Difference between thick vs thin front suspension?












1















I visited a bicycle shop a few days ago. I noticed two different types of bikes. One with thick front suspension and the other with thin front suspension. Bike with the thick suspension was more expensive.

Does thick suspension provide benefits or just add weight?

Is thin suspension more better than thick one?



Thick Suspension:



thick suspension



Thin Suspension:



thin suspension



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  • 1





    Do note that the visible diameter is not usually the diameter of the thinnest member. Rather, what you are seeing is a casing around a thinner rod.

    – Daniel R Hicks
    9 hours ago






  • 2





    OMG those 'mudguards'!

    – Argenti Apparatus
    9 hours ago






  • 2





    And the first one is "dual-crown"!

    – Grigory Rechistov
    8 hours ago











  • Do note the colour of the bare stanchions is misleading - black is slimming compared to the silver one. Also both of these bikes look like BSOs, where quantity of material is often used to make up for a lack of structural quality. The high spoke count front wheel is a prime example of "add more metal" over making it better. And those brake lever angles!!

    – Criggie
    5 hours ago











  • @GrigoryRechistov Tell ya what, It only costs $115. And the tires are fat too.

    – Black Thunder
    1 hour ago


















1















I visited a bicycle shop a few days ago. I noticed two different types of bikes. One with thick front suspension and the other with thin front suspension. Bike with the thick suspension was more expensive.

Does thick suspension provide benefits or just add weight?

Is thin suspension more better than thick one?



Thick Suspension:



thick suspension



Thin Suspension:



thin suspension



Full Images:



Full imageFull image 2










share|improve this question









New contributor




Black Thunder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
















  • 1





    Do note that the visible diameter is not usually the diameter of the thinnest member. Rather, what you are seeing is a casing around a thinner rod.

    – Daniel R Hicks
    9 hours ago






  • 2





    OMG those 'mudguards'!

    – Argenti Apparatus
    9 hours ago






  • 2





    And the first one is "dual-crown"!

    – Grigory Rechistov
    8 hours ago











  • Do note the colour of the bare stanchions is misleading - black is slimming compared to the silver one. Also both of these bikes look like BSOs, where quantity of material is often used to make up for a lack of structural quality. The high spoke count front wheel is a prime example of "add more metal" over making it better. And those brake lever angles!!

    – Criggie
    5 hours ago











  • @GrigoryRechistov Tell ya what, It only costs $115. And the tires are fat too.

    – Black Thunder
    1 hour ago
















1












1








1


1






I visited a bicycle shop a few days ago. I noticed two different types of bikes. One with thick front suspension and the other with thin front suspension. Bike with the thick suspension was more expensive.

Does thick suspension provide benefits or just add weight?

Is thin suspension more better than thick one?



Thick Suspension:



thick suspension



Thin Suspension:



thin suspension



Full Images:



Full imageFull image 2










share|improve this question









New contributor




Black Thunder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.












I visited a bicycle shop a few days ago. I noticed two different types of bikes. One with thick front suspension and the other with thin front suspension. Bike with the thick suspension was more expensive.

Does thick suspension provide benefits or just add weight?

Is thin suspension more better than thick one?



Thick Suspension:



thick suspension



Thin Suspension:



thin suspension



Full Images:



Full imageFull image 2







mountain-bike suspension full-suspension front






share|improve this question









New contributor




Black Thunder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question









New contributor




Black Thunder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 54 mins ago







Black Thunder













New contributor




Black Thunder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









asked 10 hours ago









Black ThunderBlack Thunder

1085




1085




New contributor




Black Thunder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





New contributor





Black Thunder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






Black Thunder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.








  • 1





    Do note that the visible diameter is not usually the diameter of the thinnest member. Rather, what you are seeing is a casing around a thinner rod.

    – Daniel R Hicks
    9 hours ago






  • 2





    OMG those 'mudguards'!

    – Argenti Apparatus
    9 hours ago






  • 2





    And the first one is "dual-crown"!

    – Grigory Rechistov
    8 hours ago











  • Do note the colour of the bare stanchions is misleading - black is slimming compared to the silver one. Also both of these bikes look like BSOs, where quantity of material is often used to make up for a lack of structural quality. The high spoke count front wheel is a prime example of "add more metal" over making it better. And those brake lever angles!!

    – Criggie
    5 hours ago











  • @GrigoryRechistov Tell ya what, It only costs $115. And the tires are fat too.

    – Black Thunder
    1 hour ago
















  • 1





    Do note that the visible diameter is not usually the diameter of the thinnest member. Rather, what you are seeing is a casing around a thinner rod.

    – Daniel R Hicks
    9 hours ago






  • 2





    OMG those 'mudguards'!

    – Argenti Apparatus
    9 hours ago






  • 2





    And the first one is "dual-crown"!

    – Grigory Rechistov
    8 hours ago











  • Do note the colour of the bare stanchions is misleading - black is slimming compared to the silver one. Also both of these bikes look like BSOs, where quantity of material is often used to make up for a lack of structural quality. The high spoke count front wheel is a prime example of "add more metal" over making it better. And those brake lever angles!!

