| Almost every mountain bike comes with a front | | | | bounces back after it is being compressed. Higher |
| suspension fork. If your bike does not have it, | | | | end forks usually have rebound adjusters to allow |
| chances are it is a road bike or a hybrid. The prices | | | | more advanced riders like to set their own rebounds |
| of mountain bike forks can range from just over a | | | | to alter the feel of the bike. |
| hundred to over a thousand. Similar to choosing a | | | | Now, let's see how the different types of forks are |
| bike frame, choosing a bike fork has a lot to do with | | | | used on different mountain bikes. |
| what you will do with the bike and how much you | | | | Cross country or XC bikes usually emphasise more |
| are willing to spend on it. When choosing a mountain | | | | on speed and endurance rather than being built for |
| bike fork, it is important to know what the terms in | | | | very rugged terrain. Hence, XC suspension forks tend |
| the specifications mean. Listed below are some of | | | | to have a short travel and are light weight. Many of |
| the common terms which you will come across. | | | | them are air sprung and can be easily adjusted. |
| Coil sprung forks - Coil sprung forks are made up of | | | | Jump riders require forks which are heavy and can |
| steel coils of spring in the forks. They are affordable | | | | withstand a big landing. Typically, jump bikes have coil |
| but can be disadvantageous because of their weight. | | | | sprung forks with short travel so that the front will |
| However, they are tough and strong and are able to | | | | not compress too much and provides more stability |
| take hard knocks and jumps. | | | | for their next move. |
| Air sprung forks - Air sprung forks are lighter and | | | | Downhill bikes require forks with longer travels and |
| more expensive. However, they offer more | | | | which are capable of handling bigger bumps and hits. |
| versatility to riders as they can increase the amount | | | | These forks are usually coil sprung. |
| of air to increase the pressure, making it harder to | | | | It is important for the rider to note that not all |
| compress. | | | | frames are compatible with every type of forks. For |
| Travel - Travel basically refers to how far the springs | | | | instance, cross country bike frames may not be |
| can be compressed when pressure is loaded to it. For | | | | suitable to be fitted with forks for designed for |
| example the spring measures 120 millimetres in length. | | | | downhill bikes. Do keep in mind too, that if you are |
| When fully compressed, it measures 40 millimetres. | | | | planning to upgrade to disc brakes in the near future, |
| This means that it has a travel of 80 millimetres. | | | | ensure that there are disc brake mounts on the fork |
| More travel is usually better for travelling downhill and | | | | so that you do not have to change them again. As |
| less travel is preferred for climbing uphill. Some brands | | | | you can see, choosing a bike fork depends on what |
| of mountain bike forks allow riders to adjust the | | | | you primarily do with your bike, so when in doubt, |
| length of travel. | | | | always approach your bike store for advice. |
| Rebound - Rebound is the rate at which the fork | | | | |