Fox differentiates between Evolution, Performance and Factory-Line products. Evolution-Line stands for the cheaper O/C cartridges, somewhat less complex production and the absence of Kashima coating. Factory-Line refers to the highest-quality models in the Float (100-180 mm travel, cannot be lowered) and Talas (120-180 mm travel, can be lowered) versions. According to Fox, Factory Line forks are manufactured even more precisely and, above all, feature the higher-quality FIT cartridge, which noticeably improves the response behaviour and thus the comfort of the forks. Please note: Factory Line models may or may not have the shiny Kashima coating - Factory Line models are also available for OEMs without this eye-catching feature. The decor provides the decisive clue as to which inner workings can be found in the respective fork or damper. In the case of the shock, the highest quality cartridge is called Boost Valve (BV).
You will find these abbreviations on Fox suspension forks and dampers
Suspension lexicon for Rock Shox
Unlike Fox, Rock Shox is not divided into individual series. Instead, the differentiation is based on the models themselves. The SID (CC/Race), RS-1 (CC/Race), Reba (CC/Tour), Revelation (All Mountain), Pike (AM+/Enduro) and Lyrik (Enduro) models tend to represent the premium class, while Recon, Argyle, Sektor, 30 and XC tend to belong to the entry-level class. However, there are also major differences between the individual models, particularly in the popular Recon. Here, the coated stanchions in particular characterise the high-quality variants.
However, there are also slight differences in the features of the premium models. The abbreviation RC2 stands for the cartridge with adjustable high and low-speed compression damping, RCT3 is comparable to the Fox CTD system and offers three riding modes. The World Cup forks have a carbon crown, models with the suffix XX also have a remote lockout.
Rock Shox uses these abbreviations for forks/shocks
These are the most important abbreviations at Magura
It is much easier to get an overview of the Magura range than with Fox or Rock Shox. The Swabians only ever have one version of each fork, although they are available with a different number of riding modes. eLECT refers to Magura's automatic lockout system, DLO³ offers three riding modes, DLO² two. Albert SL refers to the weight-optimised and racing-oriented products.
Manitou forks in three versions: Pro, Expert and Comp
Manitou divides its suspension forks into different categories. There is a fork model for every application. The respective models are then offered in three different gradations (Pro, Expert, Comp). The Pro models are the premier class from Manitou. These models (except DJ forks) have a weight-optimised, hollow-forged crown and are equipped with a rebound cartridge. The Pro, Expert and Comp models also differ in terms of the technologies used (damping and air), materials and alloys. A special feature offered on many Manitou models (Pro and Expert) is the option of damping tuning with shim stacks. Manitou offers a complete tuning kit for retrofitting, which is primarily aimed at dealers, but is also freely available. With the Mattoc models, it is also possible to change the suspension travel using the spacers supplied.
