Suntour Durolux and Carbon Fork - Eurobike 2011
SR Suntour's Durolux fork impressed us when we reviewed the 2011 offering, but they've stepped up to the plate to sort out the fork's few minor shortcomings for '12. This should put the competitively priced Durolux firmly on everyone's radar, especially those who don't want to drop two months salary on a fork, but still want reliability and performance.
The Durolux is available in a few different flavours, but the updated RC2 TAD (Travel Adjust and Damping) equipped model that can be adjusted in 40mm increments, from 120 - 160mm or 140 - 180mm with or without, will make a lot of sense for those who want to get to the top of the mountain under their own power. There is also a non-TAD version that makes use of the same new RC2 damper who's travel you can adjust by moving spacers within the spring leg. The 35mm stanchioned fork is designed for all-mountain or Mega Avalanche riding, and can be had with either a tapered, 1-1/8" or full length 1.5" steerer.
SR Suntour Durolux details:
• Intended use: All-mountain/Mega avalanche
• Travel: 140 - 180mm or 120 - 160mm (external travel adjust), 160 - 180mm (internal adjust)
• Adjustable low speed compression, high speed compression, rebound
• Air sprung (more progressive spring rate for 2012)
• 35mm stanchion tubes
• Magnesium lowers w/ 20mm QLOC thru-axle
• Available with a tapered steerer, 1-1/8" or full length 1.5"
The Durolux is available in a few different flavours, but the updated RC2 TAD (Travel Adjust and Damping) equipped model that can be adjusted in 40mm increments, from 120 - 160mm or 140 - 180mm, will make a lot of sense for those who prefer to earn their turns. While still available with a bar mounted remote, SR Suntour's new crown mounted PUSH button (above left) will keep the bar mounted clutter to a minimum. Simply push the button and lean on the fork to lower it by 40mm. The button works by transferring air from one side of the cartridge to another, then shutting off the passage. The system is simple inside, requiring minimal extra seals. We got to play with the a PUSH button operated TAD Durolux at the show and the design couldn't be easier to use in practice.
Even bigger news in our eyes is the addition of high speed compression control via an anodized aluminum dial at the top of the fork, giving the rider the ability to tune both high and low speed compression separately, as well as rebound and air spring pressure. The dials also get much stronger detents for 2012, remedying one of our few complaints with the 2011 model.
Inside the Durolux you'll find a completely reworked damping cartridge (left) that includes an interesting compression blow off design. The adjustment needle that controls the amount of oil flow is spring loaded, allowing the needle to self adjust to the force of the impact to prevent spikes in the fork's compression. SR Suntour have put a lot of time into sorting out the proper spring rate for the needle to ensure that it opens with the correct amount of force. We'll be putting time on the updated internals in the near future to see how the design functions on the trail. The new cartridge is also 80 grams lighter than last year's version.
Non-TAD equipped Durolux forks from last year required you to push a roll pin out in order to reposition the top out spring and change its travel. While it was an easy process, we're happy to see that SR Suntour have made the switch to slotted spacers (above right) that can be quickly removed and repositioned. This lets you choose between 180 and 160mm of travel in incremental steps.
The Durolux, along with a number of other SR Suntour forks, features their novel QLOC axle system. Available in both 15 and 20mm sizes, the design works by simply flipping open the QR lever just like you would on a standard quick release, but you are then required to push a button on the opposite side that compresses the aluminum wedges, allowing you to slide the thru-axle out from the lowers. The QLOC design remains the same for 2012, which is a good thing because the system worked flawlessly on our '11 test model.
SR Suntour has some shorter travel contenders as well, including their premium Axon Werx RC Carbon model shown above. The 80 or 100mm travel fork uses lowers that are built from carbon fiber and topped off with magnesium dropouts and brake mount. The total weight of just 1550 grams is helped along by a trick version of the QLOC 15mm axle that uses a titanium skewer inside. It also employs a similar cartridge to the Durolux that shaves 80 grams, along with a tweaked air spring curve for a more progressive stroke. While SR Suntour were tight lipped, we have little doubt that they are working on a carbon crown and steerer version as well.
