New suspension forks for children and hardcore bikers

Ludwig Döhl

 · 03.05.2019

New suspension forks for children and hardcore bikersPhoto: Ludwig Döhl
New suspension forks for children and hardcore bikers
RST will be presenting its new 20-inch Spex suspension fork in Riva. The RST Stich is also a new single crown fork with 180 millimetres of travel for tough enduro or e-MTB use.

The suspension fork market in the sporty MTB sector is dominated by Fox and Rockshox. However, the two top dogs also leave room for other manufacturers in the niche market: Neither of the two market leaders has attractive suspension forks for 20-inch bikes on offer.

  Spex: The new RST suspension fork for 20-inch bikes.Photo: Ludwig Döhl Spex: The new RST suspension fork for 20-inch bikes.  The pressure in the air chamber adjusts the fork to the child's weight. The RST Spex also has a lockout function.Photo: Ludwig Döhl The pressure in the air chamber adjusts the fork to the child's weight. The RST Spex also has a lockout function.

The market for small 20-inch children's bikes in particular continues to suffer from suspension forks that are often very heavy and do not respond properly to the low weight of children. At the same time, more and more sporty mini MTBs for mini bike park shredders are coming onto the market, which also require official suspension. RST has therefore integrated the Spex fork for 20-inch mountain bikes a lot of work. The result: an air fork that supposedly weighs just 1640 grams, with 60 to 80 millimetres of travel, a continuous 1 1/8-inch steerer tube and a 15x100 millimetre thru axle. The compression and rebound stages have been specially designed for low weight. The final price has not yet been finalised, but the fork will probably cost around 300 euros.

RST stitch for enduro and e-bikers

In addition to children, RST also caters for enduro bikers. The new RST Stich suspension fork has stanchions with a massive 38 millimetre diameter and 160 to 180 millimetres of travel, depending on the version. The enduro fork is available in Boost and Superboost installation standard.

  Big thing: The new RST Stich for enduro and e-bikers. The 38-millimetre stanchions are massive and are designed to provide stability.Photo: Ludwig Döhl Big thing: The new RST Stich for enduro and e-bikers. The 38-millimetre stanchions are massive and are designed to provide stability.

In addition to a steel spring version, RST also offers an air version and has probably placed particular emphasis on high rigidity and good durability when developing the fork. This is also reflected in the weight. At 2800 grams (steel spring) and 2500 grams (air version), the Stich is clearly a heavyweight. In addition to enduro bikers, e-bikers in particular should also be happy with this fork. Prices are not yet known.

  The compression stage of the RST stitch is separately adjustable.Photo: Ludwig Döhl The compression stage of the RST stitch is separately adjustable.  For e-bikers: The fork also has a mounting option for a mudguard.Photo: Ludwig Döhl For e-bikers: The fork also has a mounting option for a mudguard.
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