The 7 Best MTB Suspension Forks Under $500 (2022 Version)

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Which fork is your favorite?

[@juluisreyes9094]

Marzochi bomber z2

[@andymtb5714]

@@juluisreyes9094 agreed, definitely Z2

[@breakr4144]

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

[@NoBrakes23]

@@breakr4144 It's usually above $500 here in the states.

[@Sebsamazingcodmgameplay]

The first one I have it on my bike

[@justusernst8053]

Silver -> Steel uppers Gold -> Aluminium uppers TK -> Turnkey damper RL -> Motion Control damper

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Do you work for RockShox... Or the FBI?

[@justusernst8053]

@@WorldwideCyclery 🤫 Just a student having to much time researching this stuff. BTW would you take the Z2 over a pike select?

[@kuyaanima]

was about to comment this but dang it you commented it first 😂

[@TheChrisDecember]

@@justusernst8053 Yes

[@M_santana26]

Im looking at the pikes too

[@letsgo_inc]

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

[@janeblogs324]

Tell us if its still working in 2 years

[@ronbergunndy1259]

@@janeblogs324 why? Do they break easily or something?

[@Headlessthirst]

Most people don't know that a Z2 is nearly identical to a Fox 34 rhythm

[@brentcollins9727]

@@Headlessthirst , I love my Rhythm on my carbon fiber Stumpjumper

[@nebnollock5198]

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

[@JimmyBeanz13]

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!

[@LastAphelion]

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

[@NINdustrie]

I got Manitou Markhor : within this price range is brilliant. It works very well in my XC hard tail and it's very light :)

[@FuknNoName]

I’m looking at getting one too for my daughter’s Scott as an upgrade from the solid lead Suntour thing it came with!! It does look awesome and light. I’m in UK and it’s available in Germany but due to the wonders of “Brexit” they can’t post it. Still looking!! Cheers

[@joecapstick908]

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.

[@reneh.6551]

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... 😵

[@1911Zoey]

Oh I reckon they had no idea its expensive to service forks either.

[@toneloke7489]

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!!!

[@revordie]

Really? I am doing the same Suntour to Recon RL upgrade along with the Rockshox Monarch for the rear and hoping for the best

[@sixstringsandthetruth3891]

@@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.....

[@revordie]

@@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.

[@ianmangham4570]

@@revordie That's a HEAVY machine

[@revordie]

@@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.

[@petedog9581]

Found a Rock Shox Pike Select 150 for $599. I jumped on it and it it great.

[@monkeycage2961]

FINALY, a new vid that isn't a short. YESSS

[@Spoolingturbski]

I’ll tell everyone right now my bike came with a RockShox Recon Silver RL 140mm. I’m currently here researching to replace it. Fork is better than any other budget fork, but doesn’t ride like a mid to high level fork.

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

Good to know there are inexpensive alternatives out there for everyone. Hey, 2005 Marzocchi called, they want their all black forks back...

[@richardbeto1615]

Omg the Vince Vaughn reference😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣made the whole movie flash through my head

[@robgoffroad]

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!

[@spacegodmurder]

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

[@toxicmale1744]

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.

[@petedog9581]

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.

[@mellissanash7517]

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.

[@ish474]

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

[@liamleech4748]

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

[@Sebsamazingcodmgameplay]

The first rock shocks I have in my marlin 7 they are really good would recommend 😀

[@ertai222]

Huh? Marlin 7 comes with rockshox Judy coil fork.

[@Sebsamazingcodmgameplay]

@@ertai222 pretty sure they got upgraded by a dads friend I think not sure

[@bacorny5980]

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?

[@berfava]

Forgot about Manitou Machette? 32mm stanchions, abs+ rebound adj.

[@175thStreet]

Excellent video! Stoked to see a refresh 👍👍

[@fullerblacksmithing7954]

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.

[@TomasJoaquinPoblete]

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...

[@codyberntsen42]

Wow, you guys constructed a full replica WC studio in Breckenridge? Impressive!

[@fbi-fipo1618]

I got the judy silver tk 120mm last year for 140 euro 😎🤙 and ive pushed it waayyy past its limits, its still great

[@chiefsilverback]

Isn't that a Manitou Machete that didn't get a mention next to the Z2?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

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!

[@koltface]

I was waiting for them to talk about it! It's a good fork.

[@chiefsilverback]

@@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!

[@charlie9ine]

I had a couple of Bombers years ago before Fox took them over. Great forks then and I think even better now.

[@aaronkal7433]

I remember watching the old vid 2 years ago and still doing the parkour reference

[@michael186]

Great video boyz! My new favorite animal is the MARKHOR!!!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

HARDCORE MARKHOR!

[@b3sam]

picked up a judy silver tk on your website for a really good deal can’t wait to install it

[@iffy_too4289]

WOW, you fixed your hair!!

[@bumblejeep123]

You can actually get a good suntour fork for $500. Has low and high compression, rebound and has 36mm stanchions too.

[@dazzamtb27]

Oh, forgot to say..fork’n good video!

[@reiddryden9805]

Stoked with #6 on my turbo Levo hard tail!🤙🏼

[@thatprcrawlerguy187]

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”

[@reneberndt7476]

SR Suntour Aion beats all of these in terms of performance and serviceability

[@insigs7502]

You mean Raidon?

[@reneberndt7476]

@@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

[@insigs7502]

@@reneberndt7476 Thanks, I didn't know that.

[@edtorres6463]

Next time can you include the X-Fusion Slide 34? Rockshox Revelation? SR Suntour Aion? Hayes as well...

[@virginiascurti5036]

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.

[@ridedirtymtb9938]

Make sure you put foam rings in the z2 fork when it comes to service. They don’t come with foam rings🤷

[@robadobdob]

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.

