New Formula Selva V: High-end fork with a focus on sensitivity and less friction

The new Selva V is Formulas' new trail and enduro fork with 160 to 180 millimetres of travel. At the centre is the brand new V-Air-Springwhich works with a newly designed, friction-optimised piston architecture. As with the current Fox forks, an elastically mounted piston compensates for manufacturing tolerances and thus reduces friction along the entire spring travel. A single air chamber feeds both the positive and negative chambers. Air equalisation takes place in the fully extended state via a concetric bypass valve. As soon as the fork is under load, the valve closes and the two air chambers are separated from each other. For comparison: With most other forks, the pressures of both air chambers only equalise when the seal slides over a dimple (recess on the inside of the stanchion tube), which, however, increases seal wear.

The facts about the Formula Selva V at a glance:

• Field of applicationTrail / Enduro
• Spring travel160 / 170 / 180 mm
• Standpipe diameter: 35 mm
• Air springNew V-Air-Spring with elastic piston bearing and automatic pressure equalisation
• DampingProven IFT system with interchangeable CTS compression valves
• Chassis: Revised lower section, integrated mudguard, PM7 brake mount
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Setting options: Rebound damping (16 clicks), compression damping (12 clicks), CTS valving
• Weight2030 g (170 mm version, without thru-axle lever and mudguard)
• Pricefrom 1250 Euro
• Special features10-year spare parts supply, incl. accessories & service kit

Revised chassis for more precision

For the chassis, Formula has opted for 35 mm stanchions, a new triple clamp and wider bushing spacing. This provides more stiffness and greater riding comfort at the same time. The installation length has also been increased to keep pace with the current geometry of modern enduro bikes. The integrated mudguard offers welcome added value.

Proven damping technology with CTS system

The damping side remains unchanged - for good reason: the tried and tested Internal Floating Technology (IFT) has been harmonising sensitivity and weight in Formula forks for 10 years. Thanks to "floating" connections in the damping and suspension system, the seals can slide freely in the stanchion tube even when the fork is flexing. This reduces internal friction and prevents the fork from tilting. Thanks to IFT, Formula does not have to accept the weight of oversized and stiffer stanchions in order to reduce friction and increase sensitivity.

Added to this is the Compression Tuning System (CTS) with interchangeable compression valves for customising the compression adjustment range. The fork is supplied with the medium-hard compression stage tune. One harder and one softer CTS valve are included, six more are optionally available.

High quality, fair price and durable

The Selva V is manufactured in Italy and assembled by hand in Europe - not a mass-produced product, but precision engineering. In the price of from 1,250 euros The Formula bike kit includes all the necessary tools, CTS valves, volume spacers and service utensils such as a shock pump - a real added value. Formula also promises Ten years of support and a Two-year transferable warrantyalso for second-hand buyers.

Practical test: Formula Selva V

With the Selva V Formula wants to raise the bar for low-friction performance in the trail and enduro segment. New air spring, revised chassis, proven damping - and all wrapped up in Italian engineering expertise. But what can the fork really do on the trail? We tested it on rough, fast bike park trails.

Generally speaking, the fork tends to be lower in its travel, feels lively and is very forgiving in the middle of its travel. Traction? Fits! Thanks to the narrower 35 mm stanchions, the Selva also rides a little more smoothly but also less directly than its enduro counterpart ZEB from Rockshox, for example. Critical noteThe fork in its factory set-up (medium-hard compression valve) is a little overdamped in places on fast and hard impacts and passes impacts on to the rider without much force. This is where the CTS valves come into play. With the special tool supplied, the medium compression valve can be replaced with the softer version in just a few minutes. And lo and behold: thanks to the greater oil flow, the Selva V suddenly parries hard and fast hits with ease. In direct comparison, however, the Rockshox ZEB smooths out rough terrain a little more smoothly.

With a starting price of 1250 Euro the fork is fairly priced in the market. There are plenty of accessories (fenders, setup tool, oil, CTS valves) and a 10-year support guarantee.

Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

The Formula Selva V is a top suspension fork - No question about it. If you value trail comfort, fine response behaviour, clever detail solutions and many adjustment options, you'll be in luck here. Riders looking for maximum reserves, stiffness and an uncomplicated setup should take a look at the competition (Fox 38, Rockshox ZEB).