Öhlins RXF Fork - First Look

Dec 22, 2015 at 21:33
by Mike Levy  
Öhlins RXF 34 Fork

Specialized has had a tight relationship with Öhlins for a few years now, a connection that began with them having exclusive access to Öhlins' TTX rear shock for their Demo DH bike back in 2014. We've since seen almost all of Öhlins' new mountain bike suspension first make an appearance on a Specialized, including their DH fork cartridges, lighter-duty coil-sprung shocks, and even the Swedish company's air-sprung shock. And now Specialized is partnering with Öhlins for their new mid-travel RXF 34 fork that will be available in 120, 140, and 160mm travel options for 29'' wheels. No word on a 27.5'' fork, but we expect it to be offered at some point in the future.

Pricing is in the same ballpark as the best from Fox, RockShox, and DVO, with an MSRP on the RXF 34 of $1,150 USD.

RXF 34 Details

• Intended use: trail / AM / enduro
• Travel: 120, 140, 160mm
• Wheel size: 29''
• Axle: 15 x 100mm, non-QR
• Spring: air
• Adjustments: high-speed compression, low-speed compression, low-speed rebound
• Weight: TBA
• Availability: TBA
• MSRP: $1,150 USD
• www.ohlinsusa.com
• www.specialized.com
Ohlins fork


Damper and Spring: The RXF 34 features Öhlins' twin-tube damper design that they claim provides parallel and separated oil flow that controls pressure levels while ensuring initial smoothness and enabling the fork to stay high in its travel. External adjustments include high-speed compression and low-speed compression at the top of the left leg, and low-speed rebound at the opposite end. It sounds like the fork offers a clever air-spring design that employs three different air chambers: two positive and one negative. The company says that this allows for ''the shape of the spring force to be adjusted by the rider,'' which sounds a lot like it lets the rider separate initial sensitivity from end-stroke progression.

There will be three travel options - 120, 140, and 160mm - although there is no official word on if riders will be able to adjust one fork to all three settings. That said, it's likely that Öhlins will be manufacturing a single chassis, meaning that travel will probably be tuneable in some manner, albeit not externally. Don't quote us, though.


Ohlins RFX fork
  The RXF'D crown and steerer are forged from a single piece of aluminum. High-speed and low-speed compression adjustment dials are on the top of the left fork leg.


Fork Chassis: The chassis sports 34mm stanchions, but Öhlins claims that the RXF's forged ''unicrown'' steerer tube and crown assembly makes it ''more rigid than other brands' 35mm forks, and it's comparable with a 36mm fork.'' This is because the RXF's crown and steerer tube are created from a single piece of aluminum (much like X-Fusion uses) rather than being two separate pieces that are then pressed together.

There is no 20mm thru-axle option, and the RXF's 15mm axle threads in with a hex key and depends on a more traditional, single pinch-bolt on the right fork leg. No quick-release thru-axle system on the RXF.
Ohlins RFX fork


Ohlins RFX fork
  Ohlins decided to go with a bolt-on 15mm thru-axle.


The new Öhlins suspension will be available through Specialized dealers, who are going to have the RXF fork (and shocks, springs, and cartridges) in the near future, as well through the Öhlins USA website that will be shipping and servicing suspension out of their headquarters in North Carolina.

We'll have our hands on the new Öhlins RXF fork shortly, and you'll be able to read about what's inside and, more importantly, how it performs and compares to the competition.


Ohlins RFX fork

Photos courtesy of Specialized

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
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246 Comments
  • 157 5
 Any chance you could review the cartridge they're doing? maybe have a back to back test with the charger, avalanche and Ohlins dampers to see which performs best in a pike chassis. Id pay to read that shit.
  • 43 286
flag Ronworth (Dec 23, 2015 at 1:59) (Below Threshold)
 The answers you seek, are in your shit.
  • 35 4
 Pinkbike won't do head to head tests, especially with suspension and bikes. It's unfortunate, but at least there are other publications you can look to for them.
  • 82 34
 @Ronworth - are you one of the few, who faced the so called "excremental realm" and came out enlightened seeing the broader spectrum of one's self? Did you find the way to heaven and entered the confinement of God's cell where he was making a figures of Plato, Hercules and Holy Mary from Gold? Then they dissolved into dark smelly poop which then turned to gold again. Then he saw you and said that you are a fool who wasted his time seeking him? Did you enter the dungeon of dark side of your psyche where you met the cloaked devil where he welcomed you and spoke wisely, revealing all of the secrets of our existence? On one occasion you asked him if he can show his face and he took down his cloak - he had your face! Then you wandered the real world, completely lost for months. One day you came back to your room finding the light to be broken. You felt the presence of demons. You did not dare to enter at night and slept in dirty underpants on the couch. Then you dared to bring the torch in the evening seeking all darkest corners for demons. Finaly you stood again in the door, turned around and you saw the demon, it was your own shadow covering the light coming from a lamp in the corridor.

Are you one of us? Can you... feeeeeel meeeeeee?

