There are only a few companies that share the lion's share of the bike market among themselves. But more and more bikers are resisting the mainstream. If you don't want to sink into the maelstrom of standardisation, you can customise your bike: unusual designs, exotic add-on parts, colour-coordinated gimmicks. Even when it comes to high-priced suspension forks, there are basically only two competitors dominating the market: Fox and Rockshox cut the biggest pieces out of the cake. And yet there are more and more loopholes for individualists, especially in the enduro sector - small brands that claim the few remaining crumbs for themselves with a lot of creativity.
You can find these 7 enduro MTB suspension forks in the test:
- DVO Diamond
- Formula Selva EX
- Fox 36 Float Factory HSC/LSC
- Intend Edge
- Marzocchi 3509 NCR Titanium
- Öhlins RXF36
- Rockshox Lyrik RCT3
Old favourites in the test field are the Fox 36 and the Rockshox Lyrik. Marzocchi can also count itself among the big, established brands. The 350 NCR with titanium spring is at the start for the traditional brand. Formula is a rarer sight on the trails. The Italians are sending the new Selva into battle. The field is made even more exclusive by the DVO Diamond and the Öhlins RXF36 from Sweden, which has only been available since last year and has been used exclusively in Specialized bikes to date. The Intend brand or the Edge model name will only be familiar to the very few. The upside-down fork manufactured in Germany by Cornelius Kapfinger (former Trickstuff brake developer) has only been sold 25 times to date and represents the absolute antithesis of mass production. An exclusive small series product, which puts the proud price of 1599 euros into perspective. Nevertheless, this exotic bike from Germany marks the upper end of the price range in this test. It starts with the affordable Formula, which is even just under the 1000 euro mark - especially in the Enduro league, brand managers have to calculate with a sharp pen.
But what do you actually expect from an enduro fork? On the one hand, the aim is to isolate as many tiring vibrations and bumps as possible from the rider, but on the other hand to provide enough feedback for perfect control. A balancing act. With a high degree of sensitivity, the tyre can ultimately build up a lot of traction and follow the ground optimally. With the help of balanced damping control, the rider still gets filtered feedback on where he is riding over and what the tyre is doing. Another important aspect of longer suspension travel is the ability of the fork to remain stable in its travel and return quickly to its starting position after impacts, which increases riding stability.
To find out whether there is more than just exclusivity behind some of the forks, we travelled to Finale Ligure in Italy. Our test track had already served as a special stage in the Enduro World Series and was therefore ideal for teasing the 160 to 172 millimetres of travel out of the seven forks.
The setup comes before every test ride. Both a curse and a blessing is the wealth of adjustment options that a high-end enduro fork has to offer. Air pressure, rebound, often speed-dependent compression and additional functions such as a progression chamber, volume spacer or a preloadable negative spring offer many possibilities for individual adjustments, but require sound expertise and plenty of time to try things out. In order to utilise the full potential of each fork, we use the manufacturer's recommendations (if available) as a basis and supplement the fine-tuning with the data known from the previous model or obtained from the many BIKE tests. Depending on the condition of the track and the temperature, it may be necessary to readjust and try things out during a descent. Formula and Intend don't make it easy in this respect - the adjustment knobs on the Intend are simply not labelled at all and those on the Formula are insufficiently labelled.
Just a few metres of trail reveal a lot about the character of a fork in direct comparison. We were therefore curious about the performance of the blue underdog from Intend with its upside-down design. The lightest fork in the test surprised us in a positive sense with the best response behaviour in comparison and also very good absorption capacity when things get steep and bumpy. This means that the Edge can immediately keep up with the best forks in the comparison. A small sensation. The peculiarity of USD forks with high braking stiffness on the one hand, but comparatively low torsional stiffness on the other, cannot be denied by the Edge either - this is shown by the practical tests, but also by our laboratory measurements. At 17.3 Nm/°, it is at the bottom of the field, but none of our test riders (70-80 kilograms) found the steering precision to be insufficient. The Intend is tricky when changing wheels: the dropouts can twist as soon as you remove the thru axle and you need an Allen key to fit them.
The Intend's six competitors also impress with very good handling characteristics. In addition to the Intend, the top scorers in the downhill ranking include the Fox 36 and the DVO Diamond. These three forks appeared at the top of the personal rankings of all three test riders - and they don't differentiate between mass-produced and niche products.
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:
Our test field proves that the selection of really good suspension forks is very large today. Whether mass or custom, the customer has a wide range of really potent enduro forks to choose from. The Fox 36, the DVO Diamond and the Intend Edge left the best impression in practice, followed by the Rockshox Lyrik, which impressed with the easiest handling. When it comes to setup, however, there is still room for improvement, especially in the enduro sector. The fact that the path to the perfect setup is often rockier than the subsequent trail doesn't have to be the case.
Interview with Cornelius Kapfinger (30), brake and suspension fork developer:
You manufacture your USD fork in small series in Germany. How long does the delivery time for the Edge take?
I have all the small parts in stock, but I order the more cost-intensive parts such as the pipes and milled parts when I have several orders together. A delivery time of three months is realistic.
How does the high price come about, and what about the supply of spare parts? Who guarantees that you will still be building forks in five years' time?
All parts are manufactured in Germany and Austria. Milling the triple clamp alone takes a good four hours. Due to the small quantities (maximum 30-50 forks per year), the small parts are also very expensive. If the fork project comes to an end at some point, I will be happy to help out with the drawings. In principle, any turner can produce spare parts from them. The seals are mass-produced parts, and the bushings and dip tubes are also not custom-made.
