10+ Best MTB Forks: A Comprehensive Guide
In mountain biking, the front fork is one of the most crucial components. It not only absorbs the shocks from rugged terrain but also directly affects the stability and comfort of your ride. Whether tackling challenging off-road trails or enjoying fast downhill descents, the fork’s performance can significantly impact your biking experience. Therefore, choosing a high-performance fork that suits your needs is important for every mountain biker.
This article provides a comprehensive guide for cycling enthusiasts in selecting the best MTB forks. We will delve into the basic concepts of forks, helping you understand their function and main types, and detail the key factors to consider when choosing a fork.
Additionally, we will recommend some highly-rated mountain bike fork models available on the market and provide practical advice on purchasing and maintenance. We hope this article will help you make an informed choice and enhance your riding experience.
A Performance Overview of 10 Best MTB Forks
Here is a table showcasing the key data of these ten high-quality MTB forks, helping you better understand their performance and features.
| Fork Name | Brand | Weight (g) | Stanchion Diameter (mm) | Wheel Size (inches) | Travel (mm) |
| RockShox Pike Ultimate RC2 | RockShox | 1,860 g | 35 mm | 27.5″ (650b), 29″ | 120-160 mm |
| Fox Float 38 Performance Elite | Fox | 2,360 g | 44 mm | 27.5″, 29″ | 160-180 mm |
| RockShox SID Ultimate | RockShox | 1,600 g | 35 mm | 29″ | 120 mm |
| Fox Float 34 Factory GRIP2 | Fox | 1,770 g | 34 mm | 27.5″, 29″ | 130-140 mm |
| Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail | Marzocchi | 2,010 g | 34 mm | 27.5″, 29″ | 100-150 mm |
| Falcarbonbike FF110M | Falcarbon | 566±50 g | 31.8 mm | 27.5″, 29″ | 110-160 mm |
| Formula Selva R | Formula | 2,100 g | 35 mm | 29″, 27.5″ (650b) | 120-170 mm |
| RockShox Lyrik Ultimate MY25 | RockShox | 2,044 g | 35 mm | 29″, 27.5″ | 140-160 mm |
| Cane Creek Helm MKII | Cane Creek | 2,050 g | 35 mm | 27.5″, 29″ | 140-160 mm |
| EXT Era | EXT | 2,100 g | 36 mm | 27.5″, 29″ | 140-170 mm |
10+ Best MTB Forks 2024
Now, let’s take an in-depth look at these ten best MTB forks, exploring their design features, performance, and suitability for various riding conditions, to help you make a more informed decision.
1. RockShox Pike Ultimate RC2 – Best MTB Forks
The RockShox Pike Ultimate RC2 is a highly acclaimed mountain bike fork, known for its exceptional performance and versatile adjustment options. Featuring 35mm stanchions, this fork offers a travel range of 120mm to 160mm, making it suitable for bikes with 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels. Thanks to the Charger 2.1 RC2 damper system, the Pike Ultimate RC2 delivers outstanding responsiveness and control across various terrains, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking precise handling and agility. Its lightweight design and durability make it one of the best MTB forks for cross-country and all-mountain riding.
Materials
- The RockShox Pike Ultimate RC2 fork body is made of high-strength aluminum alloy rather than carbon fiber. This material combination provides the necessary strength and stiffness. However, if your interest in carbon fiber is due to its lightweight properties, be aware that the Pike Ultimate RC2 primarily uses aluminum alloy.
Advantages
- Excellent Adjustment Features: Equipped with the Charger 2.1 RC2 damper system, it offers high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments, allowing precise tuning for different terrains.
- Outstanding Handling: The 35mm stanchions and high-quality damper system deliver excellent stability and precise handling.
- Wide Range of Applications: Supports a travel range of 120mm to 160mm, making it suitable for various mountain biking styles.
- Durability: The high-quality aluminum alloy material ensures the long-term durability and reliability of the fork.
Disadvantages
- Weight: Although aluminum alloy is lighter than some materials, the Pike Ultimate RC2 may be heavier than some lightweight forks made of carbon fiber.
- High Price: As a high-performance fork, the Pike Ultimate RC2 comes with a higher price tag, which could burden riders on a budget.
- Potential Complexity: The numerous adjustment options and advanced technology may require some learning and tweaking, which could be complex for novice riders.
Price
- Price: 639.64€
Note: The exact price of these forks may vary depending on the sales channel, region, and whether there are any ongoing promotions.