*no drugs were used in making of this post
  • 34 0
 Waki are you absolutely sure there were no drugs....I'm drunk on a plane and can't even fathom writing like that....
  • 30 3
 Sounds like Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo visited Waki while he was on a bender.
  • 17 26
flag freeriderayward (Dec 23, 2015 at 6:32) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIdesigns cool story bro.
  • 6 4
 Your weapon, you will need not....
  • 5 1
 @Waki do you consider mushrooms and peyote drugs? How else would you know about the gold-poo-gold transition? Brilliant.
  • 20 18
 Joose - I wanted to do it in a sober way - Drugs can make you go nuts in there. You get stupid ideas. I saw people roaming like zombies around the place, looking for chocolate. There was one dude from Iran who ended up there because he wanted to become an Hassasin and took too much hashish to get into a killing trance. Poor fkr was running around like a headless chicken looking for virgins. God sent him to the devils room who locked him up with 53 of them, saying that he'll let him out after he has sex with all of them. They were Swedish feminists off course. Last time I checked he was growing roses and talking to the second one how much he cares. Idiot hahahahahah
  • 8 2
 maybe one day showa and kayaba hehe
  • 1 3
 Take my money!
  • 6 9
 no head to head because this place is SRAMified
  • 26 1
 Waki writes like he selects the next suggested word over and over in his text messages.
  • 6 11
flag jclnv (Dec 23, 2015 at 9:38) (Below Threshold)
 At least it's not Shimanofied viatch. Those muppets can't even get chainline right.
  • 1 4
 And its a buttload of fun to read when he is done writing. King of speculation i bet.
  • 11 3
 How I love marketing: "a 34 that is stiffer than other brands' 35 and on par with 36"

Why not make it a 35 that is stiffer than a 36 then? Weight disadvantage negligible.
  • 7 2
 or make a 36 that's stiffer than a 40.. lets just make all bikes as burly and heavy as possible. If anyone complains we can say they're not riding hard enough!
  • 4 1
 You could even lie about the weight and get away with it! Guarantee if you simply told a weight weenie that a 6 pound fork is 3 pounds, you'll have cash in your hands before you know it!
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns , please start posting on drugs. I'd love to read it.
  • 9 3
 @dzenyy - ok ok... I'm a quitr drukn. Loaded as fk, as POles uyse to do on Chrismaz eve in Scandinaviga . I ate meatballs with schnaopz. Let's tryh, lets fknug try ok? Now! So capitain obvios met a doplphin and dolphn was running from a Japanaedsx vessel , fk running... swimming or whateber dolphinss do. Crusing mayube. So the dolphi ni jumped on oo Captain obvious ship and said, rescure me, help me. And captain obviousl killed the dolfin wiv de broken telescopic dilfdo attached to thew fiorehead of a oragnuthang which he rescsued from Papuea New Guinesda.Dolphin was killed and few veegans sow it on Fac ebook share of some stpd nmon-gov organistaion so they stareted sriting dumb comments about killing the planet. FInalyh it came out that dolpjhin had a dildo stuck in amigdala og his brain, and some hejowa witness said that poorn is killing the world. Specialized is cool - peace! Sow hat di you reckno>? Am i beterw when messaed u_?
  • 3 1
 Wow...
  • 2 1
 Best joke if heard in a while @Waki, merry Christmas you ridiculous SOB
  • 1 6
flag fecalmaster (Dec 25, 2015 at 4:02) (Below Threshold)
 I'm looking forward to not reading the upcoming review on this fugly ass pizza chit fork.
  • 2 2
 @WAKIdesigns - klasyka gatunku!!!
  • 91 18
 Single piece crown and steerer; yes please. Proper bolt through lowers; yes please. Plenty of adjustments; yes please. Black with a dash of gold; very yes please. If only it were 1/3 the price and available in straight steerer 26".....
  • 43 8
 Bit of filing down round the steerer to make it fit and just chuck a 26" wheel in any way, loads of mud clearance. King of the bodge.
  • 47 4
 i wholeheartedly support the bodge, but filing down steerers is a one way ticket to a faceplant
  • 4 3
 You...I like you. Lol
  • 9 1
 You wont know if you dont try..... www.pinkbike.com/photo/12958508
  • 2 1
 @bluumax why would anyone even try that?!?! The people that designed these made them the way they did for a reason...lol
  • 2 0
 @scotttherider i saw it on the broken bikes images page. Its a fairly decent effort but surely before turning it down you'd take an o.d and i.d to gauge the thickness.
  • 2 0
 Same as I thought... surely if one had the equipment and mental wherewithal to remove the taper and achieve a functional result, one also would have the equipment and wherewithal to first check if possible. My conclusion is that even if there was enough material, the result would not have been functional.
  • 9 23
flag jclnv (Dec 23, 2015 at 9:38) (Below Threshold)
 26" peasants.
  • 1 0
 There was an ad for the Fox Fall Collection under that picture - is that just a coincidence?
  • 3 0
 It is not only about performance gains, also looks like cost savings in purchasing. Going for a 34 for 120, 140, 160 means it can be on Enduro, Stumpjumper and Camber - massive cost reduction. And the axle... well.
  • 1 0
 Gah dat HTA doh...kill it with fire!
  • 2 0
 You forgot to mention cantilever studs and threaded steerer.
  • 1 2
 What about getting a tool maker to machine a spacer that could fit into the lower of your headtube and is tapered to allow the larger lower bearing of the headset to take the tapered steerer fork?

