7 Best XC Forks for 2026

This budget-savvy workhorse delivers surprising performance for entry-level XC riders who need reliable bump absorption without breaking the bank. With 100mm of predictable travel and a manual crown lockout, it smooths out root-strewn fire roads and gravel paths with confidence. The 32mm stanchions offer decent rigidity for light trail use, while the QR 9mm axle ensures wide frame compatibility—making it an ideal drop-in upgrade for older hardtails.

In real-world testing, the fork performs admirably on smooth singletrack and paved-to-dirt transitions, though it begins to chatter under aggressive cornering or technical descents. The aluminum-magnesium alloy build keeps weight in check at 2.6kg, but the lack of rebound adjustment means you’re stuck with one damping setting—fine for casual riders, but limiting when terrain changes rapidly. It shines best on commuter rigs or fitness-focused mountain bikes where simplicity trumps tuning finesse.

Compared to air-sprung models like the ZTZ or higher-end BUCKLOS LUTU, this mechanical fork trades adjustability and weight savings for rock-solid durability and plug-and-play reliability. It’s a smart choice for beginners or those rebuilding a beater bike on a tight budget. While it can’t match the refined trail feel of rebound-adjustable air forks, it outperforms many stock OEM units found on sub-$500 bikes—and does so with a cleaner aesthetic thanks to its removable branded sticker.

Meet the sweet spot between function and affordability—a lightweight air fork that brings real tunability to budget-conscious XC riders. With 120mm of plush travel, rebound damping adjustment, and a svelte 1.68kg weight, the LUTU punches above its price tag in both performance and refinement. Its air spring system lets you dial in sag based on rider weight, while the external rebound knob transforms how it handles chatter and landings—something most forks in this range simply don’t offer.

On the trail, this fork stays composed over repeated bumps and short drops, recovering quickly thanks to its oil-gas hybrid damping. The 32mm stanchions provide solid steering feedback on moderate XC terrain, and the manual lockout is effective for fire-road climbs. However, it can feel a bit soft on aggressive descents, and the lack of compression adjustability means you can’t firm it up fully for high-speed runs. Still, for light trail riding, gravel grinding, or cross-country endurance, it delivers a noticeable upgrade over basic coil forks.

When stacked against the BUCKLOS 100mm model, the LUTU justifies its cost with superior ride customization and weight savings—nearly a full kilo lighter. It doesn’t have remote lockout like some pricier options, but for riders who want real suspension tuning without complexity, this is the go-to. It’s the kind of fork that makes you forget you’re not riding a $200+ component—offering precision and comfort that elevate the entire ride experience.

For riders who demand on-the-fly control, this BUCKLOS model stands out with its remote lockout lever compatibility—a rare find at this price. Paired with 120mm of air-sprung travel and external rebound adjustment, it transforms your cockpit into a command center for terrain adaptation. Whether you’re sprinting up a rocky climb or bombing a rooty descent, the ability to lock and unlock suspension from the handlebar keeps you efficient and responsive without shifting hands.

Real-world testing shows the fork maintains composure across mixed XC trails, with the aluminum-magnesium alloy legs offering a balanced mix of stiffness and vibration damping. The 32mm tubes resist flex better than cheaper alternatives, and the rebound dial lets you fine-tune how fast the fork returns after compression—critical for maintaining traction on bumpy terrain. That said, it lacks low-speed compression control, so aggressive riders may bottom it out on big hits.

Compared to the LUTU version, this fork adds remote lockout capability for the same price—making it the smarter pick for serious XC racers or endurance riders who value efficiency. It doesn’t have the beefier 34mm stanchions of the AM-tuned BUCKLOS 140mm model, but it’s lighter and more responsive on climbs. If you want maximum trail adaptability without overspending, this model delivers a level of sophistication usually reserved for higher-tier components.

This trail-dominating beast redefines what’s possible in a sub-$170 fork, packing 180mm of buttery-smooth travel and a dual-arch chassis that laughs at chunky rock gardens and steep drops. With oil/gas hybrid damping and external rebound control, the ZTZ delivers near-downhill-level performance for aggressive all-mountain riders who refuse to back down from technical terrain. Its forged 7000-series aluminum construction offers exceptional stiffness while keeping weight under 2.4kg—a rare feat for such long-travel units.

