttery smooth small bump compliance, some want huge support for big jumps and high speeds, some just want an easy-going touring setup. Manufacturers now have to balance the needs of those who want a good setup from the box, with those who love tinkering and agonise over one click of compression damping. Tuning focussed brands like DVO, FOX and Manitou allow almost every aspect of the suspension performance to be modified to suit the rider’s preferences, while Marzocchi, Ӧhlins and RockShox try to keep setup simple.

The aim of this test was to find the ultimate enduro fork – the fork that delivers the highest performance on everything from fast and loose natural singletrack to full-bore shit-yourself downhill tracks. Dual crown forks were out, as were skinny and flexible trail forks that put too much emphasis on reducing weight. We tested each fork at 170 mm (except for the FOX 36 which was tested at 160 mm due to its new position in the FOX lineup) and in the 29er wheel size. Both FOX and RockShox have huge lineups so we tested both their 36 and Lyrik platforms, as well as the bigger 38 and ZEB big-hitters. The Manitou Mezzer PRO and Öhlins RXF 36 M2 Air had to be included as both use three air chambers for extreme tunability. We wanted some coil options too – for riders who want minimal maintenance and easy setup, coil makes a lot of sense. The MRP Ribbon Coil stood out with it’s Ramp Control feature allowing the end-stroke progression to be adjusted and we had heard great things about the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil. Rounding out the 9 fork test field was the DVO Onyx SC D1 as a tuner’s favourite, giving great control over every aspect of the fork.

Where is the Formula Selva, Intend Edge, EXT ERA and the burlier Öhlins?

There are some notable omissions in this group test with EXT, Formula and Intend missing, though all were invited to participate. EXT were keen to meet their pre-orders before sending a fork, but we have one coming and will update the review as soon as we have given it a hammering. Formula did not think that their Selva R fitted well with the latest 38 mm chassis forks and declined the offer – perhaps they are working on something new? We were keen to get a new Intend upside-down fork into the test but owner Cornelius indicated that our findings would be similar to the last fork we tested and declined our offer. By the time we headed into our back to back test session, the burlier RXF38 offering from Öhlins was still a well kept Swedish secret. However, we are very excited to put the stiffer chassis Öhlins head to head against the competition soon.

While undeniably fun, it’s not an easy job testing suspension forks. With infinitely variable air springs, bottomless tokens and 4-way adjustable dampers, the possible configurations of each fork are almost limitless and that’s before even thinking about custom tuning. A well set up average fork will easily outperform a poorly setup exceptional fork, so it’s important to ensure each fork is dialled in before testing. We were interested to see how much time you allocate to fork setup and so we reached out over Instagram . Given the choice between “Less than one hour” or “More than one hour” over 650 of you responded and the responses were split 50/50. That means for every one of you that likes to incrementally tweak the low-speed compression adjuster each and every ride, there’s someone else who sets their fork once in the car park and never looks at it again.

Many brands are working hard to make their suspension forks easier to set up. Nearly all the models in this group test now feature recommended pressure stickers on the fork legs and some have interactive tuning apps to help the rider get a good starting point. The brand who is doing the best is certainly RockShox. Not only do they offer their TrailHead app, walking you through suspension setup but the ZEB and Lyrik both have sag markings on the stanchions, letting you quickly establish if you have the correct air pressure in the fork.

How did we test?

During the back to back sessions, we first set the fork using the manufacturer’s recommended setting for a given rider weight (fully kitted). Sag was recorded and recommended compression settings were used if given by the manufacturer. Several shuttle runs were performed to assess the manufacturer recommended setup before the test riders were free to tune the forks to their own preference. Forks were swapped during the midday break to ensure a reference point while experiences were still fresh. Runs were timed to be able to compare forks further and the testers rode at a speed where they were fast, but not out of control.

There’s no place like home, especially when your UK office is based in the Tweed Valley, Scotland. With world-class, shuttle accessed DH and enduro trails right on the doorstep, we decided to keep the test close to home, on tracks that we had ridden thousands of times. Using the Adrenalin Uplift shuttle for support, we established two test tracks: the first a derivative of the legendary iXS downhill track with high-speed root gardens, eyeball popping turns and some fair-sized step-downs. The second took us from the doubles of Make or Brake into the fiercely washed out and hammered turns of Gold Run. Both tracks were just over 3 minutes of flat-out descending and each of the test riders knew every inside line and compression.

The test team

Everyone’s thoughts on suspension and setup are different, so it was important that we had a large test team to put the forks through their paces.

We didn’t ride any faster on the bigger 38 mm platforms

Looking at the timing data, switching from a FOX 36 to FOX 38 or Lyrik Ultimate to a ZEB Ultimate did not result in an observable increase in speed. While we picked terrain that should have favoured a bigger fork, our 75–90 kg riders were just as fast on the (relatively) smaller platforms. We did find the big FOX 38 was more sensitive and offered slightly more grip, but it didn’t take chunks out of the stopwatch. Admittedly, we weren’t riding at race pace but were riding at the fastest speed the bike allowed without risk of crashing – the kind of speed you run when hunting down your mates on a trail. Racers may be able to exploit the stiffer chassis when riding right on the limit to save a few seconds here and there but if your riding is more mid-pack, upgrading to a 38 mm chassis will not put you on top of the podium.

Some forks take a lot longer to set up

To get the best out of their product, suspension designers need to make it easy for us. When you jump into a car, you don’t need a manual to work out how to make it warmer inside. It should be the same with suspension forks. RockShox is ahead of the curve here and both their Lyrik and ZEB platforms can be set up in 10 minutes with a wide sweet-spot. The Manitou Mezzer is the toughest fork to get right, with its low pressures and very sensitive IRT chamber, it is one for those who enjoy taking time to dial in their settings.

Coil still has its place

The Marzocchi Bomber Z1 was a highlight in this group test. Yes, it is basic. Yes, you need to find the spring rate that works for you. And yes, it’s a heavy beast. But once you find the correct spring, the top-tier performance let us keep up with the big boys effortlessly. Surprisingly progressive and supportive, it’s the standout bargain in this group test if you can swallow the additional weight. However, putting a coil inside a fork does not automatically make it great and it needs to be balanced with a supportive chassis. The MRP Ribbon Coil frustrated us with its vague chassis, holding us back on the descents.

Whatever happened to 20 mm axles?

With most manufacturers now focussing their marketing on chassis support and accurate steering, it feels as though we missed an opportunity with 20 mm axles. With the new 38 mm platforms now offering 190 mm of travel, 15 mm is now the universal standard for single-crown fork axles and the stiffer and stronger 20 mm thru-axle format has almost been eradicated from the enduro sector. Going against common sense, no forks in this test have a 20 mm option. For 2021, when it comes to enduro forks, the 20 mm thru-axle is dead.

What a battle of the titans it was! With testing over, we were left with crashes, broken bones, countless impacts and a whole lot of hollering. Overall, the standard of forks in the test was very impressive – never before has going so fast been so effortlessly easy.

Starting with our least favourite fork, the MRP Ribbon coil struggled to keep up through rock gardens and over big hits, feeling over-active in the middle of the travel with a flexible chassis. Compared to the best of the competition, we were braking sooner and less confident pushing the limit. There was nothing trail about the Ӧhlins RXF M2, which is a great upgrade over the outgoing model. The Ramp Up chamber offers easier adjustment of the spring rate than swapping out tokens, allowing you to quickly find a setup that works for you. Compared to the best in test, the fork lacks the buttery small bump compliance, though the heavier damping feels better the faster you go. The DVO Onyx SC D1 is a real tuner’s dream. Using the O.T.T adjustment we were highly impressed with the fork’s ability to track the ground like a coil. Under hard and fast repetitive hits, the Onyx makes swift progress but it is a heavy beast. If you really don’t care about your suspension setup and just want a fork that works, then buy a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil. It’s effortless to set up and boasts performance that defies its affordable price tag. It really is the hidden gem in this lineup but is not one for weight weenies, adding a lot of weight to the bike. The FOX 36 2021 has seen some good updates too. Downgraded to an all-mountain fork, we didn’t feel that it held us back on full-gas DH trails. When ridden back-to-back against the RockShox Lyrik 2021, we found we could find a good setup quicker on the Lyrik and it stayed higher in the travel, maintaining the bike’s geometry better while still absorbing the big hits. The RockShox Lyrik won our group test last year and is still the fork to beat. The 2021 model boasts improved performance and is still great value, offering all you could need unless your riding style dictates a super stiff chassis. It takes our Best Buy award.

And then we come to the big hitters. If big-hit stability, rock gardens and sending it at every opportunity is part of your normal riding vocabulary, then you will undoubtedly be drawn to the bigger chassis forks. The Manitou Mezzer is an impressive performer but you will need patience and accurate adjustments to get the best out of it. A champion of mid-stroke support, the Mezzer handles steep trails with effortless composure but the heavy damping never quite delivered the silky-smooth ride we were hoping for. The RockShox ZEB Ultimate also requires accurate pressures to get the best out of it but it’s an easier fork to set up and with its high and supportive ride height, it’s the people’s champion. While not quite as easy to set up at the ZEB, once you have the FOX 38 Factory dialled in, it gives unrivalled small bump compliance without any sacrifice in mid-stroke support. The FOX 38 delivered no matter where we were in the travel and when the going got really tough, it was the fork we all wanted to run, meaning it took the Best in Test award.

BEST IN TEST FOX 38 GRIP2 Factory

The new FOX 38 is more than just a beefed-up 36. Instead, it feels more like a mini 40 with sublime damping and support. Available in 170–180 mm travel, it’s the ideal complement to the latest hard-hitting, gravity-focussed 29er enduro rigs and eMTBs. Overall, for those looking to push their riding very hard in the bike park, the FOX 38 is the best performing enduro fork on the market we’ve tested, taking the Best In Test. Read the full review here .

• amazing stiffness/performance balance
• next level grip and support

• one of our forks creaked
• controls need more defined clicks

BEST BUY RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 2021

The RockShox Lyrik RC2 took our Best in Test in 2018 and the latest Ultimate model is still the standard by which all other forks are measured. The FOX 38 and ZEB may be a better choice for heavy-duty bike park thrashers, but faced with a gnarly natural alpine trail, the Lyrik Ultimate really is all you will need. With sweet-spot performance and an amazing price, the Lyrik is still our top recommendation, taking our Best Buy award. Read the full review here .

• superb sensitivity and performance
• effortless setup

DVO ONYX SC D1

The DVO Onyx is a potent performer, with a stiff chassis and its O.T.T control that allows you to fine-tune the sensitivity without compromising support. The fork feels very well made, and ridden back to back delivers a similar ride quality as the “best buy” RockShox Lyrik. However, it does come with a weight penalty. If you’re looking for something different and something you can tune extensively, then the DVO Onyx will not hold you back. Read the full review here .

• excellent damping
• O.T.T works really well
• HSC is overkill and hard to use
• coil weight despite the air-spring

FOX 36 2021 GRIP2 Factory

On the trail, the FOX 36 Factory feels, well, like a FOX 36. It’s a fork at the very top of its game. The GRIP2 damper gives huge control over the rebound and compression circuits with both high- and low- speed adjustment and once dialled in, grip and support are exceptional. However, it is still a very expensive fork and the competition is hotting up. Read the full review here .

• amazingly balanced performance
• full control over the ride feel
• expensive compared to the Lyrik
• requires experience to set up correctly

Manitou Mezzer PRO

The Manitou Mezzer PRO takes a very different approach to set up and needs more attention to reach its optimum performance. Tuners, or those who are very particular about their setup will love the Manitou Mezzers as it offers almost unlimited control. We found we could dial in huge mid-stroke support without compromising the end of the travel, but we never managed to get the same small bump compliance as the leading forks in the test. Read the full review here .

• infinite tuning options
• great mid- and end-stroke control
• more involved setup
• sensitivity is good but not great

Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil

If you are looking for quick setup, maximum grip, minimal maintenance and don’t care about weight, then you can stop reading now. The Marzocchi Bomber Z1 is the fork for you and will also save you a lump of cash. However, the fork is very heavy and adds a considerable amount of weight to the bike. If you fall comfortably in the middle of the spring rate, the Z1 will likely deliver exceptional performance out of the box. Read the full review here .

• very good small bump performance and sensitivity
• more progressive than expected
• performance will depend on suitable spring rate

MRP Ribbon Coil

Overall, the MRP Ribbon Coil proved a comfortable and extremely sensitive trail fork. However, when pushed in rough terrain, more aggressive riders will find it too flexy and lacking in support. If you are looking for a burly enduro fork, we would look elsewhere. Read the full review here .

• smooth small-bump performance
• Ramp Control works to increase end-stroke control
• chassis flex leads to unpredictability
• linear feel and limited support

Öhlins RXF 36 M2 Air

Though having additional air chambers to tune may sound complicated, in practice the Ӧhlins is very easy to set up and performs exceptionally well. Stiffer and higher-performing than the original RXF, the Öhlins RXF 36 M2 is a viable alternative to the big-hitters from FOX and RockShox. With a heavily damped tune, it will be a fork that feels best under heavy or more aggressive riders, getting better the faster you go. Read the full review here .

