Ideal Front Travel for Trail Bike
 

Hey!

I just bought the new GT Sensor and I'm excited to get it built up. After doing some reading online, it looks like a lot of people are swapping the front fork for a 140mm travel (comes with 130mm). What are the benefits of that additional 10mm when it comes to trail riding?

Thank you,

Ryan

A little more cush for drops and jumps.

Raises the bottom bracket up a little higher.

Rakes out the front end a little more for downhill.

Thank you for the feedback! I'm going to look into my options and hopefully be out on the trail soon!

Ryan

I would not buy a new fork just to go from 130 to 140. If you have other reasons for upgrading (like you just want a better fork) then sure, go for 140 if you want.

If you want to slacken the front end there are other ways to do that.

Otherwise, 10mm is a pretty small difference performance-wise. Other differences (spring curve, damper design, rigidity) are going to make a bigger difference than 10mm travel.

Thank you for the quick reply!

Ryan

Many times you do not need to change the fork, just the tokens or cartridge.

I'm with Leebo, tune what you have unless you hit its limits and need something more. The best reasons to get a bigger fork are bigger need for suspension and more stiffness. 120-130 is sort of a middle ground... a bit short for a trail fork but long for an XC fork. You could also see if your fork can be converted by getting a longer shaft or removing spacers.