Forks

If you already own a bike, one of the best upgrades you can give your bike is adding a custom aftermarket bicycle fork . It can unlock the incredible performance potential of a regular-budget bike.

There are around half a dozen different bikes. From mountain bikes that are designed for high-impact sports city bikes that provide comfortable and fast short rides to BMXs and cruiser bikes, there are half a dozen different types of bikes. One major difference between them is how they handle the ground and the ability to absorb impacts. A fork is much more than something that connects the wheel to the rest of the bike. This descriptive article will tell you things you need to know about bicycle forks. A better understanding of bicycle forks will help you make the right choices when shopping for them.

Different types of bicycle forks

The first step to getting a custom bicycle fork is finding out the right type of fork for your bike. Unlike what some people think, not all bicycle forks are the same. There are more variations among bicycle forks than the differences that exist within bikes. That means there is quite a lot for you to explore. However, if you know the most common type of forks, it will be much easier to select the right fork for your bike. Towards the end, you will find some tips that will help you choose the best ones out of the wide varieties you find in the market. Here are the four most common types of forks that you can buy for your bike.

Bike suspension forks

Suspension bicycle forks are a great way to improve your bike’s performance. It can absorb impacts to a large extent and reduces the effect of the impact on the rider’s body. Therefore, not only can it improve the traction, but it also helps the ergonomics of a bike. But you cannot pick a suspension fork randomly for your bike. The size and type of the fork should suit the size of the wheels. There are, in fact, two different types of suspension forks: air and coil. While coil suspensions are more rigid and can carry more weight, air suspensions provide a smoother ride.

Road forks

The first priority for road bikes is steering control and ride comfort. Road forks are designed specifically to optimise both of these. Moreover, road forks tend to be a bit lighter than the average suspension fork. Some of these can even weigh a few hundred grams less than suspension forks of a similar size. You can further reduce the bike’s overall weight by fitting an aftermarket carbon fibre fork. Carbon fibre forks are much lighter than stainless steel forks. That too, without compromising on the strength. You can find them in a variety of options.

BMX forks

BMX bikes are not made to be ridden like normal bikes. In fact, nobody hardly ever uses them to traverse long distances. Such bikes are almost exclusively for sports purposes. And for that reason, BMX forks have to undergo higher levels of stress on a regular basis. The nature of stress that they experience is also different. But if you are using a bike that comes with a BMX fork, is it worth spending extra for a custom aftermarket fork? Well, that depends on what type of fork your bike has. If your bike is using heavy tensile steel forks, then replacing it with a lighter fork can give you noticeable handling and performance improvements.

Cyclocross forks

Cyclocross bikes are what cycling enthusiasts use for long and challenging cross-country trips. Such bikes do not have to endure stress like that of a mountain bike or a BMX bike. But in this case, the fork should be able to provide enough comfort so that the rider does not get fatigued from riding. That is why cyclocross forks are really good at providing an unmatched level of comfort but without much displacement of the forks. But one should be careful to avoid harsh roads and potholes to keep the fork in perfect condition.