• very tunable thanks to the Ramp chamber
• excellent support and performance
• heavy damping suits stronger riders
• lacks small bump sensitivity

RockShox ZEB Ultimate

If a RockShox Lyrik isn’t burly enough for you, you will love the RockShox ZEB. The ZEB is super accurate, effortlessly easy to set up and delivers an aggressive price point. It’s a fork for those who measure air time in seconds, or who can push the O-ring to the top on corners. However, with minimal compliance, you need to ride hard to get the best from it. For most, the Lyrik will be the more rounded choice. Read the full review here .

• easy to get a good setup
• stiffest fork on test for crazy accuracy
• you have to ride it hard
• never really shines

More important articles for you to check out

In addition to this group test, we have a number of important suspension-related articles for you to check out. Here’s our ultimate guide to setting up your MTB suspension , our group test of the best shock pumps and how to prevent arm pump . Be sure to check them out!

All forks on test : DVO Onyx SC D1 | FOX 36 2021 Grip2 Factory | FOX 38 2021 Grip2 Factory | Manitou Mezzer PRO | Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil | MRP Ribbon Coil | Öhlins RXF36 M2 Air | RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 2021 | RockShox ZEB Ultimate

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Photos: Finlay Anderson

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Best mountain bike suspension forks 2024 | Top-rated MTB forks and buyer's guide

Plus our buyer's guide to MTB forks

Looking for the best mountain bike suspension fork? You've come to the right place.

Buying a new suspension fork for your mountain bike is one of the priciest – and potentially most effective – upgrades you can make to your mountain bike . Even when buying a complete bike, the fork it comes with is a serious consideration.

You’ll want either a suspension fork that irons out the harshest of trail feedback, helping your hands to last longer whatever bike you ride, or you’ll want the fork to sit smoothly into the first part of its travel to keep your front wheel stuck to the ground.

You’ll also need enough stiffness to provide accurate and predictable steering, and enough adjustability to fine-tune the fork to your needs, but not so much that it’s a nightmare to set up .

You'll probably want it to be as light as possible too, and hopefully not cost the earth.

We’ve tested forks to suit a broad range of budgets, making sure to include some top-shelf options because these are what people tend to buy as an upgrade to their bike.

You can read our full mountain bike suspension forks buyer's guide at the end of this article.

Best mountain bike suspension forks of 2024

Rockshox sid ultimate 3p.

• Price: £1,069/$999/€1,199 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 110mm and 120mm (29in), 120mm tested
• Weight: 1,600g (29in x 120mm)
• Pros: Initially very sensitive; remains controlled in rough terrain
• Cons: TwistLoc remote grips don't have lock-on option

The SID Ultimate 3P is the latest top-level cross-country fork from RockShox, offering a more refined and capable ride feel than the fork it replaced.

Its new Charger Race Day 2 damper gives the fork three positions, which can be switched between ‘open’, ‘pedal’ and ‘lock’ modes via the crown-top lever or optional TwistLoc remote (£119/$117/€133).

We found 'open' and 'pedal' to be our most frequented modes, rarely using the 'lock' mode unless slugging up road ascents and the odd fireroad.

The SID Ultimate 3P is keen to sink into the first few millimetres of travel without hesitation, making for a supple ride with a smooth, ground-hugging feel over small bumps.

Its mid-stroke support builds progressively, with the ramp-up near the end of the travel remaining calm on big hits.

The new 35mm chassis enables the fork to attack fast, technical descents with precision, with only some flex being detected on steeper turns with fast catch berms that would challenge most trail forks.

• Read our full RockShox SID Ultimate 3P review

Fox 36 Factory GRIP2

• Price: £1,139 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 27.5in with 160, 170, 180mm; 29in with 160 (tested), 170mm
• Weight: 2,091g (29in x 160mm)
• Pros: Impressively supple and composed over high-frequency chatter
• Cons: Firm high-speed compression damping when set to open

The all-singing Fox 36 GRIP2 Factory is one of the most expensive forks we’ve tested. Fortunately, it’s got performance to match.

Its four-way adjustable damper has high- and low-speed adjustment for both compression and rebound damping. Fortunately, Fox nailed the setup guide, so it’s one of the easiest forks to get in the right ballpark despite the vast range of adjustments.

It’s also one of the best performers, particularly over big holes and choppy unpredictable ground. The independent high-speed rebound adjustment seems to make it more controlled and calm when returning from deep in the stroke if, like us, you’re running a lot of pressure in the spring.

It’s not quite as sensitive off the top of the stroke as its rival, the RockShox Lyrik, though, so there isn’t quite as much traction in low-load situations.

While very active and supple over small bumps, it’s a little stingy with its travel over bigger impacts, even with the compression damping fully open. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but we would have liked the ability to run the high-speed compression a little more open for long-run comfort.

There were situations where the 36 was the best fork we’ve ever used.

• Read our full Fox 36 Factory GRIP2 review

Manitou Mattoc Pro

• Price: £1,323 / $1,050 / €1,260 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 27.5in with 120, 140mm; 29in with 120, 140mm (tested)
• Weight: 1,797g (29in x 140mm)
• Pros: Lovely feel through travel; easily adjustable; competitive weight
• Cons:  Air valve access could be easier; Hexlock axle isn’t quite as intuitive as competitors

The Mattoc Pro impressed us with its impeccable suppleness and great end-of-stroke control.

Manitou has given the fork plenty of adjustment with an MC2 damper, with hydraulic bottom-out in the stanchion offering high and low-speed compression and single rebound adjustment.

All this tech pays dividends, with the Mattoc Pro offering plenty of grip and comfort, with ample control late into the stroke and plenty of usable adjustment.

The Hexlock axle is more difficult to use than other securing axles, with a hand needed to balance the bike, push the axle and turn the Allen key from the other side of the fork.

We also found the air valve to be in an awkward position at the bottom of the fork, making it difficult to use with some shock pumps.

• Read our full Manitou Mattoc Pro review

Manitou Mezzer Pro

• Price: £899.99/$999.99/€1,050 as tested
• Wheelsize/travel options: 27.5in and 29in (tested), both adjustable between 140 and 180mm in 10mm increments (160mm tested)
• Weight: 2,093g (29in x 160mm)
• Pros: Very supple with great mid- and end-stroke support
• Cons: Difficult to set up

The Mezzer is a surprise performer, offering an excellent balance between small-bump sensitivity and bottom-out resistance. It’s particularly capable no matter how deep into its travel you go or how hard you push it.

The chassis also hits the perfect balance of control, accuracy and compliance, feeling stiff when it needs to – such as under corners – but didn’t cause our front wheel to bounce or judder offline, also helping to reduce hand fatigue.

The MC2 damper’s high-speed compression is light enough to absorb fast impacts and proved to be incredibly supple. Its low-speed damping gives plenty of support through turns and compressions, adding to the capabilities of the impressive air spring.

Although the air spring is quite hard to set up – and you need to follow the supplied guide exactly – once you get it right, the performance that’s unlocked is virtually unparalleled on the trail.

If you’re looking to upgrade your fork and were considering a RockShox Lyrik or Fox 36 GRIP2, the Mezzer has to be on your shortlist as well.

The Manitou Mezzer wasn’t tested as a part of our latest fork group test, and doesn’t feature in our video, but was tested and rated to the same criteria, and performed exceptionally well.

• Read our full Manitou Mezzer Pro review

Marzocchi Bomber Z1

• Price: £749 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 27.5in with 130, 140, 150, 160, 170mm; 29in with 150, 160 (tested), 170, 180mm
• Weight: 2,249g (29in x 160mm)
• Pros: Comfortable with big-hit capabilities
• Cons: Firm at the beginning of the stroke; heavy

Marzocchi is now a sister brand of Fox, and the Z1 shares a lot of features with the Fox 36. However, it's designed to hit a lower price point.

Because it uses a lower-grade aluminium in the upper tubes, it’s one of the heaviest enduro forks around at 2,249g, but the extra weight is not noticeable on the trail.

The air-sprung Z1 isn’t as soft at the very start of its travel as the Fox 36, or the Yari and Lyrik, so it needs a lower air pressure to get it to sag properly, along with a healthy stack of volume spacers to stop it using all of its travel too easily.

It still canters through the middle of its travel a bit more easily than those other forks too, making it feel a little less predictable and refined. The flipside is it swallows kerb-sized rocks like a champ, which means good long-run comfort.

The key comparison is to the RockShox Yari (below). The Z1 is more willing to swallow large impacts, making it more forgiving in those big-hit scenarios, but the Yari is more supple at the start of the stroke, and offers more traction and more predictable support. It’s a touch lighter and cheaper too.

On balance, the Yari just edges it for us. But if big-hit capability is your priority, and you can’t stretch to the RockShox Lyrik or Fox 36, the Z1 is a good option.

• Read our full Marzocchi Bomber Z1 review

Öhlins RXF38 m.2

• Price: £1,45/$1,450 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 160-180mm (29in), 170mm tested
• Weight: 2,354g (29in x 170mm)
• Pros : Smooth and fluttery off-the-top; tunable bottom-out
• Cons: Rebound damping re-tune might be needed

The RXF38 has impressive off-the-top sensitivity, minimising trail chatter and providing huge amounts of comfort and grip.

Mid-size hits such as brake bumps are catered for with buckets of support. The damper controls the impacts with a calmness that enables you to focus on what's down the trail rather than beneath your front wheel, leading to more speed.

The fork handled compressions well, never once diving under hard braking, which gave confidence to weight the front wheel into catch berms and steep sections of trail.

The rebound damping on our test fork was a little hard, which may be a problem for lighter riders, but the brand offers various tunes, so finding the right one shouldn't be hard.

It was also a difficult fork to set up, with a negative spring volume-reducer spacer installed in the fork from the factory that wasn't mentioned in the manual.

• Read our full Öhlins RXF38 m.2 review

RockShox BoXXer Ultimate

• Price: £2,029/$1,899/€2,279 / AU$3,265 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 200mm (27.5in and 29in)
• Weight: 2,840g (29in x 200mm) Claimed
• Pros : New chassis gives precise handling, DebonAir twin tube spring gives plenty of support without a firm spike or ramp-up deep in the travel
• Cons: Rebound dial stiff and creaky

The RockShox BoXXer Ultimate receives 38mm stanchions in its current guise which adds plenty of accuracy and makes the fork hold a line well, even when traversing slippery rocks after poor line choices.

A smooth and quite ride quality calms the front of the bike and makes the BoXXer feel reassuringly predictable, while the break away force of is minimal, with the fork sliding easily into its initial stoke.

The beginning of the stroke takes the sting out of small high frequency bumps impressively well, isolating your hands without losing support.

Charging through rough sections reveals how composed this fork is, with the mid-stroke soaking up big hits while delivering plenty of support to push against.

There's no harsh ramp-up or firmness present at the end of stroke, making big drops and high speed compressions reassuringly composed as the linear nature of the fork feels like it's only using the travel it needs.

After some use, the rebound dial on our early test model became stiff and creaky, but this didn't hinder performance.

• Read our full RockShox BoXXer Ultimate review

RockShox Lyrik Ultimate

• Price: £1,013/$1,049/€1,134 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 150-160mm (27.5in and 29in), 160mm tested
• Weight: 2,042g (29in x 160mm)
• Pros : Unrivalled mid-stroke damper support; feature-laden additions improve performance
• Cons: Small-bump sensitivity not perfect

The RockShox Lyrik Ultimate sets a benchmark for support and height control with its Charger 3 damper and DebonAir spring at the sacrifice of small-bump sensitivity.

The damper enables you to confidently weight the front wheel while hammering it into gnarly sections of trail without fear of the fork diving under braking.

The DebonAir handles lower spring pressures with impressively supple and effective ramp-up that was helped by the damper to not blow through its travel on big hits.

Small-bump performance is the only letdown. While the ButterCups mute harsher bumps, the fork remains almost static on small jagged rock paths found at trail centres.

• Read our full RockShox Lyrik Ultimate review

RockShox Yari RC Debonair

• Prize : £695/AU$1,200 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 150mm, 160mm (tested), 170mm and 180mm travel for 27.5in and 29in wheels
• Weight: 2,129g (29in x 160mm)
• Pros: Great off-the-top sensitivity
• Cons: Motion Control damper lacks low-speed support and is occasionally harsh over big impacts

The RockShox Yari uses the same stiff 35mm chassis as its pricier sibling, the Lyrik. It now gets the same supple, class-leading Debonair spring too.

The difference is in the damper. The Yari’s more simple Motion Control unit doesn’t provide the same digressive damping – blending low-speed support with high-speed suppleness – that you get from the Lyrik’s Charger.

As a result, it doesn’t feel quite as settled and supportive when braking, and occasionally spikes when slapping down to earth with a thud.

Realistically, though, it’s rare that the less refined damper lets the side down, and this is compared to the best mountain bike forks.

The Yari offers better long-run comfort and small-bump traction than almost anything else on the market, including forks costing several hundred pounds more.

If the slightly unrefined damper bothers you, you can always upgrade it to a Lyrik spec further down the road.

