The suspension on a mountain bike is what differentiates it from more rugged bikes like mountain, hybrid, and comfort bikes. These bikes have wider tires, a more upright position, and are often used for more casual riding. Now, if you’re looking to step up your mountain bike game, it’s time to upgrade your suspension, too.
What better way to improve your riding experience than to replace your trusty bike’s stock suspension with a lighter, more sensitive, and more adjustable model? We researched and tested the best bike suspension forks so you can pick the one that’s right for you.
Read on for best bike suspension forks.
Our Editor’s Best Bike Suspension Forks Reviews
- Specifications: 28.6 mm Threadless Straight Steerer, Crown Race: 30.0 mm; Crown Lockout, Rebound Adjust; Travel: 140 mm; QR: 9 mm *100 mm, Brake type: disc brakes, Tube Diameter: 34 mm; Aluminum alloy + Magnesium alloy,Max 3.0 Tire,Weight:about 1976 g
- 34mm aluminum-magnesium alloy upper tubes enhance rigidity and steering precision. Crown lockout with rebound adjust optimizes trail feedback. Maintains 140mm travel and 9mm QR for versatile terrain adaptability.
- Compression damping automatically adapts to rider weight (50-120kg) and trail vibrations. External rebound knob offers 20-click adjustability for personalized cushioning response.
- Dual-stage compression adjustment via crown dial: Firm mode for climbs/ABS anti-bottoming for aggressive descents. Maintains 30% better small-bump sensitivity than previous 32mm model.
- 30mm crown race,steerer tube (28.6mm threadless), and disc brake adaptors. Compatible with 26/27.5"/29" wheels and 180mm direct mount 203mm rotor adapter.
- Specifications: Mountain bike mechanical fork, 28.6 mm Threadless Straight Steerer, Crown Race: 30 mm; Manual Lockout, Travel:100 mm; QR:9 mm *100 mm, Brake type:Disc brakes, Offset:36 mm; Tube Diameter: 32 mm. Weight:about 2598 g
- Bucklos Sticker: The "BUCKLOS" sticker on the suspension fork is carefully designed by our company, both fashionable and aesthetically pleasing; At the same time, You can tear it off according to your own preferences without leaving any traces
- Manual ABS Adjustment: You can manually adjust the suspension softness and stiffness by ABS according to the specific riding conditions
- Material: Mountain bike suspension fork, made of premium aluminium alloy and magnesium alloy
- Package: 1PC Bucklos Mountain Bicycle Suspension Front Fork (Boxed)
- Applicable models:Suitable for most 26 inch 4.0 fat tire snow bikes、 beach bikes、 E-bikes. But the premise is that you need to carefully check your model and parameters(crown lockout,QR:9 mm*135 mm,disc brake)before placing an order
- Light weight: Its weight is only about 3960g, 1.8lbs lighter than the oil spring fork (equivalent to the weight of 1 bottle of 800ml water). It minimizes the weight of the bike and allows you to play easier and faster on snow or beach
- Fork travel: This 26 * 4.0 suspension fork has a 180 mm Travel tube, which makes you feel very free and carefree in snow, sand or potholes. It is no longer just a means of transportation, but a way to delight the mind
- Material: The steerer tube and stanchion tubes of this fat tire fork are made of steel, while the fork legs are made of aluminum alloy, ensuring strength and durability
- Manual ABS adjustment: You can adjust the hardness and softness of the suspension fork through the ABS manual according to the riding conditions
- BOLANY 20"/24" Mountain Bike Fork - Elevate Your Ride: Unleash superior performance with the BOLANY 20"/24" Fork featuring a 32mm Stanchion and a distinctive reverse arch design. Crafted from a blend of Aluminum Alloy and Magnesium Alloy, it excels in both weight and stiffness. The Stanchions receive a special color upgrade, ensuring lasting vibrancy without fading. Versatile and ideal for a range of applications, including 20-inch kids' bikes, folding bikes, BMX, and more.
- Key Specifications: 20"/24" Wheel Size, Maximum compatibility with tire up to 2.3 inches, 100mm/135mm Travel Air Fork, 32mm Stanchion (Travel tube), 28.6mm (1-1/8 inch) * 220mm Thread-Less Straight Steerer, ABS Manual Valve Lock, Quick Release 9mm*100mm, Thru-Axle 15mm*100mm, 74mm Disc Brake Version.
- Enhanced Internal Design: Experience smoother compression with our Teflon bearing sleeve upgrade, replacing the traditional plastic slip-on. This innovation offers excellent lubrication, reducing Stanchion friction and minimizing noise. The addition of an internal sponge washer effectively prevents oil leakage, ensuring a hassle-free ride.
