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The 6 Best Mountain Bike Forks of 2023

By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | June 20, 2023
 

When it comes to mountain biking, the significance of a top-notch fork cannot be overstated. As the front shock absorber, a quality fork can drastically enhance your control and comfort on the trail. As you search for the best mountain bike fork, factors such as travel, damping, and axle type should be considered. Whether you're an experienced rider or new to the trails, understanding these essential features will aid in selecting the perfect fork tailored to your biking needs and style.

New This Year:

The mountain bike fork landscape in 2023 is truly awe-inspiring. This year's trends show a commitment to technological innovation and enhanced performance. Our carefully curated list of the best mountain bike forks reflects these emerging trends, with products that push the envelope in terms of durability, handling, and rider comfort. From groundbreaking new designs to time-tested stalwarts, dive into our selection, discover your ideal fork when upgrading your mountain bike, and prepare for an unparalleled riding experience on the trails.

Fox Racing 34 Float Factory FIT4 Fork - 29

Fox Racing 34 Float Factory FIT4 Fork - 29"

The Fox Racing 34 Float Factory FIT4 29" Fork is the front suspension of choice for heavy trail riding: it has that famous off-the-top suppleness that Fox is known for, and some new bits and pieces that improve on what's already an industry-wide best in class. The lowers have been redesigned to make your ride even smoother, with clever bleeder valves and improved oil circulation keeping pressures chill and seals lubed. The EVOL air spring remains phenomenal and hassle-free, and the latest FIT4 damper caters to puzzlers while staying intuitive. It's big, it's light, and it's stiff: exactly what you need for harder enduro rides.

Original PriceWeightTravel
$969.001965 g 130 - 150 mm

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Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Fork - 29

Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Fork - 29"

"Well ACKshually, it's just a Fox 36 with a coil spring inside." Even if that were true, and it's not, that'd be pretty cool. While the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Fork shares some of its chassis and GRIP damper with its Fox counterpart, it's a truly unique fork. A throwback to open-bath coil forks of old, this Z1 is actually the most advanced fork Marz has ever made. It has adjustable travel, compression and rebound adjust, and external preload. Combine all that with the buttery smooth action of its lightweight spring, and this is a serious contender for hard charging riders who want the feel of a coil.

Original PriceWeightTravel
$779.002525 g 170 mm

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Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Fork - 27.5

Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Fork - 27.5"

"Well ACKshually, it's just a Fox 36 with a coil spring inside." Even if that were true, and it's not, that'd be pretty cool. While the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Fork shares some of its chassis and GRIP damper with its Fox counterpart, it's a truly unique fork. A throwback to open-bath coil forks of old, this Z1 is actually the most advanced fork Marz has ever made. It has adjustable travel, compression and rebound adjust, and external preload. Combine all that with the buttery smooth action of its lightweight spring, and this is a serious contender for hard charging riders who want the feel of a coil.

Original PriceWeightTravel
$779.002525 g 170 - 180 mm

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Fox Racing 34 Float Factory GRIP2 Fork - 29

Fox Racing 34 Float Factory GRIP2 Fork - 29"

The trail fork by which all others are measured, the Fox Racing 34 Float Factory GRIP2 Fork offers ridiculous adjustability, smoothness, and performance. It's super supple off the top, keeping your tire's knobs in contact with the ground through washboards, roots, and rocks. You can dial in its GRIP2 damper like a pro, with adjustments for high- and low-speed rebound and compression, ensuring that you have traction on any trail. 140mm is the trail rider's sweet spot, and Fox Factory is as sweet as it gets.

Original PriceWeightTravel
$1039.001738 g 140 mm

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Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Fork - 29

Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Fork - 29"

For aggressive trail riders, the simplicity of the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Fork is a gift. No longer do you have to fiddle for hours to dial in your settings, Marzocchi's kept it easy with two basic controls: rebound and compression. This fork is slightly beefier than the competition, but you'll be free of the weight of wondering if you've set it up optimally. Because you have. Now, go!

Original PriceWeightTravel
$729.002210 g 150 - 170 mm

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Fox Racing 32 Float SC Factory FIT4 Fork - 29

Fox Racing 32 Float SC Factory FIT4 Fork - 29"

In the bike world, light reigns supreme, sometimes at the expense of strength and durability. This new Fox Racing 32 Float SC Factory FIT4 Fork sheds grams while becoming even stronger, thanks to a new step-cast construction method and smart design choices. This 100mm fork is lighter, stronger, and more versatile than any XC fork before it. It still has Kashima coated stanchions and the unmistakable Fox colors, but it's more capable than most trail forks. Fiddle with the settings to hit any trail with the optimal fork--you'll be amazed at the difference.

Original PriceWeightTravel
$949.001387 g 100 mm

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Learn About our Favorite Bike Gear:

Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.

Colin Edwards

Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.

Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.

When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.

With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.