It was the test winner in various magazines. Excellent image quality, a high-quality processor and a sheer endless wealth of setting options. The compact camera from Sony seemed to be just right for me. Two years later, I still have no regrets about buying it, but I have to admit that I am very lazy when it comes to automatic settings. The flood of options overwhelms me. Instead of trying things out, reading up on them or wandering around the menus, I like to sit back and let the automatic programme take care of finding the optimum setting.
There are some parallels to be discovered in the current suspension fork vintage. As suspension travel increases, so does the wealth of adjustment options, as this test with five all-mountain and seven enduro forks proves. If you go for the top model and this is the preferred choice on the aftermarket, you often get the full range of adjustment features. Even the cheapest fork in this comparison for € 699 has the complete package of anodised adjustment knobs.
anodised adjustment knobs.
We tested these suspension forks:
All mountain suspension forks:
- Formula 33 EX
- Fox 34 Float (BIKE tip: test winner)
- Magura TS8 R 150
- Öhlins RXF 34
- Rock Shox Pike RCT3
Enduro suspension forks:
- DVO Diamond
- Formula 35 EX
- Fox 36 Float RC2 (BIKE tip: test winner)
- Manitou Mattoc Pro II
- Rock Shox Lyrik RCT3
- SR Suntour Durolux R2C2 (BIKE tip: price/performance)
- X-Fusion Sweep Roughcut HLR
The two basic settings of air pressure (adjustment to the rider's weight) and rebound damping (control of rebound speed) regulate the basic requirements that arise in conjunction with a suspension system. Even with these two parameters, which should always be set first, you can get things wrong. Lack of knowledge, poorly trained perception or simply irregular maintenance can quickly spoil the basic set-up. Or do you know when you last checked the air pressure in your fork and how high it needs to be to achieve a sag of 25 per cent?
So far so good. All of the forks we tested also have compression damping (control of the compression speed). Either in the form of a pre-selectable platform with just a few clicks, finely adjustable over a wide range, or a combination of both. Fox uses the latter in the 34 with Open-, Medium-, Firm-Adjust and Rock Shox with their RCT3 damping. With both systems, a platform can be preselected in three stages and the compression damping can also be fine-tuned again in open mode.
Step three is the subdivision of the compression damping into high-speed and low-speed damping. As the name suggests, the low-speed compression damping regulates the compression speed of the fork during slow movements and ensures that it does not dive uncontrollably when braking or on steep terrain. The high-speed compression stage is designed to prevent bottoming out during fast spring movements. With the exception of the Formula 35 EX and the Rock Shox Lyrik, all Enduro forks have speed-dependent dual compression damping. Even in the all-mountain sector, motorbike suspension specialist
Öhlins has already included this option in the RXF 34, and it continues with the high- and low-speed rebound adjustment. Yes, this is also available. This feature can only be found on one fork (SR Suntour Durolux). The high-speed rebound is designed to keep the rebound speed in check during deep spring movements after landings, drops etc., while the low-speed compression stage largely covers the initial and middle range, where the rebound force is even lower.
By now at the latest, some of you will be longing for an automatic programme for the suspension fork. But there's more. Another hydraulic system is HBO, which Manitou has installed in its Mattoc Pro enduro fork. This option allows you to set additional bottom-out protection.
Now it's time to get down to business. What started on the damping side is also continued on the air side by some manufacturers. For example, the Öhlins comes with two positive air chambers as standard, allowing the characteristic curve to be influenced and the progression to be adjusted. The correct filling sequence and knowing which chamber is which is a basic requirement. Manitou also offers the option of separating the main chamber with a second valve for the Mattoc. However, because the error rate during setup was quite high, Rock Shox eliminated the two-valve system from their forks a few years ago. Most manufacturers also offer spacers to reduce the air volume to make the fork more progressive. Equipped in this way, some forks have no fewer than six settings on the way to the perfect setup.
Formula 1 technology for everyone. Whether the variety of settings is always helpful remains questionable. After all, only very few people are so familiar with the subject matter and feel the changed settings so that it really is an advantage. My compact camera taught me that where you can adjust a lot, you can unfortunately also adjust a lot. With suspension forks, there is no need to turn to the automatic setting. As a small automatic substitute, some manufacturers at least have a setup recommendation as a guide in the search for the optimum setting. And who knows what else will be possible in the electronic age?
