famous mountain bike forks are there do you know them
Recently, some car owners have inquired about the common brands of mountain bike suspension forks. Codoon has compiled a summary for everyone, introducing the mainstream suspension fork brands:
Rockshox:
Founded in 1989, this American brand is a pioneer in mountain bike suspension forks. It launched the first mass-produced mountain bike suspension fork, the Rockshox RS-1 (recently reintroduced as an inverted model with the inner tube at the lower end of the fork). Now part of the American company Sram, it offers products ranging from entry-level to professional competition-grade, covering XC, all-terrain, dirt jump, downhill, and more. Rockshox forks are known for their excellent performance and are frequently seen in professional competitions. Codoon personally prefers the stable and smooth suspension feel of Rockshox forks.
Fox:
Officially known as Fox Racing Shox, it was founded in the USA in 1974, initially focusing on high-performance motorcycle and car shock absorbers. In 1993, it entered the bicycle suspension market, collaborating with Cannondale to produce mountain bike shocks. In 2001, it launched the milestone Fox Forx Float 100 RLC fork, marking its true entry into the bicycle industry. Known for high performance and low weight, Fox products cover all models from XC to downhill and are favored by many professional mountain bikers, sharing a significant market share with Rockshox.
Manitou:
Another long-established American fork brand. In the 90s, it produced many classic CNC-machined suspension forks with elastomer damping. Manitou forks also hold a significant market share. The rearward-extended fork bridge is a distinctive feature of Manitou forks. Manitou offers a full range of mountain bike forks from entry-level to competition-grade.
Marzocchi:
A renowned Italian suspension fork brand, known for many classic high-performance products. It shared the mainstream market with Rockshox, Fox, and Manitou in the 2000s and 2010s. Its products range from XC to downhill forks, known for their durability. Codoon's 2005 Marzocchi Dirt Jumper III fork has been used for years without any issues despite heavy use. Marzocchi is now owned by Fox, with its product line filling Fox's mid-to-low price range.
DT Swiss:
A Swiss brand known for high-end bicycle components, particularly wheelsets and mountain bike forks. DT Swiss excels in making lightweight, high-performance carbon XC forks, with many products featuring carbon fiber outer tubes. These are mainly used for low-intensity racing cross-country. Notable Swiss mountain biker Nino Schurter uses DT Swiss products. Like Manitou, DT Swiss forks have a rearward-extended fork bridge.
Magura:
A German brand known for high-end bicycle components, primarily high-performance hydraulic brakes and forks. Magura forks are mainly used for XC and AM, featuring a dual fork bridge structure. High-end Magura forks come with an intelligent wireless electronic control system that can automatically or manually adjust based on road conditions.
X-Fusion:
Known as Yebao in Chinese, it was founded in 1999 with an R&D center in Santa Cruz, USA, and teams in both Taiwan and the USA. X-Fusion focuses on cost-effective suspension products and also has a high-end product line. In recent years, X-Fusion has collaborated extensively with well-known bicycle brands like Cannondale, Specialized, Ibis, Jamis, and GT.
SR Suntour:
Founded in Japan in 1912, it moved to Taiwan in the late 1980s. Its early product line covered various parts for both everyday and sports bicycles. Currently, its sports bicycle forks are known for their high cost-performance ratio and are favored by many new riders.
RST:
Founded in the USA in 1972, it initially focused on car and motorcycle shock absorbers. It entered the bicycle suspension market in the 1990s and now mainly produces cost-effective forks, with a product line covering various mountain bike models from XC to downhill.