I’m among the riders who love the best suspension forks within budget. From the beginning of my riding career, I was too orthodox about quality air suspension forks. To me, it is the heart of a bike, can’t play blind with my heart, right?
That’s why I thought, why don’t I share my experiences on the best budget suspension fork with peers? Interestingly, writing the whole thing was quite an experience as well. I found myself too picky about the best suspension fork for mountain bikes.
I have tried to be specific while reviewing my top picks of cheap mountain bike forks. At the end of the day, I found BUCKLOS is the fork I loved most. Let’s go into the deep discussion on suspension forks to know the Win-Wins, Pitfalls, and more.
| IMAGE | NAME & Details | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
  | ★ OUR #1 PICK! ★ BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 Travel 120mm MTB Air Suspension Fork |
| Check The Price |
  | Bike Air Fat Fork- Snow Fat MTB Fork Travel 100MM Aluminum |
| Check The Price |
  | BUCKLOS LUTU 26/27.5/29 Air MTB Suspension Fork |
| Check The Price |
  | B Bolany MTB Front Fork 26 Inch Ultralight Aluminum Alloy Mountain Bike Suspension |
| Check The Price |
Best Budget Suspension Fork at a glance
Here, you will find few best mountain bike forks under $200, even lower than $100.
Lets drive in.
1. BUCKLOS MTB Budget Suspension Fork
Firstly pardon me, If I go too technical in this review. From my riding experiences, I can assure you, this one is the best air suspension fork under your budget. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer!
Why Is This The Top Pick?
1. Durable Materials:
The first thing I look at on a quality fork is its construction material. Aluminum & Magnesium Alloy is the perfect amalgam for making the fork sturdy. The same has been applied in the BUCKLOS air suspension fork. But, the thing I miss here is the presence of Nickle. A slight Nickle touch would let me allow hand over the bike to my grandchildren. To be frank, it’s a bit harsh to expect Nickle in budget suspension forks.
2. Excellent Bump Absorber:
It’s an absolute gem of a shock absorber. I have analyzed its shock-absorbing spring system. It’s massive. Inside of it, eight coils nullify bumps that are about to hit the rider.
3. Super Grip & Control:
The most vital duty of the best suspension fork is to ensure grip and control on a bumpy track. BUCKLOS has designed this suspension’s damper in such a way that it consumes shocks. Pressure in the damper is a crucial indicator of suspension’s worthiness. It’s a masterpiece in that sense. We will talk about it more in later parts.
4. Stiff Chassis:
I can’t deny the performance of its rigid chassis while absorbing shocks. It has quite an extraordinary chassis with excellent stiffness.
5. Best Suspension for Steep Terrain
A suspension’s credibility is at stake when judging its performance on steep terrain or mountain tracks. This one is the best suspension for mountain tracks, super rough tracks, to be exact. Why? Because of its 4 inches air chamber, which is built to transfer pressure rapidly. Also, it can absorb a tremendous amount of pressure very easily. Let’s have a look how rapid a 4″ air suspension can transfer pressure compared to a 3″ tube.
6. Manual & Remote Locking System:
I would say the locking system is standard. Nothing better I can expect from a budget suspension fork for mountain bikes. An important fact to note here, you can lock the system while riding on a gentle road, a feature mostly ignored by many manufacturers.
7. Easy & Quick installation:
30 seconds! Yes, it took only 30 seconds when I first installed it. Usually, after riding, it’s painful to detach the suspension forks. But, not in the case of this fork! It has 9 mm quick release system in place. You won’t need any tool to install it or to remove it. But the thing is, it’s a great suspension fork, but the efficiency & precision of joining couplers could be improved a bit.
8. Durable:
I went through different durability studies with this air suspension fork. I will give it an 88% mark for durability. Indeed, you will get the feeling of a new bike after installing it. Undoubtedly, it is the best 29er fork for the money.
Click here to buy this BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 Travel 120mm MTB Air Suspension Fork available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
2. BOLANY 26.5/27.5/29 inch Best Budget MTB Fork:
It’s a well-researched product from BOLANY. I commend the great job done by their R&D team. The design is made to serve the adventurous bikers. Let me explain what I have enjoyed most from this suspension fork and what could be better.
