I have compiled what I believe are some of the best gravel forks on the market. There is a variety here. You get choices from steel to carbon and suspension forks, specifically for gravel bikes. So if you are looking for a more supple gravel fork for your bike you have come to the right place.
Understanding Fork Specs
But first if you know not much about forks. You need to understand which fork is going to best and suited to your bike and situation. There are many different variables when it comes to forks and I am going to try my best to identify and explain them for you.
Brake Type – different forks are designed around the different type of brakes that will be mounted on them. The two most common types are Flat mount disc and post mount brakes. Flat mount brakes are when the rear caliper is affixed with two bolts running through a flattened frame surface and then threading directly into the caliper. While post mount side of the fork with a extended piece that is part of the fork. Some forks come in both option while some come in only one.
Mounts and Material – these are obvious ones but for mounts you may want to consider some if you are looking to mount cargo cages on your forks or bottle cage for bikepacking. While the material is generally of the three mentioned earlier; steel, carbon and often suspension are made from aluminium.
Rake – What is rake? It is also known as Offset, which more accurately describes what it is: the hub’s offset from the steering axis.
Axle to crown – Is a common measure to find the length of the fork. Generally measuring from the top of the crown to the centre of the axle.
Front Hub Spacing – It is the measurement at the end of each leg of the fork across.
There are a few other things to consider in a gravel fork so make sure you check everything to make sure it is suitable for installation on your current setup.
Carbon Adventure/Gravel Fork
Although I tried my best to find carbon gravel forks that are designed for the adventurer in mind. Specifically with braze-ons for mounting gear. Yes, there are a few in here. but also I did include some less versatile carbon forks which lack the mounting eyelets but still can work well for bikepacking and adventure cycling and are well optimised for general gravel grinding.
Curve Cycling GXR Fork
This is Curves do-it-all carbon, Gravel-Cross-Adventure-Fork. This fork was made for the Kevin bike also known as the the Curve GXR trusted companion, that works well with other bikes. You can run 27.5 (650b) or 700C wheelsets across a huge range of tires. The design is optimised around 700C x 35-40 or 27.5 x 2.0-2.1. The price for this fork is $629.00 AUD
| Brake type: | Flat mount disc |
| Composition: | Carbon |
| Finish: | Matt black & grey with white ‘Curve’ decal |
| Mounts: | Fender & Anything cage |
| Rake: | 51mm |
| Routing: | Internal |
| Axle to crown: | 400mm |
| Steerer size: | Tapered 1 1/8th”-1.5″ (28.6-39mm) |
| Weight: | Seek: 535g Race: 515g |
Niner Gravel RDO Thru Axle Fork
Available in a post mount or flat mount option. If you are in the market for a new upgrade to your rigid fork, this is a great lightweight fork option. weighing in at 645 grams, it is heavier then the Curve fork but available in USA. It is a attraction choice for gravel and cross-country riders, with the full-carbon construction paired with its 1.125″ X 1.5″ tapered steerer tube. Also the fork has clearance for up to 700C x 1.75” or 45 mm tires and features a front hub spacing of 100 x 15mm. Priced at $550 on Jenson USA.
| Wheel Size | 700C |
|---|---|
| Max Tire Clearance | 1.75/45mm |
| Axle Type | 15mm thru-axle |
| Steer Tube Diameter | 1.125″ X 1.5″ |
| Material | Carbon fiber |
| Axle to Crown Length | 400mm |
| Brake Compatability | post mount or flat mount disc brake fitment |
| Max Rotor Size | 160mm |
| Weight | 645g |
| Offset | 45mm |
Niner Boost RDO MTB Fork
Considered a MTB specific fork but it is also suitable for XC and gravel. Another full-carbon construction fork paired with its 1.125″ X 1.5″ tapered steerer tube. Offering a clearance for up to 29”x 3.0” tires and features a boost front hub spacing of 110 x 15mm. And Weighs in at 690 grams. Priced at $550 at Jenson USA.