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE editor
"These are the two big names that are at the top of the points list in both the all-mountain and enduro segments. In this test, Fox and Rock Shox don't let anyone take the butter off their bread and deliver the best overall picture. While Rock Shox is just ahead in the laboratory values, Fox leaves the best practical impression with both the 36 and the 34, resulting in a double test victory. Newcomer Öhlins delivers a very good fork on the trail straight away, but the complex setup and the high price of € 1349 are likely to put most potential buyers off. The well-deserved price/performance tip goes to the SR Suntour Durolux. Although it weighs a little more and is also complex to set up, it impresses with top functionality at a price of just € 699."
...
PROBLEMS AND DEFECTS
The failure rate was exceptionally high in the practical test, where we only tested the function. Four caused problems.
- Rock Shox: Due to a contaminated seal, the Pike initially oiled and then developed problems with the air chamber. The sealing ring that seals the negative chamber to the casting was defective.
- Formula: In the course of the test, the 33 EX clattered more and more and stopped damping. A defective O-ring in the damper cartridge caused it to draw air.
- Manitou: A rattling noise inside the fork was a source of annoyance. However, the problem was easily solved by greasing the ride height spacer.
- DT Swiss: We also noticed a clicking noise in the rebound damping of the O.D.L Race from the first part of the fork test (BIKE 4/16). A pre-production problem due to too much Loctites on the piston rod.
...
FROM THE TUNING BOX
It doesn't always have to be new. With these options, suspension tuners can also upgrade existing forks or tune new forks.
1. formula: All Formula forks (33 and 35) come with a medium compression unit (blue) as standard. A firmer or softer unit (62 euros) is available as an option to better customise the fork to your preferences from the basic setup.
2. manitouBehind the abbreviations IRT (Infinite Rate Tune, left) and IVA (Incremental Volume Adjust) are two options for influencing the air chamber size and thus the characteristic curve. IRT separates the main chamber and can be filled via an additional valve. This allows you to ride with less pressure in the main chamber without the fork bottoming out in the middle range or having too little end progression.
3. SR Suntour: The Durolux works with a closed cartridge without rubber bellows (bladder). This is intended to make the fork more robust and easier to maintain. The steel spring in the upper part pressurises the oil so that it cannot foam up.
...
STIFFER DUE TO BOOST?
The new, wider hub standard makes wheels up to 18 per cent stiffer (BIKE 4/16). Are the wider Boost forks also stiffer?
You can't have one without the other. If you want to ride wheels with the wider Boost standard (front 110 x 15 mm, rear 148 x 12 mm), you also need the corresponding fork or frame. Boost is designed to give 29er and 27.5 Plus bikes more tyre clearance and stiffness. Viewed in isolation, not only the wheels but also the Boost forks themselves are stiffer. The Rock Shox Lyrik in Boost has 12.6 per cent more torsional stiffness than the normal Lyrik in this test. In the system with the corresponding front wheel, the increase is even 20 per cent.
...
