BIKEPACKING.com    GEAR INDEX

Complete List of Forks with Bottle Cage Mounts (Utility Forks)

174
  0 shares

Steel or titanium frames with a carbon fork have become increasingly popular for gravel cyclists and bikepackers, and a steel/steel pair is a tried and true combination. However, until recently, forks with bottle cage mounts were hard to come by. Fortunately, there are now quite a few options, and the list keeps growing. Here’s our complete Gear Index of utility forks fit for bikepacking, both carbon and steel, all with bottle mounts and other useful provisions.

compose Logan Watts
time Jan 7, 2021
comment 174

Updated January 2021

Carrying water bottles and gear on your fork is now a standard bikepacking practice, and one that can be found on touring bikes going well back into the 1970s and 80s. However, forks with bottle cage mounts were hardly commonplace until recently. It wasn’t until the fall of 2008, on the inaugural “Fun Guy Green” Salsa Fargo when forks with bottle cage mounts appeared en masse. It was the first production fork we know of that focused on utility. In the meantime, most of us resorted to pipe clamps, electrical tape, or rivnuts to add bottle cages in this extremely practical location. Then came the Anything Cage, a new way to secure gear in that position without a big rack. This inspired a handful of steel utility forks to come on the market, each with built-in bottle bosses. The Salsa Enabler was one of the first, back around 2009. Even so, it wasn’t until 2016 when mount-laden carbon forks first started appearing.

The boom in utility forks over the past few years has made a lot of bikepackers and gravel cyclists happy. Most of us want bottle mounts as well as other features, such as internal dynamo hub wire routing, rack bosses, fender mounts, and the latest thru-axle standards—12 x 100mm for gravel grinders and BOOST 110 for ultra-endurance mountain bikers who want to get their rigs race-ready by swapping out the suspension fork.

  • salsa Firestarter 110 Deluxe, Utility Forks with Bottle Cage Mounts
  • Utility Forks with Bottle Cage Mounts
  • Trek 1120 Adventure HCM Carbon Fork, forks with bottle cage mounts

Forks with Bottle Cage Mounts (Three, please!)

Nowadays, there are quite a few steel options—mostly from Surly and Salsa, loaded with mounts. And 2018 saw the rise of the carbon utility fork when several smaller companies, such as Rodeo Labs, Curve, and Bearclaw answered the call and created forks loaded with mounts and utility. But still, just last year, we wondered why popular carbon fork manufacturers like ENVE Composites and Whisky Parts didn’t put bottle mounts on their carbon offerings. Our best guess is that they wanted to retain a sleek, clean look. However, since we first published this Gear Index, they both released new forks with mounts, as did many other manufacturers. The option for water bottles in that position is extremely practical, and a three-boss configuration is even better, providing two vertical bottle position options or the ability to mount Anything-style cargo cages. In our opinion, all forks branded for “adventure” should have three-pack cage mounts on each blade, dynamo wiring, and rack mounts.

Some Notes on Fork Length (AC Height)

When perusing the specs of each of the forks listed below, the single most important number to consider is the axle-to-crown (AC) height. The AC height has a direct impact on several important factors in a bike’s geometry. Namely, the head angle, seat tube angle, and bottom bracket height. Thankfully, gravel forks are pretty simple. They generally have an AC height of around 400mm, designed for 700C x 40mm or 650B x 47mm road plus tires. Suspension-corrected forks are a little more complicated; see the large boxout after the list for some important numbers and factors to consider when matching a suspension fork. If you are new to this and looking at replacement forks, check your bike’s stock geometry chart and try to match the AC height and rake (fork offset) as best you can to retain the bike’s intended geometry.

We’ve compiled the following list that includes all the options we could find. While these forks fall into different categories (carbon or steel, and gravel, MTB, or fatbike, as referenced in the highlights), their one uniting factor is that they’re all utility-focused forks with bottle mounts. As with other Gear Indexes, the ones we’ve tested are noted with the “T” icon. After the list, scroll down to find out what else you need to know about carbon forks for bikepacking, such as how to best protect them from the rigors of the road.

  • $500
     Bearclaw Ramhorn Carbon Fork

    Bearclaw Ramhorn Carbon Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 405mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.6″ / 27.5 x 3.0″
    • Axle: 15 x 100mm

    Weighing in at a claimed 600 grams, the new Bearclaw Ramhorn Gravel+ fork is designed for big-tire 650B bikes, drop-bar 29ers, and “high speed exploration,” according to the Michigan-based company. Adding to that, “it’s built to withstand extreme bikepacking adventures,” which seems appropriate considering it can fit wide trail 29er tires or monster 27.5″ semi-slicks. “We designed it to be 35% stronger than test standards require. Most importantly, it maintains a [standard gravel] 405mm axle-to-crown length while clearing 27.5 x 2.8 and 29 x 2.4 tires. It also has plenty of clearance for low knob 27.5 x 3 and 29 x 2.6 tires.” Check out our full press release here and stay tuned for the review.

    • Bearclaw Carbon Gravel Fork, Ramhorn
    • Bearclaw Carbon Gravel Fork, Ramhorn
    • Bearclaw Carbon Gravel Fork, Ramhorn
    • Weight: 600 grams (21.2 oz)
    • Price: $500
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $629AUD
     Curve CC 29er BP15 Fork

    Curve CC 29er BP15 Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 480mm
    • Rake: 45
    • Max Tire size: 29 x 2.4”
    • Axle: 15 x 100mm

    There are a couple acronyms to break down within the name of this fork. The CC stands for Curve Cycling and the BP stands for Bike Packing. And, as you might have guessed, this fork is designed for a 29er with a 15 x 100mm thru-axle. The CC 29er features a tapered steerer and triple M5 cage mounts that are rated to carry up to 3 kg of cargo per leg. The CC 29er has simple graphics and a matte carbon finish to pair with any mountain bike or monstercross 29er. Both Lucas and Joe have used this fork on trips around Australia and Tasmania with great results.

    • Price: $629AUD
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $299
     Fyxation Sparta All Road Fork

    Fyxation Sparta All Road Fork

    • Type: Alloy/Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 400mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700C x 42 / 650B x 50mm
    • Axle: 12 or 15 x 100mm (or QR)

    The Fyxation Sparta All Road Carbon Fork fits up to 700C x 42mm tires, or 650B x 50mm, and sports a 1 1/8″ aluminum straight or tapered steerer tube, a flat disc brake mount, rack and fender mounts, and two pairs of triple pack mounts. The fork includes your choice of a 12mm or 15mm thru-axle skewer. A full carbon FCR version is also available (scroll down for more on that). While we haven’t put a ton of miles on this one, we have used it on some decently rugged gravel. I’d recommend this one for gravel bikepacking and light touring. Read the full press release here, and find some more thoughts and pics in our 700C to 650B Conversion article. *The Sparta All Road Fork pictured is an older version without triple pack mounts. See studio shots below.

    • Fyxation Sparta All road Fork, gravel, bikepacking, 650B
    • 650B Tire Clearance, 700C to 650B
    • Fyxation Sparta All road Fork, gravel, bikepacking, 650B
    • Fyxation Sparta All Road Fork
    • Fyxation Sparta All Road Fork
    • Weight: 747 grams (26.3 oz)
    • Price: $299
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $257
     Landyachtz Carbon Adventure Fork

    Landyachtz Carbon Adventure Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 395mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700 x 45mm
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    The Landyachtz Carbon Adventure Fork is a great upgrade for anyone looking to add some additional clearance and mounting options to their gravel bike. With rack and fender mounts plus a triple water bottle mount on the legs you will have lots of options for storage, additionally with 54mm of clearance you can easily run your modern gravel tire/wheel setups.

    • Landyachtz Carbon ADV Fork
    • Landyachtz Carbon ADV Fork
    • Landyachtz Carbon ADV Fork
    • Weight: 440 grams (15.5 oz)
    • Price: $257
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $550
     Niner BOOST RDO Carbon MTB Fork

    Niner BOOST RDO Carbon MTB Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 490mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0”
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm
    See Our Full Review

    The latest Niner RDO Carbon MTB fork was modernized with the addition of a 110 x 15mm bolt-through BOOST Maxle, clearance for 29 × 3.0″ tires, mid-blade bottle mounts, low rack mounts, and Niner’s RDO carbon construction. The latest version also has a tapered steerer, which, by its very nature—a monocoque construction paired with the stout bolt-in Maxle—ties the bike’s steering about as directly to the trail as physically possible. The result of all this new tech is a very solid fork with just enough utilities to make is a really nice bikepacking fork. We put this fork through a thousand miles of really rugged riding in Georgia, Armenia, and beyond.

