Can I put a longer-travel fork on my hardtail?
By Crankworthy · Published · Updated
Usually within about 20mm of the travel the frame was designed for. Much more slackens the head angle, raises the bottom bracket and puts extra load on the head tube — and many manufacturers will not honour the frame warranty beyond their stated maximum.
Why
A frame is designed around a specific fork length. Fit a longer fork and the front of the bike rises, which tilts the whole bike back: the head angle gets slacker and the bottom bracket gets higher.
A small change — around 10 to 20mm — is generally well tolerated and can make a bike calmer on descents. Beyond that the handling changes noticeably and the head tube takes more leverage than it was designed for.
Your frame manufacturer usually publishes a maximum fork travel. Staying within it is the safe limit.
How to find your design travel
- Current fork
- Travel is often printed on the fork legs or listed in its specification.
- Frame spec
- Look for "designed for" or "maximum" fork travel on the manufacturer's page for your frame.
Forks in our catalog
Check each fork's travel, wheel size, axle and steerer against your frame before buying.
- RockShox 30 Silver TKCoil XC fork, 100mm, 1-1/8" straight, 9QR, budget replacement for rigid/entry forks$201.92Amazon
- RockShox Judy Silver TKCoil/Solo Air XC fork, 100/120mm, 1-1/8" or tapered, 9QR or 15x100, TurnKey lockout$203.42Amazon
- SR Suntour Raidon XC LO-RAir XC fork, 100-120mm, tapered, 15QLC axle, remote/lever lockout$219.00Amazon
- SR Suntour XCR34 AirAir trail fork, 100-140mm, tapered, 15mm axle, lockout$268.45Amazon
- Manitou MarkhorAir XC fork, 100-120mm, tapered, 15x100 or Boost, TPC damper$325.05Amazon
- RockShox Recon Silver RLSolo Air trail fork, 100-130mm, tapered, 15x110 Boost or 15x100, Motion Control$339.46Amazon
Prices were last checked when the catalog was built and can change at any time. Retailer links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.