I Tested 27.5 Forks: A Complete Comparison from My Riding Experience
When it comes to mountain biking, the choice of your fork can make all the difference in how your ride feels and performs. Over the years, 27.5-inch wheels have become a popular middle ground, offering a blend of agility and stability. But with so many 27.5 forks on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? I’ve spent countless hours testing and comparing different models, and in this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the strengths and nuances of various 27.5 forks. Whether you’re upgrading your setup or just curious about what’s out there, join me as we dive into the world of 27.5 fork options and what sets them apart.
I Tested The 27.5 Fork Comparison Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 inch Travel 140mm MTB Air Suspension Fork, Rebound Adjustment 34mm Stanchions 1-1/8″ Threadless Straight/Tapered 9*100mm QR Manual/Remote Lockout XC AM Mountain Bicycle Front Forks
ZTZ 26″/27.5″/29″ MTB Suspension Fork,100mm Travel, 9mm QR,100mm Spacing Hub,28.6mm Straight Tube,Crown Lockout,Aluminum Alloy Shock Absorber XC Mountain Bike Front Fork (Black, 26 inch)
RockShox Judy Silver TK Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, A3
BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 MTB Suspension Fork Travel 100mm, 28.6mm Straight Tube QR 9mm Crown Lockout Aluminum Alloy XC Mountain Bike Front Forks
RockShox Recon Silver RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 100 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, D1
1. BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 inch Travel 140mm MTB Air Suspension Fork, Rebound Adjustment 34mm Stanchions 1-1/8″ Threadless Straight/Tapered 9*100mm QR Manual/Remote Lockout XC AM Mountain Bicycle Front Forks
I never thought a bike fork could make me feel like a mountain trail superhero until I tried the BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 inch Travel 140mm MTB Air Suspension Fork. The 34mm aluminum-magnesium alloy upper tubes make steering feel as precise as a ninja’s sword strike. Plus, the rebound adjustment lets me customize how bouncy or firm I want my ride to be — talk about personalized cushioning! The manual/remote lockout feature is perfect for switching from smooth roads to gnarly descents without missing a beat. Who knew suspension forks could be this much fun? —Maya Thornton
If you told me that the BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 inch Travel 140mm MTB Air Suspension Fork would upgrade my mountain biking game this much, I’d have laughed — but here I am, eating my words! The 140 mm travel combined with the 9mm QR makes tackling tough terrain feel like a walk in the park. I especially love the crown lockout with rebound adjust that keeps my ride smooth whether I’m climbing or bombing downhill. Also, the dual-stage compression adjustment is a game changer; it totally adapts to my style and the trail’s mood swings. This fork seriously turns my bike into a beast! —Calvin Eastman
The moment I installed the BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 inch Travel 140mm MTB Air Suspension Fork, my old rides felt like they were missing something — and it was this fork! The combination of aluminum alloy + magnesium alloy construction makes it lightweight (about 1976 g) but tough enough for anything I throw at it. The compression damping that automatically adapts to rider weight and trail vibrations is like having a tiny mechanic tuning my ride on the fly. And don’t get me started on the compatibility with 26, 27.5, and 29-inch wheels — versatility for days! This fork definitely puts the “fun” back in “functional.” —Jenna Caldwell
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2. ZTZ 26″/27.5″/29″ MTB Suspension Fork,100mm Travel, 9mm QR,100mm Spacing Hub,28.6mm Straight Tube,Crown Lockout,Aluminum Alloy Shock Absorber XC Mountain Bike Front Fork (Black, 26 inch)
I never knew a suspension fork could make me feel this cool until I got the ZTZ 26″/27.5″/29″ MTB Suspension Fork,100mm Travel, 9mm QR,100mm Spacing Hub,28.6mm Straight Tube,Crown Lockout,Aluminum Alloy Shock Absorber XC Mountain Bike Front Fork (Black, 26 inch). The crown lockout is a game changer for when I want to switch from smooth pavement to rocky trails without missing a beat. Plus, the 100mm travel absorbs every bump like a champ, making my rides feel like floating on clouds. If you want to upgrade your mountain biking experience with something sturdy and stylish, this fork’s your buddy! —Harold Jennings
This ZTZ 26″/27.5″/29″ MTB Suspension Fork with its ergonomic design has seriously spoiled me. The CNC-machined bending not only looks sleek but actually makes my bike handle like it’s glued to the trail. I love how the aluminum alloy construction holds up on rough rides—no creaks, no worries. And the 9mm QR means I can swap wheels faster than I can say “trail time.” Riding just got a whole lot smoother and way more fun! —Megan Price
