Light, firm and lockable from the handlebars. When it comes to suspension forks, the priorities of most racers are quickly outlined. Many are even of the opinion that the less the fork does, the better. Consequently, they like to give it an overdose of air. But even a 100-millimetre fork has much more potential than just isolating the rider from the roughest impacts so that the handlebars are not shaken out of their hands. A suspension fork is not a rigid fork with a little more comfort. It is the suspension performance that, when used correctly, makes the rider less tired, safer and ultimately faster.
To find out what the new generation of race forks can do, BIKE tested the five most exciting 29-inch models in the lab and in practice.
These 100-millimetre suspension forks were tested:
- Bulls Lytro
- DT Swiss O.D.L Race
- Fox 32 Float
- Magura eLECT
- Rock Shox RS-1
- SR Suntour Axon Werx
In addition to the absolute top models, an affordable reference fork for 599 euros also competed. A Lytro from bike manufacturer Bulls, which is based on an SR Suntour Axon. With the exception of Magura, who have significantly lowered their prices, none of the top forks cost less than 1000 euros. At 1059 euros, the Fox is even comparatively cheap in this environment. The use of carbon fibre reduces the weight but increases the price. As a rule, the plastic is used in the stem/crown unit, in some cases also in the casting. DT Swiss, SR Suntour and Rock Shox rely on carbon fibre. In the case of the Rock Shox RS-1, the general price increase in the bike industry is having an impact in addition to the expensive material. While the upside-down fork already cost a hefty 1658 euros last year, the official price for this season is now an almost unbelievable 1946 euros. That's enough to make you gasp. Anyone considering the RS-1 as a retrofit fork should also bear in mind that a new front wheel or at least a new front hub (around 50 grams heavier than a normal one) will be required.
But back to the weight. The lightest race fork in the 2011 test weighed just 1424 grams. The Magura Durin benefited from the 26-inch wheel size. With the 29-inch wheels, further weight optimisation became a distant prospect. From 2012, the Rock Shox Sid Worldcup (1566 grams) was regarded as the reference for gram-foxers. Most race forks have so far cut their teeth on this mark. Fortunately, the DT Swiss O.D.L Race shows that the new model year can break records, and not just in terms of price. At 1540 grams including the remote lever, the fork from world champion Nino Schurter is the lightest 29er fork in our test history to date. The SR Suntour has only 27 grams more on its ribs. If you exclude the Bulls Lytro (1904 grams), which is also relatively light compared to the price, Fox and DT Swiss are separated by 171 grams.
When it comes to compatibility, there is a general consensus. All test forks are only available with a taper steerer and in conjunction with a 15x100 millimetre thru axle. Only the Rock Shox RS-1 is designed for a 110 millimetre wide hub in the Boost standard. This option is not (yet) available from other manufacturers. If you value being able to adjust the travel of your fork, the choice of models in this group is very limited. SR Suntour and Bulls are the only ones that can be adjusted directly. With a new air unit, the RS-1 can also be extended from 100 to 120 millimetres. This option is not available on the others. However, even with identical suspension travel, the forks vary in length by up to 18 millimetres, which has a major impact on the geometry of the bike. The steering angle changes by almost one degree between the short Fox and the long Magura.
The setup of the race forks is relatively easy. Air pressure and rebound are standard settings, DT Swiss, Fox and SR Suntour add compression damping. This option allows the rider to build up more counter-pressure on the damping side without having to increase the air pressure.
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE editor:
"With price and weight records, the new vintage of race forks sets a few accents. But the riding characteristics are also absolutely impressive. The DT Swiss and Fox forks made the best impression on the 24-hour race course in Finale Ligure, with the former being of great interest to many racers due to its weight alone. The Rock Shox RS-1 is also one of the favourites, but was unable to repeat last year's test victory. Performance often varies from fork to fork, as the many bike tests in the past have shown. The inexpensive Bulls loses points due to its weight and average handling characteristics."
...
