Every year at Interbike there is always an excited buzz around the new suspension products. This year, it wasn’t just about Fox and Rock Shox: MRP is also bringing some interesting products to the table.
MRP
MRP now has three new suspension forks: the Stage, Loop SL, and Loop TR. All the forks come in all three wheel sizes.
The thing with all the forks, however, is that they are only 15mm, which isn’t really that bad. You’re getting a good, stiff connection to the wheel, according to Noah from MRP.
The Stage is available in travel ranges from 130mm (29er) all the way to 170mm (26, 27.5). Compression and rebound adjustments can be found along with end stroke ramp up, and of course air spring pressure. Price is set at $969.
The Loop SL has 80 – 100mm of travel (depending on model) and it features the same adjustments as the Stage, but only a 3 position compression compared to 8 on the Stage. Price on the Loop SL is $799.
Last but not least is the Loop TR, which for all intents and purposes can be considered a scaled-down version of the Stage. The TR uses 32mm stanchions and has a travel choice of 100mm (29er) to 150mm (26, 27.5), otherwise all the controls are the same. Cost on the Loop TR is pegged at $849.
Marzocchi
Marzocchi was also on hand showing off their new 380 C2R2 fork (not R2D2, that was on display around the corner… I think it was a prototype). The 380 represents a departure from previous designs. The M is lost, in favor of a stiffer, stronger arch. The new shape, along with new hollowed-out upper and lower crown arches really cut down weight. Just those two items shave 140grams off the fork. Add to that a tapered steering tube for another 30-gram reduction, and you’re on the way to a DH fork that comes in at a hair over 6lbs (2750 grams). The fork’s internals go through a big change: the high and low speed compression and rebound cartridge will allow any rider at any level to get a fork that will work for him or her.
SR Suntour
SR Suntour showed up at Interbike with some decent offerings this year. They had an updated Durolux on display, a new enduro fork named the Auron, and the new RUX DH/FR dual clamp fork.
Suntour is releasing the Auron with a tapered steerer, a hollow bridge, 34mm stanchions, and a 15mm Q-loc axle. This fork will be plenty stiff throughout its 150-160mm travel. Air-sprung with volume adjust and a RC2 damper will give you plenty of tunability to set this fork up the way you want it. At 1930g you’re not looking at the absolute lightest fork on the market, but it’s a decent weight for the price: MSRP $650.
Mtbgreg1 just received an Auron for review, and got a test run in on one in Moab. Stay tuned for a couple of more in-depth articles on the Auron.
The Durolux is a 140-180mm travel-adjust monster for that AM rig of yours, with a 20 through-axle chassis at a weight of 2,400 grams. This durable fork is meant for one who likes to send it. Up until the dual clamp Rux made an appearance, Brett Tippie was rocking this unit.
Picture above is the new Rux, which looks pretty interesting seeing that its MSRP is a sane $1,200. Using an RC2 damper cartridge and 38mm stanchions, this fork is designed to take a beating without constant maintenance.
Fox
Fox showed off its improved iCD units. Using Shimano type Di2 wiring. this is just another step closer to a fully-integrated electronically-controlled bike (mark my words). With a flick of a micro switch, you can go from climb to descend mode in under 0.45 seconds, changing both front and rear suspension at the same time.
Fox totally embraced the multi-platform sizes with all the 32mm and 34mm forks available. The only thing that hasn’t changed much is the 36mm platform, which is only available for 26 inch wheels. Fox also updated the damper cartridge on the TALAS 34mm, which I have been playing around with. Stay tuned for a full review.
Being a total weight weenie, I was stoked to see the new 40 Float. The 40 comes with a new air spring that saves 152 grams vs. the Ti spring. All-new chassis crowns, upper tubes, and all-important lower legs save another 307 grams. All told, Fox shaves a crucial 526 grams (or 1.16lbs) off this fork. On a DH bike, that much weight on the front end really improves stability, handling, and performance. Other important features are the new air bleeds that disallow pressure build up when fully compressing the fork. Other cool little features include the mud flap mounting bosses and replaceable pinch bolt hardware.
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