Gravel bikes are developing and expanding in a manner of ways. As the market grows and bikes innovate even further. It not only opens a whole new off exploring possibilities. Taking gravel bikes from what they used to be a few years back. Which was a slightly more capable road bike.
Today innovations like gravel-specific suspension forks literally turn gravel bikes into these exploring machines, as capable as bikes like these.
Whether you’re looking to conquer rocky mountains or fly over loose gravel, having the best suspension fork can make all the difference. We also wrote a gravel bike with suspension article which also included some gravel-specific suspension forks.
The amazing thing about gravel forks is they open up a whole new world of adventure. If you have a gravel bike with large tire clearance, make sure it is suspension fork compatible you can turn it into an adventure machine. Mixing the best of both worlds when it comes to gravel riding with the roadie feel as well as mountain bike capabilities.
Gravel suspension forks are the perfect addition to any off-road bike, designed to handle the rough and unpredictable terrain that comes with exploring the great outdoors. These forks offer increased stability, control, and comfort, helping to smooth out bumpy roads and absorb shocks that would otherwise be felt in your hands and arms.
But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which fork is the right choice for you. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best gravel suspension forks available today.
We’ve scoured the industry to find the top-rated suspension forks that offer the perfect balance of performance, durability, and value. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll find the right fork to suit your needs and budget.
In this guide, we’ll be highlighting the key features of each fork, including travel distance, weight, and compatibility with various tire sizes. We’ll also take a closer look at the materials used in construction, and how they impact the fork’s overall performance.
So, whether you’re planning your next epic adventure or simply looking to upgrade your current setup, we’ve got you covered. From top-of-the-line options to budget-friendly picks, we’re confident that we can help you find the best gravel suspension fork for your needs. Let’s get started!
Fox 32 TC
The Fox 32 Taper Cast suspension fork offers numerous features that make it an excellent choice for gravel bike riders. Its lightweight construction makes it perfect for riders who want to achieve maximum speed and agility on rough terrain. The fork’s slim taper-cast design not only enhances its visual appeal but also minimizes air resistance, which is especially important for gravel riding.
The smaller air chamber of the Fox 32 Taper Cast suspension fork, with 40 millimeters of spring travel, is specifically designed for gravel bikes. It offers optimal performance and comfort for most riders without the need for volume spacers. However, the fork can be further customized with up to 4 spacers, allowing riders to adjust the spring characteristic according to their preferences.
The lower leg bypass channels enhance oil circulation and contribute to optimal performance across the entire spring travel range. This is a crucial feature for gravel riding, as it ensures a smooth and controlled ride, even on the toughest terrain.
Another notable aspect of the Fox 32 Taper Cast suspension fork is its fork bridge, which has been shifted to the back of the fork. This design feature allows for a lower position and ultimately contributes to the fork’s slim appearance. Additionally, the fork bridge is not visible from the front, which further enhances the fork’s aesthetic appeal.
The Fox 32 Taper Cast suspension fork has a 330-millimeter-long steerer tube, making it a versatile option that can accommodate a variety of bike types, including those with long head tubes for comfortable seating positions. The inclusion of mudguard brackets also ensures that riders can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free ride even in inclement weather.
Rockshox Rudy Ultimate XPLR
Gravel biking is an exciting way to explore the outdoors, but the lack of suspension can sometimes make the ride bumpy and uncomfortable. That’s where the RockShox Rudy Ultimate Race Day Fork comes in – it’s the perfect addition to your gravel bike. Designed to be energy-efficient on straightaways and provide ample travel to keep you in control when the going gets tough, this fork is a must-have for serious gravel riders.
One of the standout features of the RockShox Rudy Ultimate Race Day Fork is its 30mm upper tubes. They’re lightweight, which makes for a smoother ride, and provide options for both 30mm and 40mm travel depending on your needs. The Charger Race Day damper is also tuned specifically for gravel riding, with lockout and rebound adjustments that make it easy to fine-tune your ride to your preferences.
The Solo Air spring is another great feature, providing excellent efficiency over bumps while still being tuned for shorter travel. This means you can tackle rough terrain without sacrificing speed or agility. The fork is also fully fender-compatible, with custom stay bosses that make it easy to add the fenders of your choice.
Finally, the RockShox Rudy Ultimate Race Day Fork has clearance for up to 700x50mm tires, making it a great option for riders who want to tackle a variety of terrain. With the added cushioning of the fork, you’ll be able to take on rough singletrack and fire roads with confidence.
