Just one year after introducing the Lauf TR29 carbon suspension fork, the Icelandic team has shrunk the design to create the 650B-ready Lauf TR275 fork.
Like the 29er model, weight is extremely low, claimed at just 980 grams (2.18lbs). It offers a similarly short 60mm (2.35 inches) of travel, or “just enough to absorb the bumps” according to CEO Benedikt Skulason.
“The Lauf fork is designed to take a full pound off your XC hardtail mountain bike, while still offering enough suspension to absorb the bumps on your trail,” says Skulason. “We want the Lauf to feel like a rigid fork while climbing a hill, but a fast and sensitive suspension fork on the way down.”
So, no, it’s not for enduro…
Both the TR29 and TR275 come in eight colorways and two different levels of stiffness, based on rider preference and/or weight. Other specs are a 45mm rake, 466mm axle-to-crown, tapered 1-1/8″ to 1-1/2″ steerer only, and 15mm thru axle. They’re sized for minimum 180mm disc brake rotor.
Beyond model growth, Skulason says at least two major bike brands will be spec’ing Lauf Forks on 2016 bikes. They’ll also be expanding their tradeshow presence to both Eurobike and Interbike this year (presumably with a legitimate booth this time, right guys?).
This video is from the Blue Lagoon challenge, a 60km XC race where Lauf swept the podium claiming first, second and third places.
