GROUPTEST ENDURO FORKS

We suss out the best long-travel front suspension options

Suspension forks are one of the most important parts of a bike. They have a massive influence on performance, contributing to handling, comfort and control. As such, they're often the first big upgrade riders buy, so picking the right one is essential. Fortunately, all eight enduro forks tested here are incredibly capable.

A fork comprises just three parts - the chassis, spring and damper - all of which influence its performance, but deciphering the details can be tricky, and a lot of confusing terminology is involved. The chassis determines how robust a fork is and how well it holds a line. Models with wider-diameter stanchions (upper legs) tend to be stronger and torsionally stiffer but heavier than ones with narrower stanchions. Typically, one leg houses the spring and the other the damper.

The spring supports the weight of the bike and rider, and determines how much force is required to make the fork move through its travel. Two spring types dominate in MTB forks - air and coil.

Air springs are the most common, and used in all the forks here. They're lightweight, and the spring rate (resistance to compression) can be tailored with a shock pump to suit different rider weights and styles. In addition, spring volume can be 'tuned' to provide additional progressivity. Air springs tend to feel firmer early in their travel and softer in their mid-stroke than coil springs, though.

While the spring provides resistance to compression, the damper controls that resistance.

Compression damping alters the speed at which the spring compresses. Adding more makes a fork feel firmer and more supportive but can reduce sensitivity. The compressed spring stores energy which is released when the fork extends. Rebound damping controls that release. How much of each type of damping is required is linked to spring rate, riding style and personal preference.