Inverted MTB forks
RockShox RS-1 - http://www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshox-rs-1-review.html
X-Fusion REVEL - http://enduro-mtb.com/en/test-report-the-classy-x-fusion-revel-hlr-in-short-test/
The inverted fork.. So both X-Fusion & Rockshox have now released their versions of the inverted MTB fork, with the benefits of: increased stiffness, better tracking and constantly lubricated stanchions and reduced static friction, all in a single crown design. While some inverted forks have had problems with lateral stiffness, Rockshox has overcome this by completely re-designing a new hub making use of oversized bearings and axle for a more rigid design, with X-Fusion using their patented Gold-E-Lock system and 20mm axle.
On the one hand it is exciting to see suspension companies looking at alternative ways of doing things, but on the other hand we have the lefty fork. First brought to market in 2000, Cannondale have just about perfected the inverted fork. While the Lefty is a dual crown fork ( crowns at the top and bottom of the headtube ) it is still the lightest and stiffest fork on the market today while being an inverted fork and about 2/3 of the price of the above forks (including hubs).
With such a great inverted fork on the market, it seems Rockshox and X-Fusions attempts seem to be of the "lets see if we can do it" variety, which seems to me a costly exercise for both the company and the consumer, considering the reviews of these forks were not outstanding even through their price is. If we are to see both these companies move the product lines in this direction due to the known benefits of fork inversion then i am all for it, if not, then i feel we have just witnessed a design exercise rather than exciting leap forward for mountain biking.













