All-mountain suspension forks 2023: 8 forks with 150 millimetres in the test
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Do all-mountain suspension forks need more than 150 millimetres of travel? According to the Duden dictionary, the positive meaning of the word "more" is that something is stronger, better, more appropriate. This only applies to mountain bike suspension to a limited extent. Enduro forks vie for the favour of downhill riders with more suspension travel and larger dimensions. However, it wasn't so long ago that the castings of today's all-mountain forks were used in the Enduro World Cup.
Well, there are now specialists with one to two millimetres more stanchion diameter and ten to twenty millimetres more travel. In principle, however, forks with 35 or 36 millimetre stanchions were once designed for the toughest trails in the world. And all-mountain bikers appreciate the weight advantage of slimmer forks.
So the question arises: How good are the current suspension forks with 150 millimetres of travel really? And do demanding riders really need more?
We tested these all-mountain forks:
Click to go to the individual rating
All topics in the test:
All-mountain forks in the 2023 test
In the models we tested, the manufacturers pull out all the stops when it comes to adjustment options and equip them with numerous dials, valves and screws. Even the siblings in the higher travel class do not offer more adjustment options. Everywhere there is still something to turn, adjust and adapt. Technology nerds look with shining eyes at the finely rasterised adjusters of the Fox and enjoy the OTT steel spring preload of the DVO, which allows full choice thanks to 84 clicks.
Other bikers don't want to invest so much time in setup and would rather just ride. By the time they have found the optimum pressure for the negative air chambers from Formula and Manitou, they have simply tightened the stepless compression damping of the Marzocchi and have already completed their first trail tour.
Good news: no fork in the test is really bad
Unlike a few years ago, all-mountain bikers can look forward to 2023, as our test in the Geißkopf bike park reveals: None of the forks in the comparison are really bad. It's more the special characteristics that set the candidates apart.
The exotic Cane Creek can score points in the upper part of the test track, where the jumps and big steps are a challenge, but requires a strong hand on the handlebars on the many small bumps of the lower section. This is where the sensitive Manitou really comes into its own. The difference in performance between the Marzocchi and the more expensive competition is noticeable, but with a price difference of 800 euros in some cases, it quickly becomes a question of priorities.
Barely more expensive, but noticeably more versatile, the DVO secures our price-performance tip. As a suspension fork underdog, DT-Swiss provides a surprise and also proves to be a very good all-rounder with sporty but balanced handling characteristics. The purple-coloured Formula is a setup freak's delight. Sensitive, but with weaknesses in terms of support, the expensive Italian is in the midfield of our comparison.
Fox and Rockshox are fighting a tough battle
That leaves the two top dogs. Most all-mountain bikes have either a Fox or Rockshox fork. As the test day draws to a close, it is clear that the two industry giants have nothing to envy and are going head-to-head for the test victory.
Both forks control their damping competently and make excellent use of the suspension travel. Both absorb small bumps sensitively and don't leave the rider hanging even on big hits. With the right setup, the flagship models guide you confidently over varied trails in every situation.
This is the first time in the history of BIKE that we have awarded the test winner rating twice in a suspension fork test. In the lab, the slightly lighter and stiffer Rockshox has the edge. The setup of the cheaper Lyrik is also somewhat simpler. In practice, the Fox responds a touch more smoothly.
This means that the two major competitors are exactly equal in first place. The vast majority of bikers will rarely really feel the tiny differences. No all-mountain bike needs more suspension fork.
Conclusion: MTB suspension forks with 150 millimetres in the 2023 test
All-mountain suspension forks with 150 millimetres of travel have to cover a wide range of applications. Depending on the rider and trail profile, generalists make the most sense. The fact that two of them share the test victory is a novelty. The top forks from Fox and Rockshox have rightly established themselves as the gold standard and are on an equal footing. Personal preferences also come into play when making a purchase decision. These cannot be measured, only felt. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pros & cons of suspension fork adjustment options
Lowspeed, highspeed, rebound, compression, negative and positive chamber. Manufacturers equip their all-mountain forks with all kinds of adjustment options. Do you really need them?
PRO by Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
Setting options only make sense if you are really familiar with them and the setting ranges are easy to use. On the other hand, if you are not so familiar with the subject, you run the risk of adjusting more than you can adjust. With a marker for the centre position on the compression damping, Rockshox offers a good approach to help novices find the perfect setup. Adjustment options don't necessarily have to be bad, but they could be easier to use.