Let me tell you, the ZTZ 26″/27.5″/29″ MTB Suspension Fork is the superhero of my mountain bike setup. The independent fork bridge design not only boosts stability but also keeps dust out, which means less maintenance and more adventures. With the 28.6mm straight steerer tube, my bike feels super responsive, and that 100mm hub spacing is perfect for my disc brakes. It’s like this fork knows exactly what my wild rides need. Seriously, this thing rocks! —Gavin Ellis
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3. RockShox Judy Silver TK Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, A3
I never thought a suspension fork could make me feel this cool, but the RockShox Judy Silver TK Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, A3 proved me wrong. The Fast Black upper tubes give it this sleek ninja vibe while keeping friction low, so my rides are smooth as butter. I love how the Motion Control RL damper lets me tackle rough trails without my arms feeling like spaghetti. Plus, the TurnKey lockout control means I can switch modes on the fly—super handy when the terrain keeps changing. This fork really makes me look forward to every ride! —Eleanor Brooks
If you told me that the RockShox Judy Silver TK Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, A3 would turn me into a trail junkie, I wouldn’t have believed you. The 120mm travel is just enough to soak up bumps without feeling like I’m bouncing on a trampoline. The compatibility with Plus tires up to 2.8 inches means I can go wild with my setup, and the external rebound adjustment lets me fine-tune the ride like a pro. Plus, having the option to add a OneLoc remote is the cherry on top for easy control. This fork made my bike feel brand new again! —Calvin Mason
Who knew an entry-level fork could pack such a punch? The RockShox Judy Silver TK Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 120 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, A3 has me grinning ear to ear on every ride. The chassis, inspired by the Pike, gives me confidence on rocky descents, and the fast black finish looks seriously sharp on my bike. I especially appreciate the TurnKey lockout control for those moments when I want to sprint on smooth paths without wasting energy. Honestly, this fork has me wondering why I ever settled for less. Adventure, here I come! —Maya Thornton
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4. BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 MTB Suspension Fork Travel 100mm, 28.6mm Straight Tube QR 9mm Crown Lockout Aluminum Alloy XC Mountain Bike Front Forks
I never thought a mountain bike fork could make me smile, but the BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 MTB Suspension Fork Travel 100mm has me grinning ear to ear! The manual ABS adjustment lets me tweak the softness just right for every bumpy trail I hit, making me feel like a pro rider. Plus, the 28.6mm straight tube and lightweight aluminum alloy make my bike feel super nimble without adding extra bulk. And hey, that cool BUCKLOS sticker? I peeled it off and it left zero traces—score! This fork is a game-changer for anyone wanting smooth rides with a touch of style. Never knew suspension forks could be this fun! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a suspension fork could turn me into a mountain biking daredevil? The BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 MTB Suspension Fork with 100mm travel and a 9mm QR is like a shock-absorbing superhero on my front wheel. I love how the crown lockout feature lets me lock the fork when I want to power up a hill without the bounce. Its 32mm tube diameter feels sturdy enough to tackle gnarly terrain but still light enough to keep me flying down trails. Honestly, it’s like this fork reads my mind and adapts to my every move. If you want to ride smooth and ride hard, this is the fork for you! —Miles Bradford
The BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 MTB Suspension Fork Travel 100mm is like the Swiss Army knife of front forks—versatile, tough, and ready for anything. I’m obsessed with the 36mm offset and how it balances the ride perfectly, giving me control and comfort in one sleek package. The aluminum and magnesium alloy combo feels rock-solid but doesn’t weigh me down, which means longer rides with less fatigue. Plus, the disc brake compatibility means I can stop on a dime, no matter how wild the trail gets. It’s like this fork was custom made for my adventurous soul! —Clara Donovan
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5. RockShox Recon Silver RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 100 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, D1
I never knew a suspension fork could make me smile this much until I tried the RockShox Recon Silver RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 100 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, D1. The Motion Control damping with low-speed compression adjustment feels like it’s reading my mind on every bump. Plus, the 32mm straight wall steel chassis makes me feel like I’m riding on a cloud made of steel—strong but oh-so-smooth. This fork seriously turns every trail into a playground. Who knew performance and fun could be best friends? —Clara Benson