| Wheel Size | 29” |
|---|---|
| Max Tire Clearance | 3.0” |
| Axle Type | thru-axle |
| Steer Tube Diamter | 1.125″ X 1.5″ |
| Material | Carbon fiber |
| Axle To Crown Length | 490 mm |
| Brake Compatibility | post mount disc brake fitment |
| Max Rotor Size | 180mm |
| Intended Use | XC, gravel |
| Weight | 690g |
| Offset | 51mm |
ENVEG Series Gravel Fork
This fork was designed especially for the all-road adventurers wanting to break free from the constricted guidelines of road or cyclocross-specific fork options. The fork is clean, flat-mount disc caliper attachment, ample tire clearance (Clearance for 700c x 50mm or 650b x 2.25in), and internal cable routing. Which allows for a overall fork that is ready to tackle some of the toughest gravel roads. The strength of the fork is increased by the one-piece unidirectional carbon fiber construction. Priced at $550.00 at Competitive Cyclist.
| Material | Carbon |
| Wheel Size | 700c, 650b |
| Steer Tube Diameter | 1-1/8 – 1.5in tapered |
| Axle To Crown | 395mm |
| Rake | 50mm |
| Axle | 12mm |
| Brake Compatibility | Flat-mount disc |
| Rotor Compatibility | 140, 160mm |
| Recommended Use | gravel, cyclocross |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 5 years |
| Weight | 520 grams |
Lauf JAF Gravel Fork 700c/27.5″
This lightweight carbon rigid fork, with triple cage-mounts. With a suggested cargo weight limit of 1kg per side. Is ready for a fun adventure! This rigid aerodynamic fork is made from the people of ultralight suspension forks. (more on that next). Fits 27.5″ tires up to 2.1 and 700c tires up to 45mm. Compatible with 160 or 180mm rotors. Rider weight limit of 243 lbs (110kg) Priced at $540.00 at Tree Fort Bikes.
| Axle to Crown | 400mm |
| Brake Mount | Flat Mount |
| Rake | 45mm |
| Front Axle Type | 12x100mm Thru Axle |
| Front Hub Spacing | 100mm |
| Material | Carbon |
| Maximum Tire Clearance | 2.1″, 45mmWheel Size27.5″, 700c |
| Weight | 435 grams |
Bombtrack EXT Fork
Since their launch of the Hook EXT it was immediately followed by the demand for the fork as an aftermarket product. Featuring a full carbon construction, triple cage mounts on each fork blade and fender mounts too, this might just be the perfect gravel fork. More info on the specs below.
| COLOR 1: | Matt Black |
| BLADES: | Carbon fiber |
| STEERER: | 1`Carbon fiber |
| STEERER SIZE / S.H.I.S.: | 1.1/8″-1.1/2″ / 28.6 | 40by88≤ |
| STEERER LENGTH: | 300 mm |
| OFFSET | 48 mm |
| AXLE TO CROWN: | 395 mm |
| DROPOUTS: | 12 mm TA |
| AXLE TYPE: | 12 x 100mm 1.5p (not incl.) |
| BRAKE: | Flat-mount disc, 160mm max rotor size |
| CROWN DRILLING | Backside M5 thread |
| WEIGHT: | 524 g (incl. 9 mount bolts, uncut steerer) |
Steel Gravel Fork
When it comes to steel gravel fork it seems these are less popular. Lighter weight is optimal for gravel. But I do personally like my steel gravel and adventure bikes. And here is one recommendation of the more rare steel gravel forks that you can consider.
Surly Straggler Fork
The Straggler is Surly’s go to gravel bike. So it makes sense to consider the fork that is on this bike. A brazed Chromoly fork with room for tires up to 50mm. It has fender and rack mount eyelets at the dropouts, mid-blade threaded rack mounts, and threaded eyelets on the sides of the crown for accessories. The Straggler fork is equipped with a 51mm IS disc caliper mount and has no accommodation for rim brakes. It is available for $135.00 from Nashbar.
Gravel Fork Suspension
If you are after the comfort of a suspension gravel fork for your bike. I wrote a seperate article all about the best gravel suspension forks and gravel suspension bikes. If that sounds interesting, check out the article here. But just quick these are the three suspension gravel forks that are mentioned over there.
