Lauf

Trail Racer 29/27.5+ Boost Suspension Fork

In the never ending quest to push the limits of N+1, building up that new hardtail frame with a Lauf Trail Racer 29/27.5+ Boost Suspension Fork may just be the perfect way to create a unique addition to your quiver of discipline-specific rides. Its eye-catching leafspring design doesn't attempt to challenge to aggressive, laterally rigid, and highly adjustable race suspension forks, and instead brings a blend of cushy, undamped travel and maintenance-free ease of use to reduce fatigue over long, bumpy miles and variable weather.

The Trail Racer's 60mm of travel is provided by four sets of three S2 glassfiber springs bonded into a carbon fiber body, allowing the wheel axle to move across the range. Lauf claims that the travel is progressive, meaning it gets stiffer as it compresses to prevent bottom outs while still smoothing out the smaller bumps along the way. However, what the leafsprings design gains in simplicity, maintenance-free utility, and weather-resistant function, it loses in adjustability and both lateral and torsional rigidity. This means that aggressive terrain and out-of-the-saddle efforts may be met with handling that feels more noodly than sure-footed and bigger hits might encourage a destabilizing pogo effect. Not all of us aspire to XC greatness though, and the Trail Racer's star shines brightest when soaking up the bumps of remote fire roads, crushed stone byways, and light singletrack, making it the ideal companion to reduce fatigue and extend the enjoyment of adventures over scenic roads less traveled.

To make up for the lack of adjustability or tuning options, Lauf offers the Trail Racer in two different spring rates. This particular fork comes with the "regular" spring rate, accompanied by a rider weight recommendation of 143 pounds and higher. That isn't to say that lighter riders can't ride it, but just that those under the weight recommendation will experience a stiffer ride than originally intended with this fork.