Test results All Mountain suspension forks
FORMULA 33 EX / 27.5 INCH
Info www.formula-italy.com
Price 889 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 138 mm/140 mm
Weight¹ 1624 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression, lockout hardness
Lowering/platform, blocking No/Yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 180 mm/no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 525 mm
Torsional rigidity 19.5 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 181.0 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 10 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION Lightweight and well under 1000 euros are two attributes that the black Italo fork can boast. On the trail, the 33 EX works quite smoothly and offers good comfort. At faster speeds, we would have liked a little more reserves. Towards the end of the test, a defective O-ring in the damping cartridge caused a clunking noise and a lack of damping. The downside of the slim weight is the low stiffness and the restriction to 180 mm brake discs.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
FOX 34 FLOAT / 27.5 INCH
Info www.ridefox.com
Price 1009 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 150 mm/150 mm
Weight¹ 1788 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering/platform, blocking No/yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 205 mm/130 kg
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 545 mm
Torsional rigidity 23.6 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 185.2 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 12 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 12 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 9 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION The Fox 34 is currently the reference in the all-mountain sector and was a real eye-opener for the test group. It works with absolute sensitivity and therefore sticks to the ground with confidence. Nevertheless, it gives the rider very good feedback from the ground without compromising on comfort. No other fork has managed this balancing act at such a high level. Even in the middle damping position, the Fox is very easy to ride and remains high in its travel. The weight is also impressive.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
MAGURA TS8 R 150 / 27.5 INCH
Info www.magura.de
Price 750 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 153 mm/150 mm
Weight¹ 1689 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering/platform, blocking No/Yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 210 mm/130 kg
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 545 mm
Torsional rigidity 19.4 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 186.1 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 7 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 7 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION It weighs very little and, at 750 euros, is also the cheapest fork in the comparison. However, just like the Formula, the stiffness is rather low. The Magura scores points for setup thanks to its simple handling with manageable adjustment options. Off-road, however, we missed comfort. The TS8 R responds woodenly and works rather sluggishly overall, which means it loses traction. It hardly reacts to any fine adjustments, but then rushes through the suspension travel when the going gets tough.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
ÖHLINS RXF 34 / 29 INCH
Info www.ohlins.eu
Price 1349 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 140 mm/140 mm
Weight¹ 2053 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering/platform, blocking No/No
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 200 mm/130 kg
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 560 mm
Torsional rigidity 26.1 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 213.9 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 10 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION In motorsport, the Swedish company Öhlins is a benchmark when it comes to high-end suspension. Together with Specialized, they first developed a downhill shock and then the first 29er bike fork, the RXF 34. With high and low-speed compression damping and an additional progression air chamber, the RXF is not a fork for the faint-hearted. Once you have found your setup, you will get a performance that will make racers happy. Rather firm, stable in its travel, but not ultra-sensitive. Very expensive.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
ROCK SHOC PIKE RCT3 / 27.5 INCH
Info www.sram.com
Price 1075 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 150 mm/150 mm
Weight¹ 1848 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering/platform, blocking No/Yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 200 mm/no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 545 mm
Torsional rigidity 28.3 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 219.5 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 11 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION The Pike has built up a solid reputation in the all-mountain and enduro segment over the years. We were all the more surprised by the loss of oil and subsequent defect of a sealing ring in the air unit. Probably an isolated case, as the many flawless Pikes in test operation confirm. Until the failure, the fork worked perfectly and provided good comfort, even if it couldn't quite keep up with the Fox 34. In direct comparison, it offers slightly less damping stability and therefore works a little less smoothly.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
.....
¹BIKE measured values (weight including thru axle and remote lever).
²The BIKE judgement is independent of price. It is made up of six criteria and is based on rounded values. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
...
Test results Endura suspension forks
DVO DIAMOND / 27.5 INCH
Info www.dvosuspension.com
Price 1049 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 152 mm/160 mm
Weight¹ 2134 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, H. and L. compression stage, preload negative spring
Lowering/platform, blocking No/No
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 203 mm/no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 545 mm
Torsional rigidity 31.5 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 237.7 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 12 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 10 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 7 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION At 2134 grams, the green DVO is one of the heavier forks in the comparison, but it offers the highest torsional rigidity, which is noticeable in its precise handling. High- and low-speed compression damping as well as the preloadable negative spring make the setup complex. The DVO leaves an excellent impression on the trail. It works very comfortably and offers good, even damping control. However, it is very short and only offers 152 millimetres instead of 160.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
FORMULA 35 EX / 27.5 INCH
Info www.formula-italy.com
Price 988 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 180 mm/170 mm
Weight¹ 1830 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound damping, compression damping, lockout hardness