Details of the 100 millimetre race forks:
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BULLS LYTRO
Price 599 Euro
Info www.bulls.de
Suspension travel¹/works specification 100 mm/100 mm
Weight¹ 1904 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound
Lowering/blocking No/yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 180 mm/120 kg
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES ¹
Installation length 517 mm
Torsional rigidity 20.8 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 201.8 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 8 out of max. 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 10 out of max. 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 8 out of max. 12 points
Handling (10 %) 11 out of max. 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 8 out of max. 12 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of max. 12 points
CONCLUSION The Bulls Lytro is by far the cheapest fork in the test and is based on an SR Suntour Axon. It has the same lockout lever, but does not have adjustable compression damping, which at least simplifies handling. At 1904 grams, it is the heaviest in the field. The response behaviour of the Lytro is in the medium range. Due to the non-adjustable compression damping, it sags a little through its travel and doesn't give quite as good feedback on downhills as the top forks.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
DT SWISS O.D.L. RACE
Price 1199 Euro
Info www.dtswiss.com
Suspension travel¹/works specification 105 mm/100 mm
Weight¹ 1540 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering/blocking No/yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 210 mm/110 kg
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES ¹
Installation length 515 mm
Torsional rigidity 20.8 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 167.0 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 12 out of max. 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 11 out of max. 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 12 out of max. 12 points
Handling (10 %) 9 out of max. 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 7 out of max. 12 points
Weight (15 %) 10 out of max. 12 points
CONCLUSION Thanks to the use of stitched carbon in the steerer tube and fork crown, the suspension fork from world champion Nino Schurter achieves a top weight of just 1540 grams including the remote lever. We liked the high sensitivity with which the O.D.L feels the ground and therefore delivers the best traction. When things get rough, the fork still remains high in its travel and can be fine-tuned via the adjustable compression stage. Low brake stiffness and clicking noises on the pre-production cartridge marred the otherwise flawless picture.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
FOX 32 FLOAT
Price 1059 Euro
Info www ridefox.com
Suspension travel¹/works specification 100 mm/100 mm
Weight¹ 1711 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering/blocking No/yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 205 mm/no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES ¹
Installation length 502 mm
Torsional rigidity 22.1 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 178.5 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 out of max. 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 11 out of max. 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 12 out of max. 12 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of max. 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 8 out of max. 12 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of max. 12 points
CONCLUSION Together with the DT Swiss O.D.L, the Fox 32 fought a tough duel for the best race fork. According to the laboratory, it offers a slightly higher stiffness and no restriction in terms of rider weight. However, it weighs 171 grams more. In the practical test, the 32 impressed with its fine response on the one hand and perfect damping control on the other. In addition to the finely adjustable compression damping, the Fox can also be ridden very well in medium mode without losing sensitivity.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
MAGURA eLECT
Price 900 Euro
Info www.magura.de
Suspension travel¹/works specification 106 mm/100 mm
Weight¹ 1702 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound
Lowering/blocking No/yes, automatic
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 210 mm/130 kg
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES ¹
Installation length 520 mm
Torsional rigidity 25.2 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 199.4 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 7 out of max. 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 12 out of max. 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 8 out of max. 12 points
Handling (10 %) 9 out of max. 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 9 out of max. 12 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of max. 12 points
CONCLUSION Magura relies on electronic support and is also massively reducing prices. After initial setup with calibration, the eLECT has a reliable automatic mode that automatically locks or opens the fork depending on the route. Alternatively, you can also control the fork yourself using the remote control. Downhill, however, the Magura offers little comfort and is too sluggish. Small bumps leave the eLECT cold even in open mode, resulting in a lack of grip on the front wheel.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
ROCK SHOX RS-1
Price 1946 Euro
Info www.sram.com
Suspension travel¹/works specification 100 mm/100 mm
Weight¹ 1693 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound
Lowering/blocking No/yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 200 mm/no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES ¹
Installation length 506 mm
Torsional rigidity 10.7 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 250.5 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 10 out of max. 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 11 out of max. 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 11 out of max. 12 points
Handling (10 %) 9 out of max. 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 8 out of max. 12 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of max. 12 points
CONCLUSION It has never been a bargain and even goes one better in terms of price. Rock Shox is currently asking a breathtaking 1946 euros for the RS-1 made of carbon. The Uspide-down fork combines very high braking stiffness with low torsional rigidity and comparatively high weight (a special hub weighing around 50 g more is required). Nevertheless, the RS-1 was able to secure the test victory last year due to its outstanding riding characteristics. This year it was more difficult. Fox and DT Swiss narrowly missed out.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
SR SUNTOUR AXON WERX
Price 1339 Euro
Info www.srsuntour-cycling.com
Suspension travel¹/works specification 104 mm/100 mm
Weight¹ 1567 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering/blocking No/yes
Max. Ø disc/weight limit 180 mm/120 kg
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15 mm
MEASURED VALUES ¹
Installation length 513 mm
Torsional rigidity 19.4 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 171.8 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 9 out of max. 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 10 out of max. 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 10 out of max. 12 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of max. 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 7 out of max. 12 points
Weight (15 %) 10 out of max. 12 points
CONCLUSION Alongside DT Swiss and Rock Shox, SR Suntour is the third in the group to use carbon fibre. Even the downtubes are made of carbon fibre, resulting in a very low weight of 1567 grams. Small compromises have to be made in terms of stiffness, as well as the restriction to 180 mm brake discs. In practice, the Axon leaves a very good impression. It responds well, but cannot compete with Fox and DT Swiss.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
¹BIKE measured values (weight including thru axle and remote lever).
²The BIKE judgement is independent of price. It is made up of the six criteria and is based on rounded values. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
