Skip to main content

X-Fusion Sweep RL2 fork


X-FUSION’S NEW 650B Sweep is a reasonably controlled and affordable fork with a distinctive handling feel.

The unique 46mm offset (41mm is normal) of the steeply sloped crown creates a faster, lighter steering feel (think shorter stem) that was liked by nearly all our test team. Despite 34mm stanchions the Sweep is relatively flexible, but it’s as light as most 32mm forks. The new, RockShox Maxle like LockX 15mm axle clips the leg while you’re tightening it, which is irritating.

The new Nvolve seals take a while to bed in, but performance is smooth once they’re sorted – especially as the progressive air spring and secondary ‘Mid Valve’ compression damping mean you can run softer air pressures than you’d expect without blowing through your travel. It’ll occasionally spike on sudden high-speed hits and you can eventually outrun the ability of the rebound damping to cope on relentless rocky descents but overall control is impressive for the price.

Forks for 26in (Slant, 160mm) and 29in wheels (Trace, 140mm) are also available in the same family. Slant reliability hasn’t quite matched X-Fusion’s previous Velvet and Vengeance forks though.

Travel 160mm
Weight 1,785g
Length 540mm
Wheel sizes 650b

PRICE: 712$





Labels

Popular posts from this blog

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

READ MORE >>

DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

READ MORE >>

Scott Stego MIPS helmet

Scott’s top-end aggressive trail helmet is only available with MIPS, as the Swiss brand were early adopters of the system. The EPS extends low at the rear without clashing with the retention system and the strap attachment points are external to the liner, maximising the amount of material around the temples. This is the closest-fitting helmet on test, with very little clearance inside the liner. Despite this, and although the Stego has fewer vents than some other lids here, we never felt too hot-headed. Scott spent time developing the ventilation system using a wind tunnel and it seems to have paid off. The thin pads don’t offer quite as much comfort as some competitors’, and while the short peak is removable, it doesn’t offer any height adjustment. Weight 340g Sizing S, M, L Price $180

READ MORE >>

SANTA CRUZ NOMAD

Santa Cruz’s new enduro focused dream bike While the Santa Cruz Bronson has been causing a commotion on the enduro scene as one of the lighter and more capable bikes, the Californian company have been working on something better suited to the more gravity orientated courses.

READ MORE >>

Fulcrum Red Power XL wheels

THESE WHEELS CERTAINLY don't look like some of the cheapest on test, and the adjustable-preload bearings are some of the smoothest and longest lived at any price.

READ MORE >>