Suspension fork or rather a rigid front fork.
Suspension front fork
The fork of the bicycle is an important element that connects the frame and the front wheel. The so-called fork legs are connected at the top by a fork tube. The steerer itself is pivotally mounted in the bicycle frame and allows for steering. The mounting for the front wheel axle is located on the underside of each fork leg. Two types of front forks can be found on bicycles: the rigid or rigid front fork and the suspension fork. The difference between the two is that the suspension fork, in contrast to the rigid or rigid front fork, is equipped with shock absorbers and spring elements.
Which 3 types of suspension can be used in a front fork?
Three different principles are used for the suspension behavior of the suspension fork:
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the air spring (gas spring), picture on the left
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Steel coil spring, center image
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Elastomer or rubber spring, image right
How does a suspension fork work?
A suspension fork ensures a stable ride by optimizing the contact between the tire and the road. The suspension and damping compensate for the unevenness of the road and thus increase riding comfort and control over the bike.
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Suspension front fork construction [example]
The damping and springing of the suspension fork are located in the fork legs on the sides, which are formed by a dip tube and a stand tube. But even though both fork legs have the same external structure, different processes take place inside. While one side provides the suspension, the other side does the damping.
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1. The suspension
The suspension is responsible for absorbing rough shocks from the road surface. Either air or a steel spring is used for this. Both the air suspension and the steel spring are compressed by pressure. To prevent the fork from moving uncontrollably (shooting back to its home position) when the pressure is released, the damping is located on the opposite side of the fork.
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2. The cushioning
The damping in the other fork leg prevents the fork from constantly bouncing up and down due to the suspension. Safe off-road driving would be impossible if the damping did not prevent this. The damping is often done with the help of oil: This is pressed through two valves with the help of a piston in one of the two oil chambers, depending on whether the spring compresses or expands. The condition of the oil determines the strength of the damping. This means: The smaller the valve, the more pressure is required to force the oil into the chamber and the higher the damping. The damping can be adjusted in many cases.
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Which is better - suspension fork or fixed fork?
It doesn't always have to be a suspension fork. In certain situations, the rigid or rigid fork also has advantages.
Advantages of a suspension fork
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Relieve components
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Protects the back and hand joints
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Better ground contact in rough terrain
Advantages fixed front fork
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Better transfer of the used muscle power [especially on slopes]
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Less maintenance
Originally developed as an MTB fork, the damping fork is now indispensable for anyone who likes to ride off road. However, suspension forks also have disadvantages.
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Disadvantages suspension fork
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High weight
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High acquisition costs
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Higher maintenance costs
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Disadvantages fixed front fork
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No cushioning of heavy blows and bumps
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Less comfort
Which front fork is suitable for e-bikes?
The suspension fork of an e-bike must be suitable for the higher weight and higher speeds. The manufacturers have now realized this: Because suspension forks offer considerably more driving comfort, as they absorb shocks perfectly when adjusted correctly. This is especially useful in town on cobblestones and uneven terrain. In addition, an e-bike with a suspension fork has more flexibility and ground contact in case of bumps.
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