7 Best Mountain Bike Forks of 2026

Unleash your inner enduro beast with the ZTZ 26/27.5/29er air suspension fork, a high-performance workhorse engineered for aggressive trail domination. Boasting 180mm of buttery-smooth travel, this fork devours rock gardens and big drops with confidence, thanks to its dual arch chassis and oil/gas hybrid damping system. The external rebound adjustment and crown lockout give riders precise tuning control, directly addressing the need for efficiency on climbs without sacrificing downhill composure.

In real-world testing across enduro tracks and all-mountain routes, the ZTZ fork delivers consistent, fade-resistant performance—its 7000-series aluminum construction handles repeated impacts without flex, while the double shoulder design enhances front-end grip during high-speed cornering. It fits 29ers seamlessly and maintains stability even on loose, technical descents. However, riders on tighter XC trails may find the 180mm travel excessive, and the QR 9mm axle, while compatible with many frames, lacks the stiffness of thru-axle setups on modern enduro bikes.

Compared to the BUCKLOS 26/27.5/29 120mm model, the ZTZ prioritizes downhill prowess over weight savings, trading a bit of agility for raw damping power. It’s the ideal pick for enduro and aggressive all-mountain riders who demand maximum plushness and control in rugged terrain. While not the lightest option, its performance-to-price ratio outshines many forks in the mid-to-high tier, offering pro-level features without the boutique price tag.

Built for snow, sand, and electric torque, the BUCKLOS 20-inch air fork redefines comfort and control on fat-tire e-bikes. With 180mm of plush travel and a manual ABS lockout, this fork soaks up frozen ruts and beach dunes like a premium snowshoe. The magnesium-aluminum alloy legs and imported air rods strike a rare balance—lightweight yet durable enough to handle the extra stress from e-bike motors. It directly solves the common pain point of harsh, jarring rides on soft or uneven terrain, making long e-fat bike excursions far more enjoyable.

On real-world fat-bike adventures, the fork shines in low-traction environments, keeping the front wheel planted and reducing rider fatigue. The 135mm hub spacing and QR 9x135mm axle ensure compatibility with most fat bike frames, while the manual lockout boosts efficiency on packed trails. However, the damping lacks fine-tuning options—no rebound adjustment—and the steel steerer tube, while strong, adds weight and may feel less responsive on technical singletrack.

When compared to the KANGXYSQ spring fork, the BUCKLOS model offers superior compliance and weight savings, especially under e-bike loads. It’s the clear choice for e-fat bike riders who tackle snow, sand, or beach terrain regularly. Though not built for high-speed downhill trails, its terrain adaptability and e-bike-specific design make it stand out, delivering a smoother experience than most budget forks at a similar price point.

Precision meets versatility in the BUCKLOS 120mm air fork, a stealthy performer for cross-country and light all-mountain riders. With a featherlight 1800g build and 32mm stanchions, this fork delivers crisp steering and excellent small-bump sensitivity—perfect for fast, flowy trails. The rebound adjustment and manual/remote lockout give riders full command over terrain response, directly tackling the need for efficiency on climbs and confidence on descents. Its tapered 1-1/8” steerer enhances front-end rigidity, a rare upgrade at this price.

In real trail use, the fork handles XC marathons and AM loops with impressive composure. The air spring system allows fine-tuned sag setup based on rider weight, and the magnesium-aluminum alloy body resists trail chatter without adding bulk. It performs admirably on rooty climbs and moderate descents, though it begins to pack down on extended, rough downhills—lacking the damping depth of higher-end models. The remote lockout option is a standout, letting riders toggle firmness on the fly.

Versus the Exceedhub budget fork, the BUCKLOS model offers far better adjustability and chassis stiffness, justifying its mid-tier price. It’s ideal for XC racers and trail riders who want lightweight performance with real tuning options. While not built for enduro abuse, its refined damping and tapered steerer deliver XC-focused value, outperforming many forks in its class with thoughtful engineering.

