PRATO, Italy (BRAIN) — Formula's 2017 model year Thirty-Five forks are designed to be the lightest enduro forks with the highest level of custom tuning options available. As its name indicates, the forks have 35mm diameter stanchions.
The forks feature Formula's IFT (Internal Floating Technology). The IFT allows the damping cartridge to be structurally merged with the fork from crown to lowers. This creates a cartridge that can remain active with extreme lateral stress commonly placed on all suspension forks. The company said this design reduces overall fork friction more than stanchion surface coatings, allowing for more travel usage and tuning possibilities.
The compression damping profile can be adjusted based on the rider's needs by changing the CTS (Compression Tuning System), which consists of three valve heads that are located under the low-speed compression knob. The valve heads are easily switched with a simple tool without losing fluid or needing to bleed the cartridge.
The high-speed compression is managed by a wide-range lockout lever, located on top of the cartridge. The fork has an air spring and a steel dual-coild negative spring.
Formula's Remote Cartridge Control is a handlebar-mounted 13-position lever that adjusts the high-speed damping from fully open to completely locked out. The design eliminates cables and hydraulic fluid; instead the hose rotates with the movement of the lever, changing the compression damping.
The fork uses an Integrated Locking System 15mm thru axle. Once tightened, the ILS lever is designed to be removed and reinserted at any position for preferred alignment with the fork lowers. The ILS lever may also be removed and left behind during a ride for further weight savings.
The fork is available in 27.5-inch and 29-inch versions with 1 ⅛ inch to 1 1.2 inch tapered steerers. Standard travel is 100-140mm on the 29-inch and 100-160mm on the 27.5-inch. Weight is 1855 grams for the 29 inch, 1790 grams for the 27.5 inch. The fork is available in back, ultraviolet and white.
Retail prices range from $1,120 to $1,280 depending on options. The Remote Cartridge Control is $100.
More information: rideformula.com/products/mtb-forks/35-thirty-five.
