The 7 Best MTB Suspension Forks Under $500 (2022 Version)
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- Suspension technology has massively improved from years past which means you can easily find a myriad of high quality forks that won’t break the bank. With options from top brands like RockShox, Manitou, and Marzocchi, upgrading your bike with a new, wallet friendly fork should be a breeze.
If you are in the market to upgrade your fork, we highly recommend watching our video on “How to upgrade your MTB fork” which covers all the necessary details in order to get the right fork for your bike. Our video covers everything from travel, wheel size, axle, steerer type, brake mounts, etc. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for this kind of info. Whether it’s upgrading your fork or anything else mountain bike related we have a dozen highly trained legitimate mountain bikers that are more than happy to help you sort out any compatibility details for you.
The order of these forks is based on popularity in the price range of $200 - $500. However, each of these forks has their own pros and cons, fitment options and is designed for certain types of bikes. So just because one is more popular than the other doesn’t mean it’s the right fork for your bike and your budget. With that being said, let’s take a look at our favorite forks that come in at $500 or less.
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Overview & Tips: 0:00
RockShox Recon Silver RL : 2:28
RockShox Judy Silver TK: 3:47
Manitou Markhor: 4:48
RockShox Recon Silver TK: 7:25
RockShox Judy Gold RL: 8:26
RockShox 35 Gold: 9:07
Marzocchi Bomber: 9:56
Shop RockShox Recon Silver RL: www.worldwidecyclery.com/coll...
Shop RockShox Judy Silver TK: www.worldwidecyclery.com/coll...
Shop Manitou Markhor: www.worldwidecyclery.com/coll...
Shop RockShox Recon Silver TK: www.worldwidecyclery.com/coll...
Shop RockShox Judy Gold RL: www.worldwidecyclery.com/coll...
Shop RockShox 35 Gold RL: www.worldwidecyclery.com/coll...
Shop Marzocchi Bomber Z2: www.worldwidecyclery.com/coll...
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Which fork is your favorite?
Marzochi bomber z2
@@juluisreyes9094 agreed, definitely Z2
How is the Rock Shox Revelation not in that video? It's like a mini-pike but can be had for about 350€ in Europe
@@breakr4144 It's usually above $500 here in the states.
The first one I have it on my bike
Silver -> Steel uppers
Gold -> Aluminium uppers
TK -> Turnkey damper
RL -> Motion Control damper
Do you work for RockShox... Or the FBI?
@@WorldwideCyclery 🤫 Just a student having to much time researching this stuff.
BTW would you take the Z2 over a pike select?
was about to comment this but dang it you commented it first 😂
@@justusernst8053 Yes
Im looking at the pikes too
That Bomber Z2 is a crazy good fork. I got a 140mm Z2 to replace a 130mm Recon RL on my hardtail and it was night and day. Way smoother with MUCH better big hit performance. It is a next level fork compared to everything else on that table
Tell us if its still working in 2 years
@@janeblogs324 why? Do they break easily or something?
Most people don't know that a Z2 is nearly identical to a Fox 34 rhythm
@@Headlessthirst , I love my Rhythm on my carbon fiber Stumpjumper
My hardtail's rockshock sektor has the same damper and it's OK but I'm not the biggest fan, the z2 on my full sus is much more heavily damped which definitely makes it feel wayy better the harder you ride it
FINALY, a new vid that isn't a short. YESSS
Excellent video! Stoked to see a refresh 👍👍
I had a 100mm RS 30 silver on my Trek, bought the bike because it was first one with a air fork(Trek Xcal 9). Still on a Hardtail(but learned what dimensions I wanted a HT to have and my son rides it now) but love the like new 140mm Fox 34 elite I got($300 from LBS) for my new slacker aggressive build(Ragley big Al).
Edit: We took a trip 2 counties over to Lancaster PA the other day to ride the Strasburg Steam Engine. Was soo disappointed you guys were closed on a Saturday. Love the presence close to me for ordering though!
Next time try the char grilled pork/shrimp spring rolls, egg rolls, banh mi sandwiches, pho, and my favorite of all the char grilled pork vermicelli salad with extra rolls at Rice and Noodles in Lancaster. Been my families favorite restaurant for years, we drive almost an hour just to go and they've never disappointed me once. I always order for left overs and happily smash it all the next day lol
Legendary video 🤙
picked up a judy silver tk on your website for a really good deal can’t wait to install it
With the manitou markhor you can get much better performance with a simple 15 minute damper upgrade. Manitou's abs+ damper can be found for around £40 and with this installed the fork feels comparable to the z2 however is slightly less stiff due to the 30mm stanchions.