    Other things to note is that it has very generous tire clearance. Even with 29 x 2.6″ tires, there’s still plenty of room so you don’t have to worry about mud abrading the inside of the fork.

    • Niner BOOST RDO MTB Fork Review
    • Niner BOOST RDO MTB Fork Review
    • Niner BOOST RDO MTB Fork Review, Carbon BOOST fork
    • Weight: 585 grams (20.6 oz)
    • Price: $550
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes  Amazon
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $565CAD
     Panorama Taïga Fork

    Panorama Taïga Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 500mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm
    See Our Full Review

    Originally designed for their rowdy steel hardtail, the Taïga, Panorama Cycles added the option to purchase their carbon Panorama Taïga fork on its own, which looks like a good option for converting your 29″ or 27.5″ hardtail into a more versatile bikepacking rig. The fork has an axle-to-crown length of 500mm, making it a good substitute for 120mm travel forks, it uses boos hub spacing, has triple cargo cage mounts, and has clearance for 29×3.0″ / 27.5×3.25″ tires.

    • Panorama Taiga Fork
    • Panorama Taiga Fork
    • Panorama Taiga Fork
    • Weight: 675 grams (23.8 oz)
    • Price: $565CAD
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $469.95
     Ritchey WCS Adventure Fork

    Ritchey WCS Adventure Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 393mm
    • Rake: 50mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700 X 48mm
    • Axle: 12 or 15 X 100mm
    See Our Full Review

    Originally designed for the 2020 Ritchey Outback, the WCS Adventure Fork is a full carbon gravel fork that’s guaranteed to add some comfort and vibration-dampening smoothness to your ride. It features 12x100mm thru-axles, anything cage mounts, plus rack and fender compatibility. It’s offered in a matte UD carbon finish, not in the green pictured to match the Outback. The 15mm dropout conversion kit will set you back $42.95 for those on the hunt for additional stiffness or different wheel compatibility.

    • 2020 Ritchey Outback V2 Review
    • 2020 Ritchey Outback V2 Review
    • Ritchey WCS Adventure Fork
    • Ritchey WCS Adventure Fork
    • Ritchey WCS Adventure Fork
    • Weight: 445 grams (15.7 oz)
    • Price: $469.95
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $549
     Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe V2

    Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe V2

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"

    The Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe V2 Fork was released in 2019 and was redesigned from the ground up to accompany the V2 Cutthroat. The most significant structural change to the fork is that it now has 110mm BOOST spacing, which adds quite a bit of tire clearance. Based on our measurements, it should fit a 29 x 3.0″ tire, which matches Salsa’s claim on the aftermarket fork. But, better yet, it simply adds a lot more breathing room for normal tires. There’s loads of room with a 2.25 or 2.4” tire mounted, which also offers some protection. If mud gums up the tread, the chance of it gnawing on the carbon fork is greatly diminished. Furthermore, Salsa also added two metallic, abrasion-resistant plates at either side of the interior where mud could potentially damage the carbon. We’ve seen this happen on both the original Firestarter carbon fork and the v1 Cutthroat fork, so were very happy to see this addition.

    • Salsa Cutthroat V2 Review
    • Salsa Cutthroat V2 Review
    • Salsa Cutthroat V2 Review

    The Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe V2 Fork also has a much sleeker profile than its predecessor, lending to its most pronounced benefit—32% more vertical compliance, according to Salsa. While this is a hard number to qualify from behind the bars, Logan was quite impressed by the vibration dampening in the front. The new fork seems to have balanced the front of the bike with the Cutthroat’s vibration-damping rear-end, adding a noticeably more forgiving feel that kept my hands comfortable on long rides.

    • Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe V2 Fork

    The V2 fork also has three-pack bosses directly on the side of each blade, making it more friendly for various cargo cages, bags, and other such carriers. The forward facing mounts on the old fork were limiting, in our opinion. Here are a few more specs on the fork:

    • Backwards compatible with previous Cutthroat frame
    • Salsa Down Under rack compatibility
    • Internal dynamo routing
    • Internal brake cable routing
    • Aftermarket fork available with 350mm steerer
    • Flat mount road brakes
    • No fender mounts
    • Fork weight with Deadbolt UL axle is 775g (1lb 12oz)
    • Weight: 775 grams (27.3 oz)
    • Price: $549
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $499
     Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Fork

    Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0”
    • Axle: 15 x 100mm

    At $499, the Cutthroat Carbon fork is the least expensive of Salsa’s three MTB options. Of course, it’s branded with the Cutthroat logo, has a larger crown race to line up with the Cutthroat, and finished gloss black instead of matte like the others. However, compared to the 100mm standard Firestarter Carbon fork, the Cutthroat gets dynamo wire routing and a light mount. We put thousands of miles of some pretty rough riding on this fork without any issues. You can read our review of the Cutthroat here.

    • Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Fork with bottle cage mounts
    • Salsa Cutthroat Carbon Fork with bottle cage mounts
    • Weight: 700 grams (24.7 oz)
    • Price: $499
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort  Jenson
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $599
     Salsa Firestarter 110 Deluxe Fork

    Salsa Firestarter 110 Deluxe Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC height: 483mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm

    The Firestarter 110 Deluxe is Salsa’s high-end, rigid, carbon mountain bikepacking fork. The fork features a 15mm thru-axle design and is the only carbon mountain bike fork listed here with two sets of Three-Pack mounts on each leg—one angled forward and one rearward. This configuration works well for carrying a light King Cage Many Things Cage on one set and a water bottle on the other. Additional upgrades from the original Firestarter fork are the 110 BOOST spacing, mid-blade mounts for low rider racks, internal routing for BOOST dynamo hubs, and fender mounts (compatible with 29 x 2.2” tire). The Deluxe also gets slightly more rake at 51mm, vs. 45mm on the original. We are currently testing this fork, so stay tuned for a review.

    • Weight: 787 grams (27.8 oz)
    • Price: $599
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $599
     Salsa Firestarter Carbon Fork

    Salsa Firestarter Carbon Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0”
    • Axle: 15 x 100mm

    The Firestarter Carbon Fork is Salsa’s OG bikepacking fork that’s been specced on the original 29+ Deadwood and other bikes released since 2015. It features a 15mm thru-axle design with a set of Three-Pack mounts on the forward portion of each leg for use with Salsa Anything Cages or extra water bottle cages. We’ve tested the Firestarter over several thousand miles and stand by it as a great option for bikepacking, no matter the location or terrain. The Firestarter fork is designed to line up with an EC44 lower headset cup. Note that the version shown in these photos is from the original Salsa Deadwood; the retail version is matte black.

    • Salsa Firestarter Carbon, Carbon Fork with bottle cage mounts, Utility Forks
    • Salsa Firestarter Carbon, Carbon Fork with bottle cage mounts
    • Price: $599
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes  Jenson
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $550
     Salsa Waxwing Deluxe Fork

    Salsa Waxwing Deluxe Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 405mm
    • Rake: 50mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700c X 45mm / 650b X 51mm
    • Axle: 12 X 100mm
    See Our Full Review

    Updated in 2019 for the latest Warbird, the latest Salsa Waxwing Deluxe Fork received more tire clearance and more mounting options. The fork has triple pack mounts, mid-blade low-rider rack mounts, fender mounts, and internal dynamo hub cable routing—making it a very well-rounded carbon gravel fork option. It has clearance for 700c x 45mm or 650b x 51mm tires, which isn’t massive by any means, but works well for a bike like the Warbird and other more traditional gravel bikes. When purchased separately, the Waxwing Deluxe Fork is painted to match the Warbird frameset (pictured below).

