120mm vs 140mm Travel Forks: Which is Right for You? The fork that you are using is either 120mm or 140mm. These two travel types can be compared in different ways and have a lot of nuances to them, but let’s take a look at the basics first before comparing each type on its own.
In this article, we will provide a comparison of the two forks by looking at their strengths and weaknesses in different settings as well as general recommendations for bike size to use with each fork
120mm Forks Overview
A 120mm travel fork is a common option for mountain biking. The 120mm fork is a good choice for smoother trails. The 120mm fork is a good option for riders who want a light and responsive fork. The 120mm fork is also a good option for riders who want a short travel fork.
It offers good performance on XC and trail bikes, making it a versatile choice for a variety of riders.
On the other hand, for riders who are looking for a short travel fork, the 120mm fork is an excellent option. It provides a smooth and consistent ride on different types of terrain. Additionally, it is easier to maintain and has less moving parts than a 140mm fork.
140mm Forks Overview
The 140mm travel fork is a middle-of-the-range fork that shares the same high-end damper technologies as the Factory forks with FIT4 and FIT GRIP2 options. The upper legs just have a black anodised finish rather than the Kashima coat.
For uphill, 90% of the time 140mm forks will do just fine. If you’re looking for a fork mainly for downhill riding and some climbing, then go with a 120mm option. But if you want a versatile fork that can handle anything from playful riding to all out bombing, then go with a 140mm travel fork.
140mm travel forks are great for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, they offer more speed and stability than a 120mm fork. Additionally, they come with a great warranty that makes them an affordable option.
Nevertheless, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right 140mm travel fork for your mountain bike.
The weight, stanchion thickness, and travel all increase with each new model to meet the demands of different disciplines – but longer forks aren’t superior in every application.
Make sure to choose the fork that fits both your riding style and the terrain you typically ride.
120mm vs 140mm Travel Forks: A Complete Comparison
Performance
Essentially, there is not a huge difference between 120mm and 140mm travel forks for mountain biking. For downhill, 90% of the trails will be fine with 120mm.
Likewise, for uphill, 90% of the trails will be fine with 140mm.
Weight
140mm forks are slightly heavier than 120mmm bike fork by about a pound. For carbon forks, the 140mm fork is slightly heavier by about 1/2 pound.
Forks with more travel tend to be heavier than those with less travel because of the additional sturdiness required to handle the greater force from the larger wheels.
Installation
They are both easy to install, and they both have an air spring that can be adjusted to suit your weight.
Durability
This is a matter of personal preference and what dictates your riding style. If you are looking for maximum comfort, then 120mm will be the best option for you.
If weight savings is your main concern, then 140mm is the better choice.
Generally speaking, if you are looking for a bike that can take on any terrain and will last long with minimal maintenance or care needed, then a 120mm travel fork will be the best option.
If you are looking for an aggressive, fast bike that can handle rough terrain and jumps, then 140mm is your best bet.
Type of ride
The 120mm fork is the most common length for a mountain bike. The 140mm travel forks are not as popular, but they do exist and can be an excellent option for those who want to have a more smooth and controlled ride.
The main difference between the two is that 140mm forks are about 35% stiffer than 120mm forks for any given weight or travel.
Speed
Bikes with good angles will be faster than bikes without. A bike’s geometry is what determines its angles and how fast it will go.
That being said, there are other factors to consider when choosing a fork travel length, such as how you ride and the terrain you ride on.
If you’re looking for a general rule of thumb, 120mm forks tend to be faster than 140mm forks, but it ultimately depends on the individual rider and their needs.
There are three main factors that affect a bike’s speed: weight, drag, and rolling resistance. Of those three, weight has the biggest impact on speed. This is why road bikes are typically faster than mountain bikes – they are lighter.
Price
The 120mm fork is more affordable than a 140mm bike fork. A 140 mm travel fork is a great choice for a mountain bike because it offers good performance and value.
The fork is also adjustable to fit different rider heights, and it includes pro pedal back shock technology to provide extra comfort and control.
Is 120mm enough for trail riding?
A 120mm travel fork is a great option for most Trail riders. It provides enough travel to handle most obstacles and is narrower, which makes it more maneuverable. If you are looking for a little more travel, a 140mm fork may be right for you.
Do I need 140mm of travel or will 120mm do for a new bike?
The decision of whether or not you need 140mm of travel or 120mm of travel is a personal preference. The main difference between the two types of travel is that 140mm provides more cushioning when hitting bumps in the road.
If you are new to mountain biking, it is recommended that you get a bike with at least 120mm of travel in order to prevent any injuries.
120mm vs 140mm Travel Forks: Which Full Suspension Bike is Right for You?
When it comes to full-suspension mountain bikes, there are two main types of forks: 120mm and 140mm. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages that you should take into account before making a purchase.
A full-suspension mountain bike will be much more expensive than a hard-tail mountain bike. However, it is worth noting that a full-suspension bike is also going to be much more comfortable to ride and able to handle higher drops.
Although, this does come at the cost of reduced ability to put power into the trial. In other words, if you’re looking for a racing bike, a hardtail might be a better option.
A full suspension is also going to add the components to your mountain bike so by definition will be heavier than a hard-tail. This can make it difficult to maneuver on tight trails.
Additionally, because there are more parts, maintenance becomes an issue. Again, the more parts you add the more that can go wrong and the more that needs to be adjusted.
So, 120mm vs 140mm Travel Forks, which type of fork is right for you? It really depends on what you’re looking for in a bike.
If you want something that’s comfortable and can handle tougher terrain, go with a full suspension. If you’re looking for a lighter bike that’s easier to maneuver, go with a hard tail.
- Where To Put Your Bike Lock While Riding? - June 1, 2023
- What is the Purpose Of The Hole in A Bike Seat? - June 1, 2023
- Is It Possible To Build Muscles By Cycling? - May 29, 2023