This is the current price of this BOLANY 26/27.5/29 inch MTB Bicycle Magnesium Alloy Suspension Fork available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Why Is This The Top Pick?
1. Intelligent Suspension System:
Yeah, the hype is true! It can adjust the suspension range according to the situation given to it. I had experimented with this suspension system. I invited one of my friends, weighed 330 lbs, to drive my Giant Talon 1, installed with this MTB suspension fork. He rode it on a hill track, very steep off-road, I would say. Then he shared his experience, with one word, “Dope”. The best 29er fork for the money fork at this moment.
Fig: How a suspension can handle so much pressure? It’s through high volume and low volume pressure. Remember the first curve? At an initial pressure point, the piston reduces volume through movement, and increase the pressure. In case of low volume, same initial pressure & piston movements will produce tiny air chamber result, and massive pressure.
2. Sturdy Travel & Inner Tube:
I loved its travel. It’s improved from previous versions. The shiny surface is polished with stearic oxidation. I found it very protective against dirt, mud, and stones. As I am too much concerned about the outer look, I don’t compromise the strength of the travel.
3. Built with Beast:
Aluminum & Magnesium alloy is an integral part of any suspension tube. Most of the cheap mountain bike forks are made with this robust combination. As I have earlier said, I’m yet to be satisfied with this amalgam. I hope for more from the manufacturer in the near future.
4. Higher Compatibility:
This suspension really worth the money. The level of compatibility is top-notch. Let me share with you a short, interesting story from a fellow rider. He had an old bike, which fork was 26″ and the travel was 80 mm. He thought the BOLANY (this fork) wouldn’t fit the old bike. There was no issue with installing the suspension and riding it
Tips: If you face any compatibility issue, remember it’s not a big deal. All you have to do is to put some more air pressure towards the suspension fork. Ta-Da!
5. The Best Budget Mountain Bike Fork:
Yes, it is the best, I would say second best. The first one is the most incredible suspension I have ever encountered while searching for the cheapest one. This one is good as well, apart from no spare parts are given to it. Again, what is more, to expect from a budget fork! We must be grateful for what we are getting at that price.
Click here to buy this BOLANY 26/27.5/29 inch MTB Bicycle Magnesium Alloy Suspension Fork available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
3. Bike Air Snow Fat Best MTB Suspension Fork:
It’s a bit expensive suspension fork among the best budget MTB forks discussed in this review. From my perspective, I can assure you that it worth the offer price. In this budget suspension fork review, I will try to accumulate all the whereabouts of the fork from my experience.
This is the current price of this Bike Air Snow Fat Best MTB Suspension Fork available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Why Is This The Top Pick?
1. Quality Materials:
It is made of corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy. This alloy is far better than the first two products in this best budget suspension fork reviews. The durability of this suspension is 15% higher than any fork discussed in this review. But, you can’t expect a total scratchproof outer travel or suspension body.
2. Adjustable Air Pressure
Coping with varieties of situation is the unique feature of this fork. It can increase or decrease air pressure proportionally to the rider’s weight. I think suspension fork manufacturer’s need to stop bragging about these things. It’s a mandatory feature for any quality suspension fork. The question is how much weight it can carry? From my experience, I can assure you it can carry on an average 400 lbs weight.
3. Lockable:
The suspension can be locked efficiently by the side. It’s crucial because everyone has a preferred location or track to ride. You might not need it while riding on a plane track.
4. Compatibility
It is compatible with fat bikes. I don’t think it will fit bikes with a 121 mm front hub or lower. So, if you have a fat bike then, give it a shot. Ah! Hold! There is something more before making a decision.
5. Track Compatibility:
Please take a clear note before moving forward with this air fork. This one is an excellent choice for mild bumpy tracks but not good at all for freeride styles. Don’t even think of riding downhill with this suspension. If you are a beginner and enjoying the valley ride, it’s for you. Otherwise, please stay away.