There is the obvious issues of messing with the geometry. ......but reckon it should work!
  • 61 2
 Next up for Mountain Biking; Brembo!
  • 17 1
 Brembo already did some Dh brakes about 10 years ago, limited edition and seriously expensive IIRC.
  • 3 1
 Id be in line for a set of those brakes..
  • 11 0
 would also accept AP Racing
  • 1 2
 I'd only accept Carbon Industries.
  • 1 7
flag ermoldaker (Dec 23, 2015 at 13:02) (Below Threshold)
 Yeah fuck all that Italian pseudo race shit, AP all the way.
  • 4 1
 AP Racing is a Brembo brand...
  • 9 0
 @jabbi had no idea about them.. i think i'm just going to paint my XT calipers red........
  • 3 0
 AP Racing is designed and manufactured in Coventry.
  • 1 0
 Harrop engineering Aussie HUGE Discs to slow heavy superV8 race cars.
  • 3 0
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/3408205 I remember them selling for 600€ each! They are forever lost among other mountainbike greats like the $85K Honda DH bike and Tech-In forks (not even google can find those anymore).
  • 23 2
 A little shiver of excitement rushed through my body as I saw this article.
  • 104 12
 Same here, then it quickly dissipated when I saw the 29er bit!
  • 7 3
 My thoughts exactly!
  • 31 32
 While Jared Graves can win on anything, 29ers are the fastest bikes out there. So help me @jonesdirt
  • 9 4
 They (wallner brothers, öhlins people) havet been riding this fork in 650b for a year or so it's not a 29 only thing.
  • 13 3
 Can't wait to quote all these people when 29dh bikes are the next great thing
  • 5 4
 It's a race fork for racers so 29" was the correct size to start with.
  • 28 13
 And I just bought a LYRIK! Noooooooooo! Hopefully in a year time I'll buy both this fork and their coil shock, not because it's better than RS or FOX but because it is Öhlins.
  • 18 0
 Swedish masterrace at it's finest.
  • 11 1
 Traitor..
  • 3 0
 Aren't you ethnic polish?
  • 42 6
 Shush! They may deport me - Bloody socialists and their meat balls.
  • 23 1
 I like how the pinkbike community knows WAKI's life history. On that note when is pinkbike going to start paying you WAKI
  • 3 0
 MMM... meatballs
  • 5 1
 If this were the auto world, there'd be a market for Ohlins badges to place over your current brand's logos. Think "Type R" and fake vents on import cars. Body kits for bikes, heh heh, to make your alloy frame look like a more expensive brand's carbon model.. Lowering or lift kits. Add-a-leaf spring to make your XC bike look like a DH bike. Subwoofers. I'm so glad the bike world is more performance oriented than "accessorizing."
  • 3 17
flag mhoshal (Dec 23, 2015 at 10:43) (Below Threshold)
 You saved around 5 hundred bucks and still probably have a better fork anyway. Its yuppy companies like ohlins and specialized that we have to thanks for prices on everything sky rocketing out of control.
  • 8 1
 Well, mr. Smartass, Ohlins is better quality than any other fork out there, guaranteed. You don't see RockShox making suspension for snowmobiles or motorcycles, do you? If you notice, basically every pro super bike racer runs Ohlins forks. They know they are the best. Ohlins is basically the benchmark of today's suspension quality and technology. Anybody who runs their stuff swears by it.
  • 5 0
 And if I'm not mistaken Ohlins doesnt sponsor anyone. Therefore anything you see with Ohlins on it was purchased rather than having free stuff that must not be up to par with their technology,
  • 1 0
 my old boss put Ohlins shock on his Ducati, paying top dollar