Lowering/platform, blocking No/Yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 203 mm/no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 565 mm
Torsional rigidity 20.9 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 192.6 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 12 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 10 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION The longer EX model of the Formula 35 combines generous suspension travel with impressively low weight. The downside is the somewhat low stiffness, but this was not a negative factor in our practical test. As is typical for Formula, the 35 is very sensitive and provides a lot of comfort. When it gets down to business, the noticeable increase in suspension travel has to be tamed with a lot of compression damping. The 160 mm version is somewhat smoother and has less spring movement. A tip for racers: retrofit a stronger compression damping unit.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
FOX 36 FLOAT RC2 / 27.5 INCH
Info www.ridefox.com
Price 1309 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 175 mm/170 mm
Weight¹ 2026 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, high and low-speed compression damping
Lowering/platform, blocking No/No
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 180 mm/120 kg
Available shafts Taper, 1 ¹/8 inch
Available dropouts 15, 20 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 560 mm
Torsional rigidity 22.8 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 209.5 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 12 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 12 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 9 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION It costs the most among the enduro forks and is in the good mid-range in terms of weight. If the five bolts for changing the wheel are too much for you, the 36 is also available with a quick-release thru-axle, but then only with simple compression damping. Just like the 34, the 36 also manages to perfectly harmonise feedback and comfort. Thanks to the effective damping, it is stable and quiet in its travel and smoothes out even rough bumps without giving away unnecessary travel. Test winner.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
MANITOU MATTOC PRO II / 27.5 INCH
Info www.manitoumtb.com
Price 749 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 164 mm/160 mm
Weight¹ 1928 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, H. and L. compression stage, puncture protection
Lowering/platform, blocking No/No
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 203 mm/no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 565 mm
Torsional rigidity 22.7 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 215.8 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 9 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 7 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION Attractively priced and well under the two-kilo mark. In addition to these two positive details, Manitou has also revised the thru-axle, which can now only be operated using an Allen key, but is much more intuitive and secure. The full range is available on the setup front. Dual compression damping, hydraulic bottom-out protection and optional volume spacers complicate the handling. Compared to the top forks, the Mattoc lacks sensitivity. A lot of spring movement despite compression adjustment.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
ROCK SHOX LYRIK RCT3 / 27.5 INCH
Info www.sram.com
Price 1075 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 171 mm/170 mm
Weight¹ 2054 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering/platform, blocking No/Yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 200 mm/no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 565 mm
Torsional rigidity 30.4 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 238.8 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 12 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 11 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION The new Lyrik was announced as a more potent Pike. Despite an identical stanchion diameter of 35 millimetres, it generates very good stiffness even with a greater length. The weight is only 28 grams above Fox 36 level. The price of the Lyrik and Pike has risen to 1075 euros. The simple setup of the Rock-Shox forks is a positive feature. Downhill, the Lyrik reveals its full potential and shines with good response. Only the Fox filters hard, fast hits even better and is a little calmer.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
SR SUNTOUR DUROLUX R2C2 / 27.5 INCH
Info www.srsuntour-cycling.com
Price 699 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 170 mm/170 mm
Weight¹ 2343 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, high and low-speed rebound and compression stage
Lowering/platform, blocking No/No
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 203 mm/120 kg
Available shafts Taper, 1 ¹/8 inch
Available dropouts 20 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 575 mm
Torsional rigidity 31.0 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 255.6 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 10 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 7 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION 20-millimetre thru-axle, 2343 grams and outstanding stiffness. The consistently solid Durolux bridges the gap between enduro and freeride and costs at least 699 euros. However, you don't have to do without adjustment options. Quite the opposite: the dual rebound adjustment makes the setup more complex. The Durolux responds well off-road, but tends to have a firm character that racers will appreciate. Even in rough passages, the fork did not reach its limits.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
X-FUSION SWEEP ROUGHCUT HLR / 27.5 INCH
Info www.xfusionshox.com
Price 799 Euro
Suspension travel¹/works specification 160 mm/160 mm
Weight¹ 1812 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, high and low-speed compression damping
Lowering/platform, blocking No/No
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 203 mm/115 kg
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES
Installation length 555 mm
Torsional rigidity 21.6 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 181.3 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 9 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 11 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION At just 1812 grams, the X-Fusion could even hold its own in the all-mountain class. However, the brake stiffness is lower and there is a weight limit of 115 kilos. Comfort-orientated and sensitive, the testers noted in the report that the fork also performs well on long-travel touring bikes. If you are travelling faster downhill and are thinking about racing, you will miss some counter-pressure and therefore feedback from the ground, which is only partially possible thanks to the compression damping.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
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¹BIKE measured values (weight including thru axle and remote lever).
²The BIKE judgement is independent of price. It is made up of six criteria and is based on rounded values. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