Click here to buy this Bike Air Snow Fat Best MTB Suspension Fork: available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
4. BUCKLOS LUTU Straight Tube Budget Air Suspension Fork:
It’s a pretty user-friendly suspension fork. There are several facilities on offer, which is unbeatable for any budget suspension tube. If you are an adventurous rider like me, this one is only for you!
This is the current price of this BUCKLOS LUTU Straight Tube Budget Air Suspension Fork available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Why Is This The Top Pick?
1. Durable Construction
It’s another suspension fork with aluminium and magnesium alloy. The manufacturer made the upper tube with durable aluminium alloy and the lower portion of the tube with magnesium alloy. What I love about this fork is its super sleek, polished internal tube.
2. Smooth Design
I’m always the biggest admirer of the black & gold combination. I don’t know why this attracts me so much, but I am sure the design of this fork will attract you as well. On the black surface, the golden logo is admirable. Also, the overall design sets this suspension apart from its rivals.
3. Adjustability:
Of course, it adjusts with the rider’s weight and track pattern. But, the incredible thing about that fork can be found in its suspension mechanism. The high grade 7 rings make it a standout and best budget mountain bike fork.
4. Compression Adjustment:
Look, there are ample things the manufacturer write on their commercial page, but why you have come here? To get the view of an experienced rider, right?
That’s why I can assure you that the compression adjustment of this suspension is top-notch. What I feel for the adjustment knob can not be expressed in words.
You may wonder why? This is because I broke almost 6 suspension knobs in my riding career just to adjust the compression. I don’t know it’s my fault or the forks. Instead, be on the safe side, and get this one, which has durable knobs.
5. Customer Support
Most beginner riders don’t know many tricky things about installing the suspension. Or, you might receive a damaged product mistakenly. In that case, we should always purchase any product from a trusted seller. I have got tremendous support (Although I didn’t need any support, just knocked them to check their service).
Click here to buy this BUCKLOS LUTU Straight Tube Budget Air Suspension Fork available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
5. B Bolany Pneumatic Best Mountain Bike Forks Under $100:
Currently, I have two of these suspension forks in my garage. I can explain this suspension in just one line, the best budget mountain bike fork with the craziest low price.
This is the current price of this B Bolany Pneumatic Best Mountain Bike Forks available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Why Is This The Top Pick?
1. A complete Package:
Overall, this is a quality suspension fork with all the features a riden can demand. Significantly, the price tag on it can drop off your jaw. But don’t underestimate it because the things on offer can change your entire riding experiences.
2. Shock Absorption:
This one offers quality shock absorption. If I compare with other forks of this budget suspension fork review, I must say this one even can’t compete by a fair margin. The shock absorption will shock you for sure. If your budget is low, and looking for a moderate suspension tube, then it’s for you, otherwise not.
3. Inner Tube Construction
What I love about this fork is its stearin oxidized inner tube. Pretty much posh overall. Wear resistance is up to the mark. Lubrication is par.
4. Pneumatic Pressure Control:
I have earlier mentioned, the technology it adopted, is good, but nothing compared to other best MTB fork for the money. Indeed, it will save a handsome lump of money, but forget to ride on tremendous bumpy tracks.
Click here to buy this B Bolany Pneumatic Best Mountain Bike Forks available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Why is Fox suspension so expensive?
Price doesn’t matter to that extent when it comes to the performance of any product. There are always low-end prices to high-end budgets in every product. You are getting many products that are so much over-hyped compared to their quality and performance. Again, there come many products which you are getting according to what you are paying.
Fox suspensions are one of the renowned high-end brands which is known by all. They are mainly known for their quality performance which come at a good value of money. They are at the expensive sides, but at the same time, they are no lesser than valuing the money for a couple of these reasons:
- Fox suspensions don’t come with a special damper. The damper mechanism is made so that it can be used through the user’s adjustment.
- High-quality material is used both for the damper and the spring for smooth performance.
- The quality of the Fox suspensions is not seen by how long they last without any maintenance. They are ready to give you decent servings with proper care and maintenance.
- High-end internal adjustments are fixed in the Fox suspension, including parts made of metal instead of plastic.
Are Buckles forks any good?
