Discover top air suspension forks designed to boost control, comfort, and speed on rough trails. This guide highlights five BUCKLOS and ZTZ air forks that fit 26/27.5/29 inch mountain bikes, with travel options from 120 mm to 180 mm. Each option emphasizes lightness, rigidity, and easy adjustment to rider weight and terrain. Compare features, weights, and lockout capabilities to find the best match for your riding style.
| Product | Travel | Steerer | Lockout | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUCKLOS 140mm Travel Fork 34mm | 140 mm | Threadless Straight 28.6 mm | Crown Lockout | ~1976 g |
| BUCKLOS 140mm Travel Fork (Tapered) | 140 mm | Threadless Tapered 28.6 mm | Crown Lockout | ~2028 g |
| BUCKLOS 120mm Travel Fork (Straight/ Tapered) | 120 mm | Threadless Straight 28.6 mm | Manual/Remote Lockout | ~1737 g |
| BUCKLOS 120mm Travel Fork (Tapered) | 120 mm | Threadless Tapered 28.6 mm | Manual/Remote Lockout | ~1800 g |
| ZTZ 180mm Travel Fork | 180 mm | 1-1/8″ Straight | Crown Lockout | ~2400 g |
BUCKLOS 140mm Air Fork with Rebound
This BUCKLOS model delivers 140 mm of travel with a 34 mm upper tube assembly that enhances rigidity and steering precision. It uses a 28.6 mm threadless straight steerer and a 9 mm QR for quick wheel changes. Features crown lockout and external rebound adjustment with 20-click customization to tailor damping to rider weight (50–120 kg) and trail conditions. The fork supports up to 3.0 tires and uses aluminum-magnesium alloys for strength while keeping weight manageable for aggressive XC and AM riding.
BUCKLOS 140mm Travel Tapered Fork
This variant swaps to a tapered 28.6 mm steerer with a 39.8 mm crown race, maintaining 140 mm travel and a 9×100 mm QR. It employs crown lockout and rebound adjustment, with 34 mm aluminum-magnesium upper tubes for rigidity and precise handling. Weight sits around 2028 g. Like the straight version, it offers adjustable damping to match rider weight and terrain, plus an external rebound knob for dialing in the feel on varied trails.
BUCKLOS 120mm Air Fork With ABS Adjustment
This 120 mm BUCKLOS fork emphasizes lighter weight at about 1737 g, with a 28.6 mm straight steerer and 9 mm QR. It provides crown lockout and rebound adjustment, and features ABS manual control to customize stiffness and softness through rider weight and riding conditions. The ABS system enables on-the-fly tuning to enhance comfort without sacrificing control on rough descents or punchy climbs.
BUCKLOS 120mm Tapered Travel Fork
This variant pairs a tapered 28.6 mm steerer with 39.8 mm crown race for improved stiffness and steering precision at 120 mm travel. It includes manual lockout and rebound adjustment, with a 32 mm tube diameter. The fork weighs about 1800 g and supports up to 3.0 tires. Riders can manually adjust damping to align suspension response with weight and terrain, achieving a balanced ride on XC and AM courses.
ZTZ 180mm Mountain Bike Fork
The ZTZ fork brings a substantial 180 mm travel for aggressive AM and XC riding. With a forged 7000-series aluminum build, it weighs around 2400 g and uses a 1-1/8″ straight steerer and 9 mm QR. External rebound damping and adjustable air pressure let riders fine-tune the suspension to absorb big drops and rough sections, while the crown lockout supports efficient climbing. The dual-arch design adds stiffness for precise steering on challenging terrain.
Buying Guide
- Travel needs: Choose 120–140 mm for cross-country and light trail riding; 180 mm is better for aggressive enduro and rough descents. Consider terrain frequency, drop height, and riding style when selecting travel.
- Steerer type and compatibility: Confirm straight vs tapered steerers and ensure compatibility with your frame’s head tube and fork crown race. 28.6 mm vs 29.0 mm options influence headset compatibility.
- Lockout and damping: Crown or remote lockout helps on climbs. External rebound dampers and 20-click adjustments enable precise tuning for rider weight and trail dynamics.
- Weight vs rigidity: Heavier forks often offer greater stiffness and durability. Lighter models improve acceleration and handling but may sacrifice some robustness on demanding sections.
- Material and build: Aluminum-magnesium alloys balance strength and weight; ensure tube diameter and crown interfaces match your frame for optimal steering and reliability.
- Maintenance and serviceability: Look for easily serviceable dampers and widely available replacement seals. Consider models with accessible air damping adjustments for quick field tuning.
- Wheel compatibility: Check tire width support (often up to 3.0 inches) and QR sizing (9 mm x 100 mm). Ensure your wheel, brake type (disc), and hub standards align.
- Budget and availability: While not showing price here, compare total cost of fork, compatibility with your frame, and after-sale service in your region to maximize value over time.