    • salsa waxwing deluxe fork
    • salsa waxwing deluxe fork
    • salsa waxwing deluxe fork
    • Weight: 520 grams (18.3 oz)
    • Price: $550
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • €349
     Seido MGV Fork

    Seido MGV Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 410mm
    • Rake: 53mm
    • Max Tire: 27.5 x 2.5"
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    Picking up where Bombtrack’s EXT V1 and V2 forks left off and redesigned from the ground up based on customer feedback, the all-new SEIDO MGV Fork is a lightweight, feature-packed full UD carbon fork that can accommodate hefty payloads of up to 18 kilograms/40 pounds on a low-rider rack. It sports three-pack mounts on each blade for running cargo cages, a drilled crown for installing a light or rack, fender mounts, and internal brake and dynamo routing. The flat-mount MGV will clear up to a 29 x 2.25″ or 27.5 x 2.5″ tire and fits 160-180mm rotors. It has a 53mm offset, 410mm axle-to-crown, and 12×100 axle spacing, making it suitable for many of today’s gravel/all-road rigs.

    • SEIDO MGV Fork
    • SEIDO MGV Fork
    • Weight: 530 grams (18.7 oz)
    • Price: €349
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $125
     Surly Troll Fork

    Surly Troll Fork

    • Type: Steel Non-SUS MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 420mm
    • Rake: 43mm
    • Max Tire Size: 26 x 3.0˝
    • Axle: 100mm QR

    The Troll fork is a 26˝ tire non-suspension-corrected full utility fork. It’s constructed of CroMoly steel and sports removable rim brake pivots as well as a 51mm disc caliper mount. It’s also designed to accept a rack while using a disc brake, via through-blade threaded mounts in two places on each fork blade. It also has fender eyelets and four sets of three-pack cage mounts. The steerer is 310mm long and 1-1/8˝ threadless.

    • Weight: 1.4 kg (3.09 lbs)
    • Price: $125
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $400
     Trek 1120 HCM Carbon Fork

    Trek 1120 HCM Carbon Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork (alloy steerer)
    • AC Height: 510mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm

    The suspension corrected fork used on the Trek 1120 is called the Trek 1120 Adventure HCM Carbon Fork. It’s made up of a carbon fork and crown with a bonded alloy steerer tube. The fork features 110mm BOOST spacing, triple accessory bosses on either blade, and rack mounts just above the dropout.
 A lot of people have been asking about this fork, specifically whether it will be available to purchase on its own. Right now, the Trek Carbon Adventure Fork is one of only two carbon forks being made with triple bottle mounts and 110mm BOOST spacing. Apparently, the fork is available through Trek dealers as a crash replacement, but it’s not going to be marketed, meaning that it’s not likely to be easy to track one down. The suggested retail prices are $399.99 for the fork and $131.99 for the rack. Part numbers are 561208 for the fork and 560997 for the front rack.

    • Trek 1120 review, Carbon Adventure Fork
    • Trek 1120 review, Carbon Adventure Fork
    • Trek 1120 Adventure HCM Carbon Fork, forks with bottle cage mounts
    • Price: $400
    contract Close
  • $550
     Whisky No.9 MTN Boost LT Fork

    Whisky No.9 MTN Boost LT Fork

    • AC Height: 500mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
    • Axle: 15 X 100MM
    See Our Full Review

    Whisky No.9 MTN Boost LT Fork) designed for modern trail/bikepacking bikes with 120-130mm front suspension. No.9 features three-mount cargo cage mounts and loads of tire clearance. The No.9 is aimed at 120-130mm travel bikes with an axle to crown of 500mm and Boost spacing. Here are the full specs and be sure to read the full review here.

    • Axle to Crown/Fork Length: 500mm, for use bikes designed around 120mm to 130mm suspension forks
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Axle Type: Boost 110mm x 15mm
    • Tire Clearance: 29 x 3.0″ or 27.5 x 3.0″ tires
    • Dynamo Routing: Full internal routing for light cable
    • Mounts: Two sets of Three-Pack mounts, no fender mounts
    • Included Parts: Whisky No.9 Thru Bolt and compression plug
    • Max Rotor: 180mm
    • Brake Type: Post Mount Disc Brake
    • Steerer: 1 1/2″ Tapered, 280mm
    • Material: Raw UD Carbon
    • Crown Race: 40mm
    • Weight: 680g (uncut), 645g as tested/cut
    • Part Number: FK7903
    • Max Rider Weight: 240 lbs
    • Whisky boost MTB fork, No.9 bikepacking
    • Whisky boost MTB fork, No.9 bikepacking
    Whisky boost MTB fork, No.9 bikepacking
    • Weight: 680 grams (24 oz)
    • Price: $550
    • Place of Manufacture: China
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $590
     Bearclaw Ramhorn Gravel+ Fork (Boost)

    Bearclaw Ramhorn Gravel+ Fork (Boost)

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 415mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 X 2.8" / 27.5 X 3"
    • Axle: 15 X 110mm

    The Ramhorn Gravel+ Fork is a boost version of their standard carbon Ramhorn fork. It features boost 15x110mm hub spacing, massive tire clearance, and weighs just 630g. It has triple pack mounts, fender and rack mounts, and additional mounts on the inside of the fork leg for rando-style racks.

    • Weight: 630 grams (22.2 oz)
    • Price: $590
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $690
     Bearclaw Ti 150 Fat Fork

    Bearclaw Ti 150 Fat Fork

    • Type: Titanium Fat Bike Fork
    • AC Height: 468mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 26 X 5 / 27.5 X 5
    • Axle: 15 X 150MM

    The Ti 150 Fork is Bearclaw’s Fat bike specific titanium fork, and shares an unmistakable resemblance with their other titanium fork offerings. For all of your big tired needs, the fork can clear 27.5 x 5″ / 26 x 5″ tires, and has triple pack mounts for extra gear hauling needs.

    • Weight: 920 grams (32.5 oz)
    • Price: $690
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $690
     Bearclaw Ti Gravel Fork (Boost)

    Bearclaw Ti Gravel Fork (Boost)

    • Type: Titanium Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 420mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 X 2.8 / 27.5 X 3
    • Axle: 15 X 110mm

    The boost hub spaced Bearclaw Ti Gravel Fork is designed to be “bomb-proof and smooth like butter”. It features a full titanium construction, massive clearance for pair your favourite monster cross gravel bike, and has triple pack mounts as well as a single fork crown mount and lower fork mount. Bearclaw keeps branding to a minimal, and the the fork is designed to match up well with their Beaux Jaxon gravel bike.

    • Weight: 850 grams (30 oz)
    • Price: $690
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $690
     Bearclaw Ti Gravel Fork 100 (Non-Boost)

    Bearclaw Ti Gravel Fork 100 (Non-Boost)

    • Type: Titanium Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 405mm
    • Rake: 49mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 X 2.3 / 27.5 X 2.6
    • Axle: 15/12 X 100MM

    The Bearclaw Ti Gravel Fork 100 is a non-boost version of their 110mm spaced titanium gravel fork. It features some of the same specs, but is actually quite different with 405mm axle-to-crown and 49mm offset. It does come with all the same mounting points though, including triple pack mounts, lower bosses, and a treaded fork crown hole. It doesn’t have quite as much tire clearance though, can has room for 29 x 2.3″ / 27.5 x 2.6″ tires. This version is better suited to their Thunderhawk gravel bike.

    • Weight: 850 grams (30 oz)
    • Price: $690
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $380
     Bombtrack BPC Fork

    Bombtrack BPC Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 500mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.0″ / 29 x 3.0″
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm

    The Bombtrack BPC (stands for Bike Packing Carbon) features a 500mm axle-to-crown for mountain bikes and clearance for 27.5 x 3.0″ tires or full 29 x 3.0″. It has internal routing for brake hoses and dynamos, boost hub spacing, and can fit a 203mm brake rotor.

    • Bombtrack BPC Fork, Bombtrack Bikepacking Forks
    • Bombtrack BPC Fork, Bombtrack Bikepacking Forks
    • Bombtrack BPC Fork, Bombtrack Bikepacking Forks
    • Weight: 650 grams (22.9 oz)
    • Price: $380
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $260
     Bombtrack BPS Fork

    Bombtrack BPS Fork

    • Type: Steel MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 500mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 27.5 X 3.0″ / 29 X 3.0″
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm

    The Bombtrack BPS (stands for Bike Packing Steel) features a 500mm axle-to-crown for mountain bikes and clearance for 27.5 x 3.0″ tires or full 29 x 3.0. It has internal routing for brake hoses and dynamo setups, triple pack mounts, and can fit a 203mm brake rotor.

