A bicycle fork is a supporting part of the bicycle's steering mechanism to which the front wheel is attached. The fork can be hard or soft (shock absorbing). The first option is usually used for city and road bikes, while the second is for mountain bikes.
The main structural elements of the soft fork are shock absorber and damper. A shock absorber is essential to cushion shocks and bounces when the cyclist rides off-road. The damper prevents a sudden return of the steering wheel to its original position. Thanks to the damper, the shock absorber is compressed quickly and released smoothly. This fork design makes the ride more comfortable as it dampens handlebar vibrations.
Features and differences of suspension forks
There are three types of damping forks: spring-elastomeric, spring-oil and air-oil.
Elastomer spring forks are the most primitive and cheapest shock absorber design. They are equipped with a soft plastic damper that compresses and expands, dampening the rebound force of the spring due to friction. That is, when the spring is compressed, a piece of plastic expands and slows down its return to its original position. Such forks, in comparison with oil forks, have a relatively short service life, since the plastic loses its elasticity over time.
The oil-spring forks are equipped with a steel spring and an oil container. The damper function is performed by oil, which, when squeezed, flows from one cavity to another. There are two types of such forks: with an open and a closed oil reservoir. In the first case, the forks are more durable, and in the second, they are more comfortable, thanks to the ability to adjust the valve. The main disadvantage of all oil-spring forks is their heavy weight.
Air-oil forks are not spring-loaded and compressed air acts as a shock absorber. The damping is carried out by oil flowing out of the cartridge through the valve. The air forks are fairly lightweight and reliable. Their disadvantages include the need for regular (at least once a season) maintenance.
Rigid fork design
Rigid metal forks are made from steel, titanium, carbon and various aluminum alloys. They differ from depreciation ones by their simple design and low price. The rigid forks are maintenance-free, but they offer little to no shock absorption and are only suitable for city bikes. Carbon forks are the lightest (average weight 300-400 g) and steel forks are the heaviest (over 1000 g). Titanium and aluminum are in the intermediate weight category. Titanium plugs are virtually non-existent in retail and are custom made.