CONTRA by Laurin Lehner, FREERIDE test editor
The designers build their bikes and high-end parts for racers. In other words, for the absolute elite who want to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of them. The question remains: Do I need this as a hobby biker, or do I just want it? A World Cup racer told me off the record that even he thinks a high and low-speed rebound is rubbish. He's right! Why make it complicated when it can be simple? My tip: save the money and invest in a bike trip instead.
The all-mountain forks in detail
We noticed this in particular:
Tips & tricks for the setting options
The greater the suspension travel, the more adjustment options and features a fork offers. Here are four useful tips for dealing with long-travel suspension forks:
Blocked equalisation hole to the negative chamber
Most suspension forks only have one valve. The negative chamber, which helps with compression, fills automatically. If this does not work (the fork feels far too tight, as with the Fox 36 in the test), the equalisation hole may be clogged with too much grease. If this is the case, deflate the fork, open the air chamber and remove some grease with a lint-free cloth.
Air pressure recommendation as a guideline
Many suspension forks come with an air pressure table that provides a recommendation for the corresponding rider weight. Depending on the rider's weight and riding style, it makes perfect sense to deviate from this and try out different setups. It is best to approach the optimum in small steps of five PSI.
Stress-free thanks to floating axles
A so-called floating axle is used on some fork models. Although this requires tools during assembly, it has the advantage that the fork casting cannot become distorted because it is not clamped axially. As soon as the hub is even minimally under- or oversized, a suspension fork can tighten with classic clamping.
Venting
Fox and Rockshox forks have bleed valves on the rear side of the dip tube unit. The pressure on the valves ensures atmospheric pressure equalisation. The air in the dip tube unit acts like an additional spring and can make it difficult to fully utilise the suspension travel.
This is how we tested
The suspension fork test in BIKE consists of a laboratory and a practical section. In our own test laboratory in Munich, all measurement data is determined on special test benches. Depending on the suspension travel category, the riding tests are carried out on appropriate routes with at least three experienced testers.
The laboratory test
Both the weight and the stiffness are included in the final judgement at 15 percent each. To assess how stiff and precise a suspension fork is, we take two different measurements. In the picture above, the torsional stiffness is determined. To do this, the suspension fork fixed to the dropouts is twisted using a lever mounted on the steerer tube. The measurement result in Nm/° provides information about the steering precision. The second stiffness measurement simulates how much the fork twists when braking. The so-called brake stiffness is also included in the final judgement. Both values can be found in the respective test reports.
In addition to weight and stiffness, we determine the actual spring travel and plot the spring characteristic curve. If the spring travel is important for Test of cross-country and trail forks in BIKE 9/23 While the fork's suspension curve deviates by up to ten millimetres from the manufacturer's specification, we were only able to determine a maximum difference of five millimetres for the all-mountain models. The spring characteristic curve, which provides an indication of the characteristics of a suspension fork, is also shown in the test report. We also determine the installation length in the laboratory. This is an important indication of whether the fork will fit in your frame.
The practical test
70 per cent of the final verdict is based on practical impressions. The response behaviour accounts for 15 percent of the verdict. How sensitively does the suspension fork react to bumps and how well does it keep shocks away from the rider? For the all-mountain forks tested here with 150 millimetres of travel, downhill performance accounts for a total of 45 percent. We assess the overall suspension and damping behaviour, which is reflected in control, safety and comfort. Last but not least, we also rate the handling with ten per cent. How easy is it to set up? Are all adjustment options clearly labelled? Are the air pressure/damper recommendations correct? Do you need tools to remove the front wheel?
MTB suspension forks with 150 millimetres of travel: test results
Cane Creek Helmet MKII
Manufacturer information
- Price: 1299 Euro
- Weight: 2104 grammes
- Suspension travel¹ / factory specification: 146 mm / 150 mm
- Adjustment options: Progression; rebound damping; low and high-speed compression damping
- Lockout / platform: no / no
- Max. Ø disc / weight limit: 203 mm / no
- Available shafts / standpipe Ø: Taper / 35 mm
- Available suspension travel: 130-160 mm
- Tyre size: 29/27.5 inch
Measured values¹
- Installation length: 555 mm
- Torsional rigidity: 31.5 Nm/°
- Brake rigidity: 219.8 Nm/°
- Sensitivity (15 %): 7 out of 12 points
- Downhill (45 %): 7 out of 12 points
- Handling (10 %): 5 out of 12 points
- Stiffness (15 %): 10 out of 12 points
- Weight (15 %): 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSION: The Helm MKII from American manufacturer Cane Creek has the highest torsional rigidity and is one of the lighter forks. As the negative chamber does not fill automatically, the setup is complex. The firm Helm is very high in its travel and offers reserves on steps and hard landings. However, it lacks sensitivity on small and fast hits.