What started as a hobby is now becoming more and more professional. Have you already been approached by one of the major fork manufacturers?
No, and that's a good thing. I want to remain independent and build what I think is cool without having to think too much about economic constraints.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
THE DETAILS OF THE TEST FORKS
The longer the suspension travel, the greater the number of adjustment options. Not all details are self-explanatory and useful for the rider.
THE TEST RESULTS
The field of enduro forks with 160 to 170 millimetres is particularly colourful and diverse. There is currently no other category that offers more new forks. Many of the newly developed technologies from this area are then also used in slimmed-down versions in all-mountain forks. Technology fans will love the variety of settings on these powerful forks. However, those who don't get to grips with the subject very often will need patience to utilise the full potential.
DVO Diamond 27.5 inch
Price 1049 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 166 mm / 170 mm
Weight¹ 2241 g
Manufacturer information
Setting options Spring over compression, extension, H. and L. compression, preload. Negative spring
Lowering / platform No / no
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 203 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110 / 100 mm
Measured values¹
Installation length 550 mm
Torsional rigidity 32.9 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 230.4 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 12 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION The Diamond from DVO offers a wealth of adjustment options and is therefore not aimed at those who don't like technology. The fork is not light, but it is stiff, sensitive and still gives the rider enough feedback. Especially on rough terrain, the Diamond shines with plenty of reserves. Together with Fox and Intend, it is one of the three best forks in the downhill segment.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
FORMULA Selva EX 27.5 inch
Price 998 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 165 mm / 170 mm
Weight¹ 2085 g
Manufacturer information
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression stage, lockout hardness
Lowering / platform No / yes
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 203 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110 / 20x110 mm
Measured values¹
Installation length 565 mm
Torsional rigidity 31.9 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 214.8 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 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 %) 10 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION Formulas' new enduro flagship is technically based on the 35 EX. It has been given a stiffer casting for the Boost standard with 15 and 20 mm axles, but also weighs 250 grams more. The Selva works very sensitively, but is not quite as plush and smooth on the trail as the three top forks, which therefore provide a little more traction.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
FOX 36 Float Factory HSC/LSC
27.5 inch
Price 1359 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 160 mm /160 mm
Weight¹ 2044 g
Manufacturer information
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, Hi. and Lo. compression stage
Lowering / platform No / no
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 203 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110/100 / 20x110 mm
Measured values¹
Installation length 550 mm
Torsional rigidity 25.3 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 214.5 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 8 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 Fox leaves nothing to be desired in the enduro sector and offers a light and potent package with the 36. The balance of sensitivity and good feedback from the ground is exemplary and leaves nothing to be desired, even for racers. In addition, the 36 is high in its travel for optimum control on steep and rough terrain and offers ample reserves.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
INTEND Edge 27.5 inch
Price 1599 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 164 mm / 166 mm
Weight¹ 1945 g
Manufacturer information
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering / platform No / no
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 203 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 20x110 mm
Measured values¹
Installation length 550 mm
Torsional rigidity 17.3 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 360.6 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 12 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 12 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 5 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION The lightweight Edge was the surprise in the test field and earned appreciative nods from the test crew. The upside-down fork worked the most sensitively and therefore offers the best traction as well as top absorption capacity. The low torsional rigidity is noticeable in practice, but was not a negative factor. A defective sealing ring caused oil loss.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
MARZOCCHI 350 NCR Titanium 27.5 inch
Price 1249,99 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 165 mm / 170 mm
Weight¹ 2304 g
Manufacturer information
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering / platform No / yes
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 203 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x100 mm
Measured values¹
Installation length 570 mm
Torsional rigidity 28.7 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 190.7 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 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 %) 9 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 6 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION As the only fork with a titanium spring and air support, the 350 is very sensitive and works at a high level. Due to the strong progression towards the end, it doesn't iron out big hits quite so confidently, making it difficult to utilise the travel. The setup could be easier. Due to the titanium spring, the Marzocchi weighs the most.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
ÖHLINS RXF36 29 inch
Price 1323.88 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 158 mm / 160 mm
Weight¹ 2046 g
Manufacturer information
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, progression, rebound, L. and H. compression stage
Lowering / platform No / no
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 203 mm / 120 kg
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110 mm
Measured values¹
Installation length 565 mm
Torsional rigidity 29.1 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 210.9 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Uphill (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
Downhill (30 %) 8 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 12 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION The Swedish motorsport brand Öhlins has a hard time holding its own against the high-calibre competition. If you master the complex setup with two air chambers, you get a firm fork that offers very good suspension travel when riding hard, but somewhat less comfort and therefore less traction in the finer details. On the other hand, the fork scores points with well thought-out details such as the one-piece upper section consisting of steerer tube and fork crown.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
ROCKSHOX Lyrik RCT3 27.5 inch
Price 1124 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 172 mm / 170 mm
Weight¹ 2083 g
Manufacturer information
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering / platform No / yes
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 200 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110 / 100 mm
Measured values¹
Installation length 565 mm
Torsional rigidity 38.6 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 242.8 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 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 %) 12 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION Out of the box, the Lyrik offers confident handling with just a few clicks and works very consistently over the entire suspension travel. Thanks to the high stiffness and yet good weight, even heavy riders have no problems in terms of precision. Without the optional torque caps (enlarged support) for hubs, wheel installation is fiddly.
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 the six criteria and is based on rounded values. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
