Fox have simply launched their new Podium fork. That includes reverse stanchions and greater crowns, they’re not your common suspension forks. However what’s really behind this distinctive design and what will we at Merlin suppose?
What’s behind the product
Fox’s purpose with the Podium was to make their lowest-friction fork attainable. To try this they adopted reverse stanchions – a primary in Fox’s historical past of MTB forks – for its advantages with reference to lowered unsprung mass. That is as a result of stanchions switching locations with the lowers (as discovered on a conventional fork). In consequence, it permits for improved sensitivity as much less upward power from the path is required to compress them. That is furthered via the improved lubrication of the fork; the seals and bushes are consistently fed with suspension oil on account of gravity retaining it gathered on the backside of the stanchions. A heavier responsibility crown additionally performs a key function on this fork’s effectivity because it reduces for/aft flexion mitigating any danger of binding throughout compression.
From the skin…
The excessive value level of the Podium is what instantly stands out to many with these forks. With a price effectively above many top-of-the-range downhill forks, it may be arduous to justify spending a lot on a pair of enduro forks. That being mentioned, Fox promise these forks to supply one of the best of each worlds. The Podium affords downhill fork qualities but saved all inside the journey ranges of an enduro bike. The opposite key draw back to those forks is that whereas thicker stanchions supply improved stiffness, they contribute to a weight a lot heavier than your common single crown fork.
Efficiency
Regardless of it being the primary fork of this sort for Fox, the critiques surrounding the Podium Fox counsel that it does what Fox have designed to do. The thought behind the reverse stanchions means the fork could make higher use out of its journey when issues get rougher. Nevertheless, it nonetheless permits for the choice of climbing hills effectively. Whereas some would argue that your conventional forks nonetheless have the upperhand in terms of all-round driving, these forks are the perfect part for heavy enduro days and bike park laps the place forks just like the Fox 38s may fall in need of assist.
To search out out extra about Fox’s new Podium fork, click on right here.
