MTB Forks Black Friday: discounts RockShox, Fox

The measurements to check before ordering a fork

• Wheel diameter (26, 27.5 or 29 inches) and the widest tyre you plan to fit.
• Travel, within the range specified by the frame manufacturer.
• Axle: quick release, 15x100 mm thru-axle, 15x110 mm Boost or 20x110 mm.
• The steerer, straight, tapered or threaded, and its length before cutting.
• Offset, noted as OS in designations, and the brake caliper mounting.

Each of these measurements is explained in detail on the MTB forks page, open all year round.

Complete fork or spare part: read the designation

During the operation, the page mixes complete forks and fork parts: Boxxer or SID stanchions, Pike dampers, compression kits. These parts are for refurbishing an existing fork, not for equipping a bike. So before judging an offer, make sure the designation properly describes a complete fork, along with its travel, wheel diameter and axle.

Discounted forks: what changes from one version to another

A single model often exists in multiple travels, like the Lyrik in 150, 160 or 170 mm, and in several finishes. At RockShox, the Select and Ultimate versions don't use the same damping cartridge; at Fox, the Performance, Performance Elite and Factory series differ in damping and stanchion treatment, and the E-Optimized versions receive a reinforced chassis for electric MTBs. A discount on an Ultimate version is therefore indicated between its crossed-out price and its displayed price, in the chosen travel: a discounted Select is still a different fork. Finally, a Flight Attendant fork only works in automatic mode with the damper and pedal sensor of the same system: check that your bike is equipped for this.

Installing the fork and other parts of the assembly

The cutting of the steerer is final, and the crown race must match the headset: if you're not equipped, leave the installation to a workshop. The headset and stem are selected with the fork, from the MTB components in the Black Friday. For 20-inch wheel bikes, check out the BMX forks. Outside of this operation, clearance sales and new products take over.

MTB fork brands during Black Friday

RockShox offers the Lyrik in Flight Attendant version, a wireless electronic system that automatically switches the suspension to open, pedaling, or blocked based on the terrain and pedaling.

Manitou features an inverted arch on most of its forks; its Mezzer changes travel from 140 to 180 mm, in 10 mm increments, using provided internal spacers.

Fox reserves the Kashima treatment for its stanchions for the Factory series and offers its 36 with two cartridges, Grip X for trail riding and Grip X2 with separate settings for downhill.

Marzocchi, relaunched under the Fox umbrella, designs the Bomber DJ for dirt: 26-inch wheel, 100 mm travel, and a low crown to keep the front near the ground.

Frequently asked questions

Air fork or spring fork for a leisure MTB?

The coil spring requires little maintenance and is suitable for relaxed rides. The air fork, being lighter, is adjusted according to your weight with a high-pressure pump: it becomes interesting when the terrain gets tougher or if you want to lighten the bike.

Is an E-Optimized fork required on an electric MTB?

No, but an electric MTB puts more strain on the fork. Check if the manufacturer allows its model on an assisted bike; the reinforced versions are designed for this use.

Can the travel of a fork be modified?

Often, if it's an air model: you change an internal part or add spacers, within the range specified by the manufacturer. Also stay within your frame's limits: too long a travel changes the geometry.

Does a 27.5-inch fork accept a 29-inch wheel?

Generally no: the wheel would touch the arch. Some forks noted 27.5+/29 are designed for either configuration; the designation and the manufacturer's sheet indicate this.

Should you have your fork installed by a shop?

It's advisable if you don't have a tube cutter with guide or tool for the crown race. A steerer cut too short can't be fixed, and improper tightening of the headset damages the bearings. Moreover, the Black Friday doesn't happen in a day: its Friday follows Thanksgiving, but the discounts from Vélo-Store on forks extend throughout November, giving you time to book this installation.