The modern mountain bike market is rapidly evolving, and with the emergence of new riders, technologies, and products, what may once have been considered standard is quickly becoming antiquated. In terms of suspension design, non tapered forks are becoming the go to choice for mountain bikers both casual and competitive alike. Manufacturers are no longer producing only basic, rigid MTB forks that require an inch of steerer tube, but now offer more specialized, non tapered forks. This new development in fork design is unlocking performance for a range of mountain bikers on differing terrains.
The non tapered fork, or “suspension oriented rigid” fork is an intriguing and specialized fork that is gaining significant attention in the mountain biking community, and with good reason. This fork is designed to provide a lighter weight and improved performance on a variety of trails. As the name implies, it is not tapered, which means that no longer does one have to sacrifice their preferred steerer tube length for improved performance.
The advantages to a non tapered fork is that it provides for a stiffer, more stable ride compared to traditional rigid mountain bike forks. A non tapered fork also generally weighs less, meaning that it requires fewer components for the rider to use and manage. It also generally increases the responsiveness of the mountain bike, as well as helping to reduce the overall strain placed on the frame and rider. The final and perhaps most important advantage of non tapered forks is that, unlike traditional rigid MTB forks, they are designed to work with touring and 29” wheel sizes. This means that the rider is no longer confined to the precise wheel size that their frame was designed for.
Non tapered forks have several drawbacks as well. They tend to be more expensive than traditional rigid MTB forks because of the complexity of the engineering involved in their design and development. Additionally, the geometry of non tapered forks may limit a rider’s specific bike setup, as some models are made with specific wheel sizes and headtube angles in mind. Finally, because the support tube is non tapered, this limits the range of suspension travel which may be explored by a rider, though this can be remedied through careful tuning.
Overall, a non tapered fork is a specialized and reliable piece of mountain bike equipment that can be an excellent choice for riders looking to maximize their performance. Non tapered forks provide superior control and stability compared to traditional rigid MTB forks, and are available from a variety of manufacturers in different price ranges. They are also an excellent choice for riders looking to explore touring or 29” wheel sizes without sacrificing the geometry of their frame and fork setup. Whether you are a competitive rider or a casual cyclist, a non tapered fork can provide a reliable and comfortable ride in a surprisingly lightweight package.