6 Best Gravel Suspension Forks of 2026

For riders hunting a budget-friendly gravel suspension fork that doesn’t sacrifice core functionality, the BUCKLOS GRVS punches well above its weight. With 40mm of air-sprung travel and a 32mm stanchion diameter, this fork delivers tuned shock absorption specifically for gravel terrain, smoothing out washboard paths and rocky trails without sapping pedaling efficiency. The manual lockout and rebound adjustment give riders real control, solving the common pain point of energy loss on climbs or smooth stretches—making it a smart upgrade for entry-level gravel rigs.

In real-world testing, the aluminum alloy construction holds up impressively across mixed surfaces, from packed dirt to chunky farm roads. At 1716g, it’s not featherlight, but the weight is justified by its robust build and full compatibility with 700c wheels and tires up to 48mm. The graduated travel display lets you visually track compression, which is surprisingly helpful for dialing in your ride. That said, the rebound adjust knob feels stiff, and fine-tuning damping takes patience—plus, it lacks the refined sensitivity of pricier dampers on micro-vibrations.

Compared to the RockShox Rudy Ultimate, the BUCKLOS GRVS is clearly a budget alternative—fewer damping modes, heavier, and less precise. But for riders on a tight budget or upgrading a rigid fork, it’s a game-changer in comfort and control without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for commuters, gravel newbies, or bikepackers needing a reliable, full-featured fork. For the money, it delivers far more capability than expected, making it a standout in value over sheer refinement.

When precision, speed, and trail feel converge, the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR stands alone as the definitive gravel race fork. Its ultralight Charger Race Day 2 damper delivers two-position compression control—Open for technical descents, Lock for sprinting—giving racers and fast riders instant adaptability on mixed terrain. With a 30mm chassis and 40mm air-sprung travel, it strikes a rare balance: supple over chatter, yet stiff enough for aggressive handling, directly addressing the gravel rider’s need for both comfort and control.

On long, rough stretches, the Rudy Ultimate shines—its 51mm offset improves steering stability at speed, while the 435mm axle-to-crown ensures frame compatibility across modern gravel geometries. The 20mm wider tire clearance (up to 50mm) than many rivals means you can run plush, trail-gripping rubber without compromise. In testing, the lockout is crisp, and the open mode soaks up high-frequency vibrations better than any fork in its class. However, the lack of rebound adjustment may frustrate picky tuners who want full damping control.

Against the Cane Creek Invert, the Rudy trades some weight savings (it’s 120g heavier) but wins in damping simplicity and race-ready responsiveness. It’s the go-to for competitive gravel racers or fast adventure riders who want no-compromise performance with minimal fuss. While not the lightest or most adjustable, it offers best-in-class damping refinement and reliability, making it the benchmark others chase.

The BUCKLOS 140mm MTB fork is a surprising hybrid workhorse—built like a trail warrior but smart enough for mixed-terrain gravel explorers who occasionally dip into singletrack. With a massive 140mm travel and 34mm stanchions, it laughs off rooty descents and potholed backroads, offering unmatched bump absorption in this price range. The dual-mode compression—Firm and ABS anti-bottoming—lets you stiffen up for climbs or unleash plushness on descents, directly solving the versatility gap between gravel and light mountain riding.

In real use, the aluminum-magnesium alloy build feels sturdy, though the 1976g weight drags on long climbs—especially on drop-bar bikes not designed for such travel. The 9mm QR axle limits stiffness compared to thru-axle gravel forks, and steerer tube compatibility is limited to straight 1-1/8” systems, making it a tight fit for most modern gravel frames. Still, on 27.5+ or 29er hardtails converted for gravel, it’s incredibly capable, especially with its 20-click rebound adjust for fine-tuning.

Compared to the HIMALO 40mm fork, this BUCKLOS model is in a different league—longer travel, heavier, and more aggressive—but not ideal for pure gravel use. It’s perfect for adventure riders, bikepackers on rough trails, or MTB-gravel hybrids who prioritize trail toughness over road manners. While overkill for smooth gravel, it offers unrivaled value for mixed-surface explorers who want MTB-level protection without a full suspension frame.