• Read our full RockShox Yari RC Debonair review

RockShox ZEB Ultimate

• Price: £1,119/$1,253/€1,159 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 150-190mm (27.5in and 29in)
• Pros: Easy to make meaningful adjustments; good mid-stroke support
• Cons: Lighter riders may need a re-tune

RockShox's ZEB Ultimate is one of the best forks on offer, with seriously impressive composure and control on rough trails.

Aimed at enduro racers, the ZEB Ultimate has best-in-class small-bump sensitivity with a supple and silent feel that does a great job of tracking trail imperfections,

There is plenty of support deeper into the travel, delivering a calm and composed ride through steep gnarly sections where your weight is over the front of the bike.

Its progression is very gradual through the entire stroke, giving confidence towards the end, where other forks can feel harsh.

The dials enable high levels of adjustment, with high- and low-speed compression all tuneable from the crown of the fork.

We found our test tune to not compliment lighter riders, with all adjustments needing to be fully open for the desired fork setup, reducing overall tunability

• Read our full RockShox ZEB Ultimate review

Cane Creek Helm MKII

• Price: £1,100/$1,100/AU$1645 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options: 130-160mm (29in and 650b), 160mm tested
• Weight : 2.08kg (29in)
• Pros: High levels of adjustability; supple ride feel
• Cons: Not the most supportive in the mid-range

The Helm MKII has 35mm stanchions, which felt accurate through rocky sections with no significant flex or binding.

You get external low- and high-speed compression and low-speed rebound-damping adjustment.

The negative air spring is equalised manually from the positive spring, making it easy to tune the fork's progression. It takes a little figuring out to set up the fork, but once you get it dialled in, it’s an impressive piece of kit.

The Helm MKII is wonderfully supple through the initial part of its travel, so takes a lot of the sting and buzz out of the trails.

Deeper into the mid-stroke, it feels as though it relies on its spring for support more than its damping, which makes for a very plush ride.

It doesn’t have the most supportive mid-stroke, but there’s a decent range of low-speed compression damping should you want to wind some on. Bigger hits are dealt with comfortably, too.

Whether you’re hitting heavy compressions or landing massive drops, the Helm MKII’s progression builds consistently throughout its travel, which makes for a predictable-feeling ride.

Cane Creek Helm MKII Coil

• Price: £1,049.99/$1,049.99 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options : 130-160mm, 29in and 27.5in
• Weight: 2,330g (29in x 160mm)
• Pros: Supremely supple; easy to adjust, good bottom-out resistance
• Cons: Could be overdamped for lighter riders; tyre clearance

Cane Creek's Helm MKII Coil impresses with its suppleness, ironing out small-bump chatter and isolating your hands from well-worn trails.

With four spring options to choose from for riders weighing 45 to 100kg, we found the suggested spring to be too soft, with the desired support still missing even when we maxxed out the low-speed compression.

After replacing the spring with the hardest available, the fork proved to be a top performer, responding well to being pushed hard on rough, gnarly terrain.

In its open settings, the fork becomes very firm, which limits the adjustability real-world usage.

We also found the tyre clearence to be quite tight, with Cane Creek giving the Helm a maximum tyre clearance of 2.5in on the 29in model. This made it difficult to attach a variety of mudguards to the fork.

• Read our full Cane Creek Helm MKII Coil review

Formula Selva R

• Price: £1,200/AU$2,099 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options: 120-170mm (29in and 650b)
• Weight: 2.11kg (29in)
• Pros: Wide-ranging and user-friendly adjustability
• Cons: Narrow arch makes fitting mudguards tough with Velcro straps; 160mm brake mount

Formula’s Selva R has impressive adjustability, enabling you to tune it more than most other forks.

The positive and negative air springs are inflated independently, and you can reduce end-stroke progression with the Neopos compressible-foam volume spacer.

You also get Formula’s Compression Tuning System (CST), consisting of swappable valves that change the compression tune, giving you seven different options.

The 2Air system is useful for fine-tuning how the initial part of the travel feels. This gives the fork plenty of small-bump sensitivity, enabling the wheel to hug the ground and making it easy to find grip on slippery trails.

Suppleness over square-edged hits is impressive, too.

We found the Selva R calmed the ride and kept the front end stable, with no harsh spikes deeper in the travel. Over braking bumps, the rebound is fast enough to keep it from packing down and becoming harsh.

Even without the volume spacer, progression was impressive, and we never used full travel, so could run lower pressures to give even more bump-swallowing ability.

Don’t let the narrow 35mm stanchions deter you – whether in high-load berms or big compressions, the Selva R stays composed.

• Read our full Formula Selva R review

Manitou Mezzer Expert

• Price: £700/$815/AU$1234/€864 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options: 140-180mm (29in and 650b)
• Weight: 2.09kg (29in)
• Pros: Impressive performance for the money
• Cons: Support mediocre; digital pressure gauge is a necessity for setup

The Mezzer Expert comes with Manitou’s ‘Reverse Arch’, which sits behind, rather than in front of, the 37mm stanchions.

External adjustment is limited to a six-position low-speed compression-damping dial, a lockout and a low-speed rebound adjuster.

There’s also a self-equalising negative spring and an ‘Incremental Volume Adjuster’ (IVA), which enables you to change the positive air chamber volume by rearranging self-contained spacers.

The Reverse Arch’s appearance may divide opinion, but it works well enough – the Mezzer Expert’s accuracy through technical sections is good, and we never noticed any binding under high-load turns or sharp direction changes, either.

The fork feels stiff, but not harsh. Blasting along chattery trails, its low breakaway force means it sits comfortably in its sag and soaks up small bumps well, providing tons of grip and confidence in corners and root or rock sections.

Support is mediocre, but it can use its travel and recover from repeated hits quickly. Progression to the end-stroke builds smoothly, with no sharp spike in ramp-up.

We were never hesitant landing drops or ploughing into deep compressions. Pummel through a rock garden and the fork lends a calmness to the front end that helps boost confidence.

• Read our full Manitou Mezzer Expert review

Öhlins RXF34 m.2

• Price: £1,185 as tested
• Wheel size/travel options: 120mm and 130mm (29in)
• Weight: 1740g (130mm)
• Pros: Usable range of adjustments; plenty of support without feeling harsh
• Cons: Pricey

Öhlins' RXF34 m.2 is aimed at downcountry riding with weight saving as a priority.

The RXF34 m.2 uses traditional positive chamber and self-equalising negative chamber in the spring, with volume spacers to increase progression, rather than Öhlins three-chamber design.

We found the chassis to deliver precise steering, with the RXF34 m.2 able to hold a line through tough rocky and rooty terrain better than other lightweight forks.

The mid-stroke has plenty of support, and even with the low-speed compression open the fork remained composed though compressions and high-load corners.

We found no harshness when using the full range of travel, with the fork remaining smooth with zero spiking.

• Read our full Öhlins' RXF34 m.2 review

How do I choose a mountain bike fork?

Just like your choice of mountain bike , your choice of a suspension fork should take into consideration the type of rider you are and the severity of the terrain you wish to cover.

There are a multitude of mountain bike forks on the market, from the likes of RockShox and Fox , grouped into sub-categories each intended for a specific use case.

The main differences between the categories are weight and stiffness. Heavier, stiffer forks are favoured by aggressive trail and enduro riders, while lighter forks are popular amongst those riders who value weight savings and don’t require the extra rigidity of a heavier fork, such as XC riders.

Long-travel trail and enduro forks achieve increased stiffness through an all-round beefier chassis, with thicker stanchion diameters (35-38mm) compared to short-travel forks, which commonly have smaller stanchions (32-34mm diameter).

While the chassis often remains similar throughout the price range, the internals housed within vary greatly, with high-end options offering improved performance and tunability over their budget counterparts.

Do all suspension forks fit all bikes?

Based on their intended use, mountain bike frames are designed with a specific suspension fork travel in mind.

Retrofitting a longer or shorter-travel fork can have a big impact on a bike’s geometry, potentially putting excessive stress on the frame. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see brands stating a maximum fork travel for their bikes, a breach of which could impact your warranty.

Increases of 10mm, swapping a 150mm fork for a 160mm option, for example, won’t usually compromise your frame’s geometry too drastically. However, we recommend you check with your frame manufacturer’s guidelines before committing to a fork swap.

How much suspension travel do I need?

How much suspension travel you need depends greatly on your riding. If you would describe yourself as a cross-country rider, enjoying big days out on relatively tame paths and trails, you will find the best balance of weight and comfort in a fork with 80 to 120mm of travel with 30 to 34mm wide stanchions.

If you love riding trail centres, with the occasional day out in the mountains thrown in, a suspension fork with 120 to 150mm of travel and 34 to 36mm width stanchions will offer you a good level of comfort and grip at a manageable weight.

If you are an enduro rider and love tackling the steepest and roughest trails around, an aggressive fork with 160 to 180 mm of travel and thick 35 to 38mm width stanchions will offer the best grip, stiffness and comfort at the cost of weight.

If you ride a freeride or downhill bike , you'll want as much travel as possible to deal with high speeds and gnarly terrain. You'll likely already be running a suspension fork with 180 to 200mm of travel with 38mm to 40mm width stanchions.

Air vs coil suspension

The spring in a suspension fork enables the fork to absorb bumps and impacts from the trail. It is usually housed inside the left leg of the fork and can be an air spring or a coil spring .

Coil springs are linear, which means there’s a direct relationship between how much force it takes to compress the spring and how compressed the spring is. For example, a 200lb/in spring will take 200lb of force to compress one inch, 400lb to compress two inches, 600lb to compress three inches, and so on.

They are also linear, meaning that no matter how deep it is in its travel, a coil spring will always compress the same amount under a given load.

An air spring is a sealed cartridge with an internal piston that moves as the fork absorbs an impact, reducing the volume and increasing the pressure in the chamber. Air springs are progressive, meaning that the load required to compress them increases the deeper they sit into their travel.

On modern mountain bikes, air-sprung forks are by far the more popular choice. They are a lot lighter than their coil counterparts and can be easily and accurately adjusted by raising or lowering the internal air pressure with a shock pump to find the perfect setup .

Coil-sprung forks on the other hand can only be adjusted by swapping the coil for another with a heavier or lighter spring weight, which is both costly and time-consuming.

Straight steerer vs tapered steerer

The steerer is the tube that connects the fork to the bike, fitting through the bike’s head tube before being clamped by the stem and top cap. There are two standards for suspension fork steerers.

The old steerer standard featured a 1 ⅛-inch diameter from top to bottom. These are called straight steerers.

As the name suggests, tapered steerers have a 1.5in diameter at the bottom and taper to a 1 ⅛-inch diameter at the top. Most modern mountain bikes now feature this standard, which is claimed to improve stiffness between the frame and the fork.

A couple of brands have strayed from these standards. Giant ran its Overdrive2 fork steerer system, which tapered from 1.5-1.2in for a number of years, and Cannondale (plus a few other small ebike brands) have run straight 1.5in steerer tubes.

While few bikes deviate from the regular tapered standard, if you have a Giant or a Cannondale, it might be worth checking.

If you have a bike with a tapered head tube, it is possible to fit an older fork with a straight steerer, providing you source an adaptor for the lower headset cup . Unfortunately, the same does not apply to fitting a new tapered fork to an older frame with a straight head tube.

Volume tokens/spacers

Another benefit of air-sprung suspension forks is their ability to be tuned with volume spacers, sometimes called tokens. These spacers are an inexpensive way to tune the progression of your fork.

By adding volume spacers, you effectively reduce the size of the fork’s internal air chamber, increasing the progressivity of the spring. This enables you to reduce your overall air pressure, increasing the fork’s sensitivity at the start of the stroke without compromising support and ramp-up deeper in the travel.

By removing volume spacers, you can make your fork more linear. This is especially useful for lighter riders who are struggling to use all of their travel and bottom out their fork.

What are compression and rebound damping?

Regardless of whether you have an air or coil spring, the spring itself does a fairly simple job – it absorbs an impact and then returns to its original position.

However, without damping, it is essentially a pogo stick and not very good at delivering a controlled and predictable ride.

This is where rebound and compression damping come into play. Usually housed in the right leg of the fork, the damper is adjusted by dials at the top and bottom of the fork leg.

Rebound damping

Rebound damping controls the speed at which the spring returns after absorbing an impact. Too fast and the fork will bounce uncontrollably. Too slow, and it won’t extend in time for the next impact, making for a very harsh ride and compromising grip.

High-speed rebound damping controls how fast your fork will rebound from a big hit that uses most of the suspension travel, while low-speed rebound controls the speed through the rest of the travel.

Luckily, rebound damping can be adjusted on most quality mountain bike forks. Adding rebound damping (often marked ' ' on the fork dial) slows down the return rate of the fork. Reducing rebound damping (often marked '-' on the fork dial) speeds up the return rate of the fork.

Low-speed compression damping

Low-speed compression (LSC) damping influences how the fork responds to impacts where the spring compresses slowly – think pushing into a take-off or around a berm.

Adding low-speed damping makes the fork firmer in these instances, using less travel, and can make for a more supportive and stable-feeling fork at the cost of some sensitivity on small bumps.

