Can I upgrade my entry-level coil fork to an air fork?
By Crankworthy · Published · Updated
Usually yes, if the new fork matches your bike on four points: steerer (straight or tapered), wheel size, axle, and travel close to what the frame was designed for. Get one of those wrong and the fork will not fit, or will fit and change the bike badly.
Why
An air fork uses compressed air as the spring, so you set it for your weight with a shock pump instead of swapping coils. Air forks are also generally lighter, and at this level usually come with better damping.
The steerer has to match your head tube. Many entry-level bikes have a straight 1-1/8" head tube, which rules out a tapered-steerer fork. Some very inexpensive bikes use a 1-inch or threaded steerer, which modern air forks are not made for.
The fork must be built for your wheel size, and its axle must match your front hub — a quick-release hub needs a quick-release fork, unless the hub converts to thru-axle.
Stay within about 20mm of the frame's designed fork travel. The brake mount matters too: modern forks are post mount, sized for a minimum rotor, so check your front brake will fit.
Check these on your bike first
- Steerer
- A head tube the same width top and bottom takes a straight 1-1/8" steerer; one wider at the bottom takes tapered.
- Axle
- A quick-release lever through a thin axle is 9mm QR; a thick axle that threads into the fork is a thru-axle.
- Wheel size and travel
- Printed on the tyre sidewall, and in your bike's spec for the original fork.
Air forks in our catalog
Most forks are sold in several versions — steerer, axle, wheel size and travel. Choose the version that matches your bike on every point.
- RockShox Recon Silver RLSolo Air trail fork, 100-130mm, tapered, 15x110 Boost or 15x100, Motion Control$339.46Amazon
- Manitou MarkhorAir XC fork, 100-120mm, tapered, 15x100 or Boost, TPC damper$325.05Amazon
- SR Suntour Raidon XC LO-RAir XC fork, 100-120mm, tapered, 15QLC axle, remote/lever lockout$219.00Amazon
- SR Suntour XCR34 AirAir trail fork, 100-140mm, tapered, 15mm axle, lockout$268.45Amazon
Prices were last checked when the catalog was built and can change at any time. Retailer links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.