Best 29er Fork [2023 Top Picks]
Have you ever been on a bike ride, blazing through high mountains only to leave feeling sore the next day? Or do you perhaps find it extremely hard to maintain your balance through the bumpy roads?
We understand your hardships, which is why we have picked the best 29er fork for the money. They are an excellent discovery made by humankind to ensure your mountain riding goes smoother.
Whether it’s for traveling or professional racing, suspension forks are crucial in the mountains. However, if you are new to these bike extensions, the number of choices can seem overwhelming. But do not worry because we have picked them out for you.
Best 29er Fork Review
With the massive number of bikes in the market, the bike fork market is becoming quite overwhelming. Therefore, we have picked out three best for the money and have reviewed each for your convenience.
1. RST Aerial 29 Review
We have the RST Aerial 29 Mountain Bike that you will not be disappointed by it.
It is a great deal for beginner riders to add to their bike riding. This products steerer is 28.6mm long, and the material is aluminum. The steerer comes with an optional 1.5″ aluminum steerer tube, which can be detached if needed.
It has a 130mm Aluminum Black Coating for the fork crown, which will ensure the crown race stays intact properly. The aluminum metal is very lightweight, so it also makes the tool easy to move.
Its lower part is made of aluminum, and it comes with a 9mm Open Dropout. The max rotor size of this product is 180mm. Hence it is easy to connect to several bikes. The fork offset is 51 mm long, and the wheel size is 29″.
Moreover, the brake type of this fork is a disc. It comes with two types of adjustments: A, RL, and A, L. The item’s weight also depends on the size, so if you buy an A, RL, then the weight will be 2.38 kg. This weight falls under the lightweight category.
Another great thing about this lock is that it comes with an air spring, which is an excellent tool for achieving maximum high-quality riding experience. The mechanical turn and lockout system aids to give you the optimum experience even more.
This lock provides other technological benefits: remote lockout, post disc brake mount, and 1.5″ crown taper. It’s an overall lightweight lock mostly because of its aluminum structure.
The black color of this particular design gives it an attractive look. Also, the rider will not experience discomfort as the lock functions precisely as promised.
Here Is How I Tested the RST Aerial 29 Fork
I recently installed and tested the RST Aerial 29 fork on my mountain bike. After following the instructions in the owner’s manual, I used a shock pump to set the pressure in the fork between 80-100 psi, depending on my weight. To properly fit the fork to my bike, I used a plumbing pipe cutter to shorten it.
The RST Aerial 29 is a great choice for riders looking for an upgrade from their stock 100mm fork. It offers 120mm of travel and full lockout capabilities so you can adjust its firmness to meet your riding needs. Plus, it has a Schrader valve that’s easy to access and held pressure overnight when I tested it.
To test out the fork before hitting the trails, I rode around my yard with it installed. It was immediately apparent how much smoother and better controlled my ride felt with this upgraded suspension component – all without taking away from its understated, minimalistic look.
Overall, I am really happy with how this fork performed and believe it will serve me well on the trails ahead!
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2. ZTZ Kashima Mountain Bike Front Fork
We also have the ZTZ Kashima Bike, which is for lightweight lovers. It comes in two sizes that are 26mm and 27.7mm. Just like mentioned before, the weight of the tube differs slightly catered to its size.
Another good thing about this bicycle accessory is that the steerer comes with two options. One is a straight tube, which is 30mm, and the other is one a tapered tube, which is 39.8 mm. You can use the straight steerer for regular use while the other one for heavy paths.
Not only that but, the parameters of this item include a 26inch diameter of the wheel, an internal width of 100mm, a higher tube which is 26.8 mm long, and also a pillar brake set with a stroke of 100mm for easy connectivity.
Surprisingly, the mountain bike fork’s weight is 1700grams or 1.7 kg. The alloy material is made of aluminum and magnesium, and the combination of these two metals ensures lightweight quality.
One of the most incredible things about this item is that it has Kashima anti-scratch lubrication. This feature makes sure that the device does not get scathed too quickly and ensures the product’s longevity.
For color variations, there are two options for you. The first color choice comes with a slick matte black exterior with a golden tube. For the second choice, you get a matte black outer part with a silver internal line.
One more great thing about the product is that it gives that “high-end” fork looks without breaking the bank. Moreover, the product’s weight surely helps with acing the turns and difficult transitions while riding rough places.
Here Is How I Tested the ZTZ Kashima Mountain Bike Front Fork
As a professional bicyclist, I must test an item before recommending it to you. And recently i have tested an RST Aerial 29 fork. To ensure the highest level of safety and performance, I took several important steps to check the fork.
First, I checked for loose parts and tightened any necessary fittings. I then inspected the valves to make sure they were clean and functioning properly. After that, I added air to the fork using a compressor to check for air leaks. If a leak was present, it would be visible with soapy water. However, no leaks were found.
Next, I consulted with an experienced mountain biker and my friend Tim about what pressure should be used in the fork. Unfortunately there weren’t any instructions or stickers on this particular model, but after some research we decided to set the pressure at 85 pounds – a number which proved reliable during use.
Lastly, since this specific model only comes with a top compression adjustment on one side, there is no rebound adjustment available on this fork. Overall my experience testing the ZTZ Kashima Mountain Bike 29 Fork has been positive and I look forward to putting it through its paces out on the trail.
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3. Manitou Machete Comp Fork
Let’s talk about the Manitou Machete Comp Fork, which is in no way lagging behind the game. This device features are worth your every penny as it gives incredible deals compared to its price.
There two models available for this product. One is 100mm, and another one is 120mm. This tool is 29 inches long with an internal tube of 100mm. The 29-wheel size makes it an ideal fit for most average bike sizes.