    • Bombtrack BPS Fork, Bombtrack Bikepacking Forks
    • Bombtrack BPS Fork, Bombtrack Bikepacking Forks
    • Bombtrack BPS Fork, Bombtrack Bikepacking Forks
    • Weight: 1.59 kg (3.51 lbs)
    • Price: $260
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $360
     Bombtrack EXT Carbon Gravel Fork

    Bombtrack EXT Carbon Gravel Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 395mm
    • Rake: 50mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700c x 45mm / 27.5 x 2.1"
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    Following the successful launch of the Hook EXT, Bombtrack released the EXT fork as an aftermarket product. The Bombtrack EXT fork features a full carbon construction, triple cage mounts on each fork blade and fender mounts, flat disc brake mounts, an M5 threaded eyelet for a fender, and a 300mm tapered steerer.

    • Bombtrack EXT Fork, Bombtrack Bikepacking Forks
    • Bombtrack EXT Fork, Bombtrack Bikepacking Forks
    • Bombtrack EXT Fork, Bombtrack Bikepacking Forks
    • Weight: 544 grams (19.2 oz)
    • Price: $360
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $302
     Bossi Carbon Gravel Disc Fork

    Bossi Carbon Gravel Disc Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 398mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.1"

    Austrlia-based Bossi Bikes designed their Carbon Gravel Disc Fork as a “go anywhere do anything” option for getting from the road to the rough and back. It comes standard with triple cage mounts, fender bosses, internal hose routing, and a replaceable axle thread. It has clearance for 54mm tires, and is suitable for both 700c and 650b wheels.

    • Weight: 440 grams (15.5 oz)
    • Price: $302
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • £249
     Brother Cycles Carbon Gravel Fork

    Brother Cycles Carbon Gravel Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 398mm
    • Rake: 48mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700 x 45mm / 650 x 54mm
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    Designed as a lighter weight pairing for their Mehteh frameset, the Brother Cycles Carbon Gravel Fork has full carbon legs, clearance for 700 x 45mm / 650 x 54mm tires, internal cable routing, and a tapered steerer. Like their Steel Gravel Fork, it has triple pack mounts on the legs and a 12 x 100mm thru-axle.

    • Brother Cycles Carbon Gravel Fork
    • Brother Cycles Carbon Gravel Fork
    • Brother Cycles Carbon Gravel Fork
    • Weight: 550 grams (19.4 oz)
    • Price: £249
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • £149
     Brother Cycles Steel Gravel Fork

    Brother Cycles Steel Gravel Fork

    • Type: Steel Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 408mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700 x 50mm / 650b x 2.4″
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    The Brother Cycles Steel Gravel Fork features triple pack mounts, clearance for 700 x 50c / 650b x 2.4″ tires, flat mount brakes, and ships with a 12 x 100mm thru-axle. Although it’s designed to pair well with their Mehteh frameset, it’s compatible with a wide range of gravel bikes—perfect for those looking to carry heavier loads, including panniers and lowrider racks.

    • Brother Cycles Steel Gravel Fork
    • Brother Cycles Steel Gravel Fork
    • Brother Cycles Steel Gravel Fork
    • Weight: 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs)
    • Price: £149
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $282
     Cairn Adventure Fork

    Cairn Adventure Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 395mm
    • Rake: 48mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700 x 45mm / 650B x 2.25″
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    UK-based Cairn Cycles, a new e-bike company with a focus on gravel adventures, released their Cairn Adventure Fork as a standalone offering, which boasts clearance for tires up to 700 x 45mm or 650B x 2.25″, a full carbon design, flat mount disc brakes, internal dynamo routing, and Anything Cage mounts. From the looks of things, this fork has all the makings of a worthwhile upgrade for your favourite gravel bike, especially if you’re missing mounts and looking to shed a bit of weight.

    • Cairn Adventure Fork
    • Cairn Adventure Fork
    • Cairn Adventure Fork
    • Weight: 522 grams (18.4 oz)
    • Price: $282
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • €590
     Cinq Adventure Fork

    Cinq Adventure Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 495mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max tire size: 27.5×3″ or 29×3″
    • Axle: 15mm x 110mm boost
    See Our Full Review

    The Cinq Adventure Fork is designed specifically for off-road bikepacking and hardtail mountain bikes. The fork is has clearance for 27.5 x 3.0″ and 29 x 3.0″ tires with a suspension-corrected axle-to-crown (AC) length of 495mm. This makes it comparable to the Niner RDO and Trek 1120 HCM. That said, the Cinq Adventure Fork one very unique feature that sets it apart from others. In addition to internal dynamo hub wiring, fender mounts, and light mounts, it has Cinq’s own unique CSA-System (Carbon-Steel Attachment-System) which the company claims to greatly reduce the stress on the carbon sidewalls, resulting in cargo carrying capacity and reliability. With this design, the included barrel bolt stainless-steel hardware is completely replaceable. So if a threaded insert is damaged or cross-threaded, it’s easy to replace. Read the full specs and press here.

    • Weight: 860 grams (30.3 oz)
    • Price: €590
    contract Close
  • €590
     Cinq Touring Fork

    Cinq Touring Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 400mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max tire size: 700c x 50mm
    • Axle: 15 x 100mm

    The Cinq Touring Fork is focused on luggage transport possibilities on traditional touring bikes, while at the same time reducing weight. The fork has clearance for 50mm tires and axle-to-crown length of 400mm. It has the same unique features as the Adventure Fork and weighs 550g (640g with axle and hardware). Read the full specs and press here.

    • Weight: 640 grams (22.6 oz)
    • Price: €590
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $623
     Columbus Futura Cross+ Fork

    Columbus Futura Cross+ Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 395mm
    • Rake: 47/52mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700C X 47MM / 27.5 X 2.1"
    • Axle: 12 X 100mm

    The Futura Cross+ Fork from Columbus was updated with Anything Cage-style bosses for more gear carrying potential, as well as internal dynamo routing for those with a dynamo hub setup. Their Multi-Rake system allows for offset adjustment, depending on wheel / tire choice and load and reactivity needs, and can be adjusted from 47mm to 52mm.

    • Columbus Futura Cross+ Fork
    • Columbus Futura Cross+ Fork
    • Columbus Futura Cross+ Fork
    • Weight: 535 grams (18.9 oz)
    • Price: $623
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $195
     Crust Segmented Fork

    Crust Segmented Fork

    • Type: Steel Non-SUS MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 408mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.8” / 29″ x 2.2″
    • Axle: 15 x 100mm

    The Crust Segmented fork is a 1 1/8th fork with a 408mm axle to crown, designed to work on most non-suspension-corrected steel frames. The fork features barrel mounts and fork leg bosses for racks, fenders, and a three-pack cage mount on each leg. It fits up to 26″ x 3″, 27.5 x 2.8”, or 29 x 2.2″ tires and features a 15 x 100mm thru-axle. The Segmented fork is available in “dark sparkle” color. According to Crust, “Is it black, is it purple? I don’t know, depends on the sun and your mood.”

    • Price: $195
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $899AUD
     Curve GMX+ Fork

    Curve GMX+ Fork

    • Type: Carbon Non-Sus Mtb Fork
    • AC Height: 430mm
    • Rake: 55mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"

    Australia-based Curve Cycling’s GMX+ Carbon Fork is available as a standalone purchase—separate from their GMX+ drop-bar monstercross bike. The GMX+ fork features the lowest possible axle-to-crown height, 430mm, catering to frame builders looking to build rigid bikes without sacrificing tire clearance. The fork features a full carbon construction, six M5 mounts on either leg, clearance for 3″ tires, and is based around a 180mm post mount brake.

    • Price: $899AUD
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $599AUD
     Curve GXR SEEK Carbon Fork

    Curve GXR SEEK Carbon Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 400mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 650B x 2.1”
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    The GXR Carbon Fork was designed specifically for Curve’s GXR (Gravel Cross Race) bike, but it also pairs well with other bike frames in this genre. The design is optimised around 700C x 35-40mm or 27.5 x 2.0-2.1” tires, which have similar effective rolling diameters. The fork comes in two variations. The Seek version shown here has a triple-mount for Anything-style cages on either fork leg. Each is rated to 6 kg total (3kg each side). This allows a light rack, water bottles or micro panniers, and fenders.

