Skip to main content

X-Fusion Trace RL2 GSA fork


X-Fusion used to stand out because of its low prices but performance of its forks is now truly competitive, if not quite the bargains they once were.

With the addition of the Gold Slick Anodising, a 82$ option, breakaway friction is further reduced allowing the excellent RL2 damper to do its job. It's not quite as supple as the Fox on trail chatter, but it's much more supportive all the way through the stroke, with a progressive feel that encourages hard riding.

When things do get really rough, the 34mm legged chassis is noticeably more precise than anything else on test, with the ability to cut harder lines through rugged terrain and place the wheel with pinpoint accuracy. It feels solidly and consistently damped and nigh on impossible to unsettle.

Surprisingly for this hard­hitting ability, it's not the heaviest fork here and should you wish to up the ante even more, it's internally adjustable up to 140mm of travel. It's also available with a new Roughcut damper, which offers independent high and low speed compression adjustment.

A hard hitting, progressive and well damped fork that's ready to take on anything.

Weight 1915g
Offset 51mm
Axle to crown 526mm

Price 975$
Labels

Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>

Nukeproof Vector AM Comp Cro-Mo saddle

The Vector AM is pretty race focused, with minimal padding. There’s a deep (if narrow) pressurerelief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to. Used with bib shorts, we found it pretty comfortable for shorter rides and suffered no pain or discomfort in the central region. On steep climbs the slightly downturned nose provides a reasonable forward perch, while the svelte profile and smooth edges make it particularly unobtrusive when moving about on the descents. It’s quite stiff though, and can feel harsh on long rides or bumpy ground. We definitely wouldn’t want to spend much time on it without a chamois. It’s heavier than we’d expect for such a lightly padded perch too. There’s a lighter Pro version with titanium rails for $105, but at 241g it’s only 10g lighter. Weight 251g Price $67

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 >>

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

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 >>