Home >> Articles >> All Mountain Suspension Fork Buyers Guide
Along with the frame and wheelset, your suspension fork is something to consider very carefully before laying out your hard-earned cash.
Quick Picks...
Rock Shox Revelation
Rock Shox Pike
Fox Talas 32
Fox Talas 36
Fox Float 32 or 36
Here are some things to consider when shopping for a new all mountain suspension fork…
Fork Travel and Frame Geometry
Make sure you get a fork with suspension travel that matches what your frame was designed for. Frames are designed with a certain amount of front suspension travel in mind, so make sure you follow those guidelines. You will hate yourself for buying a fork that limits you to 4” of travel when your frame has 6” of rear wheel travel. That may seem obvious, but to some it’s not.
Adjustable Travel
Suspension forks with adjustable travel will work well on an all mountain bike. With a fork like the Fox Talas or Rock Shox Revelation, you can adjust the travel to match the amount of travel your frame was designed for as well as for the type of terrain you'll be riding. Additionally, this means you can use the fork on a frame with 4” of rear wheel travel, and then later move it over to another frame that might have 5” of rear wheel travel.
Quick Release Or Thru Axle?
Another thing to consider is whether you want a fork with a regular quick release, a 20mm thru axle, or the new Fox/Shimano developed QR15 thru axle. Whatever decision you make here, keep in mind that your front hub will have to match. Personally, on an all mountain / trail bike, I’m going to want either a QR15 or a 20mm thru axle fork.
Recommended All Mountain Suspension Forks:
Rock Shox Revelation
- Adjustable 4" to 5.5" of travel (100-140mm)
- 32mm upper tubes
- Standard quick-release or 20mm thru axle
Rock Shox Pike
- Adjustable 3.75" to 5.5" of travel (95-140mm)
- 32mm upper tubes
- 20mm thru axle
Fox Talas 32
- Adjustable 4 to 6" of travel (110/130/150mm)
- 32mm upper tubes
- Standard quick-release or 15QR thru axle
Fox Talas 36
- Adjustable 4 to 6"+ of travel (100/130/160mm)
- 36mm upper tubes
- Standard quick-release or 15QR thru axle
Fox Float 32 or 36
- 140mm, 150mm, or 160mm of travel
- 32mm or 36mm upper tubes
- Standard quick-release or 15QR thru axle
Related Reading...
All Mountain Frame Buyers Guide
View All Mountain Frames at JensonUSA.com
All Mountain Wheelset Buyers Guide