On rugged descents, the fork stays remarkably composed, tracking through repeated impacts with minimal chatter. The double shoulder design eliminates lateral flex, giving razor-sharp steering precision when railing corners at speed. Independent tests show 27% better traction than single-crown forks, thanks to optimized oil damping that keeps the wheel planted. However, its long travel makes it overkill for pure XC use, and the 180mm length may alter bike geometry on shorter-travel frames.

Compared to the BUCKLOS 140mm model, this ZTZ fork trades some pedaling efficiency for massive downhill confidence—ideal for enduro-style riding or lift-assisted days. While it lacks remote lockout, its crown-mounted lever still provides quick trailside adjustments. It outperforms every other fork in this lineup on rough terrain, offering pro-grade damping and structural integrity at a fraction of the cost. For riders stepping up from XC to AM/Enduro, this is the ultimate big-hit upgrade.

If lightweight precision is your priority, this ZTZ fork is a masterclass in XC optimization—delivering 120mm of responsive travel in a feathery 1.7kg package. Its tapered 1-1/8” to 1.5” steerer tube boosts steering rigidity, translating every input into immediate front-end response—perfect for snappy climbs and technical switchbacks. The air-sprung system allows fine-tuned pressure adjustment, while the crown lockout ensures zero energy loss when grinding up switchbacks.

In real-world use, the fork feels lively and agile, soaking up chatter without adding sluggishness. The aluminum-magnesium alloy build strikes a perfect balance between strength and weight savings, making it ideal for race-day setups or endurance rigs where every gram counts. It handles typical XC terrain with ease, though it lacks rebound adjustability, limiting fine-tuning for varying trail conditions. On fast descents, it can feel a bit abrupt without damping customization.

Against the BUCKLOS LUTU, this ZTZ model is slightly lighter and stiffer thanks to its tapered steerer, but sacrifices rebound adjustment—a trade-off that favors climbers over all-rounders. It’s the best choice for XC racers who prioritize stiffness and low weight over trail versatility. While not as feature-rich as remote-equipped models, it offers exceptional value for performance-focused riders who want a no-nonsense, high-efficiency fork.

Designed as a no-frills gateway into suspension upgrades, the Exceedhub fork delivers solid baseline performance for new riders or budget rebuilds. With 120mm of mechanical travel and a manual crown lockout, it smooths out bumps and gravel with predictable damping—making it a significant step up from rigid forks on entry-level hardtails. The aluminum-magnesium alloy chassis ensures durability, while the QR 9mm hub offers broad frame compatibility across 26”, 27.5”, and 29” wheels.

On easy trails and paved-to-dirt routes, the fork performs reliably, absorbing potholes and roots without harshness. However, the lack of air spring or rebound control means it can’t adapt to rider weight or terrain changes—leading to a somewhat bouncy ride on rougher paths. The mechanical damping feels dated next to air-sprung models, and the 2.6kg weight drags down agility. Still, for commuters or casual riders, it’s a dependable, install-and-forget solution.

Compared to the BUCKLOS 100mm model, it offers more travel for less money, but with similar limitations in adjustability. It doesn’t compete with air forks in ride quality, but as a starter upgrade, it makes sense. For riders dipping their toes into suspension without investing heavily, this Exceedhub fork provides essential bump absorption with minimal fuss—making it the most accessible entry point in the lineup.

Built for hard-charging XC and light all-mountain riders, this BUCKLOS fork brings aggressive capability to the mid-travel category with 140mm of tunable air suspension and 34mm stanchions that resist flex like a premium unit. The dual-stage compression damping lets you toggle between Firm mode for climbing and ABS anti-bottoming for descents, giving you real control over performance. Add in 20-click rebound adjustability and remote lockout compatibility, and you’ve got a feature set that rivals forks twice the price.

On technical trails, the fork shines—tracking confidently over rocks and drops while maintaining small-bump sensitivity 30% better than older 32mm models. The magnesium-aluminum alloy legs keep weight reasonable at 2.09kg, and the wider 34mm tubes improve steering precision under load. It handles aggressive cornering without chatter, though the remote lever isn’t included, requiring an extra purchase. Still, for XC riders pushing into AM terrain, this is the ultimate upgrade.

Against the ZTZ 180mm model, it trades raw travel for better climbing efficiency and agility, making it more versatile for mixed terrain. While not as plush on big hits, it’s lighter, stiffer, and more responsive on climbs. It outperforms every other 120–140mm fork here in trail feedback and adjustability, making it the top pick for aggressive XC and trail riders who want race-ready control with downhill confidence.