Would you buy a suspension fork for gravel?

13 replies · 311 views

frontrangegravel
453 posts
#1Apr 15, 2024, 11:43 AM
Suspension - yes or no?
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#2Apr 15, 2024, 8:55 PM
I bought a Lauf True Grit Weekend Warrior Wireless. So I guess the answer is yes. lol I got a killer deal on it since it was a return to their warehouse.

Zman
1
Angstrom
181 posts
#3Apr 16, 2024, 5:58 AM
My first "gravel bike" was an old hardtail. I eventually took the suspension fork off becuse it didn't seem very responsive on the small chatter that was typical of my rides, so there was little benefit for the weight and bob when climbing.
Now, based on a few things I've read, I might try having that old fork serviced and see if it becomes more responsive.
I do use a Redshift stem on my current gravel bike.
I don't think there's a "right answer" to the suspension question -- it depends on your preferred terrain and riding style. I'm glad there are options.
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John Z
174 posts
#4Apr 16, 2024, 8:33 AM
I wish Cannondale would reincarnate its Headshock and offer a gravel bike with it.
1
RLB
97 posts
#5Apr 16, 2024, 10:21 AM
Maybe but only something with long maintenance intervals and it would need 3 hole mounts on the legs. Something that functions like the old Cdale Headshok would have my interest. Cant see ever going to a "normal" suspension fork.
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Eisbaer
27 posts
#6Apr 17, 2024, 1:23 AM
I tried a damped stem for comfort. But these suspension things, even S bended stays, are for speed, right? Not my prey, I'm slow...
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ljsmith
762 posts
#7Apr 17, 2024, 6:43 PM
I voted yes because if the right product existed I could be convinced, but the reality is probably no. First, I log a lot of miles so keeping up with the maintenance would be a pain. Second I don’t think there’s enough benefit. Maybe 10% of any ride I do would benefit, but I’m not sure the extra weight is worth hauling around for the other 90%. Third, I typically use 29x2.1 tires on my gravel bike about 60% of the time, the current forks don’t have clearance for a tire that big.
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3TX
55 posts
#8Apr 20, 2024, 2:37 AM
Suspension is for MTB’s. Gravel bikes with the right tyres at the correct pressure are the only suspension needed. If you need an extreme bike packing setup and want suspension, go for a hardtail MTB.
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John Z
174 posts
#9Apr 20, 2024, 9:51 AM
Suspension is for MTB’s. Gravel bikes with the right tyres at the correct pressure are the only suspension needed. If you need an extreme bike packing setup and want suspension, go for a hardtail MTB.
I disagree. Suspensions provide not only a comfort/handling benefit but reduced rolling resistance. Thus, "answer" is a cost (increased weight, complexity) vs benefits analysis.

My gravel bike is a Cannondale Topstone and as I mentioned above, I wish Cannondale would offer a Headshock gravel bike. I have been toying with putting a Lauf mechanical leaver suspension fork on my Topstone, but have concerns about the effect on handling.
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#10Apr 20, 2024, 10:08 AM
I disagree. Suspensions provide not only a comfort/handling benefit but reduced rolling resistance. Thus, "answer" is a cost (increased weight, complexity) vs benefits analysis.

My gravel bike is a Cannondale Topstone and as I mentioned above, I wish Cannondale would offer a Headshock gravel bike. I have been toying with putting a Lauf mechanical leaver suspension fork on my Topstone, but have concerns about the effect on handling.
I guess you could say I got really lucky over the winter. I was able to purchase the older model Lauf True Grit Weekend Warrior Wireless on a killer deal from Lauf because it was a return at their warehouse and had a small scratch on the left front fork.
Here is what I have noticed on just a few rides so far.
1. When you get in the rough stuff you let the bike run just like any other bike. The difference being though you can hang onto the handlebars and let the bike do it's job.
2. Almost the same way you can stay seated on the seat as the bike flat out works.

The Lauf bikes aren't super heavy and after riding 44 gravel races in 27 States in all kind of shitty conditions I can say that the Lauf now Seigla bike is all that.

Zman
1
Emilio700
56 posts
#11Apr 29, 2024, 6:30 PMedited

Built this Checkpoint SLR around the fork. 40mm Rudy with a lockout. 1.1lbs heavier than OEM fork and worth every ounce. Game change for me. So much more grip, stability and comfort. I'm on 45c Terra Speed on 35x24mm wheels. Bike is around 20.5 lbs IIRC, 58cm. I'm a strong advocate of gravel specific suspension and think the bike industry will catch up in the next year or two.

I had mine color matched. I also drilled a hole in the steerer to hide the front brake hose. Very clean front end. And yes I'm aware of the engineering aspects of my modification, kids don't try this at home.
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stu
646 posts
#12Apr 29, 2024, 10:43 PM
Does the suspension fork help more at higher speeds?
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Zurichman
1,526 posts
#13Apr 29, 2024, 11:59 PM
Does the suspension fork help more at higher speeds?
It probably does but where it shines is in the rough stuff.

Zman
0
TwoWheeler
177 posts
#14Apr 30, 2024, 5:28 PM
Does buy a bike with a suspension fork already on it count? Otherwise, I bought a Lefty and it came with a Slate attached.😝
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