2. Fox Float 38 Performance Elite – Best MTB Forks
The Fox Float 38 Performance Elite is engineered to excel in extreme mountain biking conditions. Featuring 44mm stanchions and a travel range of 160mm to 180mm, it is compatible with both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels, making it well-suited for tackling challenging terrains. This fork incorporates Fox’s GRIP2 damper system, offering adjustable high and low-speed compression and rebound settings to ensure exceptional control and comfort even during aggressive riding. Its robust build and lightweight design provide superior support while maintaining excellent handling, making it an ideal choice for riders seeking top-notch performance in demanding scenarios.
Materials
- Material: The Fox Float 38 Performance Elite primarily uses high-strength aluminum alloy, rather than carbon fiber.
Advantages
- Excellent Adjustment Features: Equipped with the GRIP2 damper system, it provides high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments, allowing for precise tuning based on different terrains and riding styles.
- High Durability: The robust design and quality materials ensure the long-term durability of the fork under extreme conditions.
- Versatility: Compatible with 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels, making it suitable for a wide range of mountain biking styles.
Disadvantages
- High Price: The Float 38 Performance Elite is relatively expensive.
- Relatively Heavy: While aluminum alloy offers strength, this fork may be slightly heavier compared to some lightweight options.
Price
- Price: £1,299
3. RockShox SID Ultimate – Best MTB Forks
The RockShox SID Ultimate features 35mm stanchions and 120mm travel, designed for 29-inch wheels. It incorporates the latest Charger 2.1 damper system, offering exceptional precision and adjustability to handle rough terrains effectively. Its lightweight design and responsiveness make it an excellent choice for riders seeking quick reactions and efficient climbing.
As the top model in RockShox’s XC fork series, the SID Ultimate is the lightest in the lineup, focusing on smooth rides and climbing efficiency. RockShox has managed to enhance the suspension feel while maintaining competitive accuracy. It may take a few rides to fully break in, but it becomes very comfortable and responsive, improving traction.
Materials
- Material: High-strength aluminum alloy
Advantages
- Lightweight: Designed specifically for cross-country racing, it is lighter, enhancing acceleration and agility.
- Precise Adjustment: Equipped with the Charger 2.1 damper system, offering high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments.
- Strong Handling: The 35mm stanchions and 120mm travel provide good stability and handling.
Disadvantages
- Limited Support: The 35mm stanchions may not be strong enough under extreme impacts.
- Short Travel: With a 120mm travel, it is suitable for cross-country riding but may be insufficient for more challenging terrain.
Price
- Price: £912
4. Fox Float 34 Factory GRIP2 – Best MTB Forks
The Fox Float 34 Factory GRIP2 is a top contender among the best MTB forks, offering a blend of high performance and versatility. It features 34mm stanchions and provides either 130mm or 140mm of travel, accommodating both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels. The GRIP2 damper system delivers exceptional high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments, enhancing performance across various terrains. Its advanced technology and lightweight design ensure stability while providing excellent handling and comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of mountain biking styles.
Materials
- Material: High-strength aluminum alloy
Advantages
- Advanced Adjustment Features: The GRIP2 damper system offers high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments, enhancing both handling and comfort.
- Versatile Travel Options: With 130mm or 140mm of travel, it accommodates various terrain and riding needs.
- Wide Compatibility: Suitable for both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels, making it adaptable to different mountain biking styles.
Disadvantages
- High Price: It is relatively expensive among high-end forks, which may exceed some budgets.
- Relatively Heavy: Compared to some lightweight forks, the Float 34 might be slightly heavier.
Price
- Price: £766
5. Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail – Best MTB Forks
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail is essentially a budget-friendly alternative to the Fox 34 Rhythm, offering excellent performance, low maintenance costs, and affordability. It features 34mm stanchions and provides a travel range of 100mm to 150mm, suitable for both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels. The Bomber Z2 Rail is equipped with a unique damper system that delivers robust performance and outstanding durability. Its sturdy construction and wide adjustment range make it highly effective across diverse terrains, making it a great choice for riders seeking reliability and value for money.
Materials
- Material: High-strength aluminum alloy
Advantages
- Great Value: Offers good performance and durability at a relatively affordable price.
- Adjustment Features: Includes basic adjustment options to accommodate various terrain needs.
- Versatile Travel Options: Provides a travel range of 100mm to 150mm, suitable for different mountain biking styles.
Disadvantages
- Limited Adjustment Range: While functional, it lacks advanced adjustment features, which may not meet the needs of more demanding riders.
- Slightly Heavier: Compared to some high-end lightweight forks, the Bomber Z2 Rail may be somewhat heavier.
