The Stage is billed as MRP’s enduro fork, but the new platform offers a lot to trail riders as well. Our 130-millimeter-travel test fork felt right at home on a snappy 120-mil 29er. The Stage is not the lightest fork we’re highlighting, but it’s within 100 grams of our other favorites. Besides, the 34-millimeter stanchions and overbuilt magnesium lowers dare you to shred as though you’ve never counted a gram in your life.
The Stage allows you
to choose how best to do that shredding. The externally adjustable ramp-up is
more noticeable than other brands’ bottom-out limiters. It’s as crucial to set
up as rebound damping or preload. The ‘Ramp Control’s’ frmer clicks may seem unnecessary,
but with the right amount of bottom-out resistance, it’s possible to run low air
preload and the fork will foat over small bumps while effectively softening big
hits. A low-speed compression knob allows you to mitigate the mushiness and low
ride height that comes with that low pressure. A magnetic blow-off valve helps
prevent spiking when large, high-speed impacts hit the compression damper.
Riders concerned about
high-speed, mid-sized chop can back off the ramp-up to zero, and the fork still
keeps a frm feel that’s perfect for those who prefer a moderatetravel bike, but
ride it fast and rough.
PRICE 970$
