Mountain bike air forks are a core upgrade for riders seeking lightweight adjustment, plush handling, and precise steering on a variety of terrains. This guide highlights five BUCKLOS and ZTZ options that balance travel, weight, and lockout features to adapt to XC and AM riding styles. Each choice emphasizes air-spring tuning, rebound control, and compatibility with common 1-1/8″ steerers and 9×100 mm QR hubs. Use the buying guide to compare key factors like travel, stiffness, and maintenance to find the right fork for your bike and riding goals.
| Product | Travel | Steerer | Lockout | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUCKLOS 140mm Travel MTB Air Fork (Straight/Tapered) | 140 mm | 28.6 mm Straight or 28.6 mm Tapered | Crown Lockout | ≈ 1976 g |
| BUCKLOS 140mm Travel MTB Air Fork (Tapered) | 140 mm | 28.6 mm Tapered | Crown Lockout | ≈ 2028 g |
| BUCKLOS 120mm Travel MTB Air Fork (Straight/Tapered) | 120 mm | 28.6 mm Straight or 28.6 mm Tapered | Manual/Remote Lockout | ≈ 1737 g |
| BUCKLOS 120mm Travel MTB Air Fork (Straight/Tapered) Ultra | 120 mm | 28.6 mm Straight or 28.6 mm Tapered | Manual/Remote Lockout | ≈ 1800 g |
| ZTZ 180mm Travel MTB Air Fork | 180 mm | 1-1/8" Straight | Crown Lockout | ≈ 2400 g |
BUCKLOS 140mm Travel MTB Air Forks – Straight and Tapered
These forks feature 34 mm aluminum-magnesium alloy uppers delivering rigidity for precise steering. The 140 mm travel is suitable for aggressive XC and light AM riding, with 9×100 mm quick-release compatibility. Crown lockout plus 20-click external rebound adjustment allows riders to tailor trail feedback and cushioning. The ABS-style compression damping automatically adapts to rider weight (50–120 kg) and terrain, maintaining consistent ride quality across variables while ensuring a reliable lockout setup for climbs and smoother descents.
BUCKLOS 140mm Travel MTB Fork – Tapered Steerer
This variant uses a 28.6 mm tapered steerer with a 39.8 mm crown race, offering a broader steering feel and improved stiffness on high-speed sections. It retains crown lockout and rebound adjustment, ensuring stable performance during rapid descents and technical climbs. The fork utilizes 34 mm upper tubes for rigidity and a 3.0 tire compatibility. External rebound controls give you direct, fifteen to twenty-click adjustability to dial in the perfect balance of compliance and support.
BUCKLOS 120mm Travel MTB Fork – Rebound Focus
This ultralight 120 mm model emphasizes weight reduction while preserving key air-spring features. It uses 28.6 mm straight steerer and 9×100 mm QR with 32 mm tubes, offering a compact yet capable front end for cross-country riders and lighter AM bikes. ABS manual adjustment lets riders fine-tune fork stiffness and feel for a more comfortable ride on smooth sections or over rocky sections with consistent compression damping as rider weight and conditions change.
BUCKLOS 120mm Travel MTB Fork – Light Weight
This 120 mm fork emphasizes a balance of weight and control, with a 32 mm tube diameter and 9 mm QR. The ABS manual mechanism lets riders adjust hardness and softness according to riding conditions, offering a tailored feel for climbs, rollers, and smooth suspensions on longer rides. The 39.8 mm crown race on tapered setups enhances steering precision and stability at speed, while the crown lockout supports efficient climbing and consistent feedback on the trail.
ZTZ 180mm Travel MTB Fork – For Downhill Readiness
The ZTZ option pushes travel to 180 mm, delivering solid performance on more challenging XC/AM sections and technical descents. It uses a 1-1/8" straight steerer with a 9×100 mm QR and a dual-arch design that boosts stiffness and tracking under heavy landings. The external rebound damping and crown lockout enable riders to dial in climbing efficiency and downhill control. At roughly 2400 g, it remains a robust choice for riders seeking substantial travel without sacrificing steering precision.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations When Choosing a Mountain Bike Air Fork
- Travel and riding style: Align fork travel with your terrain. 120 mm forks suit XC and light AM; 140 mm is a balanced option for aggressive XC; 180 mm is for enduro and descents.
- Steerer type and compatibility: Ensure your frame uses a 1-1/8″ straight or tapered steerer and that the fork fits your wheel hub standard (9×100 mm QR is common).
- Lockout options: Crown lockout provides firm climbing performance; remote or manual locks can be convenient on the go, especially for climbs or technical sections.
- Air spring and damping: Air volume and damping tuning respond to rider weight and terrain. Look for external rebound adjustability and documented weight ranges for optimal setup.
- Weight and rigidity: Lighter forks improve handling but may sacrifice impact absorption. Heavier forks with rigid uppers offer better durability on rough trails.
- Maintenance and serviceability: Check for service-friendly seals, availability of spare parts, and manufacturer support for your region.
- Wheel and tire compatibility: Confirm tire width compatibility (some forks support up to 3.0” tires) and ensure clearance with your bike’s frame and brake setup.
- Budget and warranty: Compare total cost of ownership, warranty terms, and replacement parts availability to maximize long-term value.
Across the options listed, BUCKLOS forks emphasize adjustable travel within 120–140 mm ranges for versatile XC/AM use, with solid crown lockout and rebound features. The ZTZ model leans toward higher travel and downhill-oriented performance, offering robust stiffness and a premium feel on technical terrain. When selecting, consider your typical riding environment, preferred terrain, and willingness to tune air pressure and damping settings for consistent performance ride after ride.