Suntour NCX is a popular suspension fork among cyclists, known for its quality and performance. But is it an air fork? This question often arises among cycling enthusiasts who are looking for the best suspension system for their bikes.
Well, the answer is no. The Suntour NCX is not an air fork, but a coil spring fork. It uses a coil spring to absorb impacts and provide suspension. While air forks are known for their adjustability and lightweight design, the Suntour NCX offers a reliable and cost-effective alternative.
Despite not being an air fork, the Suntour NCX still has its advantages. It provides a smooth and comfortable ride, especially on rough terrains. The coil spring offers consistent and predictable suspension, allowing riders to tackle obstacles with confidence.
So, if you’re considering upgrading your bike’s suspension system and the idea of an air fork doesn’t appeal to you, the Suntour NCX can be a great option. Its durability, performance, and affordability make it a popular choice among cyclists of all levels.
Is Suntour NCX an Air Fork?
Suntour NCX is not an air fork. It is a suspension fork that utilizes a coil spring for its suspension mechanism. The NCX fork is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride over rough terrain, making it a popular choice for hybrid and touring bikes.
While air forks are generally lighter and offer more adjustability in terms of compression and rebound damping, the Suntour NCX’s coil spring provides a reliable and consistent performance without the need for frequent maintenance or adjustments. The coil spring provides a plush and consistent feel, absorbing bumps and vibrations to improve ride quality.
The Suntour NCX fork does feature some adjustable features, such as a lockout function to help improve efficiency on smooth surfaces and a preload adjustment to fine-tune the suspension for different rider weights and preferences. However, it does not have the same level of adjustability as an air fork.
Key Features of Suntour NCX Fork
| Travel | 63mm or 75mm |
| Spring | Coil |
| Adjustments | Lockout, Preload |
| Compatibility | Hybrid and Touring Bikes |
Overall, the Suntour NCX is a reliable and durable suspension fork that offers a comfortable ride for riders who prioritize comfort and reliability over the adjustability of an air fork.
Overview of Suntour NCX Fork
The Suntour NCX fork is a popular choice among mountain bikers who value comfort and versatility. It features a coil spring system with adjustable preload and a hydraulic damping mechanism, allowing riders to fine-tune the fork to their preferred setting.
Unlike air forks, the Suntour NCX fork does not use air pressure to provide suspension. Instead, it relies on the coil spring and hydraulic damping to absorb impact and smooth out bumps on the trail.
The Suntour NCX fork is known for its reliability and durability. It is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, making it a great option for cross-country and trail riders. The fork offers 63mm to 100mm of travel, depending on the specific model, providing enough suspension to take on rough terrain with confidence.
One of the key features of the Suntour NCX fork is its lockout function. This allows riders to rigidify the fork, increasing pedaling efficiency on smooth sections of the trail or when climbing. The lockout can be easily activated or deactivated using a lever located on the fork’s crown.
| Key Features of Suntour NCX Fork |
|---|
| Coil spring system with adjustable preload |
| Hydraulic damping mechanism |
| Reliable and durable construction |
| Lockout function for increased pedaling efficiency |
| 63mm to 100mm of travel, depending on model |
Overall, the Suntour NCX fork is a versatile and reliable suspension fork that offers adjustable suspension, durability, and a lockout function. It is a great option for riders who prioritize comfort and performance on the trails.
Main Features of Suntour NCX Fork
The Suntour NCX fork is a highly regarded and versatile front suspension fork that offers a range of features to enhance your riding experience. Whether you’re an avid mountain biker or a casual rider, the NCX fork delivers smooth performance and reliable functionality.
Damping System
One of the standout features of the Suntour NCX fork is its advanced damping system. With its hydraulic lockout design, the fork provides excellent control and stability on rough terrain. It absorbs impacts and vibrations, ensuring a smooth ride and reducing fatigue.
Travel Adjustment
The NCX fork also boasts a travel adjustment feature, allowing you to customize the amount of travel to suit your riding preferences. Whether you’re looking for more responsiveness on technical trails or a plush ride on long-distance rides, the NCX fork can be easily adjusted to meet your needs.
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Type | Air fork with hydraulic lockout |
| Travel | 50mm – 75mm |
| Stanchion Diameter | 32mm |
| Weight | Approximately 2.5 kg |
| Compatibility | Designed for mountain bikes with 1 1/8″ straight steerer tubes |
Overall, the Suntour NCX fork is a reliable and versatile choice for any rider seeking a high-performance front suspension fork. With its advanced damping system and travel adjustment feature, it offers a customizable and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice among cyclists of all levels.
Comparing Suntour NCX Fork with Air Forks
Suntour NCX forks are a popular choice for many cyclists due to their durability and reliability. However, they are not air forks. Air forks are a type of suspension forks that use air pressure to adjust the stiffness and travel of the fork.
There are several key differences between Suntour NCX forks and air forks:
- Adjustment Mechanism: Suntour NCX forks typically feature a preload adjuster, which allows the rider to adjust the initial stiffness of the fork. On the other hand, air forks have an air pressure adjuster, which enables the rider to fine-tune the stiffness based on their preferences.
- Weight: Suntour NCX forks are generally heavier compared to air forks. This is because air forks utilize a more lightweight design and materials, which results in a reduction in overall weight.
- Travel Adjustability: Air forks provide greater travel adjustability compared to Suntour NCX forks. With air forks, riders can easily change the travel length of the fork to suit different terrains or riding conditions. Suntour NCX forks typically have a fixed travel length.
- Cost: Suntour NCX forks are usually more affordable compared to air forks. Air forks tend to have a higher price due to their advanced features and technology.
- Maintenance: Both Suntour NCX forks and air forks require regular maintenance. However, air forks may need more frequent maintenance since they have more moving parts and require regular air pressure checks.
Ultimately, the choice between Suntour NCX forks and air forks depends on individual preferences and riding style. Suntour NCX forks offer a reliable and durable option for riders who are looking for a cost-effective suspension fork. On the other hand, air forks provide a higher level of adjustability and lighter weight, making them ideal for riders who prioritize performance and customization.
