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Considered one of the most popular choices, spring-loaded forks possess a coil or air spring that aids in absorbing shocks. With a 700 mm length, these dirt bike front forks are ideal for moderating in-depth and symmetrical terrain interactions. Upon diving deeper into the fork categories, it can be noted that the spring-loaded variety houses different subclasses, namely telescopic, leading-link, and girder forks.
Progressive forks are a subclass of traditional spring forks featuring springs with a varying ratio of stiffness. This setup guarantees that the spring becomes stiffer as it compresses. Therefore, smaller bumps will be absorbed easily, while larger compressions—bump interactions, for instance—will lead to higher spring resistance, thus providing desirable host stability. The 700 mm length of these forks is suitable for various riding conditions.
Spring-less or spring-free forks rely heavily on fluid resistance to account for damping. This fluid is contained in the fork sliders, where the fluid's compression and expansion are adjusted by pistons through a series of valves. The main function of damping is to control the fork's extension rate during shocks and perturbations. Even though valve designs modify the function of hydraulic forks, they all remain devoid of springs. Nevertheless, the rotational and geometrical values of hydraulic solutions are critical for maximum hydraulic vibration absorption and damping capabilities.
These forks allow for the adjustment of spring preload, permitting modification of fork compression and stiffer or softer riding, depending on the user's weight and riding conditions. This kind of adjustment plays a big role in optimizing the 700 mm fork length's features for different applications and users alike.
This kind of steel is majorly used for the fork's internal components, including springs and rods. Chrome and nickel's inherent anti-corrosive properties ensure that such parts have enough resistance to wear and rust. This property is so desirable in the long-range maintainability of forks often exposed to moisture and dust, typically found in the dominant elements in off-road environments.
Aluminum alloys have been the material of choice when it comes to making the body's front fork necessary for reduced mass. Though inherently softer than steel, leading to higher susceptibility to denting and bending, aluminum's corrosion resistance is greater. This makes it ideal for durable designs with less upkeep.
Meanwhile, the alloy composition guarantees that the material remains lighter without compromising the strength required to withstand shock and pressure when riding in bumpy conditions. The combination of aluminum and alloy, which contains silicon, copper, magnesium, and zinc, helps enhance the material's mechanical properties.
Titanium and titanium alloys are mainly used in high-end dirt bikes. The strength of these materials, combined with their low mass and relatively good anti-corrosive properties compared to steel, makes them an excellent choice for parts that need to be simultaneously strong and light. However, the downside is that such materials are expensive, making them relatively uncommon among the moderately priced range of dirt bikes.
The cross-section of the front fork influences the mounting, fixed elements, and, more importantly, the fork's stiffness. The stiffness of a fork directly affects the suspension's response to different perturbations or shocks it encounters during rides. This is specifically true for the long and short radius of the fork, playing a crucial role in determining the extremities. For instance, wider tubes improve their stability against bending.
Dirt bike fork tubes are commonly anodized for aluminum forks. Anodization is an electrochemical process that creates a protective layer of aluminum oxide on the material's surface. This layer not only protects against oxidation but also allows dyes to penetrate the porous surface for coloring while improving aluminum's corrosion resistance. Chrome plating is also commonly seen on steel or aluminum forks due to chrome metal's inherent anti-corrosive properties. This plating gives the fork a shiny and smooth finish to make it aesthetically appealing.
A considerable fork's length enables the suspension system to handle large amounts of travel. This makes such forks ideal in situations where the suspension needs to absorb considerable shock and keep the bike stable at different speeds.
Dirt track racing involves quick turns, meteoric accelerations, and varying track conditions. This makes 700 mm forks a great solution for such conditions due to their capacity to provide superb stability, traction, and handling. Most riders would derive great satisfaction when using these forks.
Forks of this length are ideal for heavyweight dirt bikes, such as motocross machines. The motocross bike uses the suspension to absorb shock from the bike and smoothen out the battering it receives from the track. 700 mm forks provide additional stabilization and a smooth ride for the bike.
Most off-road trails have variable terrain. Therefore, a longer front fork extends the travel as required for irregularities, making it ideal for adventure touring bikes that would likely be used for off-road camping or long-distance trips.
A lot of high-performance bikes feature dirt bike forks with a length of 700 mm. As mentioned earlier, these forks facilitate stability and control when handling speed while ensuring comfort by absorbing any shocks the bike encounters from the terrain.
Extensive forks absorb the landing shocks better, which is why they are used in BMX and motocross bikes that perform jumps and tricks. This gives the riders a smooth landing, absorbs the shocks, and prolongs the bike's lifespan.
The front fork must match the type of riding intended. For example, if the riding involves jumps, tricks, or aggressive racing, stiffness and damping adjustments should be prioritized for freestyle and motocross. Enduro or adventure riding would require forks that focus on absorption of shocks over longer periods and stability on varied terrains.
Off-road and trail forks should be tough enough to resist wear and tear from harsh and unpredictable elements, meaning that the materials and seals used should be of higher quality. In contrast, forks used for light trails or flat surfaces do not have to be that robust. Also, hunting for models with external adjustable damping can help fine-tune the fork for different riding terrains and conditions.
The front fork should be compatible with the bike in relation to the bike's weight and power. Lighter bikes should use less lengthy forks, while the lengthy ones, like the 700 mm dirt bike forks, are for heavyweight bikes. Again, ensure that the axle diameter, mounting points, and steering tube diameters are compatible with the bike.
Although high-end models have adjustable damping and various other functionalities, one should get what will meet their requirements. If riding is for leisure or casually, low-maintenance and simpler forks are the ones to go for. However, if the riding is more than occasional and the conditions are extreme, investing in premium-quality forks might be worth it.
Forks with external adjustable damping, varying spring preload, and fine-tuning of fork height are also adjustable, making them a good choice. Be sure to check out the seals and bushings' quality, as these are the parts that will wear out the quickest. Also, for aluminum forks, ensure that the walls have ideal thickness and stiffness to resist bending or flexing.
A1. No, not all front forks for dirt bikes are 700 mm in length. The length of front forks differs based on the bike type and its application. For instance, the forks of BMX bikes, which are used for jumping and stunts, are comparatively shorter than the 700 mm dirt bike front forks. Likewise, the length of motocross, enduro, and dual-sport bikes will vary according to bike size and rider comfort. So, the right length has to be chosen based on the intended terrain and the riding style.
A2. 700 mm front forks of dirt bikes help with stability, especially in heavyweight bikes. They also improve handling and traction and make absorption of shocks in bumpy terrain easier. This makes riding smoother and more comfortable, especially under extreme or high-speed conditions.
A3. No, front forks cannot be installed on all bike types. The front forks of 700 mm dirt bikes should only be installed on heavy-duty bikes like motocross, enduro, and dual sport. They also have to be compatible with the bike's steering and axle. This means that some modifications might be needed to make them fit appropriately.
A4. The front fork material mostly contributes to how durable it will be. Chrome or nickel-plated steel, for example, is used on parts that need to be more durable and resist wear, while aluminum alloys are used because they are lighter but wear out faster. External factors, such as exposure to moisture, dust, and harsh terrains, also affect the longevity of fork components.