Price
- Price: £579
6. Falcarbonbike FF110M – Best MTB Forks
The Falcarbonbike FF110M mountain bike fork is known for its combination of lightweight and strength. It features a 31.8mm stanchion diameter and offers a travel range from 110mm to 160mm, making it compatible with both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels. The fork’s carbon fiber design significantly reduces weight while maintaining high strength, delivering exceptional vibration damping and stability. Constructed from top-grade T800 carbon fiber, the FF110M weighs only 566±50 grams (ThruAxle), with an additional 45±5 grams for the crown. It is well-suited for various terrains, from rocky trails to steep climbs, providing a smooth and responsive ride.
Materials
- Material: Carbon fiber
Advantages
- Ultra-Lightweight: The carbon fiber construction makes it extremely lightweight, and ideal for riders seeking reduced weight.
- Flexible Travel: Offers a travel range from 110mm to 160mm, accommodating various riding needs.
- Strength and Damping: Despite its lightweight, the carbon fiber material provides excellent strength and vibration absorption.
Disadvantages
- Durability: While carbon fiber is light, it may be more prone to damage under extreme conditions compared to aluminum alloy.
Price
- Price: $190
7. Formula Selva R – Best MTB Forks
The Selva R utilizes Formula’s 2Air technology, which features two independent air chambers, allowing you to precisely adjust the fork’s airside. You can set the positive air chamber based on the rider’s weight, just like with a traditional fork, and then fine-tune the negative air chamber to adjust the response of the fork’s initial travel.
The Selva R is equipped with Formula’s advanced damping system, offering excellent adjustability and durability. It provides stable handling and a comfortable riding experience across various terrains. Its strong support and wide adjustment range make it a top choice for riders who demand all-around performance.
Materials
- Material: High-strength aluminum alloy
Advantages
- Advanced Adjustment Features: Equipped with a sophisticated adjustment system, offering a travel range of 120mm to 170mm, suitable for various terrains and riding styles.
- Durable and Robust: The 35mm stanchions provide excellent rigidity and durability, making it ideal for high-intensity riding conditions.
- Multi-Wheel Compatibility: Compatible with both 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheels, accommodating a wide range of mountain bikes.
Disadvantages
- Heavier Weight: Compared to some lightweight forks, the Selva R may feel a bit heavier.
- Complex Tuning: The advanced adjustment features may have a learning curve for beginners.
Price
- Price: £1,200
8. RockShox Lyrik Ultimate MY25 – Best MTB Forks
Lyrik Ultimate MY25 is the latest release from RockShox, but it shares the same appearance as the MY23 Lyrik launched in May 2022. The Lyrik Ultimate MY25 primarily enhances performance through updates to its bushings, damper, and tuners.
The internal redesign of the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 reduces damping forces (the resistance generated as oil flows through the valves) across the board. Both high-speed and low-speed compression damping, as well as low-speed rebound damping, have been decreased to improve comfort and traction.
Equipped with the Charger 3 RC2 damper system, the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 offers precise high- and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments, delivering outstanding performance across varied terrains. Its exceptional stability and tuning capabilities make it ideal for riders who demand top-level performance.
Material
- Material: High-strength aluminum alloy
Advantages
- Wide Travel Range: Offers a travel range of 140mm to 160mm, making it suitable for various mountain biking styles, from all-mountain to more challenging downhill rides.
- Advanced Adjustability: Equipped with the Charger 2.1 RC2 damping system, providing high and low-speed compression and rebound adjustments to meet the demands of different terrains.
- Stability and Durability: The 35mm stanchions offer excellent rigidity and stability, performing exceptionally well on rugged terrain.
Disadvantages
- Heavier Weight: Compared to lightweight forks, the Lyrik Ultimate MY25 might feel slightly heavier.
- Higher Price: As a premium fork, it comes with a higher price tag, which may not be suitable for riders on a budget.
Price
- Price: $1,099
9. Cane Creek Helm MKII – Best MTB Forks
The Cane Creek Helm MKII fork stands out as one of the Best MTB Forks, offering adjustable travel from 140mm to 160mm and featuring a robust 35mm stanchion design for exceptional rigidity and stability. This fork comes with an air spring as standard, with a coil spring option available to cater to different riding preferences. Available in both 29-inch and 27.5-inch sizes, the Helm MKII accommodates various wheel sizes. It also provides external adjustments for rebound, low-speed compression, and high-speed compression, enabling riders to customize the setup for diverse terrains. With offset options of 44mm or 51mm and a weight of around 2,040 grams (for the 29-inch air spring version), this fork is well-suited for tackling a wide range of challenging mountain biking environments.