Overall, the RockShox Rudy Ultimate Race Day Fork is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their gravel riding experience. Its lightweight design, energy-efficient features, and customization options make it an investment that’s well worth considering. So why not upgrade your gravel bike with this fantastic fork and take your riding to the next level?
MRP Baxter
MRP has stepped up to offer a solution when it comes to pushing your gravel bike to the limit. Having no suspension can be a real pain, especially if you’re riding on chunky fire roads and washboard singletrack. Introducing the Baxter Fork. Designed with gravel-specific features, it offers greater small bump sensitivity and responsiveness than traditional cross-country forks, making it perfect for those long days in the saddle. The progressive and supple travel of the Baxter Fork helps to reduce rider fatigue on longer rides and the fork features 40mm or 60mm of travel, depending on your preference.
Having a suspension fork on your gravel bike not only increases comfort, but also improves front wheel traction, cornering, and braking by keeping the front end of your bike on the ground. The FulFill Air spring offers 3-position compression damping and 20-position rebound damping controls that allow you to optimize and customize your suspension for your needs. The Baxter Fork also offers massive tire clearance, accommodating up to 700x45c (for 40mm travel) or 700x50c (for 60mm travel) tires, so you can run your favorite tire combo with plenty of mud clearance.
Additionally, the Baxter Fork supports flat-mount brakes for 160mm or 180mm rotors, allowing you to run larger rotors than normal for increased stopping power. The fork also features two bottle and accessory mounts on each leg, each capable of carrying up to 3lbs, perfect for bikepacking or other adventures.
If you’re looking to improve the comfort, traction, and control of your gravel bike, the Baxter Fork from MRP is a fantastic option that offers customizability, tire clearance, and increased stopping power.
Suntour GVX LO R 700
When it comes to exploring gravel roads or racing on technical Cyclocross courses, you need a durable and reliable suspension fork that delivers high performance. This is where the GVX suspension gravel fork comes in. With 32mm stanchions, it offers travel and damping adjustments that enhance traction, comfort, and versatility, making it stand out from other gravel forks. The GVX is designed to accommodate a range of tire sizes, riding styles, and conditions, making it highly versatile.
The GVX features a 32mm A7000 butted black anodized stanchion with a lower magnesium monocoque design. It has a recommended maximum tire width of 50mm, making it perfect for gravel riding. Additionally, it has an air spring that is rebound adjustable, providing you with a comfortable ride on bumpy terrains. It’s also E-bike ready, which means that it can handle the extra weight and power of electric bikes. The flat direct mount brake ensures that you have enough stopping power, while the hydraulic lockout helps you adjust your fork’s performance on the fly. Finally, an integrated fender is included, which keeps dirt and debris away from your face and bike. Overall, the GVX suspension gravel fork offers a durable and versatile solution that will take your gravel riding experience to the next level.
Lauf Grit SL
If you’re looking for a high-quality fork that is specifically designed for gravel cycling, look no further than the latest model on offer. With its impressive features, this fork offers unmatched comfort and control as you speed across various terrain surfaces. This model provides superior smoothness, speed, traction, and lightweight construction, taking your adventures further than ever before.
This model eliminates all moving parts from its design, providing you with zero maintenance, while its monocoque carbon fiber structure delivers incredible strength and stiffness. The springs of this fork are constructed from S2 glass fiber, an extremely tough and flexible material that’s been rigorously tested in Lauf’s lab.
This fork provides you with 30mm of travel with a progressive spring rate, which means that the further it compresses, the stiffer the springs become, giving you a more versatile component that prevents bottoming without sacrificing small bump compliance. This latest model is designed to work flawlessly in all weather conditions and is the ultimate upgrade choice for riders who want top-level front suspension.
Cannondale Lefty Oliver
After the ultimate carbon gravel suspension fork, that’s totally unique in its own right?
Introducing the ideal suspension fork designed specifically for gravel riders. This lightweight fork offers 30mm of smooth and efficient bump absorption, paired with an extremely rigid and precise handling structure. With its top-of-the-line features, it allows you to confidently ride harder and smoother than ever before.
The fork is made of carbon and is suitable for wheel sizes 650b and 700c. It has a travel distance of 30mm and an offset of 55mm. The fork is adjustable with air pressure, rebound, and a crown-mounted lockout, and it can accommodate a maximum tire size of 650b – 47mm.
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