I asked why? "nothing better available"..
  • 2 3
 Do you mean: he bought the best toy just because he could or did he know what he needs?
  • 12 0
 Ohlins has been making top of the line motorcycle road racing and MX suspension for DECADES. Some of their forks(Gas Charged 'Superbike' forks) cost $30,000 for the set, while others have carbon fiber outer tubes, and aren't available at ANY price(they're 'leased' to top-tier MGP teams). I used to sell the prior-year's AMA Supersport/Superstock(1000cc) bikes for a factory team, and have seen some serious voo-doo technology come outta Sweden.
This was when Yamaha owned a majority stake in the company, and Ken Ohlins(founder) bought back a 95% stake in 2007, which has lead to more involvement in the auto industry, and as we're all seeing now, the MTB industry as well.
Ohlins is the only company I would buy product from sight-unseen/tested.
  • 11 0
 Marz out, Öhlins in? It's some consolation, I suppose. Looks refreshingly clean and simple; I eagerly await the full review.
  • 14 3
 the 29er must be selling well for spec...I'm still holding onto my 26"
  • 10 6
 In st you haven't ridden an enduro 29. I hate to say it but it is MUCH faster
  • 10 11
 I'd prefer my 26 enduro vs the 29...it's more fun and better on the super steep DH stuff..29ers are cool for some stuff,but I still don't think you'd beat me on any trail with your 29er
  • 11 4
 Gentlemen please, 27.5 is the way to go. I've been lucky enough to ride all three different wheel size Specialized Enduro models, and I can safely say the best of them is the YT Capra
  • 2 0
 My dad bought an Enduro 29 (which he never rides) and ive done around 500 miles and I beat nearly every personal record ive had on strava. Still havent beaten it. Bike is fast and fun. Still have 26 DH bike, and my 27.5 Spartan.
  • 1 2
 Well I got my 2014 enduro carbon new for 2300 over a year ago so if I could get that kinda deal on a new carbon enduro 29er I'd buy one.but my point was,I'm faster than you :p on any bikeBig Grin
  • 3 2
 Who am I kidding,I'm been skiing pow daily,haven't even ridden my bike in a month. Mount baker is getting soooo much snow!
  • 2 0
 @mtbakerpow I'm betting you must have contracts falling out of your ass with how big you talk. Please show me how much faster you are on the steeps, I'll ride a short travel 29er.
  • 1 1
 You must be the high school kid that just sent me a message out of the blue on Facebook asking me to take down videos because you have nothing beer to do...haha you're an idiot
  • 1 0
 Lol we are not just high school kids with out any thing to do. We're high school kids that care abut riding our bikes and care about the trails we ride. We keep them low key so they stay good and so we can keep them. And when some a$$hole with a big mouth starts to blow spots by posting vids pick and the location of trails. Yes we have nothing better to do then to stop sad a$$hole with big mouth. So cool that you might be a fast rider at least we are humble about are riding because thats what it's about. @mtbakepow
  • 14 3
 29er haters gonna hate
  • 19 10
 I dont want a Specialized bike. I want the fork. Hope that is doable. Stupid 15 mm axle. Why not 20mm
  • 2 0
 I hear it's a 46 offset too. Seems off, but most newer 29ers are 51mm.
  • 5 2
 It's weird how Specialized is living up to its name as the years go on. Specialized, AKA proprietary, shock mounts, shock lengths, etc.
  • 6 0
 What's proprietary about this fork? 46mm offset is offered by Rock Shox as well.
  • 5 0
 @mountain-viking did you read the article about the fork being for sale through ohlins or specialized dealers? You don't need to buy a bike.
  • 2 0
 @ratpoison rockshox, canecreek, fox, ohlins and i think push all make shocks that fit spec bikes. so thats not much of an issue these days.
  • 3 3
 You don't need a 20 mm axle if the fork is built right. Not saying that 20 mm axle forks are bad, they're just fine. But the 20 mm isn't necessary.
  • 9 2
 If 34 stanchons work well with 29 wheels, surely they will be even more stiffer on 27.5 version. It aint that stupid to do prototypes for 29ers first
  • 18 8
 Take notice that it has a proper clamping on the axle - pinch bolt on one side and surely a conical axle/insert interface on the other - unlike Lyrik or Pike which have no clamping what so ever to simplify the wheel removal. It surely adds stiffness to the overal design. The downside will be fore aft stifness at G-outs, casing uppers to bend and create additional resistance for sliding in - UNLESS they have a sliding surface inside of lowers with one set of bushings under the dust seals, and the other set on the lowers which minimizes the effect. What I'd like to see is a seriously beefed up version of RS-1 with monopiece carbon steerer/crown stanchions
  • 3 2
 @Waki ... how simple did you want the wheel removal ? Both my Pike forks are 15mm / Maxle and take me less than 10 seconds to take off the bike ...
  • 16 7
 I meant just that - RS Maxle alongwith Fox system in 32 and 34 forks are probably the fastest wheel removal system out there. But that compromises clamping and increases flex. Off course it is a problem for those who think that stiffer is better and focus on that feature in wrong places... if you know what I mean (wanker giggle here)
  • 1 0
 yeah, I get ya, just the way you wrote it Smile
  • 5 0
 Qlock from sr is much faster than maxle.
  • 4 5
 Yeah having used the Maxle, Fox axle, and marzocchi axle, I have to say I found Fox's solution to be the best. The design of the Maxle (and Marzocchi's new axle also) make it difficult to line up the axle with the far side dropout while holding the wheel in place. You have to "fish" for the hole. With Fox I can put the wheel in the dropouts, let the bike sit upright, and the axle slides right in every time. This method doesn't work at all with the Maxle.
  • 4 1
 There's also the fact that increasing stanchion diameter isn't the only way to increase stanchion stiffness. wall thickness matters too. Fox focuses on lightweight forks, use thinner tubing for their stanchions, so Fox 34s are known for flex. Other brands don't follow that playbook.
  • 6 2
 When adding weight via stanchion circumference vs wall thickness, larger circumference always wins in strength achieved. That's why in roll cages 1.75"diameter and .095" wall thickness is stronger AND lighter than a 1.5" tube with a thicker .120" wall thickness. However, I don't think this applies to blunt force impact tests, only resistance to flex.
  • 4 0
 I don't disagree, I was just pointing out that you can't judge all forks by stanchion diameter, not everybody's 34mm stanchions are going to feel the same.