    • Weight: 535 grams (18.9 oz)
    • Price: $599AUD
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $325
     Endpoint Hunter Gatherer Fork

    Endpoint Hunter Gatherer Fork

    • Type: Steel Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: ~390-395mm
    • Rake: 70mm
    • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.4” / 700C x 42mm
    • Axle: 15 x 100mm

    Designed around the Hunter Gatherer bike, the fork of the same name has a low trail geometry, clearance for a wide range of tires, and mounts for touring racks, baskets or low rider racks, fenders, and two bottle cages. The Hunter Gatherer is designed by Ride Endpoint and hand-built by FBM Machine Shop in Ithaca, NY.

    • Price: $325
    • Place of Manufacture: NY, USA
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $625
     ENVE Adventure Fork

    ENVE Adventure Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 398/406mm
    • Rake: 49/55.5mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.3″ / 650B x 2.6″
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    ENVE’s Adventure Fork is an all-carbon fork that’s designed with features and geometry to suit adventure-oriented frames. They’re calling it the Adventure Fork, and it looks like it ticks a lot of boxes for bikepackers looking for a high-end carbon fork for their next build. It features an adjustable rake, huge clearance, internal dynamo routing, three-pack mounts on both blades, and more.

    • ENVE Adventure Fork
    • ENVE Adventure Fork
    • ENVE Adventure Fork
    • Weight: 575 grams (20.3 oz)
    • Price: $625
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $625
     ENVE Mountain Fork

    ENVE Mountain Fork

    • Type: Carbon MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 490/492mm
    • Rake: 44/52mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm

    The ENVE Mountain Fork inherits a similar one-piece carbon construction and the same adjustable axle flip-chips from its predecessor, and gets 110mm drop-out spacing, a new A-C height to match 120mm suspension forks, a removable carbon fender, and three-pack accessory mounts. It is offered in a BOOST version for 15X110mm hubs and a non-boost option for 15X100mm hubs—the non boost model is suspension corrected for 100mm travel forks but does not have accessory mounts.

    • Enve Boost Mtn Fork
    • Enve Boost Mtn Fork
    • Enve Boost Mtn Fork
    • Weight: 719 grams (25.4 oz)
    • Price: $625 (ENVE Boost Mountain Fork)
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • £449
     Fairlight Cempa 2.0 Fork

    Fairlight Cempa 2.0 Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 398mm
    • Rake: 50mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 X 2.0" / 27.5 X 2.4"
    • Axle: 12 X 100MM

    The Fairlight Cempa 2.0 Fork is an updated version of their original Cempa fork and is designed specially for their Secan frameset, but can also be purchased separately. The most significant updates are the addition of pack mounts on the legs, as well as fully-sleeved internal dynamo routing. They’ve also made a long list of tiny updates to the fork, to improve the form and the ease of manufacturing. The fork ships with an expanding steerer plug, 8 steel bolts, and a thru-axle.

    • Fairlight Cempa 2.0 Fork
    • Fairlight Cempa 2.0 Fork
    • Fairlight Cempa 2.0 Fork
    • Weight: 580 grams (20.5 oz)
    • Price: £449 (For EU customers)
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $145
     Farr Chromo Rigid Fork

    Farr Chromo Rigid Fork

    • Type: Steel MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 50mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.1″
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm

    The Farr Chromo Rigid Fork suitable for your next 29″ monstercross or rigid mountain bike build. The fork is constructed from oversized 31.8mm chromoly steel blades, uses a tapered steerer tube, and has boost 15 x 110mm thru-axle spacing. Farr says their new fork “blends old-school styling with new-school updates,” which sounds about right considering the quad-pack mounts on the fork legs, huge tire clearance, and ISO brakes mounts. The 483mm axle-to-crown length means the Rigid Chromo Fork is a great substitute for short travel 100mm suspension forks or for gravel bikes that require massive tire clearance.

    • Farr Chromo Rigid Fork
    • Farr Chromo Rigid Fork
    • Weight: 1.39 kg (3.06 lbs)
    • Price: $145
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $499
     Fatback Carbon Fork

    Fatback Carbon Fork

    • Type: Carbon Fatbike fork
    • AC Height: 470mm
    • Rake: 46mm
    • Max Tire Size: 26 x 5.0"
    • Axle: 15 x 150mm

    The Fatback Carbon Fork was designed for the new Corvus to be a combination of “light enough to race, but strong enough to carry that extra load.” It comes in either black or white.

    • Weight: 680 grams (24 oz)
    • Price: $499
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • €380
     Fern X Allygn Carbon Gravel Fork

    Fern X Allygn Carbon Gravel Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 395mm
    • Rake: 50mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700C x 50mm / 27.5 x 2.0"
    • Axle: 15 x 100mm

    The Allygn brand is a framebuilder owned company run by the Berlin Framebuilders Collective. The Fern X Allygn Carbon Gravel Fork features a pair of bottle cage eyelets on each blade. One doubles as a lowrider mount which also serves as a porteur rack mount. The fork claims a 370mm maximum tire radius with a 55mm maximum tire width. We aren’t exactly sure how this translates to a “comfortable” maximum tire size, but our guess is that it can safely run a 700C x 50mm or a 27.5 x 2.0″ tire. The Allygn fork also has an M6 light mount in the front fork crown, an additional M6 eyelet on the back of the fork crown for a fender mount, and a 300mm tapered steerer.

    • Weight: 560 grams (19.8 oz)
    • Price: €380
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $420
     Fyxation Sparta FCR full Carbon Fork

    Fyxation Sparta FCR full Carbon Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 400mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700C x 42mm tire or 650B x 50mm
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    The Fyxation Sparta FCR is a full carbon, thru-axle, all-road fork with a 1 1/8″ – 1 1/2″ tapered carbon steerer. The fork features flat mount disc brake tabs, rack and fender mounts, and triple cage bosses for multiple bottle placement options or use with a Salsa Anything Cage, King Cage Many Things Cage, or Oveja Negra Bootlegger bags. In addition, the Sparta FCR features internal Dynamo routing and a new thru-axle design with a removable lever on the axle to give riders the ability to nix the lever, meaning less weight and a cleaner look. Or, you can keep it on for access to a 5mm hex wrench at the end of the lever. The Sparta FCR fits up to a 700C x 42mm tire (700C x 40mm with fender) or 650B x 50mm Road Plus. It retails for $420. Read the full press release here.

    • Fyxation sparta FCR, Carbon all-road fork
    • Fyxation sparta FCR, Carbon all-road fork
    • Fyxation sparta FCR, Carbon all-road fork
    • Weight: 500 grams (17.6 oz)
    • Price: $420
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $350
     Jones Unicrown fork

    Jones Unicrown fork

    • Type: Steel Non-SUS MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 435mm
    • Rake: 55mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.25" or 27.5 x 3.8"
    • Axle: 15 x 150mm

    The Jones Unicrown fork is designed to work with the Jones Plus SWB and Jones 29er frames. It is not suspension-corrected, and so it is limited in use. The Unicrown fork features front lowrider rack mounts, three-pack bosses on each leg for an Anything-style cage, or a normal two-bolt bottle cage with a traditional low-rider rack. It also has full fender mounts (two bosses on each dropout for a fender or rack) and clearance for 29 x 2.3-3.25″ or 27.5 x 3.8″ tires.

    • Weight: 1.45 kg (3.19 lbs)
    • Price: $350
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • £400
     Kinesis Range Fork

    Kinesis Range Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 400mm
    • Rake: 50mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700 X 45MM / 650B X 50mm
    • Axle: 12 X 100mm

    Originally designed to be paired with their eBike offerings, the Kinesis Range Fork is available to purchase separately to upgrade your current gravel bike. It features triple pack mounts, rack and fender mounts, internal routing for the front brake hose, and a full carbon construction to help absorb unwanted vibrations. It’s also quite light at just 500g.

    • kinesis range fork
    • kinesis range fork
    • kinesis range fork
    • Weight: 500 grams (17.6 oz)
    • Price: £400
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $124
     Landyachtz Adventure Fork

    Landyachtz Adventure Fork

    • Type: Steel Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 385mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700C x 45mm
    • Axle: 100mm QR or 15mm Thru

    The 4130 Chromoly Adventure fork was designed for Landyachtz’ Eff Off gravel bike and features a tapered 1 1/8″ – 1.5″ steerer, a set of three-pack bottle mounts on each leg, fender mounts, post mount for 160mm discs, and a choice of QR or thru-axle dropouts.