Stoked with #6 on my turbo Levo hard tail!🤙🏼
Great video boyz! My new favorite animal is the MARKHOR!!!
HARDCORE MARKHOR!
I had a couple of Bombers years ago before Fox took them over. Great forks then and I think even better now.
EMTB specific version of that Fox 34 is around the $500-525 mark when I looked at one. It's heavier than the regular 34 but has clearance for up to 29x2.8 tires, which is awesome if your area see mud.
that recon tk kept my old straight steerer Dj bike in the world and honestly it works fine. Shocked me but I didn't have any other choices
Found a Rock Shox Pike Select 150 for $599. I jumped on it and it it great.
Been waiting for you guys to review this fork price point.
Honest review of the most commonly bought forks because price point matters the most to the most.
Overall, they get the job done. Notably, the Rockshox with the 35mm stanchions. But, isn't the Z2 so much better with proper damping. Virtually no kick in extreme circumstances.
Of the 26" options available I went with the Rockshox Revelation RC at 150mm for my aged Lapierre XC bike as an upgrade.
The Pike Select is the next level up w 35 mm stanchions and a light weight trail fork and not enduro. I just bought a 2023 Pike with a 150 air spring. It is really stiff and light. The weight savings is why I chose it over the Z2 for my Stumpjumper 29er. I paid $599 and they included a fender w zip ties and 2 extra volume spacers. I slammed both them in there immediately.
Good to know there are inexpensive alternatives out there for everyone. Hey, 2005 Marzocchi called, they want their all black forks back...
Omg the Vince Vaughn reference😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣made the whole movie flash through my head
Oh, forgot to say..fork’n good video!
Used to always rock bomber forks, after getting a Jekyll with a lefty, it’s hard to go back. So lightweight and gives you insane Control. Plus they use needle bearings so it’s a lot smoother than a regular set of forks
I went with thhe RS Judy G RL for my 2022 Specialized Rockhopper Sport 29 RF Pro😉...Great $ Amazing Performance!!
I got Manitou Markhor : within this price range is brilliant. It works very well in my XC hard tail and it's very light :)
A couple years ago I got lucky and got my hands on a Fox 34 Rhythm fork. It only comes as a OEM part. The guy at the shop had to buy the whole bike kit to seel me this fork. It shares a lot in common with the Bomber Z2 fork and got it for less than $500. It was a great deal for both of us. I got a great fork for less money and the guy could probably sell that bike for less with a lower priced fork instead...
Wow, you guys constructed a full replica WC studio in Breckenridge? Impressive!
My Rockhopper Elite 29 came with the Judy... just the base Judy. It's "okay." It's better than a rigid fork but has NO small-bump sensitivity at all. The only 100mm fork I've been able to find that's of higher quality was the SID SL at $1000+. BUT, this Bomber Z2 now looks like a good candidate. I'll still have to use a converter headset since this is tapered, and I'll have to relace the front wheel to use the 15x110 axle... but this might just do. Thanks guys!
I have the Comp '21 29", I have this terrible pogo stick like Sr Suntour XCM and I value small-bump sens like the most, I was thinking of getting either Judy Silver, Recon Silver or Manitou Markhor
1st is $185 with a service kit added
2nd is $225
3rd is $231
I am leaning towards Recon but a lot of folk suggest that Markhor is far stiffer despite its 30mm stanchions (has thicker walls they say) and is more reactive on smaller bumps
The first rock shocks I have in my marlin 7 they are really good would recommend 😀
Huh? Marlin 7 comes with rockshox Judy coil fork.
@@ertai222 pretty sure they got upgraded by a dads friend I think not sure
Quality stuff.
The movie references were on point!
The RoxShox Recon Silver, was the first real mountainbike for I ever owned, I upgraded from the Suntour steel coil with a preload adjustment only, and holy sh#% my bike road soo buttery smooth!!!
Really? I am doing the same Suntour to Recon RL upgrade along with the Rockshox Monarch for the rear and hoping for the best
@@revordie Dude. Come back and let us know what you think, but yes, you *will* like the result if you are moving off of a Suntour Coil to an RS Air.....
@@sixstringsandthetruth3891 I just picked it up from the shop. My 2017 Diamondback Recoil 29er went from a little over 37 lbs to 34.1!!! I can really tell the difference weightwise. Also, I only rode it for about a mile, not on dirt roads, just pavement but so far the bike feels incredibly different. For example, when I went over a hole with the Suntour spring suspension before, the bike would bounce 3, 4 or 5 times until it recovered and each time it would bounce me up into the air (I didn't notice this a s a problem back then), now it absorbs the shock, doesn't launch me into the air. It only bounces back to the neutral position. This should help me put down more pedal power as I don't have to compensate and wait for all the 3-5 bounces to finish so I can send it.