High-speed compression damping

High-speed compression (HSC) damping is usually only available on high-end forks. It influences how the fork responds to impacts that make the spring compress rapidly, such as sudden compressions and big hits.

Adding high-speed compression damping helps to stop the fork blowing through all of its travel and bottoming out.

How do I know my fork size?

When considering a fork upgrade, it’s important to know the travel and size of your current fork because replacing it with something outside your frame manufacturer's parameters could void your warranty.

Suspension travel is often displayed on the rear of the fork legs, just beneath where the stanchions meet the lowers. If this isn’t the case on your particular fork, you can find the serial number under the fork crown.

The length of the stanchions can also be an indicator of how much travel a fork has. However, it isn’t always reliable because some forks don’t use their full stanchion when compressed.

Another important measurement is the axle-to-crown distance. This is measured in a direct line from the fork crown to the axle.

When measuring this distance, it's important that the fork is unsagged, so make sure the stanchions are fully extended before you grab your tape measure.

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Best budget mountain bike forks: brilliant front suspension at affordable prices

• Danny Milner
• April 24, 2024

We've brought together the best budget mountain bike forks we've tried and tested that offer great performance without costing an arm and a leg.

Suspension forks are virtually standard issue on all the best modern mountain bikes thanks to the ability to improve steering control, traction and comfort to the rider. While the best money-no-object suspension forks can cost well over £1,000, this guide concentrates on the cheaper end of the market. Fear not though; there are some amazing high performance options at half the price of the premium models that work just as well in most situations and are often easier to adjust.

Looking for rear suspension? Check out our guide to the best mountain bike rear suspension shocks . And don’t forget, in order to make the most out of your suspension you’ll need to take time to set up your mountain bike suspension .

The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail is our top budget pick.

1. Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail

Best budget suspension fork.

Weight: 2,010g | Offset: 44mm, 51mm | Travel: 100, 120, 130, 140, 150mm | Wheel sizes : 27.5 or 29in | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Simple to set up
• Lots of grip
• Stiff chassis
• Great price-to-performance ratio
• Carrying some extra weight
• Lacking a bit of support
• Basic adjustments

Marzocchi is the budget sub-brand of Fox, and the Z2 is basically a Fox 34 Rhythm with a different brace, shaped like an ‘M’ in reference to the Marzocchi logo. The internals and adjustment are all fairly simple, but the performance is perfectly judged for the price, with excellent ground-tracking and grip. Hit something bigger, or land a drop, and there’s no harsness or clunking. It’s also built with durability in mind, so you can spend more time riding and less time servicing.

Read our full test test review of Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail fork

2. RockShox Domain RC

Best budget e-bike fork.

Offset: 44mm | Travel: 150, 160, 170, 180mm | Wheel sizes : 27.5 or 29in

• Unbelievable-value-for-money trail/e-bike fork with 38mm upper tubes
• Available in 29 and 27.5in options with four travel options from 160mm to 180mm

Reasons to avoid:

• As to be expected, the Motion Control damper performance is not quite at the same level as the Charger 2.1
• Stock mudguard is way too short for UK conditions

The RockShox Domain is a burly enduro/e-bike fork at a budget price. It gets 38mm upper tubes, just like the expensive Zeb, comes in 27.5in and 29in wheel versions, and travel options from 150mm right up to 180mm. As such it makes a brilliant upgrade for a budget e-bike, where the extra weight and forces involved will noticeably benefit from all that extra muscle up front. Yes, the damper is less sophisticated than the one out of the Zeb, but it’s effective and can be upgraded at a later date. Simple to set up and built to take a load of abuse, the Domain is a heavyweight champ.

Read our full test test review of RockShox Domain XC fork

3. Suntour Durolox 36 EQ RC2

Best budget fork for tunability.

Weight: 2,180g (190mm cut steerer) | Travel: 140, 150, 160, 170mm | Wheel sizes : 27.5 or 29in | Rating: 8/10

• Excellent damping and tunability for the price
• Weight penalty over more expensive options from Fox and RockShox
• Compression damping might be too firm for lighter riders

SR Suntour packs a lot of adjustment and sophistication into the Durolux 36 EQ RC2, despite undercutting most of its rivals. The damper design is similar to top-end Fox and RockShox models, and you get control over high and low-speed compression damping as well as low-speed rebound. There are even air valves to purge excess pressure built up in the lower legs, like its premium rivals. Performance is really good, with a supple response to bumps and a stiff chassis that is perfectly suited to most trail bikes.

Read our full test test review of Suntour Durolox 36 EQ RC2

How we test

With all our fork tests, we always seek to ride them on the widest variety of terrain possible. Usually that includes areas such as the Surrey Hills, Yorkshire Moors, Lake District, Forest of Dean and even bike parks such as Revolution and BikePark Wales.

Usually forks are tested back-to-back on the same tracks, fitted to the same bikes, by the same testers to eliminate as many variables as possible and really hone in on performance.

High and low-speed compression adjustment is rare on budget forks to save money and keep it simple.

What to look for in the best mountain bike forks

Trickle-down technology means that the more basic forks in a manufacturer’s range are often better than the best models from five years ago.

While the big brands like Fox and RockShox dominate the market, competitors often punch above their weight when it comes to budget forks. Players such as Marzocchi and SR Suntour and X-Fusion, among others, delivering great performance without the eye-watering swing tags.

The primary role of a fork is to reduce the harshness of bumps coming at the rider, which allows gives them greater and more consistent control and reduces fatigue. There’s a lot more detail to explore, though, so here are some of the key points to consider when choosing a new budget fork.

Suspension forks come in various travel options, but if you’re upgrading the fork on your current bike, you should generally keep travel consistent. So if your bike has a 150mm fork as standard, usually the best option is to upgrade it with another 150mm travel fork.

The only real exceptions to this rule are if your bike has the same amount of travel front and rear, in which case you could go for a fork with 10mm more travel up front (due to trigonometry, a fork’s vertical travel will always be less than the distance the legs can slide).

‘Over-forking’ your bike will change the geometry, however, which can be either good or bad (or both) depending on the bike. It will slacken the head angle and the seat angle, raise the BB a touch, raise the front end and reduce the reach. Of course, this also means that choosing a longer travel fork is an option if you actually want to change the geometry of your bike.

As a rough rule of thumb, XC bikes will have 100-120mm of travel, trail forks will have 120-160mm travel, and enduro bikes will have 160-180mm.

If you ride a hardtail, the temptation is to chuck a massive travel fork on the front to compensate for the lack of rear suspension. But because a hardtail effectively pivots around the rear axle as the fork compresses, the geometry changes drastically and the handling can become unpredictable and erratic. So the sweetspot for a trail hardtail – even one with long-low-slack geometry – is often 130-140mm.

SR Suntour makes some excellent budget forks.

2. Air spring

Most forks use air as a spring medium. Why? Well it’s light and it’s highly tuneable. With just a shock pump you can change the spring rate to suit a wide range of rider weights.

Using coil springs would mean sourcing and swapping springs to get the right sag, which is costly and time consuming.

Additionally, the spring curve can be tuned by changing the volume of the main air chamber, so you can make the fork more progressive and harder to compress deeper in the travel, or more linear so that it’s very plush and easy to use all the travel. Dialling in air pressure is via a Schrader valve (like a car tyre) and typical pressures are between 50 and 100psi.

3. Volume spacers

As explained above, most modern air forks – even budget models – let you tune the ride characteristics by changing the size of the positive air chamber by adding or removing volume spacers.

These are usually added by deflating the fork and unscrewing the air cap, giving access to the air chamber. The spacers usually snap or thread into place, making it a simple job to do, even at the side of the trail if you have the right tools.

In simple terms, adding spacers reduces the size of the air chamber and makes the fork more progressive (harder to compress as it moves through the travel). Taking spacers out increases the volume and makes it easier to achieve full travel. Most forks will have a recommended number of spacers at any given travel, along with a maximum number of spacers.

Low-speed rebound adjustment is a vital feature that lets you tune the return speed to the spring rate – basically the air pressure in the fork.

4. External adjustment

The level of damping adjustment on a fork varies dramatically depending on price, with only the most expensive models offering total rider control. Dials on the top and bottom of the fork legs adjust parameters to tune support and control.

Separate damping dials allow specific tuning options as to how much oil is allowed through ports and shims inside to absorb impacts, but more options also introduce more opportunities to mess up settings.

Having said that, most suspension brands and bike companies now offer decent tuning guides according to body weight, and these will give you a good start point to work from.

Stanchion diameter is an important metric for overall stiffness, with thicker fork legs generally adding weight. Bushing size and overlap, plus crown and brace construction also affect rigidity. Tapered steerer tubes are the norm – 1 1/8in to 1.5in at the base. Lower-leg assemblies use cast magnesium to save weight, and the forks here use a Boost 110mm axle spacing with quick- release-style or Allen-key fixings for the wheels.

6. Positive and negative springs

Within the air spring there are typically two separate elements balancing breakaway friction and small-bump sensitivity against support. A negative spring pushes back against the main positive spring, and either takes the form of a separate (automatically equalising) air chamber or a coil spring.

SR Suntour has an expanding locknut design for its through-axle.

Fork rake or offset has evolved as an important design element . Most brands now offer two different offsets in each wheel size, ranging from 37mm up to 51mm.

It’s complicated, but offset affects steering feel and tyre stabilising force, so shorter offsets offer more stability and a ride quality that emulates a slacker head angle, while still keeping the bike’s wheelbase shorter.

8. Compression damping

Compression damping controls the rate at which displaced damper fluid is allowed to move during bump events. Low-speed controls low shaft-speed impacts like body weight shifts and rolling terrain, and high- speed damping absorbs harsh impacts like square bump faces and landings. Forcing oil through ports or shim stacks generates damping resistance, with energy converted into heat.

9. Rebound damping

This is the damping circuit that controls the speed that the fork returns to sag after a bump event. Low-speed damping is the most common external adjustment. The damping circuit uses orifices and shim stacks to regulate the oil flow – ports can be opened or closed and shims made stiffer or softer. Some systems also act ‘dynamically’ and respond differently according to the shaft speeds (the speed the legs slide up or down).

• Best rear suspension shocks for mountain bikes
• Best mountain bike mudguards
• How to set up suspension on a mountain bike

First Ride | Fox launches 2025 fork range with brand new GRIP X2, GRIP X & GRIP SL Dampers

Mick & wil ride the 2025 fox 34 & 36.

This year Fox Racing Shox celebrates its 50th anniversary. That’s a big deal, and the suspension brand is set to go all-out with a range of limited edition forks that feature a glossy gold finish to match the iconic Kashima coating. Expect to see a lot of these forks during the upcoming World Cup race season.

It isn’t just about colours though, with the 2025 Fox fork range receiving a significant overhaul that aims to elevate the performance bar once again.

The big story is the arrival of three brand new dampers; GRIP X2, GRIP X and GRIP SL. On top of that Fox is introducing the new generation 32 Step-Cast, which stands as the lightest mountain bike fork it has ever produced. We’ve been riding that fork already, and you can see our separate Fox 32 Step-Cast review for the full story.

Here we’ll be taking a look at the broader 2025 Fox suspension range and those three new dampers. We’ll also be discussing our on-trail experience from testing the latest 34 and 36 over the past few weeks.

See our video review on the 2025 Fox fork lineup:

What’s new with the 2025 Fox suspension range?

Last year saw Fox update its rear suspension lineup with the new Float SL shock and big changes to both the Float and Float X2. For 2025 it’s the forks that’ll be receiving all the attention, though upon first glance things don’t appear all that different.

You’ll still find the usual suspects including the 34 Step-Cast, 34, 36 and 38. Almost every fork carries over the same chassis from last year, and there are no changes to the EVOL Air spring design either. The fork bushings are new, with Fox moving away from the split design of old in favour of a solid bushing that’s claimed to significantly reduce friction.

Where things get particularly exciting is the arrival of three brand new damper options; GRIP X2, GRIP X and GRIP SL. Adopting names from Fox’s shock lineup (the Float X2, Float X and Float SL), the new dampers should make it easier to discern the differences between the various fork options.

While each of the new dampers features a unique design that’s intended for a specific style of riding, unifying them all together is the common GRIP architecture with a coil-backed IFP. This incorporates a self-healing function that helps to purge excess oil that has entered the IFP back into the main reservoir. Fox has also gone to some lengths to pressure-balance the new dampers, which offers several performance benefits that we’ll discuss in more detail shortly.

The GRIP X2 damper

• Designed for: Enduro & DH
• Fork models: 36, 38 & 40
• Travel range: 160-203mm

Replacing the old GRIP2 damper, the new GRIP X2 damper stands as the most gravity-focussed option in the Fox suspension lineup. Designed for the 160-200mm travel range, you’ll find it used in the bigger 36, 38 and 40 forks.

The GRIP X2 damper maintains its predecessor’s four-way adjustability with high and low-speed dials for both compression and rebound damping. However, that’s about where the similarities end.