Budget-smart without being bargain-bin, the Exceedhub 120mm fork brings air-sprung performance to riders watching their wallet. This crown lockout-equipped fork delivers a surprisingly smooth ride for its price, absorbing trail chatter and minor drops with ease—a game-changer for entry-level mountain bikers. The aluminum-magnesium alloy build keeps weight reasonable, and the 100mm hub spacing with QR 9mm axle ensures broad compatibility across older and budget frames. It directly answers the need for affordable suspension that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

On mixed terrain, the fork performs solidly for XC and light trail use. The lockout function works reliably, firming up the front end for paved connectors or steep climbs. However, the damping is basic—no rebound adjustment means limited tuning, and the fork can feel harsh on bigger hits. While it handles 29er wheelsets well, the straight 1-1/8” steerer lacks the stiffness of tapered designs, leading to slight flex in aggressive corners.

Stacked against the ZTZ 120mm model, the Exceedhub trades adjustability and chassis refinement for unbeatable value. It’s the go-to for beginners or commuters upgrading from rigid forks. Despite its limitations, it delivers core suspension benefits at a fraction of the cost, making it the smart pick for riders who prioritize function over fine-tuning.

Engineered for XC speed and AM agility, the ZTZ 120mm air fork is a stealth contender in the mid-weight performance class. With a tapered 28.6mm steerer and 1800g build, it balances stiffness and lightness—perfect for fast climbs and snappy descents. The rebound adjustment and manual/remote lockout give serious riders customization options, while the oil-gas damping system ensures consistent response over long rides. It directly solves the need for a responsive, tunable fork that won’t weigh down a race-ready rig.

In real-world XC racing and trail riding, this fork impresses with its lively feel and excellent small-bump compliance. The air spring allows precise sag setup, adapting well to rider weight and terrain. It tracks confidently on loose climbs and holds a line through rooty sections. However, like most forks in this range, it struggles on sustained, high-impact descents where deeper damping is required. The remote lockout is a standout feature rarely seen at this price.

Compared to the BUCKLOS 120mm model, the ZTZ offers nearly identical specs but with a more refined damping tune and sleeker build. It’s ideal for XC racers and fitness riders who want pro-level features without overspending. While not the cheapest, its performance-to-weight ratio beats several pricier rivals, delivering XC-focused precision in a clean, functional package.

A rare gem for V-brake loyalists, the KANGXYSQ 110mm fork bridges the gap between old-school frames and modern suspension comfort. With dual V-brake and disc brake compatibility, it’s a lifesaver for riders with vintage or budget MTBs lacking disc mounts. The 110mm spring suspension and manual lockout deliver decent bump absorption, making it a major upgrade over rigid forks—especially on potholed fire roads or urban trails. It directly addresses the frustration of limited upgrade paths for older bikes.

On real-world use, the fork performs reliably for light trail and commuter duties. The rebound adjust on the left leg allows minor tuning, improving ride quality across different surfaces. However, the steel stanchions add weight, and the spring-based system lacks the plushness of air forks, bottoming out easily under heavier riders. It’s best suited for casual riders, not aggressive trail use.

Against the Exceedhub model, the KANGXYSQ wins on brake compatibility but loses on modern features—no air spring, no tapered steerer. It’s the ideal choice for 26” V-brake bike owners seeking a functional upgrade. While outdated in tech, its versatile brake fitment and solid lockout make it indispensable for a niche audience, offering utility where few others dare to go.

Conquering the wildest terrain just got easier with the BUCKLOS 26” fat-tire oil suspension fork, built for e-bikes that dominate snow, sand, and mud. With 180mm of controlled travel and a robust double shoulder design, this fork laughs at potholes and drifts through dunes. The steel steerer and aluminum legs ensure durability under heavy e-bike loads, while the 135mm hub spacing and QR 9x135mm axle guarantee frame compatibility. It directly solves the challenge of finding a rugged, e-bike-rated fork for extreme conditions.

In real-world fat-bike testing, the fork remains composed even under motor-assisted torque, with solid damping that handles repeated impacts. The manual ABS lockout lets riders firm up the front end for hardpack or ice, though the lack of rebound adjustment limits fine-tuning. It’s noticeably heavier than air forks, but the oil-sprung system provides consistent performance in freezing temps where air forks might falter.

Compared to the BUCKLOS 20” model, this fork offers longer legs and better frame fit for 26” fat bikes, making it superior for trail-heavy adventures. It’s the top pick for riders tackling rugged, off-piste terrain with e-fat bikes. While not lightweight, its brute strength and terrain-swallowing travel deliver unmatched resilience, outperforming lighter forks when the going gets truly rough.