Well, this is my initial review. I will try to ride it once or twice by the end of the week and I plan on giving you an additional update. Keep in mind: There is a 20 hr. Break in period for suspension, and it als has not been optimized for my body weight yet.
@@revordie That's a HEAVY machine
@@ianmangham4570 it sure was! So the update after about a month and a half, maybe riding for about 30-40 hours is that the suspension is incredibly better. It absorbs and stabilizes in stead of bobbing up and down like the Coil suspension did. I'd definitely say it is well worth the money. I'm also going tubeless next weekend.
The best fork is the one you know how to dial... Most of my friends have top tier forks but don't have a remote clue what are all the little knobs for? They didn't believe me when I told them that you needed to service your fork at least once a year... 😵
Oh I reckon they had no idea its expensive to service forks either.
I have a 35 and it’s great for the price!
First..nice one jeff
Early 2019 got a Marin B-2 full suspension for $1800, Glad my bike came with a rockshox revelation boost capable of 29” and 27.5”
Suggestions Shengmilo mx20 20inch Fatbike suspension forg upgrade . Thanks !
I got the judy silver tk 120mm last year for 140 euro 😎🤙 and ive pushed it waayyy past its limits, its still great
I remember watching the old vid 2 years ago and still doing the parkour reference
whats the best fork set up for my trek marlin 5 to become a great down hill jumper??
Just bought the Recon...😍
WOW, you fixed your hair!!
Hi. I have trek marlin 4 XS frame and want to upgrade my fork. Would it be worth it to buy a marchazzi bomber z2 100 mm or would that not fit?
Looking for advice: I'm resurrecting an old Spesh HR, just wanting to get the destroyed and unworkable SR Suntour coil fork it came with replaced with something I might actually want to ride. It has 26" wheels, but disc brakes - I was thinking to just get a Recon RL in a 27.5 rather than the Recon TK. My LBS has a preference for Rockshox and Fox, so I'm looking at these brands. The 27.5 RL seems like it might give just a hint more slack, an opportunity to try a 27.5 up front if I want to, and looks a little more modern without the V-brake bosses. Any major reasons NOT to go with the 27.5?
I have the 35s on my ebike. Seems ok but I'd like more suppleness on the small stuff.
Next time can you include the X-Fusion Slide 34? Rockshox Revelation? SR Suntour Aion? Hayes as well...
Bomber Z2 on my NukeProof Scout 290.
rly interesting to see what sells most. i thought it was going to be pikes and fox 36's .. nope.
Great content, but is the "studio" meant to be super dark?
What is your recommendation for a 27.5 tire and 120 mm travel? I have a Giant Anthem 2016 SX that I would like to make some upgrades to update the bike to the present time. I had tried to sell it but the offers I had received are very poor. I think the frame of the bike has a lot of potencial to be a better MTB.
Thanks for the video. I want to buy a new specialized emtb. Very pricey 5500 Euros! comes with RockShox 35 Silver, 35mm stanchion, Turnkey damper, S1: 150mm travel,. Is that good work worthy of this bike of this price?
I recently got Bomber Z2 100mm and RockShox Sid Ultimate 100mm in good deal. They are both under $500 after tax. I am gonna to return one of them but haven’t decided which one. Any suggestions, thanks?
What’s a good fork for slight down hill action for a super 73 rx?
Big fan of x fusion Enix
I have the recon silver on my old moots. 26 ain’t dead
I’m pretty sure the Judy was named after Judy Jetson. RS has that sort of marketing vibe at the time - I had a Judy “toaster” shirt.
Damn it now I gotta get the markour after seeing that
I have the Z2 and Revelation, I feel that you get more with the revelation as you can upgrade to the Charger 2.1 damper while the Z2, you would have to replace the whole fork.
Fair point but only if that upgrade appeals to you. Independent high and low speed compression is extraneous for many
@@letsgo_inc for sure
Random question, what shoes are you wearing in the Ketl mountain tomfoolry pants video??
My rock shox 35 gold rl on my stumpjumper went out and I'm trying to find a solid replacement without breaking the bank. Any recommendations??
Thoughts on the Markhor vs the Judy Gold?
Forgot about Manitou Machette? 32mm stanchions, abs+ rebound adj.
What fork should i use if the terrain is mostly snow? I live in Canada and I use my ebike as my daily driver.
Isn't the Bomber essentially the non-OE version of the wonderful, (for a budget fork,) Fox Rhythm 34? I could be wrong about this.