The technology of the mountains has improved to a great extent in recent days. One of the innovations of MTB technology is the suspension fork. And, the most outstanding example of the suspensions is Buckles that have been serving in this field for quite a long time. They are fantastic performance holder and known by all for the following reasons:
- The Buckles forks are unique for the great combination of adjustable damping mechanisms and a coil-spring fork. These give the users a satisfactory experience while riding the bike.
- This suspension has excellent air retention capability for giving the maximum output as a fork.
- It derives an excellent air-shock facility and helps to provide a smoother ride both in mountains and technical terrains.
- The fork comes with 120mm suspensions which give the maximum control and balance over your bike.
- The suspension weighs around 1.6kg, which is very light in weight, allowing excellent stability and effortless rides.
What is better RockShox pike or Yari?
Like any other product in the market, when it’s about forks, constantly debates rising about better than the other. But in a real scenario, the main things that should be kept in mind before choosing forks are your riding and price point style. Individuals should go according to their own needs in terms of selecting forks doesn’t matter it’s the Pike or Yari.
Some comparisons have been made between the RockShox Pike and Yari to help you in selecting the one which suits you the most:
Pike | Yari |
The Pike’s Chassis is not as stiff as the Yari in terms of you and your personal need. | If you want a stiff and more robust Chassis, then it is the one you should go for. |
Pike has a lockouts system that can lock and unlock the suspensions. | Yari doesn’t have any such locking options enabling the suspensions to work all the time. |
In Pike, a charger damper is used. The damper in pike is a little better than the Yari. | Yari uses a MoCo damper, which is also good but not as efficient as the Pike. |
No air springs are found in the pike for the additional performance. | Yari uses an air spring feature that delivers extra smoothness to the ride for enhanced and added performance. |
What do suspension forks do?
It is every tiny part of your mountain bike that adds to its performance. One of the essential parts of your mountain bike is its suspensions. Again, it is the suspension for which your bike becomes a mountain bike or the MTB. The suspension fork is not only bounded within these which have been mentioned in the below points:
- Forks are the suspensions used in the fronts of the bikes. It is the additional feature needed for a bike to sustain in the mountains and technical trails.
- Suspension forks take the shocks received from uneven surfaces and absorb them, allowing a smooth and comfortable interface while riding.
- All MTB suspensions have the main two functions that are carried out by the spring and the damper. The majority of the suspension forks keep the spring and the damper separate by placing the spring at the left and the damper at the right stanchion.
- The work of the spring is to provide resistance. The resistance is against the shock that comes to your biker while riding.
- The damper provides control over the resistance of the spring. It means the suspension rate at which it will compress and relax on the compression damper.
Quick Links: Monster Moto Mini Bike Reviews
How to Pick the Best Mountain Bike Forks Under $200?
There are few things you should look for while picking the best mountain bike forks under $200. Such as,
1. Construction Materials:
The best construction material for quality suspension is aluminium and magnesium alloy with a slight nickel touch. But, we should not expect nickel in a budget suspension fork under $100 or $200.
2. Shock Absorption:
It is the main reason we buy a suspension fork. Shock-absorbing suspension forks are made with a quality spring patch system inside. This is responsible for diverting the torque away from the rider. Now, the question is, how you can understand whether the suspension you are choosing good for absorbing shock or not? Simply, take advice from a professional rider.
3. Compatibility with Rider's Weight
Undoubtedly, a ride should look for it in any suspension fork, regardless of it is a budget or high-end fork. An excellent fork adjusts the pressure in accordance with the rider’s weight.
4. Lockability:
Interestingly, most of the modern suspension forks have it. I prefer forks with a manual and remote lock system.
5. O- Ring:
It’s another crucial indicator of an incredible air suspension tube. Construction of O ring must be durable and functional in nullifying shock. The O-ring we see it’s an outer mechanical ring, but the inner functional part plays a vital role in a suspension tube.
Conclusion:
The best budget suspension fork is quite tricky to pick. It’s always good if someone helps you to choose the best one from the lot. As an experienced rider, I would suggest BUCKLOS MTB Suspension Fork. It will give you a lot of memorable rides without emptying your pocket.
Will it work with a 2016 trek stache ? 29er plus
Yes buddy