SUNTOUR’S CONTINUED EVOLUTION of the Auron makes it a genuine rival to premium forks at a fraction of the price. Seal and bushing changes, compression damper remapping and improvements in quality control meant last year’s fork blew us away – but only after Suntour’s technicians cut the volume elastomer down to 11mm. For 2016 there’s no need to get the knife out – the elastomer has been replaced with reversible spacers that can be added or removed.We found a single spacer gave spot-on progression for reliable mid-stroke ride height but still left the fork sensitive enough off the top.
There’s wide range, totally independent high- and low-speed compression adjustment via crown-top knobs and it’s extremely rare you’ll notice any difference in consistent control compared to the most expensive forks here.Rebound isn’t quite as sophisticated, but it’ll be a very long and lairy descent that makes it skip a beat.Weight is reasonable, and while the 34mm legs deflect slightly more than most under light loads, they lock down impressively against proper bar-twisters.
Our long-term forks have been totally reliable, even when ragged for months. The unique Q-LOC expanding rose 15mm QR axle is super-fast to use and can be flipped from left to right too, literally securing theAuron RC2’s place as the best value fork on test.
WEIGHT: 1,980g
TRAVEL: 150, 160mm (tested)
Price 570$