Heck, plenty of people get on great with the Revelation, & it's a "wimpy" 32mm. I've got a DT Swiss that doesn't ever seem to bushing bind, while a Fox F29 I have does exactly that.
  • 2 0
 fully agree groghunter my revelation feels pretty stiff for only 32mm. 20mm axle might help tho.
  • 1 0
 I think the crown, axle, and bushing overlap play a significant role in how stiff a fork is. Marz 55 is noticeably stiffer than a Pike, even though the have the same diameter stanchions. The 55 has a 20mm axle, a much beefier crown, steerer, and brace (it's also heavier because of it).
  • 5 0
 yup, & we can even go to extremes & start talking materials. There was a time when the biggest difference between a trail fork & an DJ fork was aluminum vs steel stanchions. Or even geometry: slacker bikes cross load the stanchions & bushings harder with vertical loads, & steep bikes cross load them harder under horizontal impacts. You can go down a real rabbit hole with this stuff.

But for the average user, the message should still be: stiff forks are are stiff, flexy forks are flexy, & you can't tell which is which just by stanchion diameter. & if you're under 175 lbs, it may not matter for you anyway.
  • 4 2
 Dhtomp - axle diameter plays little role. It's how you clamp it that matters. All things aside, riding the Shiver SC 120 on side of Fox 36 R 140 was eye opening for me in terms of tracking and handling. Both with no LoCo at all. Flexy Shiver provides more grip on off cambers and inspires confidence in rockgardens while 36 transfers all force into me bouncing me around more. If money were no object I'd ride the latest USD from X-Fusion. To me stiffness is overrated but it is a personal thing
  • 3 0
 Waki, you're using the word stiffness very loosely (or tightly?). There are many different ways to measure stiffness on forks and all of them need to be balanced to get a good ride.

With an USD fork you're specifically you're talking about the lack of torsional stiffness and mucho independent stanchion movement that makes it track well. This is also what makes the same fork feel vague on rough, high speed tracks and harsh berms.

I know you know this but it needed clarification.
  • 1 0
 Yeah I've had the same problem with my Argyles.
  • 3 2
 @bogey I don't ride fast enough to sense vague feeling of Shiver on my HT, and don't ride DH on DVO or Dorado to find out either. All I am saying is that for what I do USD seems more than legit. Hard for me to judge for all those shredders around here demanding possibly stiffest chassis Big Grin
  • 2 1
 USD forks also have advantage of this all being less relevant: the stanchions aren't at the end of a lever from the axle like the stanchions are from a conventional fork. bushing bind due to stanchion flex is far less of a concern. They have their own challenges that can cause binding though, of course.
  • 3 2
 Shivers have a clever design, like most droppers - one bushing under the dust seal, another at the end of the stanchion which provides excellent, increasing bushing overlap. Problem isthat you need the inside of the uppers to be a sliding surface= need for tolerances and higher cost
  • 18 10
 I HATE that everybody forgets the 26-er group of cyclists, they do not exist any more, or what?
  • 9 0
 Sorry man, we have been relegated to the buy and sell section. It's ok, that stuff probably fits the budget better...
  • 5 3
 26" and 27.5" forks are damn near the same thing. Stop yer whining already!
  • 5 1
 No worries. When the market is saturated with 27.5 and 29" bikes, the amazing agility of the "new" 26er will be reborn and trotted out by bike manufacturers.
  • 6 1
 Manitou used 34mm stachions for years in travis 150mm to 203mm with almost zero flex hard as nails, just as strong as bigger stanchioned forks ,fox ,x fusion using 34mm and Manitou still rocking 34mm stanchions on the Mattoc now ohlins using 34mm this should paint a picture for people ,don't know about the one piece crown/steerer looks like fox float cast titanium but alloy copy. I suppose the good thing about building something after the competition you can take all the good bits from others what works" tried and tested
  • 6 0
 Nobody is talking about the best thing in this fork, the twin tube...after riding this technology i never want to go back. If they come out with a 36 650b, I'll be first In line
  • 5 1
 It is ironic that nearly all the banter here is either about the 29er wheel size or about the stanchion size being only 34mm and how weak of an argument is posed to justify it. In reality what is the most important aspect of a fork??? It's the spring and dampening properties of course. Anyone that hasn't heard of Öhlins should look them up. They have been one of the premier manufacturers of dampers for a long time, and are regarded as one of, if not the best. Yes their stuff is expensive, but it is top notch in every way. I am interested in hearing a more detailed description of the mechanics of this fork and then of course a review of how it functions on real terrain compared to its range of competition. I don't think we will be disappointed in the results of the Öhlins.
  • 3 2
 We don't need to look them up. Plenty of folks here who have time on Öhlins stuff. But offering a 34 for 120-160 is lame. They might underequip the 2017 Enduro we're waiting for and then for 2018 model year find out that they can make a 36 that's almost as stiff as a DH fork.
  • 2 2
 Vanguard - a rumour has it that several WC riders including Athertons are not big fans of how fricking stiff the 40 is...
  • 1 0
 Who cares about DH WC?

