The first exchange of blows takes place on the scales. What counts for boxers also applies in cross-country racing. Although weight is merely an indication of form, it does fuel many a bet. However, instead of ever lighter forks, the spiral of suspension forks in the past was initially upwards. First disc brakes added weight, then thru-axles and finally larger wheels. All in the service of better function, but unfortunately also at the expense of weight. In the 100-millimetre 29er fork range, the magic limit seemed to be 1500 grams. Including the remote lever, the DT Swiss O.D.L. Race marked the top value last year with 1540 grams.
We tested these cross-country and all-mountain forks:
Cross-country suspension forks (29 inch, 100 mm travel):
- Fox 32 Float SC Factory (1159 Euro)
- Marzocchi 320 LCR (819,99 Euro)
- Rockshox SID Worldcup (1255 Euro)
- Rockshox SID RL (655 Euro)
All-mountain suspension forks (27.5 inch, 150 mm travel):
- Fox 34 Float Factory (1159 Euro)
- Fox 34 Float Performance (959 Euro)
- Rockshox Pike RCT3 (1124 Euro)
This season, however, the cards are being reshuffled. With the new SID and the new edition of the 32 Float, the two market leaders Rockshox and Fox are countering with full commitment. Both undercut DT's value, even if the SID Worldcup fails at the 1500 gram hurdle. Thanks to the super slim, stepped casting, Fox sets the new benchmark for CC forks with 1375 grams (1445 grams with remote) and undercuts the top model of the SID by 85 grams. Other contenders in the battle for the CC crown are Marzocchi's 320 LCR and the SID RL, which at 655 euros costs just over half as much as the SID Worldcup.
The all-mountain range with 150 millimetres of travel is no less exciting. Here too, the top dogs Rockshox Pike and Fox 34 Factory are joined by a cheaper Fox in the Performance version for the intra-brand comparison. However, with only three different manufacturers, the variety of brands in this test is limited. The reason: Many of the requested suspension fork manufacturers (BOS, DT Swiss, Manitou, Magura, X-Fusion, SR Suntour) did not have any new products in this suspension travel range or were simply unable to deliver at the time. The second part of the fork test with long-travel Enduro forks will again be more diverse with seven different suppliers.
But back to the race forks. The weight screw can only be turned further with a high level of design effort and the use of the lightest materials. What Fox achieves with the 32 Stepcast through the narrow, filigree-looking casting with cut-outs for the disc and spokes, Rockshox tries to make up for with the SID Worldcup with a carbon crown and shaft. Both top forks therefore cost well over 1000 euros at 1159 (Fox) and 1255 euros respectively. A lot of money, but still comparatively little compared to the RS-1 upside-down fork, for which Rockshox charges an impressive € 1946. The price, weight and faster wheel installation clearly speak in favour of the new SID anyway, which is why the RS-1 could become a quiet option for cross-country use. The Marzocchi was a little less exciting in terms of weight, but absolutely convincing in terms of riding performance. Although the 320 does not yet have the current Boost installation width (15x110 mm axle) like the others, it costs a fair € 819 and has been offered under the Fox umbrella since last year's crisis. For those looking to save money, there is no way around the SID RL anyway. Its weight and performance are very impressive. Despite the different damping structure, we would have expected even greater differences to the top model.
There are only a few changes to the all-mountain forks compared to last year. Fox 34 and Rockshox Pike are among the best the market has to offer. In the internal Fox duel with Factory versus Performance, the ride differences are slightly greater due to the longer travel. The Factory has slightly better travel without sacrificing sensitivity, although the Performance is also a very good alternative in terms of price.
CONCLUSION Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Director:
Due to the selective test field, the level of the forks is above average. In the cross-country sector, all four forks were rated "very good" and in some cases only just missed out on a super. Racers focussing on weight will not be able to avoid the new Fox 32 SC. Savers should go for the SID RL. In the 150 fork category, the test victory goes to the Fox 34 Factory, which narrowly beats the Rockshox Pike and the cheaper Fox 34 Performance.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 3/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
DETAILS: A CLOSE LOOK
These details make all the difference. Function, weight and stiffness are at the top of a fork manufacturer's list of requirements. Everyone goes their own way to realise these goals.