[@thomasragan4386]

Bomber Z2 on my NukeProof Scout 290.

[@garretttobias3426]

Jeff should get a new undo dash for his next bike

[@kuyaanima]

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 👌

[@connorcrotty1790]

Idk why I’m watching this I have a fox factory 36

[@SWFBrickbox]

What's your guys thoughts on the revelation? Please reply.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

The Revelation is fantastic! One of the best forks for the price for sure, and upgradeable as well which is nice.

[@SWFBrickbox]

@@WorldwideCyclery thank you!

[@tylerdoolittle8619]

Legendary video 🤙

[@keosoutdooradventures]

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.

[@letsgo_inc]

Fair point but only if that upgrade appeals to you. Independent high and low speed compression is extraneous for many

[@keosoutdooradventures]

@@letsgo_inc for sure

[@TheChrisDecember]

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.

[@glynnb6572]

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.

[@TheChrisDecember]

@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.

[@TheChrisDecember]

@@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.

[@glynnb6572]

@@TheChrisDecember thank you. Think that might be the way to go for me.

[@TheChrisDecember]

@@glynnb6572 Have fun.

[@keganmowery4223]

The movie references were on point!

[@AgentMTB]

I went with thhe RS Judy G RL for my 2022 Specialized Rockhopper Sport 29 RF Pro😉...Great $ Amazing Performance!!

[@thevapingpolisher9717]

Big fan of x fusion Enix

[@roryprice8979]

Can I get Jeffs hair in this price point

[@justynsherrill8608]

whats the best fork set up for my trek marlin 5 to become a great down hill jumper??

[@WoodyBarrelson]

I have the recon silver on my old moots. 26 ain’t dead

[@brentcollins9727]

Call me crazy, but the stickers on the Bomber are a deal killer. The shock looks like it’s from the 90’s.

[@davidgarza2267]

Great content, but is the "studio" meant to be super dark?

[@jared_erickson]

Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is the bees knees for just over $500.

[@rocheuro]

What about - judy gold RL is any better / stiffer than markhor ? it seems to be around 200g havier than Manitou Markhor.

[@Whyusadd]

I have a 35 and it’s great for the price!

[@juanmiguelphiliplanting9664]

What fork should i use if the terrain is mostly snow? I live in Canada and I use my ebike as my daily driver.

[@djCOLLY01]

Just bought the Recon...😍

[@PaynRS]

Is it bad that my forks are so stiff I didn’t notice when I was on a DH trail that it was locked out?

[@andymtb5714]

Reba, Judy, Recon, silver, gold, TK, RL lol Jeff I'm just as confused

[@jsrocker248]

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.

[@ronbergunndy1259]

You got incredibly lucky for $300.

[@billrose2339]

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.

[@jsrocker248]

@@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.

[@jsrocker248]

@@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.

[@michaelandrew6394]

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...🤦🏻

[@romeod.rubitejr.2929]

suntour epixon and axon also up there

[@MikaKivinenMusic]

Suggestions Shengmilo mx20 20inch Fatbike suspension forg upgrade . Thanks !

[@JB50713]

I have the 35s on my ebike. Seems ok but I'd like more suppleness on the small stuff.

[@twowheelsr6]

Marlin 6 gen 3 what fork would fit on that bike. It has a Judy right now.

[@augustmousel]

Lookin gb to upgrade my 130mm judy to a 150-160 fork around $300-$400 what do you think I should get?

[@josecarrillop]

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.

[@rachelmedina7757]

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?

[@BrettSampson]

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.

[@TommyTheBat]

What about the domain rc, and yari?

[@juluisreyes9094]

First..nice one jeff

[@kangsterizer]

rly interesting to see what sells most. i thought it was going to be pikes and fox 36's .. nope.

[@VINCENTadelor]

You should include SR Suntours here

[@sameyyy766]

i need 120mm travel fork on 26 wheels but its impossible to find, all are on 27.5 and 29 i need help

[@theforextraderevangelist7133]

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?

[@oh-longjohnson2317]

Thoughts on the Markhor vs the Judy Gold?

[@booitsnick]

Damn it now I gotta get the markour after seeing that

[@mcmtb2519]

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?

[@ScottieDont]

Bruhhh I thought the same I thought I was getting punkd

[@rocheuro]

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 !

[@FuknNoName]

Yeah they seem so cagey about weight it’s so annoying.

[@NoBrakes23]

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.

[@Rich-me5eb]

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.

[@pamrnbr]

Suntour forks are trusted budget fork here in southeast asia

[@williambaird24]

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??

[@JoesHobbyGarage]

Random question, what shoes are you wearing in the Ketl mountain tomfoolry pants video??

[@31527Joe]

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?

[@eliasperez9102]

I have 26 dirt jump, can ypu recommend RockShox silver tk for dirt jump? Thanks for the video!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Pike DJ! :)

[@MBergyman]

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?

[@dominicabbott991]

Quality stuff.

[@caseyjones3380]

Nice hair cut

[@dude2884]

you mean to tell me there are forks above 500 dollars? what are they made from? Gold?

[@richardview1281]

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?

[@BrettDudo]

First of all… where the hell have you been, Jeff?! Secondly, the lighting in the studio seems… off. Warmer?

[@dazzamtb27]

If you didn’t do The Office parkour clip I was going to unsubscribe 😂

[@theymademepickaname1248]

I want to upgrade a judy silver with another 100mm fork. The marzocchi z2 for $519 or SID select for $685?

[@johnnylong2049]

What’s a good fork for slight down hill action for a super 73 rx?

[@briw4647]

What do you guys think of the suntour epixon ? I heard its OK