MRP Baxter Gravel/Adventure 700C Fork
If you are after the budget friendly gravel bike front fork on the market. The cheapest out of the three I am going to share with you is the MRP Baxter that comes in at $799.95 at Jenson USA. Weighs in at 3.5 pounds or 1.59 kg. It also features 40mm of travel and 32mm stanchions. And you get the options for either 12mm or 15mm thru axles, 3-position compression, positive and negative air spring and rebound adjustments. Also the fork allows the use for 700x40c or 27.5×2.5″ tires.
| WHEEL SIZE | 700c or 27.5″ |
|---|---|
| TRAVEL | 40mm |
| LOCKOUT | 3-position compression |
| AXLE TYPE | 12mm or 15mm |
| STEER TUBE DIAMETER | Tapered |
| STANCHION DIAMETER | 32mm |
| STANCHION MATERIAL | – |
| LOWER MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| CROWN MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| AXLE TO CROWN LENGTH | 424mm |
| OFFSET | 45mm |
| EXTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS | 3-position compression, air spring and rebound |
| INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS | – |
| SPRING | Fulfill Air |
| DAMPER | – |
| BRAKE COMPATIBILITY | Post Mount Disc |
| MAX ROTOR SIZE | 180mm |
| INTENDED USE | Gravel |
| WEIGHT | 3.5 lbs / 1.59 kg |
Fox 32 Float AX Factory 700C
The chassis of Fox’s 32 Float AX was originally designed for 100mm XC race bikes. But due to the popularity of gravel grinding, they appropriated the design for 700c bikes. The AX has a cool 40mm of travel, to keep it efficient but still forgiving. A 15x100mm Kabolt axle is sturdy and light, and the tapered steer tube adds to the smooth, reliable handling.
The Float Evol air spring is smooth and predictable, and FIT-4 adjustability offers 22 clicks of fine-tuned compression options. There’s a lockout option for increased efficiency, and the sleek finish matches easily with a variety of frames. Easily fits 700x40c tires and weighs in at 1420 grams or 3.13 pounds. This fork is priced at $818.99 at Jenson USA.
| WHEEL SIZE | 700c |
|---|---|
| TRAVEL | 40mm |
| LOCKOUT | Yes |
| AXLE TYPE | 100 x 15mm Kabolt |
| STEER TUBE DIAMETER | 1-1/8″ – 1-1/2″ Tapered |
| STANCHION DIAMETER | 32mm |
| STANCHION MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| LOWER MATERIAL | Magnesium |
| CROWN MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| AXLE TO CROWN LENGTH | 427mm |
| OFFSET | 45mm |
| EXTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS | FIT-4 three-position lever |
| INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS | – |
| SPRING | Short-travel Float Evol air spring |
| DAMPER | Turn dial adjustable |
| BRAKE COMPATIBILITY | Disc |
| MAX ROTOR SIZE | 180mm |
| MANUFACTURER WARRANTY | 1-year |
| INTENDED USE | XC, Gravel |
| WEIGHT | 1420g |
Lauf Grit SL Suspension Fork
The premium gravel bike front suspension fork out of the three is this Lauf Grit SL. With its own truely unique style and design. If you are looking for the simplicity and lightweight of a rigid fork but with the cushioning benefits of suspension. The Grit is the lightweight option only weighing in at 900 grams or 1.89 pounds.
It offers a highly efficient 30mm of travel. The fork is designed for gravel and cylcocross frames with 700c or 27.5” wheels and a tapered steer-tube. The Lauf is available for hubs using 12mm or 15mm thru-axles. One of the awesome things about this fork is it requires Zero Maintenance. The fork has zero moving parts, lab tested with over 1 million compressions with no signs of wear and tear. Priced at $990.00 over at Jenson USA.
| TRAVEL | 30mm |
|---|---|
| AXLE TYPE | 100 x 12mm, 100 x 15mm |
| STEER TUBE DIAMETER | Tapered 1 1/8” – 1.5” |
| WHEEL SIZE | 700c and 27.5” |
| TIRE CLEARANCE | 700 x 42c and 27.5 x 2.1” |
| MATERIAL | Carbon Fiber |
| AXLE TO CROWN LENGTH | 409mm (with 6mm of sag) |
| RAKE | 47mm |
| RIDER WEIGHT LIMIT | 110 kg / 243 lbs |
| SPRING | Leaf Spring System, Glass-fiber |
| BRAKE COMPATIBILITY | Disc Only |
| MIN ROTOR SIZE | 160mm |
| INTENDED USE | Gravel, Cyclocross |
| WEIGHT | 900 g / 1.89 lbs |
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