The HIMALO 700c air fork is a masterclass in lightweight gravel comfort, built for riders who want maximum efficiency with a dash of cushion. At just 1700g, it’s one of the lightest air suspension forks in the budget segment, thanks to magnesium alloy legs that slash weight without sacrificing strength. With 40mm of travel and a clear travel scale, it smooths chatter on long gravel hauls while staying responsive enough for road-like efficiency—perfect for endurance riders who hate the jarring fatigue of rigid forks.

On real-world rides, the manual lockout engages cleanly, letting you switch between plush and rigid in seconds—ideal for mixed pavement-gravel routes. The 1-1/2” tapered steerer enhances front-end stiffness, improving cornering precision on loose descents, and the 12x100mm thru-axle ensures compatibility with modern gravel frames. However, the rebound damping is basic, and the fork can feel a bit harsh on sharp impacts compared to premium models. Still, for light to moderate gravel use, it’s impressively composed.

Against the DHNCBGFZ 50mm fork, the HIMALO trades a bit of travel for better weight savings and stiffness. It’s ideal for lightweight gravel builds, endurance racers, or commuters who want minimal weight penalty with real suspension benefits. While not the most adjustable, it delivers excellent ride quality for its class, offering gravel comfort without the bulk.

For under $140, the DHNCBGFZ 50mm travel fork is a bold value play, offering the longest travel in this lineup and a smooth air spring that turns bone-jarring roads into manageable terrain. Its 50mm of suspension travel—10mm more than most gravel forks—makes it ideal for rough backroads, rutted farm tracks, or bikepacking routes where comfort is king. The 38.3mm aluminum outer tube adds durability, while the manual lockout lets you firm things up when climbing or cruising—solving the efficiency vs comfort dilemma for budget riders.

In practice, the extra travel is noticeable—deep potholes and rock gardens are far less punishing—but the fork lacks rebound adjustment, so tuning for your weight or terrain is limited. At unknown weight (likely over 1700g), it’s not light, and the 1-1/2” tapered steerer may not fit all frames. The 45c tire clearance is slightly restrictive compared to newer 50mm-capable forks. Still, for value-focused riders prioritizing bump absorption, it’s hard to beat.

Stacked against the BUCKLOS GRVS, it offers more travel but fewer tuning options and less refined damping. It’s best for budget-conscious adventurers, tourers, or commuters on rough roads who want maximum plush for minimum cost. While not the most polished performer, it delivers unmatched suspension depth for the price, making it the smart pick under $140.

The Cane Creek Invert CS isn’t just a fork—it’s a statement piece of gravel engineering, built for riders who demand absolute refinement, featherlight performance, and cutting-edge design. Its inverted carbon/aluminum construction slashes weight to a stunning 1113g, nearly 600g lighter than budget forks, while delivering 40mm of progressive air spring travel tuned specifically for gravel dynamics. The Climb Switch lockout is buttery smooth, letting you lock out suspension with a flick—perfect for out-of-the-saddle efforts—addressing the efficiency demands of endurance and race riders.

On rough terrain, the progressive spring curve soaks up big hits without wallowing, offering superior traction and control on loose descents. The 45mm offset balances handling across high-speed gravel and technical sections, and the flat-mount 160mm brake compatibility ensures clean integration. In real use, the carbon crown reduces vibration, enhancing comfort over long miles. However, the lack of rebound adjustment and ultra-premium cost make it a niche pick—best for those who prioritize weight and ride quality above all.

Compared to the RockShox Rudy Ultimate, the Invert is lighter and more refined, but lacks multi-position damping. It’s the ultimate choice for weight weenies, endurance racers, or high-end bikepackers building dream gravel machines. While the most expensive, it offers unmatched elegance and performance, making it the pinnacle of gravel suspension design.