Downhill Mountain Bike Forks

Downhill mountain bike forks are good for eating the dirt with, but not good for eating much else. Which is fine - forks aren't meant to be table flatware, after all. Downhill mountain bike forks are the components that attaches the wheels to the handlebars, enabling a person to direct their downhill mountain bike in whichever direction they choose. Forks contain front suspension - on either side of the fork is a contained spring and damper, allowing the wheel to absorb the shock of jumps and bumps while remaining firmly planted on the ground. Most forks are suspension forks, but some, called rigid forks, contain no suspension whatsoever.

Forks need to be made of durable, absorptive materials to be able to withstand the shock and impact of jumps, collisions, and quick, jagged turns without snapping or shattering. Carbon fiber forks were all the rage a few years ago, but their durability has been called into question in more than a few instances. Forks intended for lots of jumping and hucking should be made of cromoly (steel), as it is stronger (though heavier) than fiberglass and aluminium and can withstand more pressure and damage over time. Longer forks are better suited to non-competitive riding, whereas a smaller fork ensures a lighter overall downhill mountain bike weight, as well as quicker, closer steering, and is thus better for downhill mountain bike races.