    – Criggie
    5 hours ago











  • @GrigoryRechistov Tell ya what, It only costs $115. And the tires are fat too.

    – Black Thunder
    1 hour ago










1




1





Do note that the visible diameter is not usually the diameter of the thinnest member. Rather, what you are seeing is a casing around a thinner rod.

– Daniel R Hicks
9 hours ago





Do note that the visible diameter is not usually the diameter of the thinnest member. Rather, what you are seeing is a casing around a thinner rod.

– Daniel R Hicks
9 hours ago




2




2





OMG those 'mudguards'!

– Argenti Apparatus
9 hours ago





OMG those 'mudguards'!

– Argenti Apparatus
9 hours ago




2




2





And the first one is "dual-crown"!

– Grigory Rechistov
8 hours ago





And the first one is "dual-crown"!

– Grigory Rechistov
8 hours ago













Do note the colour of the bare stanchions is misleading - black is slimming compared to the silver one. Also both of these bikes look like BSOs, where quantity of material is often used to make up for a lack of structural quality. The high spoke count front wheel is a prime example of "add more metal" over making it better. And those brake lever angles!!

– Criggie
5 hours ago





Do note the colour of the bare stanchions is misleading - black is slimming compared to the silver one. Also both of these bikes look like BSOs, where quantity of material is often used to make up for a lack of structural quality. The high spoke count front wheel is a prime example of "add more metal" over making it better. And those brake lever angles!!

– Criggie
5 hours ago













@GrigoryRechistov Tell ya what, It only costs $115. And the tires are fat too.

– Black Thunder
1 hour ago







@GrigoryRechistov Tell ya what, It only costs $115. And the tires are fat too.

– Black Thunder
1 hour ago












2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes


















5














Fork-leg diameter is not really how you would classify suspension forks. Or more exactly, it is a way, but not really the most relevant.



Suspension forks could be classified by how much travel they provide (different travel for different specific uses), the suspension mechanism (springs, fluid, elastomers, air, hybrid), the damping mechanism, etc.



I suspect that both those bikes were pretty cheap, both probably use spring suspension, and neither is really intended for hard off-road use. A bigger-diameter tube isn't necessarily heavier, as it can be made with thinner walls.






share|improve this answer
























  • Fox forks are literally named and classified after stanchion diameter.

    – Klaster_1
    26 mins ago



















1














Well they do are a little bit sturdier. Bigger diametre is harder to bend than a thin one and should requiere less material. Other thing is that the one on the red bike is a double crown, which has the benefit of being sturdier on force loads from the front of the bike.



But the most important aspect is the quality of the materials used. For example in my early days(circa 2000) I bought this "ZOOM 110 Inverted fork 20mm axle suspension with 40mm bars" which was a double crown and made out of aluminium. Thing was massive I felt like Josh Bender.



After a couple drops(like 4) the thing bent forwards and was stuck, dad wanted to kill me. My old RST sigma xl on the other hand, was WAY better with 28mm steel bars, 14mm axle and was a standard fork, thing was bomb proof for the time. This one lasted a long time.



So the most important aspect is the design and materials used. In this case both are about the same, probably the double crown is a little bit sturdier, but both are just an entry level fork and for lesiure rides you will be better of with the single crown fork. It should have the same ride quality with less weight.






share|improve this answer























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    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes








    2 Answers
    2






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes









    5














    Fork-leg diameter is not really how you would classify suspension forks. Or more exactly, it is a way, but not really the most relevant.



    Suspension forks could be classified by how much travel they provide (different travel for different specific uses), the suspension mechanism (springs, fluid, elastomers, air, hybrid), the damping mechanism, etc.



    I suspect that both those bikes were pretty cheap, both probably use spring suspension, and neither is really intended for hard off-road use. A bigger-diameter tube isn't necessarily heavier, as it can be made with thinner walls.






    share|improve this answer
























    • Fox forks are literally named and classified after stanchion diameter.

      – Klaster_1
      26 mins ago
















    5














    Fork-leg diameter is not really how you would classify suspension forks. Or more exactly, it is a way, but not really the most relevant.



    Suspension forks could be classified by how much travel they provide (different travel for different specific uses), the suspension mechanism (springs, fluid, elastomers, air, hybrid), the damping mechanism, etc.



    I suspect that both those bikes were pretty cheap, both probably use spring suspension, and neither is really intended for hard off-road use. A bigger-diameter tube isn't necessarily heavier, as it can be made with thinner walls.






    share|improve this answer
























    • Fox forks are literally named and classified after stanchion diameter.

      – Klaster_1
      26 mins ago














    5












    5








    5







    Fork-leg diameter is not really how you would classify suspension forks. Or more exactly, it is a way, but not really the most relevant.



    Suspension forks could be classified by how much travel they provide (different travel for different specific uses), the suspension mechanism (springs, fluid, elastomers, air, hybrid), the damping mechanism, etc.