- Sensitive ABS Manual Valve Lock: Enjoy precise control of damping effects with the ABS Manual Valve. Open it for smooth rebound on small trails and boulders, achieving optimal load and rebound. Turn it off when rebound is unnecessary, providing easy adaptability to your riding preferences.
- Complete Package for Your Convenience: The package includes Star Nuts, a Lower Plug/Bottom Gear, and an MTB water bottle. Before purchasing, ensure compatibility by checking the following details: Disc brake rotor within 160mm. For larger disc brakes (160mm or 180mm), a separate adapter is required. Recommended air pressure: 90-115PSI.
- 【Specifications】Travel 180mm，φ28.6(1-1/8inch)*220mm Thread-less straight steerer; φ34mm inner tube; QR: 9*135mm;74mm disc brake type.ZTZ double crown suspension fork offers exceptional performance for a smooth and controlled ride
- 【Applicable models】Suitable for most 4.0 tire snow bikes/beach bikes/electric bikes mtb/bmxChildren bike/motorcycle/Electric Motorcycle/Folding bike/XC, etc. But the premise is that you need to carefully check your bike model and parameters before placing an order
- 【Adjustable Pressure Value】The ZTZ suspension fork also comes with a star nut. Support hydraulic disc brake (A) column, Oil and gas structure processing, air shock absorption，according to the rider's weight and riding condition,adjust the comfortable air pressure value to achieve better experience effect
- 【Light weight】 This fat tire MTB air suspension fork is made of advanced magnesium+aluminum alloy fork legs and imported air rods. Its weight is only 5.8lbs, which is about 1.8lbs lighter than the oil spring fork， ensuring a lightweight setup without compromising strength
- 【Ergonomic Comfort】The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable riding experience,Sufficient travel allows it to handle trails and boulders with ease for adequate load and rebound
- 【Fat Bike Fork】Fit for 4.0 width fat tire, travel 180mm, φ28.6(1-1/8inch)*260mm Thread-less straight steerer; φ34mm inner tube; QR: 9*135mm; 75mm disc brake type. Exceedhub double crown suspension fork offers exceptional performance for a smooth and controlled ride
- 【Adjustable Pressure Value】This Exceedhub suspension fork also comes with a star nut. Support hydraulic disc brake (A) column, Oil and gas structure processing, air shock absorption. Sufficient travel allows it to handle trails and boulders with ease for adequate load and rebound
- 【Light Weight】This fat tire MTB air suspension fork is made of advanced magnesium+aluminum alloy fork legs and imported air rods. Its weight is only 5.8lbs, which is about 1.8lbs lighter than the oil spring fork, ensuring a lightweight setup without compromising strength
- 【Manual ABS Adjustment】Adjust the hardness and softness of the air suspension fork through the ABS manual according to the riding conditions
- 【Applicable Models】Suitable for most 20 inch* 4.0 tire snow bikes/beach bikes/electric bikes mtb/bmxChildren bike/motorcycle/Electric Motorcycle/Folding bike/XC, etc. But the premise is that you need to carefully check your bike model and parameters before placing an order
- 【Specifications】Travel 180mm，φ28.6(1-1/8inch)*220mm Thread-less straight steerer; φ34mm inner tube; QR: 9*135mm;74mm disc brake type.ZTZ double crown suspension fork offers exceptional performance for a smooth and controlled ride
- 【Applicable models】Suitable for most 4.0 tire snow bikes/beach bikes/electric bikes mtb/bmxChildren bike/motorcycle/Electric Motorcycle/Folding bike/XC, etc. But the premise is that you need to carefully check your bike model and parameters before placing an order
- 【Adjustable Pressure Value】The ZTZ suspension fork also comes with a star nut. Support hydraulic disc brake (A) column, Oil and gas structure processing, air shock absorption，according to the rider's weight and riding condition,adjust the comfortable air pressure value to achieve better experience effect
- 【Light weight】 This fat tire MTB air suspension fork is made of advanced magnesium+aluminum alloy fork legs and imported air rods. Its weight is only 5.8lbs, which is about 1.8lbs lighter than the oil spring fork， ensuring a lightweight setup without compromising strength
- 【Ergonomic Comfort】The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable riding experience,Sufficient travel allows it to handle trails and boulders with ease for adequate load and rebound
- Applicable models:Suitable for most 20 inch 4.0 fat tire snow bikes、 beach bikes、 E-bikes. But the premise is that you need to carefully check your model and parameters(crown lockout,QR:9 mm*135 mm,disc brake)before placing an order
- Light weight: Its weight is only about 2645g, 1.8lbs lighter than the oil spring fork (equivalent to the weight of 1 bottle of 800ml water). It minimizes the weight of the bike and allows you to play easier and faster on snow or beach
- Fork travel: This 20 * 4.0 suspension fork has a 180 mm Travel tube, which makes you feel very free and carefree in snow, sand or potholes. It is no longer just a means of transportation, but a way to delight the mind
- Material: This fat tire MTB air suspension fork is made of advanced magnesium+aluminum alloy fork legs and imported air rods
- Manual ABS adjustment: You can adjust the hardness and softness of the air suspension fork through the ABS manual according to the riding conditions
