Top MTB air suspension forks for about $250 in 2021.

[SickBiker]

2021 best suspension forks, as a budget Mountain Bike upgrade.

In no particular order, top forks, that will make your MTB ride faster and more enjoyable.

1. Manitou Markhor:

• might be the best in terms of low weight: 1843g (26") 1826/1878g (27.5") 1870/1910g (27.5+/29"),

• pretty good stiffness as for the 30 mm stanchions (I used the fork in MTB marathons),

 

• adjustments: TS air spring hardness, TPC Rebound Damping, Kwik Toggle Compression Damping lockout,
• 100 mm or 120 mm of travel,
• for 26", 27.5", 27.5+/29" wheels, 1 1/8 or tapered steerer,
• I had to set 0% SAG on it, because it's very linear and goes quickly deep into travel,
• some riders complain about a little play on the stanchions out of the box.

Find best deals for Markhor: eBay, Amazon, CRC.

 

2. RockShox Judy Silver TK:

• much heavier, than Markhor - 2400 g with the lockout lever, 29" boost,

• steel, 30 mm upper legs,

 

• adjustments: Solo Air spring hardness, rebound, TurnKey lockout,
• 80, 100 and 120 mm travel option,
• it comes with a steel coil also,
• 26, 27.5, 29" wheels, steerer 1 1/8 or tapered,
• new design, inspired by Pike model,
• feels a little spongy, but it's solid.

Find best deals for Judy Silver: eBay, Amazon, CRC.

3. SR Suntour Raidon XC-LO-R:

• weight - 2025 g for 29" wheel,
• you can buy it even for $200 on eBay or Amazon,
• alloy crown and upper legs 32 mm, lowers from magnesium,
• steerer 1 1/8" or tapered,
• adjustments - air spring, rebound, hydraulic lockout,
• 27.5" or 29" wheel option,
• 80 mm and 100 mm travel option,
• preorder of a new model on SR Suntour US site (February 2021).

 

4. SR Suntour Epixon - 9:

• weight from 1830 g,
• price above $300 on eBay,
• alloy crown and upper legs 32 mm, lowers from magnesium,
• steerer 1-1/8"(TS), Alloy / 1.5" to 1-1/8" Tapered (CTS) Alloy,
• adjustments - air spring, rebound, hydraulic lockout,
• 27.5" or 29" wheel option,
• 100 mm and 120 mm travel option.

 

5. RockShox Recon Silver RL:

• weight - 2060 g 29", or 2150 g with a thru axle and lockout lever,

• you can buy it for $249 here,

 

• steel 32 mm stanchions,
• adjustments - air spring pressure, rebound, compression to lock,
• Motion Control™ damping featuring Low Speed Compression adjustment to lockout,
• Solo Air spring,
• the 15x110 mm version fit even 2.8" tires, without fenders,
• 27.5" and 29",
• tons of travel options - 100, 120, 130, 140 up to 150 mm.