For a start, Fox has increased the overall size and volume of the GRIP X2 damper. The base valve diameter grows from 20mm to 24mm, creating a lower pressure environment for the damping fluid. This also helps with balancing pressures across the main piston, with the goal of reducing hysteresis and improving the fork’s sensitivity during rapid changes in direction between compression and rebound.

Furthermore, the bigger base valve makes room for a larger shim stack that features 23 individual shims, compared to just seven that were used in the old GRIP2 damper. According to Fox, the bigger valve stack offers a broader and more usable compression tuning range via the high and low-speed adjusters. And since the pressure-balanced damper is more sensitive, it’s claimed that you can run more damping to increase support and ride-height, without fear of adding significant harshness.

Because of the increased tuning range, Fox says it no longer needs the proprietary VVC shim in the compression circuit. It has kept the VVC design for the high-speed rebound circuit however, due to its ability to provide a more nuanced level of tuning in a relatively space-efficient design.

Due to its enlarged proportions, the GRIP X2 damper has gained 20g of weight over the old GRIP2 damper. That isn’t likely to be a concern for downhill-oriented riders, particularly if the claims of improved sensitivity and adjustability play out on the trail.

The GRIP X damper

• Designed for: Trail & All Mountain
• Fork models: 34 & 36
• Travel range: 130-160mm

Next in the range is the GRIP X damper. A brand new option for 2025, this damper is the All Mountain all-rounder that matches up to the Float X shock. As such, it’ll be available across the 34 and 36 fork lineup between 130-160mm of travel.

The GRIP X features similar architecture to the GRIP X2 damper, including the bigger 24mm base valve. It’s also pressure balanced to improve sensitivity and reduce the chance of cavitation.

Fox has stripped things back a bit however, with the lower portion of the GRIP X damper being significantly smaller in size. It also features three-way adjustability, simplified with just a single rebound dial. Up top you still get independently adjustable high and low-speed compression damping, though the high-speed dial takes a slightly different approach with the last few clicks in its range adding a firm mode. This isn’t designed to be a full lockout, but by closing off the low-speed compression circuit it provides a firmer pedalling platform, something the old GRIP2 damper lacked.

Fox has incorporated a small lever into the dial to help you quickly identify where the adjuster is sitting within its tuning range, making it a useful feature for trail riders and enduro racers heading up a long climb.

With its slimmer construction, the GRIP X damper is claimed to be 120g lighter than the GRIP X2 damper. It’s also 100g lighter than the old GRIP2 damper, which means that the 2025 Fox forks that come with the GRIP X damper will be lighter than their 2024 counterparts.

The GRIP SL damper

• Designed for: XC & Gravel
• Fork models: 32 TC, 32 SC & 34 SC
• Travel range: 40-120mm

Finally, there’s the GRIP SL damper. As the lightest option in the range, the GRIP SL damper is primarily targeted at XC riding and racing. It’ll be utilised in short-travel Fox forks for 2025 including the 32 Taper-Cast, the 32 Step-Cast and the 34 Step-Cast.

Featuring an entirely new design, GRIP SL arrives as the long-awaited replacement for the outgoing FIT4 damper. It’s completely different too, having ditched the FIT4’s bladder-based configuration in favour of a coil-backed IFP. While it looks chunkier, the use of thin-walled alloy has helped to shave quite a few grams. Indeed the new GRIP SL damper is claimed to be 65g lighter than its predecessor, leading to a noticeable weight reduction for Fox’s high-end XC forks.

You’ll still find a three-position compression adjuster that provides Open, Medium and Firm modes. The lever offers a much lighter feel with less resistance when switching modes, and it’s available in both crown-mounted and remote-operated versions.

Rebound adjustment is performed via a single red dial on the 32 Taper-Cast and 34 Step-Cast forks. For the new 32 Step-Cast fork however, there is no such dial. In the name of weight savings Fox has removed it entirely in favour of using a long 2.5mm hex key. The idea being that most XC riders won’t really be playing around with that adjuster once they’ve got things dialled in after the first few rides.

What about the GRIP damper?

It’s worth noting that the new GRIP X2, GRIP X and GRIP SL dampers will only be featured in Factory Series and Performance Elite forks. However, Fox will continue to offer its entry-level Performance Series and Rhythm forks with the cheaper and simpler GRIP damper.

The overall construction remains much the same, though the GRIP damper has been updated for 2025 with a new tune and the same pressure balanced approach as the higher-end dampers. We’ve had great experience with the GRIP damper in Fox Performance Series forks over the past few years, so we expect the 2025 models to be just as good, if not better.

Testing the 2025 Fox fork range

To get to grips (ha!) with the 2025 Fox suspension range, we travelled out to Scotts Valley in California to meet the engineering team behind the new dampers. We had the opportunity to pick their enormous brains and dig into the nitty-gritty details of suspension development, while also witnessing the torture that new fork and shock designs need to go through in Fox’ in-house test lab.

As part of the launch we brought along our own bikes and had them decked out with a bunch of new Fox and Race Face components, including the snazzy Era carbon wheels .

Mick brought along his Santa Cruz Tallboy that was fitted with a 130mm travel Fox 34 GRIP X fork, and Wil had his Pivot Switchblade set up with a 160mm travel Fox 36 GRIP X fork. We spent the week riding the new components on the superb trails in the Santa Cruz region, before returning back to Australia for further testing on home trails.

New GRIP X vs old GRIP2

If you follow Flow MTB you’ll know we’ve had a lot of experience with Fox 34 and 36 forks over the past few years, particularly with the excellent GRIP2 damper. In fact, just a few months ago we pitched the 34 against the Pike , and the 36 against the Lyrik . Given both Fox forks came out on top in those head-to-head reviews, our expectations were high coming into the 2025 Fox launch.

Before getting to riding impressions, there are several benefits worth mentioning when comparing the new GRIP X damper to the old GRIP2.

For a start, the new forks are lighter by well over 100g. Here’s how they compare to their predecessors;

• 2025 Fox 34 GRIP X – 1,704g
• 2024 Fox 34 GRIP2 – 1,830g
• 2025 Fox 36 GRIP X – 1,980g
• 2024 Fox 36 GRIP2 – 2,107g

Those numbers won’t be so important for gravity-focussed enduro riders, but anyone that does a lot of pedalling on a trail bike will no doubt appreciate a reduction in weight.

Secondly, the addition of a firm platform via the high-speed compression adjuster is an excellent feature. We’ve gotten used to most high-end trail forks not having a lockout these days, but that doesn’t mean we don’t miss it. That’s especially the case on longer travel bikes fitted with a Float X shock, which does have a lever for firming up the suspension. With the GRIP X damper, you’re now able to engage a firm platform by rotating the lever clockwise all the way round to its stop. While not a full lockout, the fork sits higher in its travel and is more resistant to pedal bob, which is ideal for extended fireroad climbs and the bitumen commute to and from the trailhead.

Lastly, we like that the single rebound dial helps to simplify setup and tuning. Following the setup chart on the back of the fork lowers, Fox provides a recommended air pressure and rebound setting based on your riding weight. That puts you in a really good starting position, and from there it’s mostly a case of fine-tuning the compression dials to your preference. Combined with a Float or Float X shock out back, it’s easy to get a good setup without a whole lot of knob-twiddling required.

On the trail

No surprises here — both the 2025 Fox 34 and 36 GRIP X forks have felt fantastic right off the bat. Given they share the same chassis and Float EVOL air spring as the previous models, we weren’t really expecting anything less.

Small-bump sensitivity is excellent, with each fork delivering plenty of traction and a comfortable ride quality. That sensitivity extends throughout the travel, with the 34 and 36 GRIP X forks remaining plush and hyperactive even when you’re deep into the stroke.

Initial impressions would suggest that the new forks aren’t necessarily life-changingly better than the GRIP2 versions. They’re certainly more sensitive, and we’ve enjoyed more traction and control on especially rough and rowdy sections of trail, but it’s not a radical difference. However, even if the performance was just on par, that’s still mighty impressive given the GRIP X forks are considerably lighter and simpler, while incorporating that nifty firm mode for climbing.

It’s also clear that the new high-speed compression circuit allows you to run more damping without suffering from a harsh ride. With the old GRIP2 damper, we would never run the high-speed dial any further than halfway through its range as we found the suspension became too firm and unresponsive. With the new GRIP X damper however, it’s possible to use a lot more of the range.

We expect this is likely due to the improved sensitivity of the pressure-balanced damper, though surely the new bushings deserve credit for also reducing overall stiction. Whatever the case, the result is that you can add support to keep the fork riding high in its travel without sacrificing traction.

What’s next?

We’ve got a lot more testing planned over the coming months. Wil is going to be diving into a more detailed review of the new 34 GRIPX fork, looking at how it compares to the RockShox Pike and the previous 34 GRIP2.

We also have a new 34 Step-Cast fork arriving soon. Based on Wil’s experience reviewing the 2025 Fox 32 Step-Cast with its GRIP SL damper, we’re excited to see what the bigger XC fork can offer.

And if you’re reading this and wondering how the new GRIP X2 damper compares to the old GRIP2 forks, we have good news. Fox is sending us out two GRIP X2 dampers that Mick will be retrofitting to the 36 on his Levo SL and the 38 on his Ibis HD6 . Is the new damper worth the upgrade? And how does it compare to the well-proven GRIP2 damper? We’ll have more on that coming soon.

Flow’s Early Verdict

With the introduction of three new damper options, the Fox fork range has had a serious shake-up for 2025. The new naming system makes it easier to discern the differences, which will surely help riders pick the right option to match up with the shock on their bike.

As well as being lighter than the old FIT4 damper, the new GRIP SL damper offers improved functionality and better sensitivity that will help Fox’s XC forks raise the performance bar against its competitors.

The arrival of the GRIP X damper plugs an important gap in the lineup, with its simplified adjustments and firm climbing mode providing a suitable match for the latest Float and Float X shocks.

For gravity riders looking for maximum adjustability, the new GRIP X2 damper offers a compelling package that aims to build on the strengths of the old GRIP2 damper while improving reactivity and the overall tuning range.

There’s certainly a lot like, and we look forward to spending more time on the new forks and dampers over the coming months in preparation for some upcoming reviews and videos. In the meantime, read on for an overview of the 2025 Fox fork lineup.

2025 Fox 32 Taper-Cast

• Use | Gravel
• Travel   | 40 & 50mm
• Stanchions   | 32mm
• Spring   |  Float EVOL
• Damper   | GRIP SL (Factory Series & Performance Elite), GRIP (Performance Series)
• Weight | 1,164g (claimed)
• Price | $999 AUD (Performance Series) – $1,699 AUD (Factory Series)

2025 Fox 32 Step-Cast

• Use | XC Racing
• Travel   | 100mm
• Weight | 1,308g (confirmed)

2025 Fox 34 Step-Cast

• Use | XC Racing & Trail Riding
• Travel   | 100, 110 & 120mm
• Stanchions   | 34mm
• Weight | 1,434g (claimed)
• Price | $1,099 AUD (Performance Series) – $1,799 AUD (Factory Series)

2025 Fox 34

• Use | Trail Riding
• Travel   | 120, 130 & 140mm
• Stanchions   | 34mm Alloy
• Damper   | GRIP X (Factory Series & Performance Elite), GRIP (Performance Series)
• Weight | 1,704g (confirmed, 130mm travel, GRIP X damper)
• Price | $1,099 AUD (Performance Series) – $1,749 AUD (Factory Series)

2025 Fox 36

• Use | Trail, All Mountain & Enduro
• Travel   | 140, 150 & 160mm
• Stanchions   | 36mm Alloy
• Damper   | GRIP X2 (Factory Series & Performance Elite), GRIP X (Factory Series & Performance Elite), GRIP (Performance Series)
• Weight | 1,980g (confirmed, 160mm travel, GRIP X damper)
• Price | $1,199 AUD (Performance Series) – $1,999 AUD (Factory Series)

2025 Fox 38

• Use | Enduro
• Travel   | 160, 170 & 180mm
• Stanchions   | 38mm Alloy
• Damper   | GRIP X2 (Factory Series & Performance Elite), GRIP (Performance Series)
• Weight | 2,080g (claimed, 160mm travel, GRIP X damper)
• Price | $1,999 AUD (Performance Elite) – $2,199 AUD (Factory Series)

2025 Fox 40

• Use | Downhill
• Travel   | 203mm
• Stanchions   | 40mm Alloy
• Weight | 2,836g (claimed)
• Price | $3,199 AUD (Factory Series)

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Results have arrived, mtb travel - how much mtb suspension travel do you need what does it mean.

Do you want more suspension travel or less? How do you know how much you need? Here's how to decide whether a long-travel or short-travel MTB is better for you and your trails.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Mar 9, 2022

Posted in: MTB

You’re going to a big, important party, but you’re iffy about the dress code. Would you rather show up overdressed or underdressed?

A lot of mountain bikers face a similar dilemma, but instead of choosing the right clothes, it’s about choosing the right bike. You've probably heard certain bikes described as “too much bike” or “not enough bike.” But what does that mean?

In mountain biking, suspension travel often receives the most attention when riders are looking at bike specs. Depending on your skill, riding style, and terrain, there is likely an ideal amount of suspension travel. Other specs such as geometry , wheels , and tires  matter too, but they are usually tailored to match a bike's suspension.