- Applicable models:Suitable for most 20 inch 4.0 fat tire snow bikes、 beach bikes、 E-bikes. But the premise is that you need to carefully check your model and parameters(crown lockout,QR:9 mm*135 mm,disc brake)before placing an order
- Light weight: Its weight is only about 3890g, 1.8lbs lighter than other oil spring fork (equivalent to the weight of 1 bottle of 800ml water). It minimizes the weight of the bike and allows you to play easier and faster on snow or beach
- Fork travel: This 20 * 4.0 suspension fork has a 180 mm Travel tube, which makes you feel very free and carefree in snow, sand or potholes. It is no longer just a means of transportation, but a way to delight the mind
- Material: The steerer tube and stanchion tubes of this fat tire fork are made of steel, while the fork legs are made of aluminum alloy, ensuring strength and durability
- Manual ABS adjustment: You can adjust the hardness and softness of the suspension fork through the ABS manual according to the riding conditions
- Axle size: 9 mm QR / Size: 29" / Remote: No remote (crown adjust)
- Spring: Solo Air / Travel: 100 mm / Damper: Motion Control
- Color: Black / Steerer: 1-1/8''
- Steerer material: Aluminium / Brake type: Disc brake
- Includes: Star nut / Fork Off-Set: 51 mm
Best Bike Suspension Forks Buying Guide
Before choosing the best bike suspension fork you should consider following options:
1. Travel: Suspension forks are available in different travel options. The amount of travel that you want in your suspension fork depends on your riding style and the type of trails that you ride.
If you live in an area with smooth trails, then you can get away with less travel. If you ride in an area with rocky or mountainous trails, then you will probably want a suspension fork with a lot of travel.
2. Wheel Size: Suspension forks are available in different wheel sizes to match the bike that they are attached to. Be sure to get the correct size suspension fork for your wheel size.
3. Number of Riders: Suspension forks are available to hold one or two riders at a time. If you are riding with a passenger, then you will need a suspension fork that can hold two people.
4. Travel Adjustment: Some suspension forks have travel adjustment knobs that allow the rider to change the amount of travel that the fork has during a ride.
This is a very convenient feature to have because you can make adjustments to suit the terrain of the trail.
5. Rider Weight: Suspension forks are available with different amounts of suspension travel for different weights of riders.
You will want to get a suspension fork that is appropriate for your weight. If you are much heavier than the average person, then you will want a suspension fork with a lot of travel to absorb the bumps on the trail.
6. Cost: Suspension forks are available at a wide range of prices. You can get a solid suspension fork for around $100, but you can also spend thousands of dollars on a suspension fork.
7. Quality: Not all suspension forks are created equal. You will find good quality suspension forks and you will find cheap suspension forks.
You will want to make sure that you get a high quality suspension fork to get the most out of your trail riding experience.
8. Materials: Suspension forks are available in carbon fiber, aluminum, steel and other materials. Each material has its own set of pros and cons.
You will want to make sure that you get a suspension fork that uses quality materials and has the right type of materials for your needs.
9. Maintenance: All suspension forks need some maintenance to make sure that they work properly and last as long as possible.
You will want to check the owner’s manual for proper maintenance of your suspension fork.
What else you should know about bike suspension forks
1. What is the difference between a bike suspension fork and a regular fork?
A suspension fork has shock absorbers that help to smooth out the ride on rough terrain. A regular fork does not have shock absorbers.
2. How do bike suspension forks work?
Bike suspension forks work by using a coil or air spring to absorb the impact of bumps in the road. The fork then rebounds to its original position, providing a smooth ride for the rider.
3. What are the benefits of using a bike suspension fork?
Some benefits of using a bike suspension fork include a smoother ride, better control, and increased comfort. A suspension fork can also help to absorb shocks from bumps and rough terrain, which can protect the rider from injuries.
4. Are there any downsides to using a bike suspension fork?
The main downside to using a bike suspension fork is the added weight. Additionally, if not properly maintained, a suspension fork can decrease the efficiency of your pedaling.
5. How do I choose the right bike suspension fork for my bike?
The best way to choose the right bike suspension fork for your bike is to consult with a professional. They will be able to help you choose the right fork for your bike based on your riding style and the type of bike you have.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best bike suspension forks. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best bike suspension forks will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.