SR Suntour Axon Werx RC details:
• Intended use: cross-country and trail riding
• Travel: 80 or 100mm
• Adjustable rebound and low speed compression, remote speed-lock, air spring pressure
• Carbon lowers with magnesium dropouts and brake mount
• 30mm stanchion tubes
• Weight: 1550 grams
SR Suntour's new remote lock out employs two different buttons - one to engage and one to release the cable - but it's the release lever that caught our attention. To activate the lock out you push the cable pull lever down with your thumb, but to release it you simply bump the release lever, positioned on the side of the remote, with the side of you hand. Pretty clever system that is one of the most ergonomic designs we've seen.
Visit the Suntour website to see their entire lineup.
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The High speed compression is a huge improvement which will help tame the fork on big hits.
Then the clip on spacers is great, simple and very effective.
Im sad to hear there is not a 1 1/8 version as older frames will suffer like my TBC Double but, if its necessary then let it be!
RideOn!
BUT! You can buy a used-not-working old Durolux, take both apart and just change the news uppers with the old forks 1 1/8 steerer!
It's like a super hot chick without a pussy.... ...it looks hot but you can't use it
She still has a use, my dinner aint gonna cook itself !
1 1/8 is not the standard anymore but still the most versatile as it will fit any frame with the right headset.
it notes all 3 options.. ?
• Available with a tapered steerer, 1-1/8" or full length 1.5"
That means :
.Tapered
.1-1/8
.Full length 1.5
3 OPTIONS. 'Nuff said.
So we are not stupid. 'Nuff Said.
It's obvious that Suntour wants to step it up and be one of the best, and I think that with their prices, it's just a matter of time when we will see Duroluxes every day!
SR Suntour's mission is to deliver a solid good performance product no matter the riders budget whether you buy your bike at a mass merchant or at the best high end bike shops. The performance and durability changes of course depending on those needs of the rider.
It is true this has been a ground up philosophy of low to medium range forks to begin with and to your point this does pay the bill. I believe we give entry level riders a good experience. The push towards high end has been a 10+ year journey for the company and it is now paying off in performance with World Champs in XC Marathon, XC Women's U23, Team Relay (2 of the 4 people on team France) and XC World Cup overall womens. Rinderknect took silver in World Champs and was 2nd overall in the World Cup. They have known that first and foremost you have to prove performance before image can change. We are working hard to earn your trust.
Thanks for the detailed reply. Every point you've made is of course spot on, my comment wasn't in regards to my view, just more of an explanation to pierrotlefou as to why on things like these you always get the same responses of 'but it's still a...'.
Unfortunately internet forums seem to supply an overwhelming amount of keyboard warriors that make an arrogant comment then head off elsewhere, not realising that these comments get seen by others and have a major effect. Take Kona for instance, everybody must know that these bikes are good, yet jumping on the bandwagon seems to be an internet forum way of life.
I hope my comment wasnt read in a negative sense by yourself, as stated the forks look good and are getting good reviews. Hopefully things can only go up for yourselves
Best of luck!
Good Luck SR!
How about 1 1/8 version for us folks with older frames. Come on suntour, i've been waiting for this alternative and you will give us something that wont fit my frame. Damn you!
Edit- So i've read above that there will be 1 1/8 too and i rejoiced yay!
So you know there are completely different engineering teams and a different philosophy of building product too. Marzocchi chooses a open oil bath arrangement. For the past 10+ years SR Suntour has been building on a Quick Service Product (QSP) philosophy. It is a cartridge based damper that is easily serviced or replaced. Check out nikoniko's video on how to do an oil change to see how it all looks inside.
www.pinkbike.com/video/210368