Make sure you put foam rings in the z2 fork when it comes to service. They don’t come with foam rings🤷
Jeff should get a new undo dash for his next bike
What do you guys think of the suntour epixon ? I heard its OK
You should include SR Suntours here
I have 26 dirt jump, can ypu recommend RockShox silver tk for dirt jump? Thanks for the video!
Pike DJ! :)
Hy I have an question I am 1.97 and 108 kg,
the fork that I have now is the judy silver tk solo air 100 mm on my orbea alma,
But it is to flexy for my taste witch fork do you think that suits me best,
And I want to go for an 120mm fork.
Greets from Holland.
Nice hair cut
I want to upgrade a judy silver with another 100mm fork. The marzocchi z2 for $519 or SID select for $685?
suntour epixon and axon also up there
Which one is the best for for 29 inch?
I bought a Z2 for my Trek Superfly, to give it the extra boost it needed from 2012... Now its on my Nukeproof Scout, and it's such an amazing fork.
The adjustments, and tuneability make it crazy good. 140mm of travel on 29 inch wheels make it charge through everything. Don't think I could have bought a better fork.
Can I put the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 on a Trek Marlin 7?
Hi I have a 2019 XC27 Northrock mountain and would like to upgrade my front forks to air and a 100mm travel maxx price range $300 I would like the ones that have lockout set
Isn't that a Manitou Machete that didn't get a mention next to the Z2?
It is. It was in consideration and almost made the video but going over final numbers it just didn't make the cut for the top 7. Nice eye mate!
I was waiting for them to talk about it! It's a good fork.
@@WorldwideCyclery I just ordered one for my son’s new build, along with some choice extras from the brains at Manitou to tune it for his 80lbs weight!
Whats the difference between Judy Silver TK and Judy Gold RL? The silver price is 180 euro and gold 240 euro. Is it worth the extra 60 euro? mostly driving urban and dirt/country roads.
What about - judy gold RL is any better / stiffer than markhor ? it seems to be around 200g havier than Manitou Markhor.
I checked all of these and didn't find anything that is 26", 110*20mm. I'm looking for a mid grade fork in this price range for an ebike enduro build. Any suggestions?
I just got a new bike and it came with a Recon Gold RL. Where would this fall on this list? I haven’t been able to find this exact model online… I’m guessing it’s OEM?
I believe that’s the same as the Recon Silver RL (No. 2 on this list) except it has aluminum stanchions instead of steel so it is lighter weight.
You can actually get a good suntour fork for $500. Has low and high compression, rebound and has 36mm stanchions too.
Suntour forks are trusted budget fork here in southeast asia
I would be a big fan of the Z2 if the because of the bushings it didn't require you buy a new lower for advanced servicing of the fork.
Or could do what I did and bought a used for $300, in great conditions fork (2020 Fox Kashima 36 170mm converted to a 140mm for my hardtail that had a stock Rockshox Recon RL 120mm)
Had ridden a bit through the trails and DH with the Recon and man, next day sore hands and wrist were aching, haven't tried the 36 for DH but on the trails, its a planet to planet difference, its amazing how huge the gap of an affordable fork is to that of a high-end one, I really wouldnt recommend it any other way. Offers and deals are out there, took about 4-5 months to find what I was looking for (wanted a Fox Elite Performance 34 140mm but the pricing comparison to that of a used kashima coated were and still really close towards each other so why hesitate)
Pinkbike has great selections for used stuff that is almost non-existent on eBay and way cheaper than what you'll find on amazon.
You got incredibly lucky for $300.
This is a great option. I'm looking to eventually replace the stock Recon RL that came on my Ragley Big Al 2.0 but I'm wondering about head-tube lengths on a used fork. Is there a metric for determining the correct shock stem tube length based on the bike's frame, i.e. if I measure my current head tube length (not removing the stock Recon fork), can I approximate what length used fork stem length I would need? That's the only thing I'm worried about: Buying a used fork that's been cut down and is too short for my bike... Thanks.
@@ronbergunndy1259 Definitely, considering all the other sales that have the same fork specs given maybe a few years older as well, are all at around $600 and up, Immediately purchased it. Been about a month or so since I've already tuned it up and installed with new Slik decals and other than a very small scratch on the stanchion that I would call some damage, wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't looking for it. Everything else is just small dings and scratches on the lowers which I've already clean and repainted but nothing serious, actually looks brand new.
