7 Best MTB Forks of 2026

Punchy, refined, and built for real trail dynamics, the RockShox Judy Silver TK delivers surprising sophistication for an entry-level fork. Derived from the legendary Pike chassis, it brings BOOST spacing, Torque Cap compatibility, and 32mm Fast Black stanchions to the table—features usually reserved for high-end models. This translates into noticeably stiffer tracking and cleaner steering response, especially on loose climbs and off-camber corners where flex can kill momentum. With 100mm of travel and Motion Control RL damping, it handles XC and light trail duties with confidence, making it a standout for riders stepping up from rigid or outdated suspension.

In real-world use, the Judy Silver TK shines on cross-country loops and gravel connectors, where its lightweight aluminum construction and TurnKey lockout let you pedal efficiently without bobbing. The external rebound adjustment is simple but effective, allowing quick tuning for terrain changes—though fine-tuning requires patience due to limited click range. On rougher descents, the fork stays composed up to its limits, but aggressive riders will notice bottom-out resistance isn’t on par with air-sprung competitors in rockier terrain. Still, for 100mm, it offers remarkably linear small-bump compliance, thanks to RockShox’s proven air spring design.

Compared to budget-focused forks like the BOLANY B0BTPGCCTX, the Judy Silver TK is in a different league—more precise, stiffer, and far more durable. While it doesn’t offer the plushness of 120mm+ travel forks like the BUCKLOS 140mm model, it excels where efficiency and trail agility matter most. It’s the ideal pick for XC racers and fitness riders who want trusted brand engineering without premium pricing. You get legit trail performance and future-ready compatibility, making it a smarter long-term investment than most sub-$150 forks.

Built like a mini-DJ but priced like an entry fork, the ZTZ 180mm air suspension fork packs serious downhill muscle into an accessible package. With 180mm of plush travel, a dual-arch chassis, and oil/gas hybrid damping, it devours rock gardens and absorbs big drops with a confidence usually found in $500+ forks. The 7000-series forged aluminum crown and double shoulder design drastically reduce flex, giving you laser-sharp steering control when railing corners at speed—exactly what enduro riders demand when pushing limits.

On extended descents, this fork proves its mettle: the oil/gas system resists fade better than pure air forks, maintaining consistent damping even after repeated hits. The external rebound knob and crown lockout let you firm things up for fire roads or long climbs, though the lockout isn’t as crisp as premium models. It handles 2.8-inch+ tires with ease, and the 2400g weight is impressive for 180mm travel, making it a rare blend of brawn and balance. However, on flatter trails or XC-style terrain, the long travel feels sluggish—overkill for light trail use.

Against the BUCKLOS 140mm or RockShox Judy, the ZTZ is clearly built for aggression, not efficiency. It outperforms them in raw capability but sacrifices pedaling manners and weight savings. For enduro-focused riders and park laps, this fork delivers near-pro performance at a fraction of the cost. While it lacks the adjustability of a Fox 36, it offers far more trail authority than budget XC forks, making it a no-brainer for gravity-inclined riders on a budget.

A stealthy value champion, the BUCKLOS 120mm fork brings serious spec-to-price ratio to XC and all-mountain riders. With 120mm of air-sprung travel, 32mm stanchions, and both rebound and manual ABS compression adjustment, it offers tuning flexibility rare in this range. The aluminum-magnesium alloy build keeps weight down to 1800g, making it one of the lightest adjustable forks under $130—perfect for climbers and endurance riders who hate hauling excess mass.

In practice, the fork handles smooth singletrack and moderate chunk with quiet composure. The ABS damping system lets you stiffen the fork for climbs, reducing bob without needing a remote. Rebound is externally adjustable, though the range is narrow—fine for average trails, but less ideal for extremes. On technical descents, it stays predictable, but hard landings can overwhelm the air spring, and bushing flex becomes noticeable mid-corner. Still, for XC and light trail use, it tracks well and soaks up root sections without drama.

Compared to the RockShox Judy, it lacks brand pedigree and chassis refinement, but matches it in travel and adjustability at half the price. It’s a smarter pick than the BOLANY for riders wanting compression control and lighter weight, though not as stiff as the ZTZ. Ideal for budget-conscious trail riders and XC enthusiasts, it delivers real performance gains over rigid forks without breaking the bank. You trade some durability and damping finesse, but gain adjustability and ultralight agility few rivals can match.

Where trail toughness meets smart engineering, the BUCKLOS 140mm fork is the sweet spot for aggressive trail riders who want more than XC travel but don’t need downhill armor. Its 34mm aluminum-magnesium stanchions are a game-changer, delivering noticeably stiffer steering and better impact resistance than 32mm rivals. With 140mm of travel and dual-stage compression via crown lockout, it handles rock slabs and root carpets with authority, while the 20-click rebound adjust lets you fine-tune plushness for your weight and terrain.

