Cyclist Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Bike Forks: What They Are and How to Choose the Right One

Wheels team
Wheels team
September 26, 2023   8 Mins Read
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When people talk about upgrading a bike or picking the perfect setup, the spotlight usually lands on the flashy stuff: carbon frames, wheelsets, drivetrains. But here’s a little secret every experienced rider knows: your fork can make or break the ride.

Whether you're grinding gravel, dodging potholes on your commute, or bombing down a rocky trail, the fork is doing a ton of work. It has an impact on your bike's handling, comfort level, and actual control when the road becomes covert.

This article describes the different types of forks and how to choose the one that best suits your style.

What’s a Fork Anyway?

The fork is that two-pronged part that holds your front wheel and connects it to your frame. But it's not just a connector, it's a big deal when it comes to steering, shock absorption, and overall ride feel.

Some forks are rigid and stiff, others have suspension that soaks up the bumps, and some are built specifically for adventure riding. Picking the right one can seriously change how your bike performs.

The Main Types of Bike Forks

1. Rigid Forks

Your bike most likely has a rigid fork if you ride on smooth gravel, in the city, or on the road. Because they don't have suspension, these forks are lighter, less expensive, and require less maintenance than suspension forks.

Rigid forks are common on:

  • Road bikes
  • Gravel bikes
  • City/commuter bikes

They are usually made of aluminum, carbon, or steel. Carbon forks are the lightest and most effective at absorbing road noise. Steel is comfortable, but aluminum is robust and affordable.

Why choose a rigid fork?

  • Most of the time, you ride on smooth surfaces.
  • You need a setup that is lightweight and requires little upkeep.
  • You prioritize simplicity and speed over shock absorption.

Air vs. Coil Forks:

  • Air forks are lighter and easier to tune for your weight and riding style.
  • Coil forks are plush, super reliable, and better for aggressive downhill use—but they’re heavier.

Modern suspension forks also come with features like:

  • Rebound control
  • Compression damping
  • Lockout switches
  • Thru-axles for extra stiffness

Why choose a suspension fork?

  • You ride technical trails or off-road terrain
  • You want more comfort and control
  • You don’t mind a bit of extra weight and maintenance for better performance

Men’s Sizing Guide

In this men’s clothing size chart, you will find actual body measurements (not product measurements). To determine your correct size, follow these steps:

  • Use a tape measure.
  • Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Take measurements close to the skin for maximum accuracy.

 

Areas for Measuring Clothing:

  • Chest: 

Measure around the fullest part of your chest under your armpits with your arms relaxed at your sides. Make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the ground. 

  • Waist:

Measure around the natural waist, which falls at the natural curve of the body – the indentation between the hips and the ribcage. The measuring tape should be close to the body, but not snug.

  • Hips:

Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest point of the hip, keeping the tape measure horizontal​.​​


Note: Model is 6’1” (185 cm), waist 31” (79 cm), wearing size medium

3. Gravel and Adventure Forks: Built for Everything

Gravel bikes have exploded in popularity, and so have forks made just for them. Gravel/adventure forks are kind of a hybrid: some are rigid (usually carbon), while others have lightweight suspension with about 30-50 mm of travel just enough to take the edge off rough roads.

Some top-end gravel forks also come with:

  • Mounting points for bags and fenders
  • Clearance for wider tires
  • Internal cable routing

There’s even a new class of forks (like the Lauf Grit or RockShox Rudy) that blur the line between rigid and suspension offering a bit of comfort without the bulk of MTB forks.

Why choose a gravel fork?

  • You ride mixed terrain: pavement, dirt, gravel
  • You like bikepacking or adventure riding
  • You want a balance of comfort, speed, and gear-carrying options

So… How Do You Actually Choose the Right Fork?

Picking the right fork doesn’t have to be complicated. It all comes down to how, where, and what you ride. Here’s a simple way to figure it out:

1. Start with Your Terrain

Ask yourself: Where do I ride most of the time?

  • Sticking to paved roads or cruising through the city? A rigid fork is your best bet; it's light, efficient, and gets the job done without fuss.
  • Love hitting the trails or riding over rocks and roots? You’ll want a suspension fork to smooth things out and give you more control.
  • Ride a bit of everything pavement, dirt, gravel? A gravel or adventure fork gives you that “go-anywhere” flexibility with just enough comfort built in.

2. Make Sure It Fits Your Bike

This part’s important: your dream fork won’t do much if it doesn’t fit your setup. Before buying anything, double-check:

  • Wheel size – Are you on 26”, 27.5”, or 29” wheels?
  • Steerer tube shape – Most modern bikes use tapered tubes, but some older models don’t.
  • Axle type – Is your bike set up for quick-release or thru-axle?
  • Brake compatibility – You’ll need to match your fork with either disc or rim brakes.

If you’re not sure, snap a few photos and ask your local bike shop—they’ll steer you in the right direction.

3. Think About the Material

The fork’s material has a big impact on weight and ride feel:

  • Carbon is super light and smooths out road buzz great for road or gravel bikes.
  • Aluminum is affordable, stiff, and solid ideal for commuters or general use.
  • Steel gives a softer, more classic ride feel, though it’s a bit heavier.

Each one has its strengths, so go with what matches your ride style (and your budget).

4. Don’t Forget About Maintenance

Here’s the trade-off:

  • Rigid forks are pretty much set-it-and-forget-it. No moving parts, no worries.
  • Suspension forks do need some love, occasional cleaning, lubrication, and servicing especially if you ride hard or in muddy, wet conditions.

If you like things simple and low-maintenance, rigid might be the way to go. But if you’re chasing comfort and control on tough terrain, the extra upkeep on a suspension fork is totally worth it.

Finally

It’s easy to ignore the fork when you’re thinking about upgrades but don’t. It plays a huge role in how your bike feels, especially when things get rough.

Want to feel every crack in the pavement? Get a stiff carbon road fork.

Need to float over rocks and roots? Get a long-travel suspension fork.

Love riding wherever the road takes you? Go with a gravel fork that can handle it all.

Choose the right fork, and your whole bike just clicks, you feel faster, smoother, and way more confident.