Magura has just announced their new TS (Team Suspension) forks with the premise of LSE – Lighter, Stiffer, Easier.
Using all new internals and a trick new thru-axle, the TS forks will be available in 26″, 650B (27.5″) and 29er sizes. Travel will initially be available in 80, 100, 120 and 140 millimeter will be available. A bigger 150mm won’t come until much later, but it’s on the books as an option. Some models will have fixed travel, others will get their Lift Select adjustable travel option.
Rather than re-explain all the acronyms that are coming with the new fork, here’s the lowdown direct:
“All TS forks have been developed based on the SLE concept (Stiffer, Lighter, Easier). This means optimum stiffness at the lowest possible weight, extremely low maintenance, and a easy set up. With the Fork Master Concept (FMC) it is possible to manufacture forks with a sensitive response where special bushings, seals and surfaces work together with the Fork Master Grease (FMG) to deliver an exceptional ride. The forks feature progressive suspension characteristics that prevent over-response even in steep terrain. The TS8 R 150 is offered as a fixed travel version or with the LS (Lift Select) system.”
Lots more to cover…UPDATED!!!
One of the key new features is their move away from the Rockshox Maxle Lite thru-axle. Using a new design called M15, the axle is tightened down using a multitasking Torx wrench that’s incorporated into the axle. When inserted, the tool acts as a dust cover for the bolt, and it’s the same T25 size used to adjust their MT-series and HS-series disc and rim brakes. The design is much cleaner since there’s no leverage cam arm required. Even better, the whole axle/tool system weighs just 58g. For now, the M15 will only be on the 29er forks, but we suspect it’ll make its way across the range before too long. The 650B will run with the Maxle Lite initially, and the 26″ forks keep a standard QR.
Both the 29er and 650B forks get a PM7 (post mount 7″) disc brake mount only, encouraging, nay, requiring the use of a 180mm or larger rotor. Weight weenies balk now, but it’s the same size that’s found on their Thor forks. The 26″ forks get PM6 (160mm rotor) mounts.
Different wheel sizes will get different travel options:
- 26″ – 80/100/120 fixed, 120 LS
- 650B – 120/140/150, 150 LS
- 29er – 120
UPDATE: The axle-to-crown measurements on the 26/650B forks are 503mm (120mm travel) and 530mm (150mm) forks, and they have a taller lower section with the new thru-axle designs. This allows room for the larger 27.5″ wheel/tire size.
The forks get a hollow crown and Magura’s trademark dual brake arch. The thru-axle models get protective bumpers on the bottom of the lowers to prevent damage when the wheel is removed. To keep things running smooth and ease maintenance, there’s a new combo of seals, bushings, sliders and grease.
UPDATE: We just heard back from Magura’s U.S. Tech Service Manager, Jude, who told us the suspension internals remain the same from 2012 to 2013, as does the do the bushing, seal and grease materials. What does change is a new flute-less seal design that provides a broader, more complete surface area to prevent stiction and “hot spots” where grease or oil could collect before squeezing out when temps rose. The old fluted seals were designed to funnel oil to the foam O-rings, but the new design eliminates the need for this.
The grease is a silicone based grease that he says lasts longer than the thick lubrication oil previously used, and it stays inside the fork rather than pushing through the seals when it heats up.
There are a dizzying array of options, this chart makes it way easier than words (click to enlarge):
