Can i use a suspension fork on a gravel bike
2 Likes
Yes, on some models at least. Search for Lauf Grit. Fox also makes a suspension form with 30 mm travel.
Most gravel bikes can detect suspension forks as violating the spirit of gravel and will electronically lock out the drivetrain and/or the water bottle cages.
The trick is to use a dual crown fork like a Fox 40. For some reason gravel bikes can’t detect those.
8 Likes
Some gravel bikes come with front suspension as standard.
In addition to the Lauf and Fox options noted above, there is also the Rock Shox Rudy XPLR.
Remember however that installing an aftermarket suspension for will slightly alter the bikes geometry…raising the head tube and slackening the HT angle.
2 Likes
Of course. And some new gravel bikes are being built with short travel suspension
https://www.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/szepter/core-4/490/szepter-core-4-28/preview
1 Like
Gravel bikes are super interesting, there is a lot of innovation happening here. You basically have everything from racy road bikes with clearance for wider tires to old-school mountain bikes with drop bars.
I should add one more thing: some bikes like Specialized’s Roubaix and Diverge have suspension in the handlebars above the crown. This is a very different proposition from a proper suspension fork, because the unsprung mass is much, much larger. In essence, these solutions act like a carbon seat post: they give you comfort, but they won’t give you more traction at the wheel.
Proper suspension forks have much lower unsprung mass, and really aid
1 Like