What’s more, to it is that the finished rebound adjustment arrives assembled, so the user does not have to go through the hassle. Matte black color gives it a classic and appealing look to it as well. The total weight of the entire product is only 1928grams or 1.9kg.
This device also comes with a TS Air Spring, which gives riders plenty of space to enjoy easy access to adjustability and control the spring stiffness. Its structure is made from aluminum, which only contributes to its lightweight stature.
The crown race of this accessory is 30mm, and the steerer diameter is 1-1/8,” and it is threadless. From the name, you can already guess that the wheel size of this lock is 29″. This tool is always open to tackle any bump discomfort and unlock optimum peddling.
Hence the features make it ideal for aiding to keep a proper balance. There is an advanced technology named Kwik Toggle Compression Damping, which enhances the lockout experience.
Moreover, this model has TPC Rebound Damping and previously mentioned Kwik Toggle technology, which provides the riders optimum balance and stability while riding.
Here Is How I Tested the Manitou Machete Comp Fork
I have been testing out the Manitou Machete Comp Fork for a few weeks now, and I am thoroughly impressed with its performance. It features an air valve, lockout, and rebound switch which make it easy to customize the fork’s setup to my riding style.
After installing an Advent 1x drivetrain on my bike, I really noticed how much more control and responsiveness I had with the Machete.
The air valve allows me to fine-tune the pressure of the fork for different terrain types and trails. By increasing or decreasing the pressure, I can customize the way that it handles in any given situation.
The lockout is great for when I’m climbing steep hills or taking on technical sections of trail. It increases efficiency by keeping the suspension from compressing due to bumps and rocks while still providing some shock absorption when needed.
The rebound switch helps me quickly adjust how fast the fork rebounds after compression so that I can respond quickly to changing terrain. I’ve put this fork through its paces on both short rides and long epics, and it has yet to disappoint me.
From rocky descents full of jumps and drops, to winding single track climbs, it has consistently provided reliable performance no matter what type of terrain I’m riding on. I’ve also noticed that my bike’s overall stability has improved since switching out my old fork for this one!
Now, the fork i replaced was the Manitou Marvel TS AIR Remote Lockout 100mm 29er fork, and it’s performed great in it’s own right. I hope to make a review for Manitou Marvel TS very soon.
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What to Look for Before Buying
There are certain things you might need to contemplate before getting your mountain bike fork, so we have listed them down below.
Weight
Like any other tool, the fork’s value is a game-changer as it depends on the type of activity you wish to use it for. For example, lightweight forks are essential for heavy carriers or mountain climbers so that the additional weight does not get in the way of riding the bike.
Traveling Distance
It would be best if you also keep in mind how far you travel every day before choosing your product. Therefore, if you are a city rider only, you might consider taking items with a smaller travel range as even a 10mm variance in the range can seem to affect your riding.
In this context, even though more giant forks can be harder to adjust, they give smoother turning while riding long distances.
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Cost
You should invest in such products according to your use of the device. Therefore, you must calculate how often you will use the tool before you regret investing your pocket money on an atrociously high-end one.
Another thing to keep in mind here is the more expensive the device gets, the less complicated the damping circuit gets.
Size
Your fork is like a tailored suit. So, you need to consider the compatibility of the bike size and the fork before purchasing it.
There are four different types of suspensions: 80-100mm, 100-120mm, 120-150mm, and 150mm+. For short riders, we suggest to start with 80mm first and then slowly work their way up.
Control
Control is a significant thing to consider. The more distance you overcome, the more difficult it becomes to control the bike. Therefore, if you use frequent bumpy roads and tracks quite often, you might consider getting advance developed forks so they can spring off the additional pressure.
Durability
Another essential thing to care about is the durability of the tool. Unfortunately, some sellers make their forks bulky to ensure the products last for a more extended period. Therefore, you need to look out for products like this. Also, do not invest in heavyweight forks if you plan on using for short-distance rides.
Brake Compatibility
Some products support one or more than one brake support system. However, they have to fit the built of the brake of your bike. Hence, make sure you know what type of brake your bike has and purchase the lock accordingly.
Material
Material is an unavoidable fact that you need to test before buying. There are different forks, such as steel ones, aluminum types, magnesium ones, carbon fiber fork, etc.
However, steel is the best option to choose from these. Also, take note that the tool is of carbon fiber and is entirely different from the metal ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace my fork parts?
There are different fork parts such as the crown race, the star nut, internal tube, steerer, and other purchase features. However, you have to find the exact model and replace your damaged model. We will suggest you take help from professionals for this. You can also replace the device if it’s compatible with your model of the bike.
2. Can I clean my fork with water?
Yes, you can. But you have to be very accurate with what you are doing. You need to make sure none of the parts of the product is getting damaged during the procedure. Consequently, if you manage to get water inside the tube, it can collect rust from inside and damage the fork. Some of them come already lubricated, so make sure you lubricate them again after washing.
3. Why do we use forks?
We use such items because it gets tough to maintain proper balance while riding bikes on mountains. These locks help to control the compressed pressure and make the rides much smoother to comfort the riders.
4. Is there any MTB Forks under $200?
Yes, there is. In fact there’s a wide variety MTB forks under 200 bucks offered by different brands you can choose from. For example, Manitou Markhor Fork 26″, RockShox RECON RL A2 Suspension Fork, RockShox Recon Silver TK Fork, they are all available under just $200.
Final Words
As you can see, a 29er fork is an important investment for your bike. We hope this honest and elaborate review aids you choose the bike lock you came here for. We have conducted extensive research to write this review and hope that you will enjoy the best 29er fork for the money.