Out on technical climbs and chunky descents, this fork stays composed and responsive. The auto-compression damping adapts to rider weight (50–120kg), so lighter and heavier riders both get balanced performance. The firm/ABS mode switch is intuitive: firm for climbing, soft for descending. On long runs, it shows 30% better small-bump sensitivity than older 32mm models, thanks to improved valving. However, under sustained abuse, the damping can heat up, leading to slight fade—not ideal for back-to-back enduro runs.

Stacked against the ZTZ 180mm, it’s lighter and more efficient, but less plush on big hits. Compared to the 120mm BUCKLOS, it’s more capable without sacrificing too much weight (1976g). It’s the ideal upgrade for trail bikes stepping into AM territory, offering real damping intelligence and stiffness at a budget price. You get near-midrange performance with none of the premium tag, making it a top pick for riders who demand trail-ready confidence without overspending.

Featherlight and nimble, the BUCKLOS LUTU fork is engineered for XC racers and weight weenies who count grams. At just 1675g, it’s one of the lightest air-sprung forks in its class, thanks to a magnesium lower leg and high-polish stanchions. With 120mm of travel, rebound adjustment, and manual ABS lockout, it delivers XC-optimized performance—responsive on climbs, supple on flats, and composed on moderate descents. The fluorescent reflective logo adds visibility, a subtle but smart touch for early morning riders.

On smooth to moderate trails, the LUTU flies with efficiency and low inertia. The gas-assisted air spring reduces stiction, improving small-bump feel, while the ABS system lets you lock out compression when grinding up fire roads. Rebound is adjustable, though the range is modest—fine for average conditions, but less customizable than high-end forks. On rough terrain, the 32mm stanchions flex slightly, and the damping can feel a bit shallow under heavy loads. Still, for XC and gravel-focused builds, it’s impressively capable.

Against the BOLANY or standard BUCKLOS 120mm, it’s lighter and more refined, though not as stiff as 34mm models. It’s not built for enduro abuse, but for racers and fitness riders, it offers unmatched agility and low weight at this price. You trade some durability and damping depth, but gain a serious edge in climbing efficiency and ride feel. It’s the ideal fork for riders who prioritize speed and responsiveness over brute-force travel.

Conquering sand, snow, and surf, the BUCKLOS Fat Tire Fork is a specialist built for extreme terrain. With 180mm of oil-sprung travel and a double-crown design, it brings downhill-level damping to fat bikes and e-bikes, absorbing potholes, drifts, and beach ruts with ease. The steel stanchions and aluminum legs deliver uncompromising strength, while the 3890g weight is surprisingly light for a fork this burly—1.8lbs lighter than comparable models, making it easier to maneuver in soft ground.

In real-world testing, this fork excels where others fail: deep snow, wet sand, and off-road e-bike use. The manual ABS adjustment lets you firm up the ride when cruising on packed trails, and the 135mm hub spacing ensures compatibility with fat bike frames. The oil damping resists cold-weather thickening, a crucial advantage over air forks in winter. However, on hardpack trails, the long travel feels mushy, and the lack of rebound adjust limits tuning. Still, for its niche, it’s unbeatable in both performance and value.

Compared to standard MTB forks, it’s not meant for technical singletrack—but for fat tire, beach, and e-bike riders, it’s the only serious suspension option under $150. It outperforms generic coil forks in smoothness and weight, while offering real shock absorption for heavy e-bike loads. If you ride snow, sand, or rugged rural paths, this fork transforms your ride from struggle to glide—a must-have for extreme-condition adventurers.

The budget king with smart upgrades, the BOLANY 120mm fork redefines entry-level expectations. Despite its low price, it features Teflon self-lubricating bearings, an open-air chamber design, and a sponge ring for continuous oil retention—details usually skipped at this level. The magnesium alloy construction keeps weight low, while the 32mm stanchions handle 120mm travel with decent stability, making it a solid foundation for first-time suspension riders.

On smooth trails and urban paths, it performs smoothly and quietly, with minimal stiction thanks to the embedded Teflon bearings. The manual and remote lockout lets you switch between plush and efficient modes, though rebound isn’t adjustable—a clear limitation for varying terrain. The air spring filters small vibrations well, but lacks bottom-out resistance on bigger hits. Maintenance is a plus: easy seal replacement and oil changes mean longer service life than sealed competitors.

Against the BUCKLOS 120mm, it’s less adjustable but more durable in bushing design. It doesn’t offer ABS or rebound tuning, but wins on longevity and low friction. For commuters, casual riders, or kids’ bikes, it’s the most reliable budget fork available. You sacrifice tuning options, but gain a clean, low-maintenance ride that won’t seize up after a few months. It’s the best “set-and-forget” fork under $120, ideal for riders who want basic suspension without fuss.