@@billrose2339 Yea thats what you primarily want to take note of, the length of what the fork was cut down to on used forks since it all depends on what bike they had it on and what bike you want to place it with. I tried measuring without removal and got pretty close but when considering buying something that'll cost you a pretty penny and considering that some of the sellers make all sales final, its worth the extra steps just to get the right length. It took me a while to find the length I was looking for and actually was able to find one that was a bit longer than what I needed, so was able to cut down to my size. Usually you want the fork to have the same length as the previous one if you still have it and if the fork is longer and dont have the original one available, best to do a pre-assemble of the whole thing with the handlebars and such and just have the feel of it with the spacers. I recommend reading the details and fine prints of what length there cut down to.
But if your asking about the travel of the fork and which one is suited for yours, you dont wanna go about 10-20mm more than the original fork it came with. Reason being is that it changes the geometry by much and this causes stresses on the bike frame to grow more when it was made to tolerate so much within a range. The geometry of the slack angle and head tube also change and makes the bike regress more towards you. Stuff like that are things to consider.
I am probably at a point with my 2008 fischer hi-fi 29 where I cant upgrade it with anything decent...the straight steerer and 100mm through axel has left me hopeless :( I've been running the stock Reba race fork forever and the lockout isn't working anymore :(
You can probably get a fork with a straight steerer and a boost axle and use a boost adapter kit!
wish you could mention some Suntour forks, they are hands down the best value-to-price forks out there, the XCR 34/Aion is quite good for the money imo 👌
What about the domain rc, and yari?
Loving my Z2 Bomber Red. Just 1 thing though. It doesn't come with foam rings -_- That meant me having to wait a couple more weeks until I could ride my (completely pumped out) Trek Marlin 7 thereby missing winter completely. Oh well.
What travel is that and how did you get on the marlin 7. I've been told I shouldn't put a z2 bomber on it because it's for a tapered head? And the marlin is a straight steerer? I know nothing as you can tell :) but my fork is shite.
@Blah Blah It's very dusty where I live. I'd rather ride with a complete setup. The foam ring serves an important function to keep the stanchions lubed and working right. If not only the lower end of the stanchions get lubed and then you'd have to flip your bike before every ride. Just get it done right. I love Marzocchi but for whatever reason omitting these foam rings is not a smart decision.
@@glynnb6572 I bought a 120mm. You can actually convert it to 150 if you change some components. But the general rule is to stay within 20 mm of your bike's stock travel (in my case Marlin 7 comes with 100mm travel) All you need to do is buy a straight to tapered conversion headset. I bought Cane Creek.
@@TheChrisDecember thank you. Think that might be the way to go for me.
@@glynnb6572 Have fun.
Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is the bees knees for just over $500.
Can it fit an engine kit?
What's your guys thoughts on the revelation? Please reply.
The Revelation is fantastic! One of the best forks for the price for sure, and upgradeable as well which is nice.
@@WorldwideCyclery thank you!
SR Suntour Aion beats all of these in terms of performance and serviceability
You mean Raidon?
@@insigs7502 Raidon is a lower tier fork than the Aion. The Aion is comparable with RS Revelation/Yari, while the Epixon and Raidon are similar to the RS Recon
@@reneberndt7476 Thanks, I didn't know that.
What would you have or Recommend
i need 120mm travel fork on 26 wheels but its impossible to find, all are on 27.5 and 29 i need help
What's the difference in weight between Recon Silver RL and Recon GOLD RL - 100mm i searched the internet and I couldnt find the answer.. I know Gold seem to have aluminium uppers but.. still no official weight specs on the Gold !
Reba, Judy, Recon, silver, gold, TK, RL lol Jeff I'm just as confused
Just watched this one as I've just got some manitou machete forks, there was another manitou fork on the table you didn't mention...🤦🏻
Rockshox Psylo U-Turn 26 Mountain Bike Fork Rock Shox 1 1_8 80-125mm Adj. Would this fit 26" City Bike push bike gold (scooter) come with 26"1.75 tires. I use this bike Huskey 2 dog scootering. I have up graded the wheel to quick release, tires 26"1.95 Kenda Kross Plus Wire (slick), add 160-disc brake in the rear for early morning wet stopping. I have the frt.& rear V-brake holding power of the dogs. I go off path light Forst paths with dogs. It works pretty, good but very low in the front. It hits front lower frame now and then. I would like to get the Suspension Forks to ease pounding on my lower back and arms. Ave speeds 5km-30km burst. This off-season practice Sledding. As I'm getting older the pain after the ride starting hurt longer before I walk it off. Thanks for your time and or help.
Call me crazy, but the stickers on the Bomber are a deal killer. The shock looks like it’s from the 90’s.
you said the RockShox 35 Gold RL Suspension Fork is 376$, your website says 483$. quite a difference? I'm considering this fork, should I be looking for the 376$ pricepoint elsewhere?
Bruhhh I thought the same I thought I was getting punkd
i need one