    • Price: $124
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $550
     Lynskey Carbon Adventure Fork

    Lynskey Carbon Adventure Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 396mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700 X 45MM / 27.5 X 2.1"
    • Axle: 12 X 100mm

    Exclusively engineered for their line of gravel and road bikes, the Lynskey Carbon Adventure Fork has clearance for 700 x 45mm or 27.5 x 2.1″ tires, a tapered full carbon steerer, internal brake routing, and 4 bosses per leg for bottles, racks, and cages.

    • Lynskey Carbon Adventure Fork
    • Lynskey Carbon Adventure Fork
    • Weight: 550 grams (19.4 oz)
    • Price: $550 (with thru-axle + bolts)
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $399
     Niner RDO Carbon Gravel Fork

    Niner RDO Carbon Gravel Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 400mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 650b x 2.2 / 700C x 50mm
    • Axle: 15 x 100mm

    Similar to the MTB RDO we reviewed, the Gravel RDO fork is a full carbon fork with a 1 1/8″ – 1 1/2″ tapered steerer tube, featuring a pair of bottle mounts on each blade. In addition, the Gravel RDO features mid-blade rack mounts and fender mounts, two pairs of bottle bosses, and is backed by Niner’s C5 Carbon warranty. The Gravel RDO is available in Flat Mount (Stealth Black) for $550 or Post Mount (Industry Grey) for $399. Both fit rotors up to 160mm.

    • Price: $399
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes  Amazon
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • €103
     Nordest Sardinha 110 fork

    Nordest Sardinha 110 fork

    • Type: Steel MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
    • Axle: 15 × 110mm

    The Nordest Sardinha 110 fork is made of 4130 chromoly and designed to replace a 100mm suspension fork. The fork features 260mm, 1-1/8 steerer, BOOST hub spacing, and a paint scheme to match Nordest’s bikepacking-specific bike of the same name. A 15 × 110 thru-axle is included with the fork.

    • Weight: 1.18 kg (2.6 lbs)
    • Price: €103
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • £129
     Pipedream Sirius Fork

    Pipedream Sirius Fork

    • Type: Steel MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 X 3.0"
    • Axle: 15 X 110MM

    Designed to pair nicely with their Sirius hardtail mountain bike, the Pipedream SRS48 Fork is made from double butted Chromoly steel, uses a unicrown design, and a straight steerer tube that can be converted to tapered using an appropriate conversion headset, like the one Cane Creek offers. The fork has a long 483mm axle-to-crown length and 47mm rake, making it ideal to replace 100-130mm travel suspension forks, for those on the hunt for some more mounting options and carrying capacity. It has offset triple pack mounts, standard bottle mounts, and uses boost 15x110mm thru-axle. It’s available with or without additional upper and lower rack mounts, and both retail for £129 or £107.50 (~$147 USD) + shipping outside of the UK.

    • Weight: 1.5 kg (3.31 lbs)
    • Price: £129
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $535
     Rodeo Labs Spork 3.0

    Rodeo Labs Spork 3.0

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 396mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire size: 650b x 2.4″ / 700C x 50mm
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm or 15 x 100mm

    The Spork 3.0 offers nearly every modern feature we could ask of a gravel bike fork: rack, bottle and fender mounts, internal dynamo routing and light mount, plus it’s compatible with 12mm and 15mm thru-axles. For even more versatility, there is an offset eyelet kit available as an add-on, which provides a little more wiggle room for low-rider racks. The Spork 3.0 is available with or without googly eyes.

    • Rodeo Labs Spork 3.0
    • Rodeo Labs Spork 3.0
    • Weight: 600 grams (21.2 oz)
    • Price: $535
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $360
     Salsa Bearpaw 150

    Salsa Bearpaw 150

    • Type: Aluminum Fatbike Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max tire Size: 26 x 5.0″
    • Axle: 15 x 150mm

    The Bearpaw fork is a 150mm thru-axle, aluminum fat bike fork designed for stiffness and steering precision. The fork features three-pack mounts on each leg and can accomodate 5″ tires mounted to 100mm-wide rims. The Bearpaw has a 39.7mm crown race and a 260mm steerer. It’s compatible with all 26 x 4.0–5.0″ and 29+ tires.

    • Weight: 730 grams (25.7 oz)
    • Price: $360
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • Salsa Enabler fork

    Salsa Enabler fork

    • Type: Steel MTB/Fatbike Fork
    • AC Height: 468mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire size: 26 x 3.8 / 29 x 2.5+*
    • Axle: 135mm QR

    The Enabler is designed around a 29er wheel and uses a 135mm-spaced dropout so you can put a singlespeed rear wheel as the front wheel for added security in the backcountry. It has back-of-the-leg three-pack bosses, double eyelets at dropout for racks and fenders, fender bosses at the crown, and low-rider mid-blades bosses. The fork features forward-facing stainless steel fork dropouts, and a 1 1/8″ threadless steerer (350mm). It’s unclear whether the Enabler will be available, but you can still find it on eBay and elsewhere. *Note: we weren’t able to find out the maximum 29er tire size; if anyone knows, please let us know in the comments.

    • Weight: 1.18 kg (2.59 lbs)
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $139
     Salsa Firestarter Steel Fork

    Salsa Firestarter Steel Fork

    • Type: Steel MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.0” / 29 x 3.0”
    • Axle: 100mm QR

    As specced on the Fargo, the Firestarter fork has three-pack mounts for Anything Cage compatibility, rack and fender mounts, and mid-blade eyelets for low-rider racks. The fork also features forward-facing stainless steel dropouts. The Firestarter has a 30.0mm Crown Race and a 300mm steerer tube length.

    • Weight: 1.19 kg (2.62 lbs)
    • Price: $139
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $499
     Salsa Kingpin Deluxe Fork

    Salsa Kingpin Deluxe Fork

    • Type: Carbon Fatbike Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 26 x 5”
    • Axle: 15 x 150mm

    Salsa’s Kingpin Deluxe fork was designed for fat bike expeditions. Featuring dual Three-Pack mounts on each leg (one angled forward and one rearward), and mid-blade mounts to fit low rider racks for panniers. It’s clearly meant to be fully loaded. Other features include a tapered 1-1/8” to 1-½” steerer tube, 203mm maximum rotor size, and internal routing for a 150mm dynamo hub.

    • Price: $499
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $260
     SimWorks Doppo MTB Fork

    SimWorks Doppo MTB Fork

    • Type: Steel MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 465mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 X 2.4" / 27.5 X 2.8"
    • Axle: 15 X 110mm

    Designed alongside the SimWorks Doppo Frameset, the Doppo MTB Fork is a stylish Tange Chromoly Steel mountain bike fork, with a number of eyelets, and generous tire clearance. It has triple pack mounts, clearance for 27.5″ x 2.8″ or 29″ x 2.4″ tires, and 15x110mm boost thru-axle spacing. You can choose from two types of ED coating 1 layer specification (black) for rust prevention and 2 layer specification coated with black powder coat over ED coat, as well as a custom colour upon request.

    • Weight: 680 grams (24 oz)
    • Price: $260
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $199
     Soma Bikepacking Forks

    Soma Bikepacking Forks

    • Type: Steel MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 465mm/485mm
    • Rake: 47mm

    The Soma MTB-BP1 and MTB-BP2 Bikepacking Forks, are both suspension corrected (100mm 29er/120mm 27.5″), have IS disc brake mounts, and 1 1/8″ threadless steerer tubes. The MTB-BP1 is the cleaner of the two, with triple pack mounts and offered in two axle-to-crown lengths: 485mm and 465mm. The MTB-BP2 is kitted out with two sets of triple pack mounts on each fork leg, plus additional mounts for panniers and fenders. It’s offered in a single 485mm axle-to-crown length. Both fit 100mm quick-release hubs and are made from Chromoly steel.