    I suspect that both those bikes were pretty cheap, both probably use spring suspension, and neither is really intended for hard off-road use. A bigger-diameter tube isn't necessarily heavier, as it can be made with thinner walls.






    share|improve this answer













    Fork-leg diameter is not really how you would classify suspension forks. Or more exactly, it is a way, but not really the most relevant.



    Suspension forks could be classified by how much travel they provide (different travel for different specific uses), the suspension mechanism (springs, fluid, elastomers, air, hybrid), the damping mechanism, etc.



    I suspect that both those bikes were pretty cheap, both probably use spring suspension, and neither is really intended for hard off-road use. A bigger-diameter tube isn't necessarily heavier, as it can be made with thinner walls.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered 9 hours ago









    Adam RiceAdam Rice

    5,8171534




    5,8171534













    • Fox forks are literally named and classified after stanchion diameter.

      – Klaster_1
      26 mins ago



















    • Fox forks are literally named and classified after stanchion diameter.

      – Klaster_1
      26 mins ago

















    Fox forks are literally named and classified after stanchion diameter.

    – Klaster_1
    26 mins ago





    Fox forks are literally named and classified after stanchion diameter.

    – Klaster_1
    26 mins ago











    1














    Well they do are a little bit sturdier. Bigger diametre is harder to bend than a thin one and should requiere less material. Other thing is that the one on the red bike is a double crown, which has the benefit of being sturdier on force loads from the front of the bike.



    But the most important aspect is the quality of the materials used. For example in my early days(circa 2000) I bought this "ZOOM 110 Inverted fork 20mm axle suspension with 40mm bars" which was a double crown and made out of aluminium. Thing was massive I felt like Josh Bender.



    After a couple drops(like 4) the thing bent forwards and was stuck, dad wanted to kill me. My old RST sigma xl on the other hand, was WAY better with 28mm steel bars, 14mm axle and was a standard fork, thing was bomb proof for the time. This one lasted a long time.



    So the most important aspect is the design and materials used. In this case both are about the same, probably the double crown is a little bit sturdier, but both are just an entry level fork and for lesiure rides you will be better of with the single crown fork. It should have the same ride quality with less weight.






    share|improve this answer




























      1














      Well they do are a little bit sturdier. Bigger diametre is harder to bend than a thin one and should requiere less material. Other thing is that the one on the red bike is a double crown, which has the benefit of being sturdier on force loads from the front of the bike.



      But the most important aspect is the quality of the materials used. For example in my early days(circa 2000) I bought this "ZOOM 110 Inverted fork 20mm axle suspension with 40mm bars" which was a double crown and made out of aluminium. Thing was massive I felt like Josh Bender.



      After a couple drops(like 4) the thing bent forwards and was stuck, dad wanted to kill me. My old RST sigma xl on the other hand, was WAY better with 28mm steel bars, 14mm axle and was a standard fork, thing was bomb proof for the time. This one lasted a long time.



      So the most important aspect is the design and materials used. In this case both are about the same, probably the double crown is a little bit sturdier, but both are just an entry level fork and for lesiure rides you will be better of with the single crown fork. It should have the same ride quality with less weight.






      share|improve this answer


























        1












        1








        1







        Well they do are a little bit sturdier. Bigger diametre is harder to bend than a thin one and should requiere less material. Other thing is that the one on the red bike is a double crown, which has the benefit of being sturdier on force loads from the front of the bike.



        But the most important aspect is the quality of the materials used. For example in my early days(circa 2000) I bought this "ZOOM 110 Inverted fork 20mm axle suspension with 40mm bars" which was a double crown and made out of aluminium. Thing was massive I felt like Josh Bender.



        After a couple drops(like 4) the thing bent forwards and was stuck, dad wanted to kill me. My old RST sigma xl on the other hand, was WAY better with 28mm steel bars, 14mm axle and was a standard fork, thing was bomb proof for the time. This one lasted a long time.



        So the most important aspect is the design and materials used. In this case both are about the same, probably the double crown is a little bit sturdier, but both are just an entry level fork and for lesiure rides you will be better of with the single crown fork. It should have the same ride quality with less weight.






        share|improve this answer













        Well they do are a little bit sturdier. Bigger diametre is harder to bend than a thin one and should requiere less material. Other thing is that the one on the red bike is a double crown, which has the benefit of being sturdier on force loads from the front of the bike.



        But the most important aspect is the quality of the materials used. For example in my early days(circa 2000) I bought this "ZOOM 110 Inverted fork 20mm axle suspension with 40mm bars" which was a double crown and made out of aluminium. Thing was massive I felt like Josh Bender.



        After a couple drops(like 4) the thing bent forwards and was stuck, dad wanted to kill me. My old RST sigma xl on the other hand, was WAY better with 28mm steel bars, 14mm axle and was a standard fork, thing was bomb proof for the time. This one lasted a long time.



        So the most important aspect is the design and materials used. In this case both are about the same, probably the double crown is a little bit sturdier, but both are just an entry level fork and for lesiure rides you will be better of with the single crown fork. It should have the same ride quality with less weight.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 9 hours ago









        dmbdmb

        52328




        52328






















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