BIKE judgement²: Good
DT Swiss F535 ONE Gen2
Manufacturer information
- Price: 1149 Euro
- Weight: 2195 grammes
- Suspension travel¹ / factory specification: 150 mm / 151 mm
- Adjustment options: Progression; Rebound; Compression
- Lockout / platform: yes / yes
- Max. Ø disc / weight limit: 203 mm / 130 kg
- Available shafts / standpipe Ø: Taper / 35 mm
- Available suspension travel: 120-160 mm
- Tyre size: 29 inch
Measured values¹
- Installation length: 560 mm
- Torsional rigidity: 25.8 Nm/°
- Brake rigidity: 246.1 Nm/°
- Sensitivity (15 %): 11 out of 12 points
- Downhill (45 %): 11 out of 12 points
- Handling (10 %): 9 out of 12 points
- Stiffness (15 %): 10 out of 12 points
- Weight (15 %): 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSIONS: With the new generation of the F535 One, the Swiss are saying goodbye to buttons and valves hidden behind covers and making everything freely accessible, which makes setup easier. The DT scores with high sensitivity and very good support. Due to the travel-dependent damping, it is high in its travel and offers reserves, which gives it a firmer character.
BIKE verdict²: Super
DVO Diamond D1 - BIKE Tip: Value for money
Manufacturer information
- Price: 999,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 2273 grammes
- Suspension travel¹ / factory specification: 147 mm / 150 mm
- Adjustment options: Progression; rebound; low and high-speed compression; sensitivity
- Lockout / platform: no / no
- Max. Ø disc / weight limit: 203 mm / no
- Available shafts / standpipe Ø: Taper / 35 mm
- Available suspension travel: 140-160 mm
- Tyre size: 29 inch
Measured values¹
- Installation length: 560 mm
- Torsional rigidity: 33.8 Nm/°
- Brake rigidity: 253.6 Nm/°
- Sensitivity (15 %): 11 out of 12 points
- Downhill (45 %): 11 out of 12 points
- Handling (10 %): 6 out of 12 points
- Stiffness (15 %): 12 out of 12 points
- Weight (15 %): 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSIONS: Together with Marzocchi, the DVO weighs the most, but also offers the highest stiffness, which heavy riders will appreciate. The setup with a preloadable negative spring is complex. Once this hurdle has been overcome, the DVO impresses with its sensitivity and good damping control. The price is also fully in line with the performance.
BIKE verdict²: Super
Formula Selva R
Manufacturer information
- Price: 1766 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 2120 grammes
- Suspension travel¹ / factory specification: 153 mm / 150 mm
- Adjustment options: Progression; rebound; compression; lockout strength
- Lockout / platform: yes / yes
- Max. Ø disc / weight limit: 220 mm / no
- Available shafts / standpipe Ø: Taper / 35 mm
- Available suspension travel: 140-160 mm
- Tyre size: 29 inch
Measured values¹
- Installation length: 555 mm
- Torsional rigidity: 27.8 Nm/°
- Brake rigidity: 217.9 Nm/°
- Sensitivity (15 %): 10 out of 12 points
- Downhill (45 %): 9 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
CONCLUSIONS: At 1766 euros, the Italian Selva R has the highest price in the test field. In addition to a low-speed adjustment, it also has an adjustable lockout. The compression adjustment knob on our test fork was crooked. The Formula responds sensitively to fine adjustments. The air pressure recommendation makes it difficult to utilise the suspension travel. At lower pressures it tends to sag.
