The gravel is in fashion. gravel bicycles
have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their versatility and their ability to ride on off-road terrain. And whenever a new segment or discipline breaks into the market with force, technical improvements and innovations from the main manufacturers are not far behind. In the case of the gravel, these innovations have been made in the area of suspensions. First, we saw the arrival on the market of components with greater absorption capacity, such as flexing seatposts, handlebars with gel tapes, and even stems with elastomers to absorb terrain irregularities. But what seems destined to change the gravel as we know it are the suspension forks imported from mountain biking. RockShox was the one who started the trend when it launched its RockShox Rudy XPLR fork and the Reverb AXS XPLR dropper post in 2021. Both peripherals were specifically designed for gravel and offered a damping system inherited from mountain biking.
Since then, different bicycle brands have been incorporating suspensions as an additional component in their gravel models. For example, we have the Canyon Grizl Suspension
, with the Rudy fork from RockShox. Or the BMC URS LT
, a spectacular bike for gravel with 20 mm micro-suspensions both in the fork and the central area. Both the front and rear suspension systems are hidden and can be activated and deactivated by turning a dial on the stem cap of this Swiss brand model. Another bike that has revolutionized the off-road segment in 2022 has been the Specialized Diverge STR
with its innovative Future Shock dual suspension system that offers 20 mm of damping in the front and 30 mm in the rear. According to Specialized, the rear suspension is designed to move the seatpost to counteract the movement of the rear wheel when it hits the ground. Without a doubt, it is a revolution.
But... do gravel bikes really need suspension systems, or is it simply a marketing ploy by manufacturers to differentiate their models from the rest and gain market share? Before getting into the details, it is important to note that gravel bikes have not always come with suspension forks. For many years, these bikes were simply more robust and versatile versions of road bikes with wider tire clearance and a higher bottom bracket to better handle off-road terrain. It wasn't until relatively recently that some brands began to incorporate suspension forks and damping systems into their gravel bikes. In other words, we have been practicing gravel without the need for suspensions. What makes us think they will become a necessity we won't want to give up in the future, as has happened with other innovations like 29" wheels in mountain biking or shifters in road cycling? Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of suspension forks on gravel bikes.
Advantages of suspension forks on gravel bikes
Among the advantages that suspension forks offer to gravel bikes, we highlight control, braking traction, and steering assistance.
Greater comfort
One of the main advantages of suspension forks is that they can help absorb the impact of bumps and irregularities in the terrain. This can make the riding experience much more comfortable, especially on long rides or very rough terrain. By absorbing the irregularities of the terrain more effectively, we avoid that frequent numbness in the wrists that often occurs on long rides.
Greater control
Suspension forks can also help improve bike control, especially on more technical terrain. The suspension can help keep the wheels in contact with the ground at all times, making the bike feel more stable and predictable and helping to prevent understeer. This sense of control is especially noticeable in situations where more aggressive braking is required. When you're riding in a bumpy area at a fast pace, the braking power of the front wheel is more consistent with a suspension fork, since the tire stays in contact with the ground for longer.
Greater safety
A consequence of the previous two points is that the riding sensation is safer at all times. Suspension forks can also help protect the bike from hits and impacts, especially on very rough terrain. This can be especially useful for riders planning to do long rides.
Disadvantages of suspension forks on gravel bikes
The main drawback we find with gravel bikes with suspension is that they actually offer very little travel, barely 30 mm or, at best, 60 mm, so they don't provide as much smoothness as they claim. They absorb, yes, but not much. Don't think that a gravel bike with a suspension fork can replace a semi-rigid XC mountain bike, because they have nothing in common. Also, don't take it on technical trails; in the end, it's like an SUV, not a 4x4.
Heavier
One of the disadvantages of suspension forks is that they can add a bit of weight to the bike. It's not a big difference, but if you're a cyclist for whom saving a few hundred grams is important, you should keep this in mind before deciding on a bike of these characteristics.
More maintenance
One of the reasons many bikers switch to gravel is the ease of maintenance compared to a mountain bike. gravel bikes with suspension forks add an extra dose of complexity. They have moving parts and need to be maintained and adjusted from time to time. This can be a bit more work than having a rigid fork, especially if you're not used to working on your bike.
Higher price
It's obvious, every innovation that hits the market comes at a price, and gravel bikes with suspension forks cost more than their rigid counterparts. Is the price difference worth it? It's best for you to evaluate that yourself, but if you're really not going to take advantage of the suspension or do long rides, it might not be worth it.
Very basic suspensions
As we mentioned above, gravel forks with suspension have very short travel and very basic damping systems. This logically affects the performance of the bike.
In summary, suspension forks can be a great ally for a gravel bike and provide an extra dose of comfort and control on off-road routes, especially if you plan to do long rides or ride on very rough terrain. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider, such as the added weight, maintenance complexity, and price. At the end of the day, the best option will depend on your needs and personal preferences. If you are considering buying a gravel bike with a suspension fork, make sure to carefully evaluate the real use you will give it and consider both the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
Tuvalum Team