SETUP - TUNE CORRECTLY
So that you don't miss out on the potential of your new fork, we'll tell you how to achieve the perfect setup in just a few steps. A few PSI and just a few clicks can make a big difference.
Air pressure:
Open the platform and compression damping completely before checking the air pressure. Stand on the bike in full gear (including rucksack) in the basic position with your centre of gravity in the middle. It is best to hold on to the bike or lean against a wall. Then push the rubber ring down completely and carefully dismount. The negative suspension travel of the fork (SAG) should be around 25 per cent of the total suspension travel, depending on your preference.
Rebound:
If the air pressure is correct, the next step is to adjust the rebound damping (rebound speed) of the fork. First open the rebound damping (usually the red knob) fully anti-clockwise. Compress the fork with the front brake applied and full physical effort and suddenly take your hands off the handlebars at the lowest point. If the front wheel jumps up from the ground, the rebound must be increased clockwise until the front wheel no longer lifts.
Compression stage / Compression:
Compression damping controls the compression speed of the fork and is usually only found on high-priced or long-travel forks. In the case of the Fox 34 Factory and Rockshox Pike RCT3 (see below), the compression damping, which can be adjusted with the inner knob in open mode, is supplemented by a large lever for preselecting a platform up to lockout.
The simpler compression adjustment without a platform can be found on the Fox 34 Performance, for example (see below). If the fork tends to dive despite the correct air pressure or pump heavily when pedalling, you can increase the counterforce of the fork via the compression damping.
TEST RESULTS CROSS-COUNTRY SUSPENSION FORKS
The new generation of cross-country forks surprises with record weights of less than 1400 grams and yet convincing performance. The in-house comparison using two Rockshox SID forks proves that it doesn't necessarily have to be the top model to be happy on the race track.
FOX 32 Float SC Factory 29 inch
Info www.ridefox.de
Price 1159 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 108 mm / 100 mm
Weight¹ 1375 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression, platform
Lowering / Lockout No / yes, remote opt.
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 203 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110 / 100 mm
MEASURED VALUES¹
Installation length 505 mm
Torsional rigidity 10.5 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 117 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 11 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 8 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 6 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION Thanks to its compact casting and consistent lightweight construction, the 32 Stepcast currently leads the weight ranking of CC forks. Even with the remote (1445 grams). Stiffness has to be compromised. However, the precision is more than enough for the most demanding racers. Comfort and feedback from the ground are optimal. High reserves when it counts.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
The lightweight Fox is not stingy with travel and even provided 108 millimetres on our test bench. Thanks to the linear progression with late onset progression, a large working range is available.
MARZOCCHI 320 LCR 29 inch
Info www.marzocchi.com
Price 819.99 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 104 mm / 100 mm
Weight¹ 1688 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering / Lockout No / yes, via remote
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 185 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x100 mm
MEASURED VALUES¹
Installation length 505 mm
Torsional rigidity 14.3 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 98.8 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 12 out of 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 11 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 Fox Product sticker indicates the new ownership structure at Marzocchi. Functionally, the 320 LCR impressed with its excellent response behaviour and convincing DH performance. The disadvantage of the most comfortable fork in the test is the slightly higher weight. The handlebar clamp of the remote lever on the test fork twisted. Not available in Boost.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
If you didn't know for sure, you might think that the fork has more travel. Thanks to its high sensitivity, the Marzocchi offers plenty of traction and optimum comfort, even on long tours.
ROCKSHOX SID Worldcup 29 inch
Info www.sram.com
Price 1255 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 100 mm / 100 mm
Weight¹ 1530 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering / Lockout No / yes, via remote
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 200 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110 / 100 mm
MEASURED VALUES¹
Installation length 505 mm
Torsional rigidity 26.4 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 155.9 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 11 out of 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 10 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 The new SID gives the in-house RS-1 a run for its money. 163 grams lighter, high torsional rigidity and quick wheel changes speak in favour of the fork, which is available up to 100 mm. Despite the carbon steerer/crown, it weighs 79 grams more than the Fox, even without the remote lever. The SID is racy and firm and feels comfortable when the going gets tough.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Fox 32 and both SIDs are on a par in terms of the gradient of the characteristic curve. However, the progression of the SIDs starts a little earlier, which gives them a high level of bottoming out protection.