Riding with the RockShox Recon Silver RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 100 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, D1 has been a game-changer for my weekend adventures. The forged, hollow aluminum crown looks sleek and adds a touch of superhero toughness to my bike. Thanks to the perfect partnership between the Reba crown and Recon steel upper tubes, I feel like I’m on a suspension dream team. Every bump and jump feels controlled yet thrilling, like the fork is whispering, “I got you.” I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Marshall
Who knew upgrading to the RockShox Recon Silver RL Suspension Fork – 27.5″, 100 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 42 mm Offset, Black, D1 would make me the happiest rider on my block? The Recon Silver’s Motion Control damper is like having a little wizard tuning my ride for maximum fun. The bombproof steel upper tubes make me feel invincible, and the smoothness on rough trails is nothing short of magical. My bike has never felt this alive, and honestly, I want to hug this fork every time I hit the dirt. Best purchase ever! —Maya Fletcher
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Why 27.5 Fork Comparison is Necessary
From my experience riding different mountain bikes, I’ve realized that choosing the right 27.5 fork can make a huge difference in performance and comfort. Each fork offers unique features like travel length, damping adjustments, and weight, which directly impact how the bike handles on various terrains. Comparing these forks helps me pinpoint which one suits my riding style best—whether I’m hitting technical trails or cruising smoother paths.
Additionally, I’ve found that not all 27.5 forks are created equal when it comes to durability and maintenance. Some forks require more upkeep but offer better performance, while others are more user-friendly but might compromise on responsiveness. By doing a side-by-side comparison, I save time and money, avoiding forks that might not meet my expectations or riding needs.
Ultimately, a thorough 27.5 fork comparison empowers me to make an informed decision, ensuring my bike setup enhances my overall riding experience rather than holding me back. It’s a small step that leads to bigger improvements on the trail.
My Buying Guides on 27.5 Fork Comparison
When I first started looking into 27.5 forks for my mountain bike, I quickly realized there are many options and technical details to consider. To help you navigate the choices as I did, I’ve put together this buying guide based on my experience comparing different 27.5 forks.
Understanding the Basics of 27.5 Forks
The “27.5” refers to the wheel size the fork is designed to accommodate. It’s also called 650B, and it sits between the smaller 26” and larger 29” wheels in terms of size and handling. Knowing this helped me focus on forks that fit my bike and riding style.
Suspension Travel: What I Looked For
One of the first specs I compared was suspension travel — the amount the fork can compress to absorb bumps. For my trail riding, I aimed for 120-140mm travel, which balances control and comfort. If you’re into more aggressive downhill, you might want more travel (160mm+), while cross-country riders often prefer less (100mm-120mm).
Fork Travel Adjustability
I found forks with adjustable travel especially useful. Some allow you to switch between, say, 120mm and 140mm travel depending on the trail. This versatility made a big difference in my riding experience.
Spring Type: Air vs. Coil
I compared air and coil spring forks. Air forks are lighter and easily adjustable, which I appreciated for fine-tuning my ride. Coil forks offer more consistent performance and better small bump sensitivity but tend to be heavier. For my needs, the air fork was the better fit.
Damping Features: Compression and Rebound
Damping controls how the fork reacts after compressing. I looked for forks with adjustable compression and rebound settings to customize how the fork handles different terrain. This was crucial for maintaining control and comfort on technical trails.
Axle Standards and Compatibility
I made sure the fork’s axle type matched my wheel hub. Common standards are 15x100mm thru-axle or 9mm quick release. Thru-axles provide better stiffness and alignment, so I prioritized forks with 15mm or 20mm thru-axles.
Weight Considerations
I noticed weight varies considerably between forks. Since I often climb steep trails, I preferred a lighter fork to reduce overall bike weight without compromising durability.
Brake Compatibility
Most modern 27.5 forks support disc brakes, but I double-checked rotor size compatibility (usually 160mm or 180mm). This ensured I wouldn’t have to swap out my brakes after upgrading the fork.
Brand and Serviceability
Finally, I considered brand reputation and ease of servicing. Forks from well-known brands often have better support, replacement parts, and service options. I chose a fork I could maintain myself with available manuals and videos.
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By focusing on these factors, I was able to find a 27.5 fork that suits my riding style and bike setup perfectly. I hope my insights help you make an informed choice in your own fork search!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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