Suntour components have been relegated to bargainmart bicycles for as far back as I can recall being interested in bikes. In recent years, Suntour has been attempting to alter its image with the introduction of product lines like the Axon and Durolux.
Spotted at Taipei is what appears to be a new triple crown downhill fork. Suntour currently makes two triple crown walmart forks, the Duro and the Tux. This appears to be a revamping of the original Rux which was a 150 mm coil spring, open bath fork. Suntour has been making suspension forks along time, they even claim to have pioneered cartridge forks, and rumor has it they product internals for major manufacturers like Marzocchi. Perhaps that pedigree will shine through when this fork is finally released.
In addition to the new triple crown, which appears to feature their simple to operate QLOC quick release system, this show bike features their durolux air shock. The shock has rebound adjustments, 6 compression clicks, and due to its bronze anodized finish, could maybe be mistaken for a kashima coated Fox shock from afar.
Far more interesting than the use of Suntours budget air shock, is the gearbox the frame is built around, although the Vboxx weighs nearly 10 lbs (4.52 kg) including cranks, sprocket, shifter, and cables. The sealed system has a 180mm q-factor, and 9 speeds, which offers a claimed 610% gear ratio. Sure the bike has a nice low center of gravity, but with many new DH bikes weighing in the low 30s, I’m not sure being able to shift without peddling (and having to run a square tapered crankset) will woo any riders away from the current crop of DH offerings.
The most interesting feature of Suntours Taipei show bike for budget conscience gravity riders is the new triple crown fork. The market for big gravity forks is currently dominated by three players, of which only two make “budget” forks, the introduction of another (possible OEM offering) might force these companies to improve their existing product lines by trickling down higher end tech. Until then, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for an announcement from X-Fusion…
–Updated–
Suntour Rux details:
• 200mm of travel (internally adjustable)
• 38mm stanchion tubes
• RC2 damping cartridge (sealed, serviceable)
• Air sprung w/ volume adjusting spacers for a linear or progressive feel
• Externally adjustable rebound, separate low and high speed compression
• Direct mount stem compatible top crown
• Weight: TBA
• MSRP: TBA
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