Most riders only see them on Red Bull TV.
  • 1 0
 nobody is gonna know anything worthwhile about the damper/spring until they've been out in circulation for a few months. We're finally to the point some new guy isn't gonna show up with widespread shock tech and blow the bike world away.
  • 8 2
 For all the 29er whiners out there. Do you really think this won't be coming out in a 650b version???
  • 5 0
 Bolt through and 15mm? Why not 20mm....

How much bushing overlap is happening inside the fork? That will have a large effect on chassis stiffness......
  • 2 0
 Normally I would question something like that as well, @downhillnews . But Ohlins has better tech and is trusted by like every gp rider out there. They have their stuff down. Anybody who rides Ohlins swears by the stuff.
  • 6 0
 It's a good day for us e29 owners!
  • 7 1
 Bolt-on 15mm? Why not just go 20x110? Seems silly to me.
  • 6 6
 It's just another step like the 650b. The industry is trying to shut the door on the entire history of mountain biking so that everyone who's stupid enough to buy into the hype (which is alarmingly a LOT of people here) will be forced to purchase everything all over again and the companies will have more profits.

IF IT WAS SIMPLY ABOUT PERFORMANCE, THEN 26" WOULD STILL BE IN MAINSTREAM PRODUCTION AND WE COULD CHOOSE FOR OURSELVES.
  • 2 0
 stanchion size is one part the the element IMO..... BOS deville feels way stiffer and burly than my pike. nothing against the bike but i have the new deville rare fcv and it blows my mind every time i ride it. would love to try the 27.5 version(when ever its releases)..... eeeehhh i need more money
  • 2 0
 So stoked about this! It should only be a little while until Cane Creek releases their own version of a twin tube fork based on this fork. I absolutely love their rear shocks and have been pestering them to start selling forks! Hopefully their version will be a little more forgiving on the wallet.
  • 3 0
 At first I was bummed about the 29" part, then I remembered my last ride on a borrowed Enduro Expert carbon 29... those things are dialed.
  • 5 1
 This fork is pretty limited. 29er only, 15mm axle only, specialized only....
  • 3 0
 This is awesome! Ohlins is cranking out new products like crazy and it's great that their rivalling against the big F and R competition!
  • 5 0
 Ohlins suspension as standard on Spesh 2017?
Could be a very good deal
  • 4 1
 Lets all take a minute and thank that its not boost only as well as 29er only...
  • 3 1
 Companies should produce components for all wheel sizes. Thus, they are more likely to get business from the entire riding population.
  • 5 1
 do you guys think the sr suntour aurom is a good fork
  • 2 0
 Considering what I've had on my motor bikes from ohlins these should be not to bad I guess...High price though but considering it's competition not to bad.
  • 2 1
 I stopped at 29 only for now atleast. coming from a moto background I know ohlins knows their stuff, ill come back and finish the article on break. Glad to see ohlins getting more into the mtb game.
  • 3 2
 Öhlins' twin-tube damper design that they claim provides parallel and separated oil flow that controls pressure levels while ensuring initial smoothness and enabling the fork to stay high in its travel.