BIKE verdict²: Very good
Test winner: Fox Factory 36 Grip 2
Manufacturer information
- Price: 1559 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 2109 grammes
- Suspension travel¹ / factory specification: 151 mm /150 mm
- Adjustment options: Progression; high and low speed rebound/compression stage
- Lockout / platform: no / no
- Max. Ø disc / weight limit: 230 mm / 141 kg
- Available shafts / standpipe Ø: Taper / 36 mm
- Available suspension travel: 150-160 mm
- Tyre size: 29/27.5 inch
Measured values¹
- Installation length: 570 mm
- Torsional rigidity: 24.8 Nm/°
- Brake rigidity: 228.9 Nm/°
- Sensitivity (15 %): 12 out of 12 points
- Downhill (45 %): 12 out of 12 points
- Handling (10 %): 7 out of 12 points
- Stiffness (15 %): 10 out of 12 points
- Weight (15 %): 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSIONS: As in the first part of the suspension fork test, the 36 also impresses with its fine response behaviour, good damping control and travel utilisation without bottoming out. It offers a great compromise between comfort and support. Due to Too much grease in the air chamber the Fox initially had teething troubles, but this was quickly rectified.
BIKE verdict²: Super
Manitou Mezzer Pro
Manufacturer information
- Price: 1180 Euro
- Weight: 2083 grammes
- Suspension travel¹ / factory specification: 155 mm /150 mm
- Adjustment options: Progression; rebound damping; low and high-speed compression damping
- Lockout / platform: no / no
- Max. Ø disc / weight limit: 203 mm / 170 kg
- Available shafts / standpipe Ø: Taper / 37 mm
- Available suspension travel: 140-180 mm
- Tyre size: 29 inch
Measured values¹
- Installation length: 580 mm
- Torsional rigidity: 28.7 Nm/°
- Brake rigidity: 241.3 Nm/°
- Sensitivity (15 %): 10 out of 12 points
- Downhill (45 %): 8 out of 12 points
- Handling (10 %): 7 out of 12 points
- Stiffness (15 %): 10 out of 12 points
- Weight (15 %): 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSIONS: With its 37 mm stanchions, the Mezzer is the thickest fork in the test and can be converted to 180 millimetres of travel. The weight is low. The Mezzer has an additional air chamber to adjust the progression. Compared to the best forks, the Manitou offers less damping control and dives through its travel. Sensitivity suffers with more compression.
BIKE judgement²: Very good
Marzocchi Bomber Z1
Manufacturer information
- Price: 949 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 2295 grammes
- Suspension travel¹ / factory specification: 150 mm / 150 mm
- Adjustment options: Progression; rebound; low-speed compression
- Lockout / platform: yes / no
- Max. Ø disc / weight limit: 203 mm / n/a Specification
- Available shafts / standpipe Ø: Taper / 36 mm
- Available suspension travel: 140-170 mm
- Tyre size: 29/27.5 inch
Measured values¹
- Installation length: 545 mm
- Torsional rigidity: 25.8 Nm/°
- Brake rigidity: 250.9 Nm/°
- Sensitivity (15 %): 9 out of 12 points
- Downhill (45 %): 7 out of 12 points
- Handling (10 %): 9 out of 12 points
- Stiffness (15 %): 10 out of 12 points
- Weight (15 %): 7 out of 12 points
CONCLUSIONS: The Bomber Z1 is the cheapest and heaviest suspension fork in the test. Due to the limited adjustment options, the setup is pleasantly simple, even if we would have liked to see a ratchet on the compression damping knob. On steep terrain, the Z1 tends to bottom out and offers little support. It also reaches its limit sooner on fast hits.
BIKE judgement²: Good
Test winner: >
Manufacturer information
- Price: 1196 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 2024 grammes
- Suspension travel¹ / factory specification: 151 mm / 150 mm
- Adjustment options: Progression; rebound damping; high and low-speed compression damping
- Lockout / platform: no / no
- Max. Ø disc / weight limit: 220 mm / no
- Available shafts / standpipe Ø: Taper / 35 mm
- Available suspension travel: 140-160 mm
- Tyre size: 29 inch
Measured values¹
- Installation length: 565 mm
- Torsional rigidity: 30.4 Nm/°
- Brake rigidity: 232.1 Nm/°
- Sensitivity (15 %): 11 out of 12 points
- Downhill (45 %): 12 out of 12 points
- Handling (10 %): 9 out of 12 points
- Stiffness (15 %): 11 out of 12 points
- Weight (15 %): 8 out of 12 points
CONCLUSIONS: The Lyrik combines low weight with high torsional rigidity. Thanks to the new compression damping control, setup is easy and straightforward. Downhill, the Rockshox shines with good absorption capacity and damping control with good travel utilisation. It is therefore on a par with the Fox 36 and shares the test victory with it.
BIKE verdict²: Super
¹All measured values were determined by BIKE.
²BIKE test rating: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses.