Most modern mountain bikes will have somewhere between 100mm and 170mm of suspension travel. This covers everything from cross-country race machines to versatile mid-travel trail bikes to hard-hitting enduro bikes . (If you want to learn more about how mountain bikes are categorized check out our Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide .)

So what's the right amount of travel for you?

[button] SHOP MOUNTAIN BIKES [/button]

MTB travel basics: what is travel on a mountain bike?

In case you're new to riding, mountain bike suspension travel is a measurement of how much a wheel can move to absorb bumps. On the front, mountain bike travel comes from your suspension fork. At the rear, MTB travel is provided by some configuration of frame pivots that compress a rear shock.

When to choose a long-travel MTB

Long-travel bikes usually have 150-170mm of rear travel to handle tough downhill trails. Front travel often matches rear travel but sometimes can be more.

Trail and enduro bikes fall into this category. They absorb big hits and smooth out rough terrain. If you regularly ride steep or gnarly trails, a bike like this makes a lot of sense. 

If you're mostly riding mellow flow trails though, a big and burly long-travel bike might be overkill. You won't be able to use all the suspension travel you paid for. The bike may feel cumbersome, maybe a bit boring, and you’ll have to expend more energy to push it around and climb uphill.

But let’s say you lack confidence on descents. A more capable enduro bike with ample suspension travel could help you enjoy riding more by increasing your confidence, comfort, and giving you more margin for error. 

Some ride big and burly bikes everywhere because they're fit enough to pedal a long-travel bike up big climbs and on long rides without much trouble. For them, being overbiked isn't a handicap, and it's worth it for when the trail gets gnarly. If you care more about descending as fast as possible more than having a bike that's efficient for pedaling or climbing, long-travel bikes will cater more to your style.

[button] SHOP LONG-TRAVEL MOUNTAIN BIKES [/button]

When to choose a short-travel MTB

Short-travel bikes usually have 100-120mm of travel to maximize efficiency. In some cases, these bikes could have forks with 10-20mm more travel to make them more versatile on descents.

XC and short-travel trail bikes fall into this category. They are efficient and usually feel more agile than longer-travel bikes. If you race cross-country, do long adventure rides, or stick to mellow trails, these are the best option.

If you venture onto steep and gnarly downhill tracks with big rocks and jumps, a short-travel bike will start to feel sketchy. There’s a good chance you’ll have to ride slower and more cautiously than you would on a long-travel bike, taking easier lines and occasionally skipping tough sections.

But let’s say you dread going uphill and are constantly getting dropped by fitter riders. A bike with less travel that’s lighter and more efficient could help you go faster and expend less energy. 

If you’re a skilled rider that just wants to make riding more exciting, short-travel bikes provide a lot more trail feedback and give you less room for error. You have to stay focused, be more selective about lines, and be more active with your body. For some, this can be a more enjoyable ride experience than just sitting back and letting a long-travel bike do the hard work for you.

[button] SHOP SHORT-TRAVEL MOUNTAIN BIKES [/button]

So how much suspension travel do I need?

Seth H., Merchandising Manager   "I started on an XC hardtail and rode everything, even gnarly downhills on it. It had a dropper and I did just fine. I really thought it was all I would ever need. Then I went to Moab. I rode a borrowed enduro bike on The Whole Enchilada and it kind of opened my eyes. I bought a bigger bike not long after and started riding all my regular trails again. It changed how I rode.

"Personally, I really don’t mind being overbiked for most of my riding now. I ride alone a lot so I go my own pace. But I'm also decently fit and I can keep up with everyone I ride with on my bigger bike (an Ibis Ripmo). If you’re fit, I say go as big as you want."

Chad H., Warehouse Manager   "I would prefer to be underbiked on the majority of trails. Being underbiked keeps the skills sharp and makes the trail an exciting challenge. I feel that being overbiked takes the challenge and excitement out of trails. It leads to laziness and dulls your skill as a rider.

"Right now for me, I believe the best bike for 85 percent of the riding I do will be a full suspension cross country bike, like the Santa Cruz Blur. I would add a dropper seatpost and Fox Step-Cast 34 120mm fork just to give it a tiny bit more capability. Or the new Trek Top Fuel, or possibly a Yeti SB100 are good options. It's what people are calling 'downcountry' now, even though I hate the term. It will be a little bit more capable than a full cross country bike, but it’ll have the same quick handling and speed. That'll be perfect for me." 

What about mid-travel "quiver-killer" mountain bikes?

I always keep at least two mountain bikes in my quiver: a long-travel enduro bike and a short-travel XC bike. This lets me tackle everything from downhill bike parks to short-track XC races. But for many riders, a mid-travel trail bike is all you need.

Mid-travel bikes are a good compromise between downhill performance and pedaling/climbing efficiency. They usually have 120-140mm of travel. Many call these bikes "quiver-killers," because they can do it all (well, almost). I even spent a full season on a quiver-killer , just to see how well it worked for a wide range of riding and was pleasantly surprised by how versatile it actually was.

However, these bikes don't completely excel at anything. A longer-travel bike will be better downhill and a shorter travel bike will be more efficient for racing. Ultimately, if you can only have one bike for casual riding, or you're unsure what type of mountain bike you need for your local trails, this category is the best option. 

[button] SHOP MID-TRAVEL MOUNTAIN BIKES [/button]

How to choose a mountain bike

Are your trails rough and rocky or smooth and flowy? Are they fast and steep or tight and technical? Your terrain has a big impact on bike selection. Generally, the rougher, steeper, and faster a trail is, the more travel you'll want and vice versa. 

The second step is to know yourself. Your riding ambition is nearly as important as terrain. If you are a ripper who lives for downhills, you'll probably want to support yourself with more travel. But if your ride fantasy involves conquering high mountains, and exploring miles of backcountry trails, you might want to stay light and efficient with less travel.

No matter what, it's possible to have fun riding any bike, and having the ideal amount of suspension travel isn't everything. Keep in mind too that the rider is always going to make a far bigger difference than the bike. Fast descenders drop me on gnarly downhills riding XC hardtails, and fit climbers drop me on uphills riding heavy enduro machines. Good riders take what they have, and make it work. 

That being said, you can always play to your strengths or weaknesses. Having a bike that enhances the parts of riding that you care about the most will make mountain biking more fun. 

Are you overbiked or underbiked for your trails? Do you prefer long travel or short travel? Or do you have a bike that sits somewhere in the middle? Let us know in the comments!

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Trek Domane SL Road Bike - 2020, 60cm

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Santa Cruz Heckler X0 AXS RSV 29 Mountain E-Bike - 2023, Medium

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Evil Wreckoning LS X0 Eagle AXS Mountain Bike - 2022, Small

THE UNDISPUTED ALL-MOUNTAIN CHAMPION

Packed with features to dominate the descents , the 36 answers the call from aggressive all-mountain riders. Available in both trail-focused GRIP X and gravity-focused GRIP X2 damper options.

SMOOTHER STIFFER MORE GRIP

Trail and all-mountain riders no longer need to choose between a descent-focused damper or a lightweight endurance damper. GRIP X exudes exemplary descent performance, refined for less weight, easier set up and an easy access firm mode for pedaling efficiency. Learn more about the new GRIP family »

KABOLT X AXLE

A lightweight bolt-on floating axle, the Kabolt X shaves grams while increasing torsional stiffness via a sleeveless, single-sided pinch bolt design. Chassis alignment reduces unwanted friction between the upper and lower fork legs, providing much smoother suspension movement throughout the entire range of travel. The 36 is also available in a convenient tool-free quick-release lever floating axle.

LOWER LEG BLEEDERS AND BYPASS CHANNELS

Bleeders allow atmospheric pressure equalization at the push of a button. Lower leg bypass channels increase volume to alleviate pressure ramping as the fork moves through its travel. Both result in better fork performance by increasing small bump sensitivity and responsiveness.

LOWER LEG ARCH

The lower leg design of the 36 shaves every possible gram while maximizing stiffness and strength requirements of enduro and aggressive all-mountain riding.

Choose your series:

• PERFORMANCE ELITE
• PERFORMANCE

“Factory” says it all – feature-packed and designed to exceed the demands of our Factory-level riders. What we sell is what they race. Factory Series products feature slippery smooth, ultra-durable Genuine Kashima Coat.

Choose your damper:

SHINY ORANGE

SHINY BLACK

* Use the FORK BUILDER below to see model configurations

GRIP X2 is the most tunable, supportive and smoothest descent-focused damper ever created by FOX. Riders reap the benefits of sitting higher in the travel while tires stay glued to the ground, cornering with increased traction. It gives you the confidence to push the limits of downhill and enduro racing, all while reducing overall rider fatigue.

GRIP X Trail riders no longer need to choose between a descent-focused damper or a lightweight endurance damper. GRIP X exudes exemplary descent performance, refined for less weight, easier set up and an easy access firm mode for pedaling efficiency.

Performance Elite forks retain the same adjustments, features, dampers, weight, and 7000 series aluminum upper tubes as Factory Series, but have black anodized stanchions instead of Genuine Kashima Coat.

MATTE BLACK

Use the FORK BUILDER below to see model configurations

Performance Series forks retain the same black anodized 7000 series aluminum upper tubes as Performance Elite, except paired with a GRIP damper. Push-button bleeders are not included but can be purchased separately.

Use the FORK BUILDER below to see model configurations.

GRIP The GRIP damper tune is updated with pressure balancing to maximize damping performance while utilizing the spring-backed internal floating piston of our more advanced GRIP dampers.

Grip allows excess oil to purge through specially designed ports at the top of the damper to maintain consistent damping and increase durability., fork builder.

All 36 forks have adjustable air spring pressure and rebound adjust.

COMPATIBLE MUD GUARDS

CLEAN LINES FOR CLEANING LINES

STANDARD MUD GUARD

Keep the mud off your fork and out of your eyes with this optional add-on Mud Guard designed specifically for 2021 and newer FOX 36 and 38 fork models. Mounts directly to the fork thanks to a proprietary 4-point direct mount system.

XL MUD GUARD

This optional add-on XL Fork Mud Guard keeps the spray out of your face and adds even more protection for your fork’s stanchions and seals. Designed specifically for 2021 and newer FOX 36 and 38 fork models, and built to give you 85% more coverage than the small, this guard mounts directly onto the fork thanks to a proprietary 4-point direct mount system.

2025 36 OWNER'S GUIDE

The recommended settings in this tuning guide are designed to be a starting point, in order to get you out on your first ride in as few steps as possible.

DOWNLOAD NOW

COMPLETE 2025 ONLINE OWNER'S MANUAL

36 & 38 FORKS »

SERVICE INTERVALS »

To best maintain the performance and durability of your product under normal use, FOX recommends that you have regular fork and shock maintenance performed according to the service intervals.

WARRANTY »

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Best Trail & All-Mountain Bikes (130-160 mm travel)

Mid-travel full-suspension MTBs tend to cover a broader spectrum of mountain biking applications than other more specific MTB styles. With front and rear travel in the 130mm to 160mm range, these mountain bikes are usually classed as trail or all-mountain bikes.

These bikes are able to handle relatively mountainous conditions like rocky trails and singletracks but are less agile on descents than dedicated downhill MTBs. The suspension is usually just tight enough that it can still swallow up obstacles and vibration without losing too much speed and momentum while having a comfortable geometry to climb as well.

Check out the best models we recommend!

• You may also like: Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

Best Full-Suspension Trail & All-Mountain Bikes

1 . ghost – riot am essential.

MSRP: $3,300 REI.com

The mighty Ghost Riot AM Essential stands out for its versatility and surprisingly high component level given the price.

Ghost chose a reliable RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock and FS-35 Silver fork, each with 160mm travel, modern trail bike geometry, and a one-piece rear triangle and rocker link that enhances stiffness and power transfer. 

The Riot AM Essentail is worthy of consideration for anyone looking for a bike made by a reliable brand with solid componentry. However, the downside of this bike is that the Shimano BR-MT500 brakeset with 180mm rotors isn’t powerful enough. 

• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/SLX 12-speed, 10-51t
• Shock : 160mm travel RockShox Deluxe Select+
• Fork : 160mm RockShox FS-35 Silver
• Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″/DHR 2.4″ EXO+ 

2 . Ibis Ripmo SLX

MSRP: $6,699

The new Ibis Ripmo SLX is one of the best trail mountain bikes on the market today, built around a premium full carbon frame with internal cabling and 2.6″ tire clearance.

It features a Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain with SLX M7120 hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm and 147mm DW-Link suspension. 

With high travel suspension, the Ibis Ripmo is clearly intended for rougher terrain than most trail bikes. So lower the dropper post and charge down steep declines with stability and confidence, knowing the Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ EXO+ tires have your back.

• Frame: Carbon
• Fork : 160mm, Fox Float Factory 38
• Shock : 147mm Fox Float Factory X2
• Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 12-speed

Buy on Mike's Bikes

3 . Cannondale – Moterra Neo 4

Best all-around e-mountain bike by a well-known bike brand

MSRP: $5,900 REI

Cannondale’s Moterra Neo 4 delivers an impressive combination of smart design, modern technology, and carefully chosen components.