    • Price: $199 (MTB-BP1)
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $269
     Soma IRD Carbon Fork

    Soma IRD Carbon Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 406mm
    • Rake: 50mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 X 2.1" / 27.5 X 2.25"
    • Axle: 12 X 100mm

    The Soma IRD Carbon Fork is offered in both a tapered and straight 1 1/8″ steerer. It’s a monstercross-style fork with clearance for 29 x 2.1″ and 27.5 x 2.25″ tires with room for mud. It features an extra long 350mm aluminum steerer, triple pack mounts, fender mounts, and uses a 15mm thru-axle. The fork is offered in black and a limited edition Storm Blue to match the Soma Wolverine A-Type frame.

    • Soma IRD Carbon Fork
    • Soma IRD Carbon Fork
    • Weight: 970 grams (34.2 oz)
    • Price: $269 (Black Version)
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $87
     Sonder Frontier fork

    Sonder Frontier fork

    • Type: Aluminum Alloy MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 480mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.5" / 27.5 x 3.0"
    • Axle: 110mm QR

    Built around BOOST 110mm spacing with quick-release dropouts, the Frontier rigid alloy fork offers clearance for big 29er tires or 27.5+. It features three bosses on either blade and lower rack mounts at an affordable price point.

    • Weight: 1.09 kg (2.39 lbs)
    • Price: $87
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $289.99
     State Bicycle Co. Carbon Monster Gravel Fork

    State Bicycle Co. Carbon Monster Gravel Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 396.7mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700 x 45mm / 27.5 x 2.2"
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    Released alongside State’s 6061 All Road gravel bike, the Carbon Monster Gravel fork is available as an upgrade for their 4130 All-Road and 6061 Black Label All-Road, or separately for your winter gravel bike project. The fork claims to be constructed from some “of the highest grade carbon on earth” and offers fender mounts, anything cage mounts, and internal brake routing. Although clearance for 27.5 x 2.2″ tires may not be considered as monstrous in today’s standards, it’s priced pretty competitively at $289.99 USD.

    As this is offered for their 4130 bike which had a straight 1 1/8 steel fork, they also have a headset cup to adapt it. The original 4130 fork has a 408 AC. The bottom of the headset adds about 11.7mm compared to the stock steel one, so after assembling, the Monster length is 396.7+11.7=408.4mm. It is nearly the same size as the 4130 forks. So after assembling, the experience of riding is the same.

    • Weight: 510 grams (18 oz)
    • Price: $289.99
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $175
     Surly Bridge Club Fork

    Surly Bridge Club Fork

    • Type: Steel MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 420mm
    • Rake: 43mm
    • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.8”
    • Axle: 100 QR

    The Bridge Club fork is designed around 27.5” wheels with tire clearance up to 2.8″, but is also capable of running 700c wheel setups with max tire clearance of 47c. It has 51mm I.S. disc caliper mounts and brake line guides, upper and lower barrel bosses, one three-pack cage mount on each leg, mid-blade eyelets, and rack mounts on the fork ends.

    • Weight: 1.19 kg (2.62 lbs)
    • Price: $175
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $175
     Surly Disc Trucker Thru-Axle Fork

    Surly Disc Trucker Thru-Axle Fork

    • Type: Steel Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 376mm
    • Rake: 45mm
    • Max Tire Size: 26 X 2.1" / 700 x 47mm
    • Axle: 12 X 100mm

    Updated alongside the 2020 Surly Disc Trucker, the matching fork received 12mm thru-axles, three-pack mounts, internal dynamo routing, and the standard fender and rack mounts we’ve come to expect from Surly. It is made from 4130 Chromoly Steel, and is painted to match the current Disc Trucker colours.

    • Price: $175
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $125
     Surly ECR Forks (29+/27.5+)

    Surly ECR Forks (29+/27.5+)

    • Type: Steel MTB Fork
    • AC height: 468mm/447mm
    • Rake: 47mm/43mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0”/27.5 x 3.0”
    • Axle: 100mm QR

    Both ECR forks are designed to replace 80mm-travel suspension forks. They feature 51mm I.S. disc caliper mounts, brake line guides, rack and fender mounts, two sets of three-pack cage mounts (one on each leg), and a 1-1/8” steerer. Specs are shown for both, separated by a slash (29+ first, then 27.5+).

    • Weight: 1.4 kg (3.09 lbs)
    • Price: $125
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes  Jenson
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $175
     Surly Ice Cream Truck Forks (150/135)

    Surly Ice Cream Truck Forks (150/135)

    • Type: Steel Fatbike Fork
    • AC Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire Size: 26 x 5.0”
    • Axle: 15 x 150/135 QR

    The 4130 CroMoly steel Ice Cream Truck forks feature butted and tapered blades and are available with 15 x 150mm thru-axles or QR dropouts spaced at 135mm. Both have barrel bosses at the dropouts and crown, mid-blade thru-blade eyelets, and triple bottle bosses on each fork leg. The 51mm I.S. mounts use rear disc spacing.

    • Weight: 1.4 kg (3.09 lbs)
    • Price: $175
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $175
     Surly Krampus 110/Karate Monkey Fork

    Surly Krampus 110/Karate Monkey Fork

    • Type: Steel BOOST MTB Fork
    • Ac Height: 483mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0”
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm

    The Krampus 110 fork, aka Karate Monkey fork, has 15 x 110mm BOOST thru-axle dropouts and clearance for up to a 29 x 3.0″ tire. To accommodate such big tires, it’s got a longer axle-to-crown measurement than the Ogre or original Karate Monkey forks, making it a good rigid fork option for lots of 29ers out there. The Karate Monkey has a standard 1-1/8˝ threadless steerer, line guides for a disc brake, mid-blade thru-blade eyelets, and three-pack bosses on both fork legs.

    • Weight: 1.18 kg (2.6 lbs)
    • Price: $175
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes  Jenson
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $125
     Surly Moonlander Forks (Offset and Non)

    Surly Moonlander Forks (Offset and Non)

    • Type: Steel Fatbike Fork
    • AC Height: 443mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire size: 26 x 5.0"
    • Axle: 135mm QR

    There are two versions of the Moonlander fork, an on-center non-offset one, meaning it requires a centered, undished wheel with a 135mm hub, and an offset version that requires a wheel built offset to match the Moonlander frame. Both use 135mm spacing (mountain rear), this is a useful feature, especially in remote places and extreme temperatures or conditions. Should your freehub seize due to cold, invasive grit, or other reasons, you can swap wheels and keep moving.

    The disc brake caliper mount is 51mm I.S. and it works with a standard front caliper adapter. This fork features threaded fender mounts at the dropouts, barrel mounts near the crown, and dropouts for mounting racks or accessories, brake housing guides, and three-pack cage mounts on each leg. It has a 260mm 1-1/8˝ straight steerer.

    • Price: $125
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $125
     Surly Ogre Fork

    Surly Ogre Fork

    • Type: Steel Non-SUS MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 447mm
    • Rake: 43mm
    • Max Tire size: 29 x 2.5" or 27.5 x 3.0"
    • Axle: 100 QR

    The latest Ogre fork is non-suspension corrected and will run 29″ as well as 27.5″ tire options. Made of 4130 CroMoly, it’s got 51mm IS disc mounts, brake-line guides, two sets of three-pack bottle mounts, low-blade threaded barrel bosses, and mid-blade eyelets for a rack. This fork is designed to run disc brakes, fenders, and a rack simultaneously. The steerer tube is 285mm with a 1-1/8˝ threadless steerer.

    • Weight: 1.4 kg (3.09 lbs)
    • Price: $125
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $185
     Surly Wednesday Fork

    Surly Wednesday Fork

    • Type: Steel Fatbike Fork
    • AC Height: 468mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire size: 26 x 5.25”
    • Axle: 15 x 150mm

    The 4130 CroMoly steel Wednesday fork has butted and tapered blades with thru-axle dropouts spaced at 150mm and a 260mm long 1-1/8˝ straight steerer. It features barrel bosses at the dropouts and crown, mid-blade thru-blade eyelets, and three-pack cage bosses on both fork legs. Of all Surly’s forks, this is the one with the widest tire clearance.