hUH?
  • 2 0
 Take my money. Wait. Maybe once it's 650B. Then I'll chuck it on my 14 E26 to match the TTX on the back. If it had been coil I might've had to change my pants.
  • 6 4
 The only bad thing about this is that øhlins have partnered up with those c*ntfaced nosoul asswipes called specialized... A shame!
  • 4 0
 BADass fork:
#1 ti coil spring
#2 open oil bath
#3 20mm axle
  • 2 1
 interesting that they have decided to show up with only 29" wheel fork and not have both size available
(27.5").
Also aren't they working a double crown fork at the moment?
  • 3 2
 Yes indeed, 29er forks are pretty long.......
  • 11 16
flag cyberbully (Dec 23, 2015 at 1:46) (Below Threshold)
 Kinda pointless making a 27.5 fork for the 2016 market. 2015 is almost over and everyone will be on 27.5+ in the New year so the 29er fork will be just perfect.
  • 15 9
 No Boost - I am gutted!
  • 10 25
flag Ronworth (Dec 23, 2015 at 2:00) (Below Threshold)
 29 is the future, get with it.
  • 7 4
 Maybe they just can't get the small bump sensitivity they want so releasing it in 29" wheels size disguises this so they'll get great reviews before the 650 one comes out and then people will realise ????
  • 4 1
 specialized 29er first clause
  • 3 0
 They clearly built this fork around the Specialized 29 chassis. Ohlins doesn't mess around when it comes to r&d. Others will show up only when ready, and when/if the market is ready.
  • 3 2
 It's a Specialized designed fork for OEM. It'll appear on the new Enduro 29" which Specialized sell a much higher ratio than 650b. I can see them just sticking a Pike/Lyrik on the 650b bike for the first year at least.
  • 2 0
 been tons of pics of the 27.5 version on team member bikes so calm down everyone they have you covered.
  • 3 1
 If I designed a single crown fork, it would look like this. Love the simple axle design. I like bolts
  • 4 2
 What I really want to know is what is that bike it's on. It looks absolutely beautiful.
  • 7 0
 Spec Stumpjumper.
  • 2 0
 Looks like my brand new Lyrik will be up for sale as soon as the 27.5 ohlins is released!
  • 1 0
 Question - if forging the crown and steerer is more rigid, possibly lighter and eliminate creaking, why aren't other manufacturers using it on their high-end forks?
  • 7 0
 Because it's slow and crazy expensive. X-Fusion only do it for their 34mm 29er fork and only in limited numbers and it costs a couple hundred more than the same fork with a press fit steerer.
  • 4 2
 The MRP Stage should be counted among this elite group, I love mine. I am definitely excited about this Ohlins fork though!
  • 4 0
 What about marzocchi NCR 350?
  • 3 0
 I'm selling a 2016 Specialized 29er without fork...
  • 2 0
 Wait, so it's only available for 29, and there is a 160 mil option? First time I've ever seen that.
  • 4 0
 thats one sexy fork
  • 2 0
 I need a travel adjust fork (130-160mm). Too bad, I'd like to try this one.
  • 2 3
 Ok, its either this or a Lyrik as an upgrade for my 3 year old carbon framed enduro bike. OH WAIT NO! Its a 26 inch bike, so I can't upgrade to either of these, because the bike industry moved to a ever so slightly larger wheel size with the intention of making my bike obsolete, so that I must buy a new bike to keep up with progress on components. Screw you bike industry!!! Yours Angrily.
  • 2 0
 #maderadbytony fender in the first pic...
maderadbytony.com
  • 2 0
 I spy a #maderadbytony fender in the first picture!!
  • 3 0
 Not enough gold....
  • 2 1
 Looks like a nice Prototype to me. Exited to see what they will deliver in the comming years!
  • 1 0
 I'm ready to see what's up their sleeve for DH. I've seen some prototypes. The Fox 40 and Boxxer will have some competition
  • 10 12
 Ohlins is a well known name in the serious race-centered automotive world. Their dampers are prime choice for competition vehicles, and extremely expensive. They have the talent, knowledge and capability to own this market....but they are off to a rocky start.
Lets start with the 29er thing.... No company is that dumb to offer only a 29er fork when entering the fork market. The one-piece cast lower legs will have to change for the different wheel sizes. These are highly tooled components. Tooling is expensive capital investment. I bet one of two things is happening here.
1. They tooled up for 29er first to mesh well with Specialized bike offering and to "test the waters" to see how their product is received in the market. If things look positive, then the CEO will sign the check for additional tooling to cover the other popular wheel size (27.5). This gives them time to sort out any issues before cranking out the 27.5 lineup.

2. Or maybe the 27.5 is lagging due to issues with tooling manufacturer, maybe a design issue is driving redevelopment of other components for packaging, who knows...But perhaps 27.5 is on the way already and just lagging.

So what about 26"? Well, we all know those are popular in the DH world. So if Ohlins makes a fork 26" it will probably be a dual crown fork. We will have to wait and see if they decide to go that route.

Now lets look at the 34mm stanctions. Spindly in comparison to the beefy/stout looking Fox 36 lineup.
Ohlins claims that they are stiffer (or comparably stiff) because of their one-piece crown/steer tube design.
So let me get this straight.... They claim more stiffness at the crown/steer tube joint somehow makes up for the small stanctions....? Explain please? Does that mean that the competition flexes at that crown/steer joint to a point that it negates the advantage of the thicker stanctions?

Now, the all important price point. They have positioned them selves at the top of the market, in direct competition with Fox (and to a lesser degree RS). A new brand (to this market anyway) and relatively unknown to most bikers to slot themselves at the top of the market is risky. Sure they want to be the "premium" offering, but they are standing square in the same spot as Fox, who really is dominant and continues to grow. With Fox moving some production overseas, they are going to see reduced costs and spec'd more by bike OEM's for factory builds. Ohlins, needs to prove they are premium in some way, not just by price. It is a long battle. They have to win shoot-out after shoot-out with clear dominance over Fox (who is no slouch) and every other brand. This takes time. Basically you have to earn your spot at the top, and Fox has over many many years.

Just my 2 cents....

Good luck to Ohlins!

(p.s. I am not involved with the bike industry, just a guy who rides and reads)
  • 4 2
 You mentioned the 34 stanctions, I know the pike stanctions are so thin that they flex enough when ridden hard that they suck air past the piston to the negative air side and everyone raves about that fork. We have gone through a couple of charger dampers too. These forks will be good, Ohlins does not make junk.
  • 1 0
 This is a very good point... stanchion width and tube thickness are both important things. A paper thin 36mm stanchion will most surely be more flexly than a beefy 34.

@oregonryder I'd assume Ohlins has proved a bit of their premiumness in other markets (moto etc) and a bit with the rear shocks already.
  • 1 0
 Also not sure about stiffness of the crown/steerer. I do remember though having one of the 2012ish RS Revelations with the carbon crown/steerer that was incredibly stiff for a revelation. Not sure why more companies don't do that anymore besides price.
  • 4 6
 It's just another step like the 650b. The industry is trying to shut the door on the entire history of mountain biking so that everyone who's stupid enough to buy into the hype (which is alarmingly a LOT of people here) will be forced to purchase everything all over again and the companies will have more profits.

