Bike Forks buying guide

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Contents

1 Dimensions
2 Suspension Fork
3 Bike Fork Materials
4 Quick Picks
5 Fantastic Finds
6 Related Guides
7 Major Manufacturers
8 External Links

Bike Forks Buying Guide

The bike fork is what holds the front wheel of the bicycle ; it steers and keeps the balance of the bike. There are different types of bike forks made specifically for different types of bikes. The size of the fork, the material it is made from, and the attachment points all have an effect on how the bike fork functions. A bicycle's performance depends on the bike fork that is chosen, so it is important to find the right bike fork for you and your bike.

Dimensions

The length of the fork should run parallel to the steering tube.
The steerer tube length is measured in order to accomodate the headset.
The steerer tube diameter must not be larger than that of the frame.
The blades of the forks must match the size of the wheels. The standard is to have the wheel axel fit in the fork drop outs.

Suspension Fork

Mountain bikes encounter quite a lot of rough terrain, in which case they need bikes with good shock absorption. Suspension forks are designed for such use.
Suspension forks not only have shock absorbers but telescoping tubes for legs.
The shock absorbers contain a spring and a dashpot. The spring allows the suspension to lift when the wheel passes a bump and drop quickly once the wheel gets over the bump.
The dashpot dissipates the energy so the spring in the suspension does not bounce out of control.

Bike Fork Materials

Forks can be made from steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, and magnesium.
Carbon fiber is the most popular fork material because it is lightweight and has shock absorption.

Quick Picks

Marzocchi XC 700 TST2
100mm travel.

Coil with air-assisted spring.

Alloy steer tube and crown.

32mm alloy stanchions.

V-Brake.

6” post mount.

Priced around $240.

Marzocchi XC 600 '08
120mm travel.

Air pre-load.

Air spring.

Alloy steer tube.

32mm aluminum stanchions.

6" post mount.

Priced around $240.

Marzocchi 55 R '08
140mm travel.

Rebound.

One side coil.

Alloy steer tube.

35mm aluminum stanchions.

6” post mount.

New 20mm QR axle.

Priced at around $240.

Marzocchi XC 700 ATA '08
100 to 140mm travel.

TST Micro.

Air travel adjust.

Air spring.

Alloy XC steer tube.

32mm nickel-coated alloy tapered stanchions.

6” Post Mount (Max Disc 7”).