Material:
- Material: High-strength aluminum alloy
Advantages:
- Wide Travel Adjustment: Offers a travel range from 140mm to 160mm, allowing for flexible adjustments to suit different riding needs, ideal for all-mountain and light downhill riding.
- Precise Tuning: The Helm MKII is equipped with unique independent high- and low-speed compression and rebound adjustment features, enabling riders to finely tune suspension performance to adapt to various challenging terrains.
- High Rigidity: The 35mm stanchions provide excellent rigidity and durability, offering exceptional stability on technical terrain.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly Heavy: Despite its powerful features, the Helm MKII is relatively heavy compared to some lightweight forks, which might affect those prioritizing a lightweight setup.
- Complex Tuning: The extensive adjustment options may pose a tuning challenge for novice riders.
Price:
- Price: $1,049.99
10. EXT Era – Best MTB Forks
The Era is the Italian brand’s first foray into front forks, designed for riders who need strong mid-stroke support and high sensitivity to small bumps. Similar to the Manitou Mezzer Pro and Öhlins RXF36 m.2, the Era features a dual positive-negative air chamber setup, enhanced further with a short-travel coil spring to improve sensitivity during the initial part of the stroke.
Compared to the Öhlins RXF36, the Era offers better small bump sensitivity and a firmer chassis, with a wider range of compression damping adjustments, making it a great choice for riders who find Öhlins’ settings too stiff. While the Era excels in small bump sensitivity compared to the Manitou Mezzer Pro, it is heavier, less rigid, and almost twice as expensive.
Note that the Era is only compatible with 29-inch wheels and a 44mm offset, which might not be ideal for those who prefer 27.5-inch wheels.
Materials:
- Material: High-strength aluminum alloy
Advantages:
- Exceptional Shock Absorption: The EXT Era features an advanced dual positive-negative air chamber design, providing outstanding vibration absorption and travel management, making it ideal for aggressive downhill and all-mountain riding.
- Precision Tuning: With adjustable travel from 140mm to 170mm and separate high/low-speed compression and rebound adjustments, it can handle a wide range of complex terrains.
- High Rigidity Stanchions: The 36mm stanchions offer exceptional stability and durability, ensuring excellent control even under extreme conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively Heavy: Due to its robust construction and complex internal design, the EXT Era is relatively heavy, which may not suit riders seeking a lightweight option.
- High Price: As a top-tier fork, its price is very high and may exceed the budget of many riders.
Price:
- Price: $1,950
How to Choose a Fork for My Mountain Bike
Modern mountain bike suspension forks are complex, with many moving parts. Before making a decision, it is crucial to understand the structure of the fork and related terminology. Below, we’ll dive into how to choose the right fork for your mountain bike.
1. What is a Bicycle Fork?
A bicycle fork is a key component connecting the frame and the front wheel, responsible for stabilizing the front end and providing suspension. The material and design of the fork directly affect the bike’s weight, handling, and comfort. Common fork materials include aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel, each with unique characteristics suitable for different types of riding needs.
Reading: What is a Bike Fork
2. How Mountain Bike Forks Work
The core function of a mountain bike fork is its suspension, which typically uses springs or compressed air as the damping medium, with a damping system controlling the rebound speed. Spring forks are more traditional, affordable, and durable, while air forks are lighter and can be fine-tuned by adjusting air pressure. Understanding how the fork works will help you achieve better performance in various riding environments.
Reading: How Does a MTB Fork Work: How It Enhances Your Riding Experience
3. How to Replace a Bicycle Fork
When your current fork no longer meets your riding needs, you may want to consider upgrading. Knowing how to replace a bicycle fork can help maintain your bike’s performance and extend its lifespan. Choosing the right fork and successfully installing it can significantly improve your bike’s handling and comfort.
Reading: Detailed Guide: How to Change a Bike Fork
4. How to Cut a Bicycle Fork
Sometimes, a newly purchased fork might be longer than necessary. In this case, understanding how to cut a bicycle fork is essential to achieve the correct length. The precision of the cut and the subsequent installation will determine the fork’s stability and the overall riding experience, so it’s important to handle this process carefully and use the right tools.
Reading: How to Cut Bike Fork
5. How to Install a Bicycle Fork
The process of installing a fork has a significant impact on your riding experience. Knowing how to install a bicycle fork ensures a secure connection between the fork, frame, and handlebars, while also optimizing suspension performance. During the installation, carefully adjusting the fork’s height and tightening the headset will improve handling stability.
Reading: How to Install Bike Fork
