Black Friday mountain bike suspension: fork deals

What’s included in the Black Friday for mountain bike suspensions?

This section has three pages. The mountain bike forks in Black Friday include complete forks as well as fork elements, stanchions, cartridges, or dampers. The rear shocks are designed for full-suspension mountain bikes. The spare suspension parts include springs, air pistons, lockout controls, seals, and service kits, allowing you to repair a suspension instead of replacing it.

Mountain bike fork: important measurements

A fork is primarily chosen based on wheel diameter, either 27.5 or 29 inches, and the travel specified by the frame manufacturer: going outside of this range alters the geometry and can weaken the head tube. Next comes the steerer, which is conical on most recent mountain bikes, the wheel axle, often 15 x 110 mm in Boost and 20 x 110 mm in downhill, and the offset, marked OS37 or OS44 on Rockshox, which affects steering stability. Finally, check the minimum disc size accepted by the caliper mount.

Rear shock: mounting width, stroke, and attachment

A shock is defined by its mounting width and stroke, such as 230 x 65 mm in metric sizes or 7.875 x 2.0 inches in imperial sizes: these two values must match those specified for your frame. Its attachment method is equally important: standard eyelets, with an insert kit matching the width of the dropout, or trunnion mount, bolted to the sides of the body. An air shock is adjusted by pressure according to your weight and remains light; a coil shock, being heavier, offers greater sensitivity to minor bumps and is adjusted through the spring stiffness, sold separately.

Maintain rather than replace

A fork or shock that is losing softness, leaking, or not holding pressure doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced: a seal kit, a lower leg service, or a new piston often suffices, adhering to the riding hours intervals specified by the manufacturer. All year round, the bike suspension section details each category; for other parts in the operation, check the braking or the wheels and tyres, and consider the clearance sale for end-of-line items.

Fork or shock on sale: comparison points

The same fork is available in various wheel diameters, travels, and offsets, while the same shock comes in multiple mounting widths and strokes: a promotion can only be assessed between two versions with the same measurements. Also, check what is covered by the product specification, whether it’s a complete fork or just a fork element, a coil shock either with or without its coil, as the coil is sold separately. The displayed difference between the old price and the new price should then be read on an equal basis.

What mountain bike suspension brands are available during Black Friday?

Fox Factory, an American manufacturer, is represented with its Float X air shocks and DHX2 coil shocks, as well as parts for its forks.

Rockshox, the suspension brand of the Sram group, offers its Judy, Pike, and Lyrik forks and its SIDLuxe and Super Deluxe shocks, some in Flight Attendant versions.

Manitou, linked to the American group Hayes, is represented by the Mara Pro and Swinger Pro shocks.

Suntour, now SR Suntour and based in Taiwan, offers the RS18 Triair and RS19 Edge shocks, the latter with a trunnion mount.

Marzocchi, born in Bologna and whose bike division now belongs to Fox, offers the Bomber CR coil shock and the Bomber Air.

Frequently asked questions

Can you fit a 29-inch fork on a 27.5-inch mountain bike?

Only if the frame manufacturer permits it. A taller fork raises the front end, opens the steering angle, and alters the bike’s handling; it may also exceed the maximum length specified for the head tube.

Air or coil: which shock should you choose?

The air shock, which is light and easy to adjust, is suitable for cross-country and trail riding. The coil shock, being heavier, adheres better to the terrain on bumpy trails and downhill. Make sure your frame is compatible with a coil, which is often specified by the manufacturer.

When is the best time to buy a fork or shock on promotion?

The peak time is the Friday following Thanksgiving; Vélo-Store’s discounts on forks, shocks, and maintenance kits extend throughout November. Before ordering, check the mounting width and stroke printed on the body or label of your shock; otherwise, measure the width from one mounting point to the other and look for the stroke in the frame's technical specifications.

Can you increase the travel of your fork?

On many air forks, yes, by changing the air piston or relocating internal stops, within the range specified for the model. Also, stay within the travel allowed by the frame manufacturer.

How often should you service a suspension?

Manufacturers provide intervals in riding hours: a quick lower leg service happens much more frequently than a complete cartridge overhaul. If you ride often in mud or dust, adjust these timelines accordingly.