Advantages and disadvantages of serious bicycles with suspension fork: Are they the best option for you?

The Grave is fashionable. The Gravel bicycles They have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their versatility and their ability to roll through asphalt terrain. And provided that a new segment or modality breaks into the market strongly does not take time to reach technical improvements and innovations by the main manufacturers. In the case of Gravel these innovations have been carried out since the scope of the suspensions. First we saw how components with greater absorption capacity reached the market, such as beams with flexion, handlebars with gel ribbons and even powers to absorb the irregularities of the land. But what seems to be destined to change the grave as we know it are the suspension forks imported from the Mountain Bike. Rockshox was the one who opened the closure when he launched its rockshox boquoshox model Rudy XPLR and the Telescopic Reverb Axs XPLR market in 2021. Both peripherals were specifically designed for Gravel and offered a damping system inherited from mountain cycling.

Since then, different bicycle brands have been incorporating the suspensions as another component in their Serlal models. Thus we have, for example, the Canyon Grizl suspension, with the Rudy fork of Rockshox origin. Wave BMC URS LT, a spectacular bicycle for grave with microsuspensions of 20 mm both in the fork and in the central area. Both the front cushioning system and the rear are hidden and can be activated and deactivated by turning a dial in the power cover of this model of the Swiss brand. Another bicycles that have revolutionized the off-road segment in 2022 has been the Specialized Diverge STR With its innovative Future Shock Double Suspension System that offers 20 mm damping in front and 30 mm behind. According to Specialized The rear suspension is designed to move the armchair to counteract the movement of the rear wheel when impacting with the ground. It is certainly a revolution.

But ... Grave Bicycles really need suspension systems or is it simply a marketing play from manufacturers to distinguish their models from the rest and gain market share? Before entering the details, it is important to keep in mind that Gravel bicycles have not always come with suspension forks. For many years, these bicycles were simply more resistant and versatile versions of the road bicycles with a wider wheel step and a higher pedalier axis to better adapt to the land outside asphalt. It has not been relatively a short time that some brands began to incorporate suspension forks and damping systems in their serious bicycles. In other words, we have been practicing serious without incorporating suspensions. What makes us think that they will be a necessity that we will not give up in the future, as has happened with other innovations such as the wheels of 29 "in mountain cycling or the change handles in road cycling? We will see the Advantages and disadvantages of suspension forks on Gravel bicycles.

Advantages of suspension forks on Serlal bicycles

Among the advantages offered by the suspension forks for serious bicycles, we highlight control, braking traction and direction aid.

Greater comfort

One of the main advantages of suspension forks is that they can help cushion the impact of potholes and the irregularities of the land. This can make the experience of rolling much more comfortable, especially in long journeys or on very rugged land. By absorbing the irregularities of the terrain with greater effectiveness we avoid that feeling of numbness in the dolls so frequent that it occurs when we make long runs.

Greater control

Suspension forks can also help improve bicycle control, especially in more technical land. The suspension can help keep the wheels in contact with the ground at all times, which makes the bicycle feel more stable and predictable and help prevent subvirms. This feeling of control is especially notable in situations where the brake is required with greater aggressiveness. When you are pedaling in an area full of potholes at a rhythm elected the braking power of the front wheel is more consistent with a suspension fork, since the tire is more time in contact with the terrain.

Greater security

A consequence of the two previous points is that the feeling of driving is safer at all times. Suspension forks can also help protect the bicycle from blows and shocks, especially in very rugged land. This can be especially useful for those cyclists who plan to make long tours.

Disadvantages of suspension forks on Serlal bicycles

 The main one against which we put to serious bicycles with suspension is that they actually contribute very little route, just 30 mm or, in the best case, 60 mm, so they do not offer a softness as large as they presume. They absorb, yes, but little. Do not think that a serious bicycle with suspension fork can replace a semi rigid XC mountain bicycle, because they have nothing to do. Nor is the goals by technical paths, in the end it is a SUV car, not a 4x4.

Greater weight

One of the disadvantages of suspension forks is that they can add some weight to the bicycle. It is not a big difference, but if you are a cyclist for whom to scratch a few hundred grams it is important, you must take it into account before deciding for a bike of these characteristics.

Greater maintenance

One of the reasons why many bikers go to Grave is due to the ease of maintenance they offer with respect to a Mountain Bike. Gravel bicycles with suspension forks add an extra dose of complexity. They have mobile parts and need to be maintained and regulated from time to time. This can be a bit more laborious than having a rigid fork, especially if you are not used to working on your bicycle.

Higher price

It is obvious, all innovation that reaches the market is paid and serious bicycles with suspension forks cost more than their rigid counterparts. Does the price difference compensate? This better value it for yourself, but if you are not going to take advantage of the suspensions or you will make long routes may not compensate.

Very basic suspensions

This is what we commented a little higher, grave -holding forks with very small tours and very basic damping systems. This logically affects the yield of the bicycle.

In summary, suspension forks can be a great ally for a serious bicycle and provide an extra dose of comfort and control on off-road paths, especially if you plan to make long tours or very rugged land. However, there are also some disadvantages that you must take into account, such as additional weight, maintenance complexity and price. At the end of the day, the best option will depend on your personal needs and preferences. If you are considering the purchase of a serious bicycle with suspension fork, be sure to evaluate the real use you are going to do with it and consider both the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.