ROCKSHOX SID RL 29 inch
Info www.sram.com
Price 655 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 102 mm / 100 mm
Weight¹ 1588 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering / Lockout No / yes, remote opt.
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 200 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110 / 100 mm
MEASURED VALUES¹
Installation length 505 mm
Torsional rigidity 29.4 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 194.2 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 10 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 10 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION The cheapest SID is only about half the price of the World Cup version. An open oil bath instead of a closed damping cartridge and an aluminium instead of carbon upper section are the main differences, which account for 134 grams (remote adjusted). In terms of riding performance, it has nothing to hide from the World Cup, where only the compression damping can be adjusted more finely.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
In terms of the characteristic curve, there are no differences between the two SIDs, which have the same air unit. However, the World Cup version offers finer compression adjustment with 18 instead of just 5 clicks.
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.
TEST RESULTS ALL-MOUNTAIN SUSPENSION FORKS
The all-mountain segment with 150 millimetres of travel is dominated by the usual suspects. The Fox 34 and the Rockshox Pike share the market on the vast majority of all-mountain bikes in the price range from 2800 euros. Here too, it's worth taking a look at the cheaper models in the product range. With a few restrictions in performance but often a simpler setup, you can save some money with a clear conscience.
FOX 34 Float Factory 27.5 inch
Info www.ridefox.de
Price 1159 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 151 mm / 150 mm
Weight¹ 1785 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering / platform No / yes
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 205 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110 / 100 mm
MEASURED VALUES¹
Installation length 545 mm
Torsional rigidity 23.1 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 187.0 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 12 out of 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 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 Low weight and top performance make the 34 Factory a very potent all-mountain fork that is already poaching in the enduro sector. Despite its high level of comfort, it always offers sufficient counter-pressure and thus feedback from the ground and is high in its travel. The effective damping can be adjusted for any terrain.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
The 34 mm Fox responds sensitively and offers a linear working range. The slight progression towards the end can be fine-tuned to your own preferences using volume spacers in the air chamber.
FOX 34 Float Performance 27.5 inch
Info www.ridefox.de
Price 959 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 153 mm / 150 mm
Weight¹ 1841 g
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Setting options Spring stiffness via air pressure, rebound, compression
Lowering / platform No / no
Max. Ø disc / weight limit 205 mm / no
Available shafts Taper
Available dropouts 15x110 / 100 mm
MEASURED VALUES¹
Installation length 545 mm
Torsional rigidity 23.9 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 180.8 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 10 out of 12 points
Handling (10 %) 10 out of 12 points
Stiffness (15 %) 8 out of 12 points
Weight (15 %) 9 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION For 200 euros less, there is the slightly heavier Performance version of the 34, which also has a closed, but completely different damping cartridge. It responds almost as well as the Factory to fine adjustments, but offers slightly less counter-pressure in fast and steep sections and works with more spring movement. Top fork for the money.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
The characteristics of the two Fox 34 forks do not differ. The differences in riding are in the damping. With the Performance, the high and low-speed compression damping are adjusted using the rotary knob.
ROCKSHOX Pike RCT3 27.5 inch
Info www.sram.com
Price 1124 Euro
Suspension travel¹ / factory specification 151 mm / 150 mm
Weight¹ 1984 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 545 mm
Torsional rigidity 36.2 Nm/°
Brake rigidity 236.0 Nm/°
Sensitivity (15 %) 11 out of 12 points
Uphill (20 %) 10 out of 12 points
Downhill (25 %) 10 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 Pike sets the benchmark in terms of stiffness, but also weighs 200 grams more than the Fox 34 Factory. Overall, it performs at a very high level, but is a little less stable than the Factory and is not quite as good at filtering out small bumps. Without the optional torque caps, wheel installation is a little fiddly.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
In the basic setup, the characteristic curve from 80 millimetres of travel is somewhat flatter than with Fox. However, the final progression of the characteristic curve can still be easily influenced using the volume spacers supplied.
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 3/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