    • Weight: 1.26 kg (2.78 lbs)
    • Price: $185
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • helpWe highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:  Tree Fort Bikes
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • £339
     Travers XC Prong Boost Fork

    Travers XC Prong Boost Fork

    • Type: Carbon Boost MTB fork
    • AC Height: 485mm
    • Rake: 47mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.25" (92mm gap)
    • Axle: 15 x 110mm

    The Travers XC Prong Boost fork was designed specifically for Bikepacking and features a set of three-pack bottle cage mounts on each leg. The mounts are anodized black for a seamless look and are molded directly into the fork leg. The fork is available in both Matte or Gloss finish with a 300mm tapered steerer and a two-year warranty.

    • Weight: 610 grams (21.5 oz)
    • Price: £339
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $180
     Velo Orange Piolet Fork

    Velo Orange Piolet Fork

    • Type: Steel Non-SUS MTB Fork
    • AC Height: 26": 400mm, 29er: 430mm
    • Rake: 26": 57mm, 29er: 62mm
    • Max Tire size: 26": 2.4", 29er: 650b x 3.0" / 29 x 2.4"
    • Axle: 9mm x 100mm QR

    Velo Orange offers its Piolet fork as an aftermarket product for folks looking to dial in their touring or off-road rigs. There are two versions, one made for 29er and 27.5″ wheels and tires, and a 26″ version. Both have a triple butted chromoly construction with three-pack bosses on each fork blade, braze-ons for fenders and racks, and a crown light mount. The fork comes in Piolet Blue only with a 350mm 1-1/8″ steerer.

    • Price: $180
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $600
     Veloci No.11 Carbon Fork

    Veloci No.11 Carbon Fork

    • Type: CARBON GRAVEL FORK
    • AC HEIGHT: 395mm
    • Rake: 48mm
    • Max Tire Size: 700c x 42mm, 27.5 x 2.1"
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm Thru

    The VELOCI No.11 Carbon Fork was designed as an upgrade for riders looking to lighten their bike and add utility. No.11 features flat mount disc brake mounts, fender bosses, three-pack cage mounts, and a 100 x 12mm thru-axle. No.11 has a 300mm length steerer and a max rotor size of 160mm.

    • Veloci No.11 Carbon Fork
    • Veloci No.11 Carbon Fork
    • Weight: 460 grams (16.2 oz)
    • Price: $600
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $520
     Whisky No.9 MCX Fork

    Whisky No.9 MCX Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 415mm
    • Rake: 51mm
    • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.4" or 29 x 2.0"
    • Axle: 12 x 100MM

    The Whiskey No.9 MCX “monster cross” fork offers massive tire clearance for drop-bar bikes. With room for both 29×2.0″ and 27.5×2.4″ tires, dynamo routing, three-pack mounts, and thru-axles, this looks like a great option for those looking for a new carbon fork for their monster cross bike that’s packed with features. Check out our original press release article for all the details.

    • Whiskey MCX Fork
    • Whiskey MCX Fork
    • Weight: 540 grams (19 oz)
    • Price: $520
    • Place of Manufacture: China
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close
  • $499
     Wilde Bikes Wayfinder Fork

    Wilde Bikes Wayfinder Fork

    • Type: Carbon Gravel Fork
    • AC Height: 398mm
    • Rake: 49mm
    • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.1″ / 27.5 x 2.3″
    • Axle: 12 x 100mm

    The Wayfinder Fork is a fully featured carbon utility fork that’s targeted at framebuilders who still like to work in lugs or use standard head tubes, but it’s versatile enough to still work well with 44mm and tapered head tubes as well. It’s based around a 12 x 100mm thru-axle, has clearance for 700c x 2.1″ or 27.5 x 2.3″ tires, and flat mount brakes. And, according to Wilde, is among the lightest fully carbon cargo forks on the market.

    • Weight: 470 grams (16.6 oz)
    • Price: $499
    • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
    • Manufacturer's Details: Link
    contract Close

Matching a Suspension Fork with a Rigid Fork

When converting a suspension bike to rigid, you’re ideally looking for an axle-to-crown that mimics the AC height of the suspension fork—with the suspension sagged—and maintains the handling of the bike as it was originally conceived. For example, the AC height of the Niner Carbon RDO is 490mm. When matching it to my Salsa Timberjack Ti (designed around a 100-120mm fork) I learned that a 100mm travel 29er fork typically has about a 510-520mm AC, give or take a few millimeters, so with 20% sag (20mm), a 490mm rigid fork would be a close match.

What about 27.5+, a breed of bike cherished by many bikepackers? Most trail bikes in this category are specced with a 120mm travel fork that often have a consistent AC height. The 27.5 Fox 34, for example, has an AC height of 525mm with a rake of 51mm. At a 20% sag, this would make the intended AC height right about 500mm. Theoretically, when swapped with a fork such as the Niner RDO, it would drop the front end by about a centimeter and steepen the bike a hair. It would also drop the BB height ever so slightly when compared to the bike’s claimed geometry. But, given the fact that there is no additional travel on a rigid bike, this should be just fine in most situations. In the case of the Timberjack Ti, a bike made to work with either 27.5+ or 29er hoops and generally specced with a 120mm fork, the 10mm difference was not at all an issue. The slight shift in geometry steepened the seat tube a touch while keeping the front end slack enough to stay trail savvy. And bigger 29 x 2.6” tires kept the bottom bracket plenty high. For reference, the carbon mountain bike fork above with the longest AC height is the Trek 1120, at 510mm.

For reference, here are the AC heights for several common forks. Note that these measurements are often consistent across multiple models of the same manufacturer, but check to be sure.

ROCKSHOX PIKE

120mm (27.5): 512mm AC
100mm (29+): 523mm AC
110mm (29+): 533mm AC

MANITOU MACHETE

120mm (27.5): 516mm AC
100mm (29): 510mm AC
120mm (29): 530mm AC

FOX 34

100mm (29): 517mm AC
120mm (29): 527mm AC
100mm (27.5+): 515mm AC
120mm (27.5+): 525mm AC

Carbon Forks for Bikepacking

There are plenty of steel forks with bottle cage mounts available, but now that there are a growing number of carbon options, the ability to save weight has led many bikepackers to choose a carbon fork over a steel one. Carbon also possesses similar vibration-absorbing characteristics to steel, although there are arguments on both sides. These attributes are especially important to the ultra-endurance and gravel racing crowd. And, having spent a fair amount of time on rigid bikes with carbon forks, we certainly see the appeal.

How About Carbon for The Big Trip?

Some folks might argue whether or not carbon forks are suitable (and safe) for big international expeditions. The answer is yes, and maybe no. We can vouch for the Niner Carbon RDO and the Salsa Firestarter Carbon forks. We’ve put thousands of miles of international bikepacking on both of them, without fail. But, use your own discretion based on your weight, how much gear you plan on carrying, and whether you plan on tossing your bike on metal roof racks to bounce around for hours on end. That’s a job for steel.

Protecting Your Carbon Fork

While carbon layup processes have advanced over the years, and manufacturers have put a lot of R&D and testing into all of the forks listed here, carbon isn’t invincible. Some folks are hesitant to fully embrace the material for bigger trips, and for good reason; it is structurally strong, but as many will attest, it abrades very easily. I’m personally comfortable enough to take any of the forks listed here almost anywhere (within their own limits, of course). However, consider that on bigger trips, it’s not all that uncommon to toss your bike on a roof rack in the event of an emergency. After we had nine flat tires and exhausted our repair options in the Moroccan Sahara, we had to catch a ride over one of the bumpiest tracks I’ve ever experienced. My steel fork ended up with a couple of dents and some major abrasion, to the point where the paint was worn down well past the raw steel. It was fine, but I’m not sure how a carbon alternative would have held up.

Be aware that bags and straps can destroy carbon over time, too. The strap that loops around the top tube or crown race is the most notorious for causing damage. I’ve seen those wear a gouge into carbon a couple of millimeters deep. This is fully avoidable with proper protection. Find Neil’s complete video guide to protecting frames here. Also, mud such as bentonite clay sticks to tires like concrete and picks up abrasive gravel along the way. It builds up and can even stop you in your tracks. If unchecked, it can get thick enough to chew through the inside of a carbon fork. Make sure to allow plenty of tire clearance; don’t push it by maxing out the tire size. If you plan on venturing into places where you’re likely to encounter these conditions, choose a fork that has more tire clearance than you need.

As with all of our other Gear Index lists, there may have been one or two options we missed. We welcome additional recommendations in the comments below.