The progressive geometry is low on the ground with a long wheelbase, steep seat tube, and slack head angle. This makes for a stable and comfortable ride on chunky descents.

Travel is at 150mm front and rear. This makes the Moterra Neo 4 an ideal enduro bike, best for charging down singletrack and through rock gardens. The RockShox suspension and SRAM SX groupset are solid choices, with Cannondale using its own in-house handlebar and stem.

• Fork : 150mm, RockShox Recon RL Silver 
• Shock : 150mm, RockShox Deluxe Select R
• SmartForm C2 Aluminum

4 . Yeti – SB130 CLR Factory (Lunch Ride)

MSRP: $7,400 Jenson USA

This top-quality, versatile carbon all-mountain bike from Yeti will take you anywhere you want to go. Whether attacking flat desert terrain or rocky mountain passes, you’ll find the SB130 29er adapts to whatever you throw at it.

The C-Series Lunch Ride version of the Yeti SB130 features more capable geometry, tires, and longer-travel suspension.

With Yeti’s Switch Infinity suspension platform, this bike has super efficient pedaling and an almost bottomless feel.  

Some standout components include the Fox Factory Float X 147mm shock, Factory 36 160mm travel fork, Fox Transfer Dropper, SRAM Code R 4-Piston, and Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ EXO+ and Minion DHRII 2.4″ EXO+ tires. 

• Fork : Fox Performance 36 160mm travel
• Shock : Fox Performance Float X 147mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed
• Frame: Carbon C-Series

Buy from Jenson USA

5 . Santa Cruz – Hightower 2

MSRP: $5,499 Evo.com

The Santa Cruz Hightower fits the needs of an advanced mountain biker and is one of the best-rated mountain bikes for trail riding.

The Hightower comes in aluminum or carbon frame versions, with SRAM gears, Maxxis tires, and high-quality suspension. The Hightower is on our list as it is considered one of the more capable bikes in its category.

The Hightower C R Kit features a carbon frame with VPP suspension and flip-chip tuning. It has 150mm of front travel on the Fox Yari RC and 145mm on the rear with a Fox Float DPS Performance shock.

• Fork : 150mm, Fox Yari RC
• Shock : 145mm, Fox Float DPS Performance shock
• Drivetrain: SRAM NX Eagle
• Frame: Carbon fiber

Buy on Evo.com

6 . Niner – RIP 9 RDO 2-Star

MSRP: $4,799 Jenson USA

The Niner RDO 2-Star is a high-performance trail 29er with a mid-range price. It comes packed with excellent technology like CVA suspension, full-sleeve internal cable routing, and an SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain.

The RDO Carbon frame uses progressive and adjustable geometry that can handle a huge variety of trail scenarios. With 140mm of rear Fox Float X Performance EVOL 2 shock combined with a Fox 36 Float Rhythm fork the RIP 9 RDO 2-Star is the perfect bike for charging along singletrack and bouncing over rock gardens.

• Fork : Fox 36 Float Rhythm 150mm
• Shock: Fox Float X Performance EVOL 2 140mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle
• Frame: RDO Carbon

Buy on Jenson USA

7 . Juliana – Furtado

MSRP: $5,799 Mike’s Bikes

Juliana is one of the top mountain bike brands for women, having developed the first female-specific MTB back in 1999. The new 27.5″ Furtado is a carbon full-suspension trail bike with lower link suspension for better traction and a low center of gravity for stability. It’s built supreme maneuverability on all types of off-road terrain, whether you’re going downhill or uphill.

The Furtado benefits from RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock with a RockShox Pike Select+ fork that provides 140mm of travel. Combine this with SRAM G2 R hydraulic disc brakes and Maxxis Minion DHR 2.4″ tires and you get a MTB that closely resembles the excellent Santa Cruz Hightower.

• Fork : 140m, RockShox Pike Select+ 
• Shock : 130mm RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
• SRAM GX Eagle
• Carbon C frame

Buy from Mike's Bikes

8 . Revel – Rascal XT

MSRP: $7,199 evo.com

For pro-level competitive riders, Revel mountain bikes have created the Rascal: a full carbon dream team of killer components and groundbreaking technology. For maximum pedaling efficiency, the Rascal’s Japanese Toray fiber frame utilizes the Canfield Balance Formula (CBF) to focus 100% of your power into the chainring, providing you with solid, stable speed over any terrain.

Add a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock and a Pike Ultimate fork, and the ground seems to melt away below while you float around corners and over obstacles with ease. This is all driven by Shimano’s podium-winning XT M8100 drivetrain and controlled by the solid XT 8120 hydraulic braking system. For the trail, all-mountain, or even enduro, you’ll struggle to find a better MTB than the Revel Rascal.

• Fork: 140mm Fox Float 36 Factory
• Rear Shock : 130mm RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
• Carbon fiber

Buy on evo.com

9 . Marin – Alpine Trail Carbon 2

MSRP: $4,499 Jenson USA

Marin Bikes is a renowned mountain bike brand for those who like affordability and reliability from a MTB company.

The Alpine Trail Carbon 2 is the premium model of this 29er series, offering excellent climbing and descending abilities in one package.

Quality components include a 12-speed Shimano SLX M7100 groupset, a Fox 38 Performance Elite, 160mm fork, a 150mm Float X Performance shock, and Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ Maxx Terra/Assegai 2.5″ Maxx Grip tires. 

With Marin’s proprietary MultiTrac suspension, you get a balanced platform that improves efficiency and bottom-out control simultaneously. When the aggressive geometry of the Alpine Trail is combined with high travel suspension, it makes for an adaptable all-mountain bike that can tackle every kind of ride.

• Fork : Fox 38 Performance Elite 160mm
• Rear Shock : Fox Float X Performance 150mm
• Frame: Carbon fiber front triangle, alloy rear triangle

10 . Transition – Sentinel X01

MSRP: $5,250 evo.com

This 29″ beast from Transition bikes pairs 150mm of rear with 160mm of front travel, putting it on the high-end of mid-travel MTBs. You’ll feel just as comfortable hitting jumps or tackling steep drops with this bike, as you will charging over rock gardens and along a single track.

It’s the perfect all-rounder and it comes in a range of builds, with drivetrains ranging from SRAM NX Eagle and Shimano Deore XT to the GX Eagle and SRAM’s top-quality X01. The top range X01 combines Fox Float suspension with SRAM Code RSC disc brakes, leaving you with nothing but confidence as the mountainside blurs past beneath you.

• Fork : 160mm, Fox Float 36 Grip 2 Factory
• Rear Shock : Fox Float X2 Factory 2-Position
• SRAM X01 Eagle

11 . Orbea – Occam H30

MSRP: $2.999 Jenson USA

The Orbea Occam is a high-performance MTB for a relatively low price, considering it boasts a hydroformed aluminum with a Shimano Deore groupset and high-quality suspension. You even get an OC MC20 dropper post and internal cable routing.

The lightweight setup makes for easy, all-day riding, and with 140mm of front and rear travel you can take on a variety of terrain. A broad gearing range takes the pain out of uphills, and solid Shimano hydraulic brakes make steep descents easy to control.

• Fork: 140mm, Marzocchi Bomber Z2
• Rear Shock : 140mm, Fox Float DPS Performance
• Shimano Deore 1×12-speed

Buy on JensonUSA.com

12 . Rocky Mountain – Instinct Carbon 50

MSRP: $5,809 Jenson USA

For a top-quality and highly versatile all-mountain bike, look no further than the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 50, with a Smoothwall carbon frame built to accommodate 29″ wheels.

Sure, it’s not the cheapest on the market, but with a 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain and SLX 4-piston hydraulic brakes, we’d expect nothing less.

The lightweight frame uses Rocky Mountain’s RIDE-9 adjustable geometry, progressive sizing, and high-end suspension components for a premium trail feel. 

Highlights of this bike include the Fox 36 Float Performance 150mm fork, Fox Float DPS Performance 140mm shock, Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 and DHR II  MaxxTerra EXO+ tires, and the smooth shifting XT drivetrain. 

• Fork : 150mm, Fox 36 Float Performance
• Rear Shock : 140mm, Fox Float DPS Performance 
• Drivetrain: Shimano XT

13 . Devinci – Troy C/A29 GX

MSRP: $5,419 Jenson USA

Devinci is a lesser-known bicycle brand that produces highly affordable MTBs and gravel bikes. The Troy 29er uses Split-Pivot suspension on a premium carbon/aluminum frame with 150mm of travel for a customizable feel with better compliance and traction.

As one of the best full-suspension bikes on this list, the Troy has surprisingly good front and rear suspension, supplied by Fox. It includes an adjustable Flip Chip for quick changing between Hi/Lo mode. The brakes are SRAM Code R four-piston hydraulic discs with Race Face AR35 Offset TR rims and Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II tires.

• Fork : 150mm Fox Float 36 Performance GRIP
• Rear Shock : 150mm Fox Float DPX2 Performance Elite 
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX 12-speed
• Frame: Carbon front triangle, aluminum rear triangle

14 . Diamondback – Release 3

MSRP: $4,100 REI

The Release is a 29″ Diamondback full-suspension mountain bike with an aluminum frame, providing a stiff and durable ride without raising the price too high. It rides on a top-quality Fox Performance Float setup with 140mm front and 130mm rear travel and Diamondback’s Level Link suspension platform, an ideal balance of speed and absorption. Additionally, a Shimano XT M8100 12-speed drivetrain offers tough components where you need them most.

No corners are cut on the wheels though, with Diamondback Blanchard running Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR 29 x 2.3″ tires, a combination that is well supported by Shimano XT M8100 hydraulic disc brakes. Overall, the Release is a killer trail bike that expertly keeps down costs without sacrificing quality, resulting in great value for money.

• Fork : 140mm, Fox 34 Performance Float
• Rear Shock : 130mm, Fox Performance Float DPX2
• Shimano XT 12-speed
• Aluminum frame

Buy on REI.com Buy on GovVelo.com

15 . Marin – Rift Zone

MSRP: $1,899 Jenson USA

The Rift Zone is a highly affordable MTB from Marin that combines impressive frame design with reliable components. On the frame, you get stiff, lightweight Series 3 6061 aluminum with Boost spacing, has ISCG05 tabs, and internal cable routing.

• Fork : 1RockShox Recon Silver RL 130mm
• Rear Shock : X-Fusion O2 Pro R, Custom Tune 120mm
• Shimano Deore, 11-Speed

With a balanced 130mm of front and 120mm rear travel from RockShox and X-Fusion, you will be able to descend with ease. Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes and a high-ratio Shimano Deore11-Speed drivetrain ensure you won’t struggle to keep up with the best out there. You don’t need to be a genius to know that this bike offers excellent value for money. 

Buy on Jenson USA Buy on GovVelo.com

16 . Yeti – SB140 TLR T2

MSRP: $9,100 Jenson USA

A pro mountain bike for pro riders, the Yeti SB140 TLR T2 is as much a mouthful as it is a bike packed full of features. Hop on and feel the ground smooth out before you as the Fox Factory suspension swallows up vibrations and the SRAM X01 drivetrain powers you forward without faltering.

• Fork : 160mm, Fox Factory 36 GRIP 2
• Rear Shock : Fox Float X Factory
• TURQ-series Carbon fiber

With a huge 160mm of upfront travel, you’ll have no trouble taking on big jumps or steep drops, with a Fox Factory Transfer dropper seat post giving you the space you need. The stiff SB140 carbon frame complements low-slung stability with an aggressive 65-degree head angle, resulting in a fast and fun all-mountain trail bike that excels in extreme conditions.

17 . Evil – Following LS 

MSRP: $6,450 Evo.com

Evil is one of those underrated mountain bike brands that seldom fail to impress. The carbon-framed Following comes in various groupset flavors , with the one pictured featuring SRAM GX Eagle running a 12-speed drivetrain with SRAM G2 RS disc brakes and RockShox suspension.

• Fork: 130mm Rockshox Pike Ultimate Charger 2 RC2
• Rear Shock : 121mm RockShox Deluxe Ultimate RCT

It’s an agile 29″ trail charger that can tackle rough terrain with a decent 130mm of upfront travel on a RockShox Pike Ultimate fork. The bike has a fun feel to it, bouncing along with confidence and just an edge of excitement. With this setup, the Maxxis Minion DHF tires work especially well wrapped on Industry Nine Enduro S rims.

18 . Cannondale – Habit 4

MSRP: $3,025 REI

The Cannondale Habit 4 29er is a burly trail machine designed with speed in mind.

A RockShox 35 Gold RL 140mm fork and Deluxe Select+ 130mm shock allow for some aggressive riding, while the progressive geometry and Proportional Response design make for a consistent ride across the sizes. 

• Fork : RockShox 35 Gold RL 140mm
• Rear Shock : RockShox Deluxe Select+  130mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed
• Frame: Aluminum

Both the SRAM SX drivetrain and two-piston Shimano disc brakes are great parts that are trail-proven. The slack geometry and Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″ and Aggressor 2.4″ EXO tires also make it easier to tackle chunky terrain with confidence. 

