A bike fork is a crucial component of a bicycle that attaches the front wheel to the frame and allows for steering and suspension. There are several types of bike forks available, each with their own set of features and benefits.
Different Types of Forks on Offer
Rigid forks, are the most basic type of fork and do not have any suspension. They are typically made of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber and are known for their low weight and simplicity. They are best suited for smooth surfaces such as pavement or hard-packed gravel and are ideal for road, city&urban bikes as well as some gravel & niche mountain bikes.
Suspension forks, on the other hand, have a spring and damper mechanism built into them to absorb impacts and vibrations from rough terrain. They are typically made of aluminum or carbon fiber and come in different designs, such as coil spring, air spring, and elastomer spring. They are best suited for off-road riding and are commonly found on mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and some hybrid bikes.
Suspension Forks Explained
The most common suspension forks are the telescopic forks, which feature a pair of tubes that slide within each other. One tube is the outer leg and the other is the inner leg. The inner leg is connected to the wheel axle, and the outer leg is connected to the frame. The inner leg has a spring and damper that helps to absorb impacts and vibrations.
Another type of suspension fork is the single crown fork, which features a single crown that connects the outer legs to the frame. They are typically found on more aggressive mountain bikes and are known for their strength and stiffness.
There are also dual crown forks, which feature two crowns that connect the outer legs to the frame. They are typically found on downhill and freeride bikes and are known for their ability to handle extreme terrain and high speeds.
Lastly, there are also the Lefty forks, developed by the company Cannondale. These forks feature a single-sided design, where the fork tube is located on the left side of the wheel. This design allows for increased stiffness and strength, as well as improved aerodynamics.
