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 >>

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

READ MORE >>

Merida Big Seven 100

We've rolled up to our local woods, with a meandering blue trail, some natural wooded tracks and a bit of fire road chucked into the mix to see how the Big Seven 100 tackles trails that entry-level riders are likely to cut their teeth on.

READ MORE >>

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

READ MORE >>

TREK FUEL EX 6 29

Ever-popular trail bike gets bigger wheels for 2014 T rek’s full-suspension range has been given a bit of a rejig for 2014, with a long-awaited 29er version of the ever-popular Fuel EX taking the place of the Rumblefish that was inherited when Trek took over the old Gary Fisher line-up. It’s worth noting that the Fuel EX is still available with good old 26in wheels too – something that’s suddenly not very common any more.

READ MORE >>