IF IT WAS SIMPLY ABOUT PERFORMANCE, THEN 26" WOULD STILL BE IN MAINSTREAM PRODUCTION AND WE COULD CHOOSE FOR OURSELVES.
  • 1 0
 Hope it has better rebound adjustment than their air shock.
  • 2 0
 What's the issue with the rebound adjustment of the STX 22 Air?
  • 1 0
 Was riding two of them on S Enduro test bikes, and the rebound was still pretty fast in the slowest position. Apart of that the shock worked very well.
  • 5 6
 Ride quicker? Fast rebound is better than slow rebound.
  • 1 0
 I don't think so .. depends on your riding style and preferences. I'm finding myself near the end of the rebound adjuster on fox/RS, there's no way how to do this on Öhlins shock.
  • 6 0
 The faster you go the faster (still controlled) the rebound. Pro level shock.
  • 2 0
 Maybe I was misunderstood, I'm not bashing your choices, just saying I would prefer a faster rebounding shock to a slower one, and if it is faster then it would encourage me at least to try and ride quicker.
  • 2 0
 NEXT become to “XT”
  • 2 0
 Dear Santa....
  • 8 22
flag Ronworth (Dec 23, 2015 at 2:02) (Below Threshold)
 More like "Hey mom.."
  • 8 0
 You're currently 0 for 4 on this article alone @Ronworth. Maybe put this one to bed and give it another go some other time.
  • 5 5
 It looks Ohlins,but it sure reads Specialized : "It's only 34mm,but because bla bla bla it's as rigid as others 36".
  • 1 2
 I wonder if they'll come up with a different graphic when they go into production? I like the graphics on the RockShox forks at the moment.
  • 2 2
 I ride a 29er - it turned like a cruise ship. I got on a lifeboat and abandoned it.
  • 1 0
 Is 46mm enough axle offset for 29" wheels?
  • 1 0
 I tried both on my Enduro 29 (Pike). I like 46mm better.

blog.artscyclery.com/ask-a-mechanic/ask-a-mechanic-29er-forks-46mm-or-51mm-offset
  • 1 0
 I'm throwing money at it, but it's bouncing back! Wtf
  • 1 0
 Can I run a 650b/27.5 PLUS tire in this thing?
  • 1 0
 They did it!
  • 7 8
 World's leader in motorsports? Are they high? Ohlins is second tier compared to Kayaba and Showa.
  • 4 2
 How many Moto GP titles do Showa and Kayaba have?
  • 5 2
 Well if we are talking wins and championships, how many mx, sx, and well anything off road does Ohlins have compared to the two Japanese brands?
  • 5 1
 Oh wait, you said moto gp, as in road racing. Ok, that's relevant. Continue on.
  • 3 0
 Not even close Wayne. Those two companies make good MX stuff but at the end of the day their volume to race outfits in those sports is what wins them titles (great product but it's not better than ohlins). To state that Ohlins product is 'second tier' is so unfathomably incorrect I'm surprised you said it. How many titles in other forms of motor sport has Kayaba or Showa won? Their list of championship titles or accomplishments can't even hold a candle to what Ohlins has done in the motorsports world, hence them being the worlds leader in 'motorsports' (the key word here, which encompass all forms of racing). Racing goes beyond MX and Ohlins rules the roost.
  • 2 0
 www.ohlins.com/about/hall-of-fame It's a long long list of accomplishments!
  • 2 0
 The quote was "leader in motorsports", which is true when considering all of the other forms of racing they excel in. You'd have a point if the quote was "leader in MX". I think Öhlins is at a disadvantage with MX because they cannot/will not sponsor anybody.
  • 3 0
 Yeah I suppose you're correct in the broader spectrum @atrokz . My knowledge is strictly off road moto, where Ohlins isn't really a blip on the radar.
  • 3 0
 You comparing A kit Showa stuff or works kyb to ohlins? That would be a fair comparison. Ohlins make great MX suspension, very expensive! Any one fast in MX has their stock suspension revalved/modified. MX championships are won on one off works suspension.
  • 1 0
 Kayaba is alright, My dad has them on his skidoo summit. But everybody who's a really hardcore slender usually UPGRADES to either Ohlins or Fox, and they do that for a reason. Kayaba isn't terrible, but they feel like shit compared to the Ohlins
  • 2 2
 looks like a pike with a dirty old sticker.
  • 3 3
 What's so great about Ohlins?
  • 14 0
 Their moto resume
  • 3 3
 Another black fork...blah blah blah....
  • 10 0
 #blackforkslivesmatter
  • 2 2
 THATS POO, 29 FK, 15mm FK
  • 1 0
 Edit ^ "rode" past tense
  • 4 4
 why not 110x15 axle?
  • 1 1
 XT cranks! haha nah.
  • 3 0
 They are Race Face NEXT SL, but the "NE" is rubbed off, leaving only "XT SL"
  • 4 7
 Unfortunately 34 stanchions... Why not 35 or 36 and why not 650b.....????
  • 18 2
 Why not 35,5?
  • 4 1
 I think, it's a partnership with Specialized... and Specialized loves 29er. This fork will be tested on stumpjumper and enduro 29
  • 3 0
 Me thinks Ohlins likely made a fork that doesn't suck. We will see.
  • 6 9
 Stopped reading after I saw only 29"
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