Buy on REI.com

19 . Ibis Ripley XT

MSRP:   $6,999

Ibis has long been touted as one of the best mountain bike brands worldwide and its flagship Ripley XT carbon trail bike hammers home that truth with a premium component list and ultra-light design. 

With 130mm of front and 120mm of rear travel, supported by DWLink suspension and V5 Kinematics, the Ripley is the perfect carbon trail bike.

• Fork : Fox Float 34 Factory Series, 130mm Travel
• Rear Shock : Fox Float 34 Factory Series, 130mm Travel
• Drivetrain:  Shimano XT M8100 Shadow Plus

The steep 76-degree seat tube and high ratio 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain make hill climbing a cinch, while the XT M8120 4-piston disc brakes combined with thick Maxxis DHRII/Dissector 29 x 2.4″ tires ensure descents are safe and nimble.

Notable extra details include internal cable routing and an ISCG mount plus a polycarbonate downtube protector.

20 . Norco – Sight A1

MSRP: $5,599 Jenson USA

The Norco Sight A1 is a 29er aluminum bike fitted with premium RockShox suspension and designed with Norco’s Ride Aligned Design System for exceptional ride characteristics. This bike has excellent climbing and descending capabilities. 

• Fork : RockShox Lyrik Ultimate RC2, 160mm
• Rear Shock : RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT, 150mm

Norco bikes produced the Sight with ease in mind, so you can spend longer in the mountains supported by a 12-speed a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain should power run low. Additionally, Maxxis Assegai and Dissector tires and SRAM Code RSC four-piston hydraulic disc brakes keep you in control at all times. 

21 . Santa Cruz – 5010 5 C R

MSRP: $5,300 Mike’s Bikes

The 5010 5 C R from Santa Cruz Bicycles is a powerful trail bike designed for agility and speed. This bike benefits from pure MTB DNA from Santa Cruz, with a lightweight Carbon C frame that tears through the countryside, powered by a high ratio SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Guide T hydraulic disc brakes.

• Fork : RockShox Pike Base, 140mm
• Rear Shock : Fox Float Performance DPS 130mm
• SRAM NX Eagle

Utilizing Santa Cruz’s proprietary VPP suspension link system, this bike rides like a high-end bike. For any adventurous rock hoppers out there, you get 140mm of front and 130mm of rear travel to absorb the impact of those particularly courageous maneuvers.

Charge along with confidence knowing your innovative suspension system and Maxxis Minion DHR II tires will ensure you stay on track.

Buy on Mike's Bikes Read Our Full Review

22 . Devinci Marshall

MSRP: $2,649

The Devinci Marshall is a serious alloy beast with more to give than you could read from the specs.

Besides having all the boxes ticked to conquer the rough and smoother trails with ease, what stands out the most is the mixture of solid mid-range components from TranzX dropper seat post, Maxxis Minion tires, and of course, the SRAM SX Eagle derailleur.

Finally, the bike comes with an 11-50t cassette and SRAM’s Level T precise hydraulic disc brakes that will stop you on a dime.

• Fork – RockShox 35 Silver TK SoloAir
• Rear Shock – RockShox Deluxe Select R Debonair
• Aluminum Optimum G04 Frame
• SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain

Buy from evo.com

23 . Norco – Fluid FS 1

MSRP: $3,399 Evo.com

The Norco Fluid FS 1 is an affordable trail bike that combines a dependable Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain with a supple RockShox Pike Select 130mm fork, Deluxe Select 120mm shock, and aluminum frame.

The design of spec of this bike results in respectable performance without breaking the bank. It’s a great intermediate full-suspension bike for trail or XC riding without any extreme jumps or drops.

• Fork : RockShox Pike Select 130mm
• Rear Shock : RockShox Deluxe Select 120mm shock
• Drivetrain: Shimano SLX/XT 12-speed

Norco’s progressive design and modern trail geometry lend to this bike’s playful and confident trail performance. It has the perfect amount of suspension to ride comfortably along rocky singletrack and mountainous trails without swallowing up all your power.

Buy from Evo.com

Buying Guide

Ibis Ripmo – Big Wheel, Big Travel Speed Demon. What’s great about this bike is that Ibis Cycles manufacturers their own set of 29″ carbon wheels that can accomodate tires up to 2.8″ in width. “

What to Expect & How to Choose?

Trail bikes have quickly become the most common form of full-suspension MTBs, designed to tackle all forms of terrain while maintaining comfort over a long distance. Trail bikes fall between XC and Enduro bikes, offering sufficient downhill handling while retaining speed over flatter sections.

They usually have a seat tube angle in the 74-75 degree range, with shorter chainstays and longer reach. Travel ranges from as little as 120mm all the way up to 160mm, with both 29″ and 27.5″ wheel sizes popular.

You should consider your style of riding before selecting a mid-travel MTB. While they all have similar characteristics, the type of riding you intend on doing will define how much travel is ideal. 

Suspension Travel

If you enjoy charging downhill or attempting small jumps, you’ll want to choose something in the higher travel range . If you prefer racing along bumpy off-road or gravel tracks at high speed, aim for something in the lower travel range .

Wheels & Tires

Other points to consider include wheel and tire size. Larger 29″ wheels are better for speed and absorption, whereas the small 27.5″ wheel size is more agile on downhills and sharp corners. 2.5″ width is somewhat average, while 2.8″ is considered as wide.

Different MTB Disciplines

Xc vs. trail.

Cross-country (XC) is generally considered the most traditional mountain bike style with the most versatile usage. Hence the name, Cross-Country Mountain Bikes can handle all types of terrain from smooth singletrack and gravel roads to rocky trails and technical mountain tracks.

XC mountain bikes typically have a shorter wheelbase for agility and steeper geometry for easier hill climbing. Head angles are in the range of 69-71 degrees, with seat tube angles between 74-75 degrees. They usually have the lowest amount of travel, from 90-100mm , and 29″ wheels for a faster, stiffer ride.

>>> Related: Best Short-Travel Mountain Bikes (100-130mm range)

Trail/All-Mountain vs. Enduro

Enduro bikes attempt to combine aggressive downhill geometry with uphill climbing ability, resulting in a bike that can tackle highly technical courses over varied terrain. 

They typically have the longest, lowest, and slackest geometry of all MTB styles, making them less comfortable over long distances, but also more versatile. They are both stable on downhills and powerful on ascents, with suspension in the 150-180mm range and tires from 2.3″ to 2.8″ thick.

>>> Related: Best Enduro Mountain Bikes (150-180mm range)

27.5″ vs. 29″ – The Endless Debate

Mountain bike wheel sizes have become a hot topic recently, after years of 26″ wheels dominating the market. Since the 29″ wheels began gaining popularity in the mid-2010s, manufacturers began experimenting with different wheel sizes, introducing the mid-sized 27.5″ or also known as the 650b wheel size. Nowadays, almost all MTBs use either 29″ or 27.5″, with subtle but noticeable differences between the two. You’ll still find 26″ wheels on smaller frame sizes on some models.

• Being larger, 29″ wheels are better for taller riders and while they offer less acceleration, they have better traction and attack angle which eventually means better speed .
• 27.5″ wheels are faster and lighter , with better maneuverability and greater versatility .

27.5″ MTB wheels are also known to have the availability to fit wider tires of up to 3″ in width, while the standard max clearance for 29″ tires is 2.6″

>>> Related: Best Mullet Mountain Bikes

Which are the best mountain bike brand on this list?

Ibis, Yeti, Santa Cruz, Revel, Transition, and Evil are some of the boutique-type brands in the MTB business, while Salsa has the most models available. Cannondale has also done a great job providing online shoppers with a variety of mountain bikes from their fleet.

What is the best all-mountain bike?

The different types of mountain bikes might confuse most riders, but it isn’t actually as confusing. An all-mountain bike is basically built 70% for ascending and 30% descending, making it a few notches harder to ride than the regular trail bike.

Do you need the rear suspension lock-up switch?

Climbing is a part of mountain biking, and if you tend to be the climber who climbs while seated, a rear suspension-lock-up switch might be useful for you. The switch works wonders on longer-travel bikes with slacker geometry, while you’ll generally see the switches on higher-end models.

Where to buy trail and all-mountain bikes?

These are the best online bike shops to buy mountain bikes online

Mike’s Bikes Awesome set of high-end and mid-range mountain bikes, both full-suspension and hardtail

JensonUSA Obviously one of the more known stores that will fix you up a good deal

Evo.com   Bikes & frames by the best brands available

GravityCoalition You can find pretty sweet last-size deals there on full-suspension and eBikes as well.

REI Cannondale, Co-op Cycles, and Salsa mountain bikes are represented.

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About the Author

Mark Hartley

One thought on “ best trail & all-mountain bikes (130-160 mm travel) ”.

How come no Banshees on this list?

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NCM Moscow Plus

An e-mountain bike equipped with high-end brake and drive systems, the NCM M5 is for adventurous riders who want to hit the trails comfortable in the knowledge that their ebike can handle whatever they throw at it.

BIKE COMPONENTS

Frame:   Alu. 6061, 26"*17.3 inches / Alu. 6061, 27.5"*18.9 inches / Alu. 6061, 29"*20.5 inches

Suspension Fork:   Suntour, XCM-HLO-26/27.5/29, with hydraulic lock system

Brake:   F/R: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes,HD-E350

Freewheel:   LY, 8 Speed, 11-32T, Silver

Tire:   Schwalbe, Black Jack, 26"*2.1/Smart Sam, 27.5"*2.35/29"*2.35, Black

Saddle:   Selle Royal, Lookin-A200UR, Black

Crank:   Das-Kit, CM48,28/38/48T

Derailleur:   F: Shimano, Altus, FD-M310, R: Shimano, Acera, RD-M360

ELECTRIC COMPONENTS

Battery:   Das-Kit, i5-4816, 48V 16AH, 768WH

Motor: Das-Kit, X15, Rear drive motor, 48V 500W, 32KM/H

Controller:   Das-Kit, CT-i5, 48V 18A

Charger:   Das-Kit, 48V3A

Display:   Das-Kit, C7

Net Weight (with battery): 26.0kg

Battery Weight: 4.0kg

Max Load (driver+bike): 125.0kg

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Our on-line store is open 24/7 and we ship Monday through Friday, excluding some holidays. Orders received for products without shipping restrictions on its product page will ship the same business day when received before 12:00 p.m. PST. Orders in high demand will have an estimated production time listed on its product page and will ship according to the date listed.

Customer Reviews

I like my mountain plus bike.The only problem i have, the third speed jump when i put some pressure . Its not an adjustement, everything is fine. The problem is with the freewheel .I did 70 kilometer with the bike and it attenuate the problem a little.

Bike assembled easy and ride good.

We purchased the NCM Moscow 29 E bike from Leon Cycles earlier this month. Communication was via 'Whatsapp' which I initially thought a little odd but worked out well. Once communication established the transaction was completed quickly and easily. We were able to arrange for the team to assemble the bike for us and we picked it up from the warehouse without an issue. We love the bike and are continuing to find new places to discover using it. Competitive price and great service.

Been riding the trails both road and mountain for a few months. Great power and no issues with components

I ordered the bike 4 days ago and today it arrived. Now my first impressions: it is easy to assemble, looks great, is cleanly finished and after a first short driving test I have to say, the hammer. It's totally easy to drive. If it stays that way, I can only say thank you Leon Cycle. Now I can cycle again, despite knee problems. Price-performance top

Highlighted Features

Das-Kit 500W Motor

Ergonomic handlebar grips

Moscow 48V disc brake

Product specifications.

Frame: Alu. 6061, 26"*17.3 inches / Alu. 6061, 27.5"*18.9 inches / Alu. 6061, 29"*20.5 inches

Suspension Fork: Suntour, XCM-HLO-26/27.5/29, with hydraulic lock system

Brake: F/R: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes,HD-E350

Freewheel: LY, 8 Speed, 11-32T, Silver

Tire: Schwalbe, Black Jack, 26"*2.1/Smart Sam, 27.5"*2.35/29"*2.35, Black

Saddle: Selle Royal, Lookin-A200UR, Black

Crank: Das-Kit, CM48,28/38/48T

Derailleur: F: Shimano, Altus, FD-M310, R: Shimano, Acera, RD-M360

Battery: Das-Kit, i5-4816, 48V 16AH, 768WH

Motor:  Das-Kit, X15, Rear drive motor, 48V 500W, 32KM/H

Controller: Das-Kit, CT-i5, 48V 18A

Charger: Das-Kit, 48V3A

Display: Das-Kit, C7

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Moscow city bike rental prices slashed for World Cup

Muscovites and tourists can now rent city bikes for just 350 rubles for three days. The special tariff started on June 11 and will run until the end of the World Cup on July 15. What’s more, the first hour of rental is now free for the same period, instead of the usual 30 mins.

There are currently about 380 rental stations with another 50 due to be opened this summer. Around 4,300 bikes and 260 electrobikes are available. The registration procedure is pretty simple - follow the instructions on velobike.ru or download the app. Click here to learn more how to rent a bike in the Russian capital. 

And don't forget to read our guide on what to do in Moscow during the World Cup.

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