The Swedish suspension specialist Öhlins has made a name for itself in motorsport over the decades and can proudly look back on more than 300 world championship titles. Since 2015, Öhlins has also been expanding its commitment to the mountain bike sector. The RXF 34 m.2 is the latest development from the Swedes and, unlike its predecessor, has been specially optimised for trail use.
More specialised and lighter than ever
In the second development stage of the RXF 34, Öhlins has dispensed with the wide travel range of 120 to 160 millimetres and positioned the fork precisely in the trail range. With 120 to 130 millimetres of travel, the new fork with 34-millimetre stanchions makes a big impression. Down-country and fast trail bikes the best figure. Specialising the suspension travel has also made the new RXF 34 lighter and given it a stronger platform for powerful sprints. The Swedes have saved weight not only in the casting, but also in the damping cartridge, which is located in the left fork leg at Öhlins. Instead of the twin-tube design (TTX) familiar from Öhlins, a one-tube cartridge (OTX18) is used. Thanks to the simpler design, the damping is said to be 27 per cent lighter. However, Öhlins riders will not have to do without adjustable high- and low-speed compression damping in the future either. In addition, the rebound can be adjusted in 15 clicks.
New air chamber system
The RXF 34 has also been completely redesigned on the air side, which is not only noticeable in terms of function, but also significantly simplifies handling. Öhlins has dispensed with a ramp-up chamber, which always had to be filled first when setting up the fork to adjust the progression. Instead, the progression can now be adjusted using the volume spacers familiar from other manufacturers. There is now only one main chamber, with a self-adjusting negative chamber.
Clever details
To prevent distortion of the casting, the new RXF 34 also comes with a so-called floating axle design. This guarantees that the two stanchions do not distort when the threaded axle is tightened, even if the hub installation dimension is not one hundred per cent perfect, and that the fork responds as smooth as butter. For more stability and to avoid cracking noises, the steerer tube and fork crown are made from one piece.
First ride impression from BIKE test manager Peter Nilges
The RXF 34 m.2 is the best Öhlins suspension fork I've ridden so far. In previous tests, Öhlins forks have always impressed with their high suspension travel, even with a sporty riding style and on steep terrain, but the sensitivity always left something to be desired. The stiff Öhlins suspension forks were happy to pass on quick bumps to the rider. The new RXF 34 is much more sensitive and makes a promising impression. I'm very curious to see how the new fork can establish itself in direct comparison to the top dogs from Rockshox and Fox.
Öhlins RXF 34 m2 - Facts at a glance
- Suspension travel: 120 to 130 mm
- Price: 1294 Euro
- Weight: 1737 grams (weighed with a stock length of 225 mm)
- Installation dimension: 541 mm with 130 mm spring travel
- Brake mount: PM 160 mm
- also approved for E-MTB use
- Max. tyre width Tyre width: 29 x 2.6"
