How Do I Know if My fork is boost?
Have you ever wondered if your fork is a boost fork? Boost forks are forks that feature a compressed air spring system, which allows for easier and smoother suspension movement. They have become increasingly popular among mountain bikers due to their numerous benefits, such as improved traction, better handling, and increased shock absorption. However, many riders are unsure if their fork is a boost fork or a traditional fork. In this article, we will discuss how you can determine if your fork is indeed a boost fork.
What is a Boost Fork?
Before we dive into how to identify a boost fork, let’s first understand what it is. Boost forks are characterized by their wider spacing between the two fork legs, measuring 110mm instead of the traditional 100mm. This additional 10mm of spacing allows for a wider hub flange, which results in a stiffer and stronger wheel. This increased stiffness translates to a more responsive and controlled ride, which is highly desirable for mountain bikers.
How to Tell if Your fork is boost?
Now that you know what a boost fork is let’s move on to the different methods you can use to identify if your fork is indeed a boost fork.
1. Measure the Spacing
The first and most obvious way to determine if your fork is a boost fork is by measuring the fork spacing. As mentioned earlier, boost forks have a spacing of 110mm, while traditional forks have a spacing of 100mm. To accurately measure the spacing, you will need a ruler or a caliper.
To measure the fork spacing, remove the front wheel and place the ruler or caliper between the legs of your fork. Measure the distance between the inside edges of the fork legs. If the spacing is 110mm, then you have a boost fork. If it measures 100mm, then you have a traditional fork.
2. Check the Hub Spacing
Another way to determine if your fork is boost is by checking the spacing between your wheel’s hub flanges. As mentioned earlier, boost forks have a wider hub flange spacing due to the increased spacing between the fork legs. If your wheel’s hub flanges measure 110mm, then it is compatible with a boost fork. However, if it measures 100mm, then it is only compatible with a traditional fork.
3. Look for the “BOOST” Label
Many manufacturers will clearly label their boost forks as “BOOST” to avoid confusion. You can look for this label on the fork’s lower legs or the steerer tube. If you see this label, then your fork is a boost fork.
4. Check the Axle Size
Boost forks also have a different axle size compared to traditional forks. Boost forks have a 15mm or 110mm axle, while traditional forks have a 9mm or 100mm axle. You can remove your front wheel and check the axle size to determine if your fork is boost. A 15mm or 110mm axle indicates a boost fork, while a 9mm or 100mm axle indicates a traditional fork.
5. Consult Your Bike’s Manual
If you’re still unsure if your fork is a boost fork, you can check your bike’s manual. The manual should list all the specifications of your bike, including the fork dimensions. You can compare the dimensions listed with those of a boost and traditional fork to determine which one you have.
6. Get Help from an Expert
If all else fails, you can always seek help from a professional bike mechanic. They have the necessary knowledge and tools to accurately determine if your fork is boost or traditional. They can also make any necessary adjustments or replacements if you wish to switch to a boost fork.
In conclusion, determining if your fork is a boost fork is not that difficult. With the methods mentioned above, you can easily identify if your fork is boost or traditional. Boost forks have become the standard for modern mountain bikes, and for a good reason. If you’re looking to upgrade your bike’s performance, you may want to consider switching to a boost fork.