best 180mm travel fork

Best Mountain Bike Suspension Forks 2023: 10 Trail/Enduro Forks Tested

There’s one type of mountain bike rider that we all secretly love to hate, and that’s the trail rider. They may be fun to watch, but always seem to out ride us on the trail and get annoyed that we’re not doing the same moves. However, we don’t hate them for being good, we hate them for making us feel bad about ourselves. And that’s why we wanted to do a thorough review of the top mountain bike suspension forks on the market. . . .

Most mountain bikers are familiar with fork manufacturers Fox, Marzocchi, Fox Racing Shox, RockShox and Manitou. But what about the other companies that have been in the industry for more than a decade? Well, here’s a list of a few of the most notable that offer their own suspension forks.

The mountain bike suspension fork is a popular addition to most mountain bike builds. There are a range of options available to you: full suspension, semi-suspension, or no suspension at all. Perhaps unsurprisingly, full suspension forks are the most expensive option. However, if you are after the performance benefits of a full suspension fork, it is worth considering.. Read more about best budget suspension fork and let us know what you think.

Looking for the finest suspension fork for your mountain bike? You’ve arrived to the correct location. One of the most expensive – and possibly most effective – improvements you can make to your mountain bike is purchasing a new suspension fork. Even when purchasing a whole bike, the fork is an important factor.

In any case, you’ll want a suspension fork that smooths out even the sharpest trail feedback, enabling your hands to endure longer on even the most difficult trails.

To keep your front wheel firmly planted on the ground, the fork should sit smoothly into the initial portion of its journey. Simultaneously, it must provide sufficient support later in the journey to prevent the bike from pitching and plunging excessively.

You’ll also want enough stiffness and adjustability to fine-tune the fork to your specific requirements, but not so much that it’s a pain to set up. You presumably want it to be as light as feasible and as inexpensive as possible!

We evaluated forks to fit a wide variety of budgets, making sure to include some top-of-the-line choices since that’s what most people purchase as a bike update.

To make the comparison fair, we evaluated 10 trail/enduro forks with 160mm travel, 29in spacing, and 51mm offset. All of these forks, of course, come with a variety of wheel sizes, travel, and offset choices.

How did we do our research?

We tested all ten forks on the same bike with the same tyre pressures, then assessed sag and checked how much travel we could utilize by squeezing the forks as much as we could to bring the forks in the same ballpark.

This article will show you how to properly set up a fork.

Then we rode each fork on a variety of terrain, fine-tuning air pressure, volume spacers, and damping settings until we were confident that the forks were performing optimally for the terrain and rider.

We next put them through their paces on a few select test courses, rapidly switching forks between runs to obtain the most accurate picture of how they stack up.

In this video, you can learn more about the procedure and how the 10 forks compared.

The finest suspension forks for mountain bikes in 2023

• £989 / $999 for the Lyrik RC2 by RockShox (2019).
• £1,139 for the GRIP2 Fox 36 Factory.
• £899.99 / $999.99 / €1,050 Mezzer Pro by Manitou (2023)
• £749 for the Bomber Z1 Marzocchi.
• £695 / AU$1,200 Yari RC Debonair by RockShox
• £925 F 535 ONE DT Swiss

RockShox Lyrik RC2 (2019)

Steve Behr’s RockShox Lyrik RC2.

• The cost is £989 / $999.
• 27.5in (tested) and 29in (tested) wheels with 150mm, 160mm (tested), 170mm, and 180mm travel
• 2,019g (about) (29in x 160mm)

This is our favorite enduro and trail bike. When starting a turn or pattering over stutter bumps, the Lyrik has the greatest off-the-top sensitivity in the class, which translates to a more settled, stuck down feel and greater traction.

It also has a wide range of damping adjustment, with the most open settings offering a super-supple and pleasant ride even on the longest and most difficult courses.

Under severe braking, the spring keeps the fork high in its travel, providing predictable and reliable support.

However, the setup isn’t completely simple. We recommend removing one or both of the volume spacers included with the 160mm-travel fork and applying much more pressure than RockShox suggests.

The Fox 36 GRIP2, which was somewhat more controllable in certain uncommon circumstances but not as supple over tiny bumps, was the only fork that came close to matching the Lyrik’s performance. Overall, we liked the Lyrik’s performance, which is also much less expensive.

We’ve also rode the 2023 Lyrik Ultimate, which provides even more comfort and puts the Lyrik ahead of the competition.

Fox 36 Factory GRIP2

Steve Behr’s Fox 36 Factory GRIP2.

• £1,139 price
• 27.5in with 160, 170, and 180mm travel; 29in with 160 (tested), 170mm travel
• 2,091g (about) (29in x 160mm)

The Fox 36 GRIP2 Factory is the most expensive fork we’ve ever tested. Fortunately, it matches in terms of performance.

Its four-way adjustable damper allows compression and rebound damping to be adjusted at high and low speeds. Fortunately, despite the wide range of changes, Fox nailed the setup instructions, making it one of the simplest forks to get in the correct ballpark.

It’s also one of the better performers, especially over large holes and choppy, uncertain terrain, where the independent high-speed rebound adjustment seems to make it more controlled and calm when returning from deep in the stroke if you’re running a lot of pressure in the spring, as we are.

It isn’t nearly as responsive off the top of the stroke as its arch competitor, the RockShox Lyrik, thus traction in low-load conditions isn’t quite as good.

Even with the compression damping completely open, it’s a bit stingy with its travel over larger hits, while being extremely active and supple over tiny bumps. This isn’t inherently a negative thing, but for long-run comfort, we’d like the high-speed compression to be a bit more open.

The 36 was the greatest fork we’ve ever used in certain circumstances, but we prefer the Lyrik overall because it has greater traction and sensitivity. It’s also less expensive.

Manitou Mezzer Pro (2023)

I was blown away with the fork’s performance. Alex Evans is a writer who lives in the United

• £1,050 (£899.99 / $999.99 / £899.99)
• 27.5in and 29in (tested) wheel sizes, both changeable between 140 and 180mm in 10mm increments. 160mm was put to the test.
• 2,093g (about) (29in x 160mm)

The Mezzer is a pleasant surprise, with a good mix of tiny bump sensitivity and bottom-out resistance. It’s very competent, no matter how far along it’s journey or how hard you push it.

The chassis also strikes the ideal mix of control, precision, and compliance, feeling rigid when it needs to be – such as under a turn – but not bouncing or juddering our front wheel off, reducing hand strain.

The high-speed compression of the MC2 damper is light enough to absorb rapid impacts and has proven to be very supple. Its low-speed damping adds to the air spring’s remarkable capabilities by providing lots of assistance during twists and compressions.

Although the air spring is difficult to set up – and you must follow the provided instructions to the letter – once it is, the performance it unlocks is almost unrivaled on the trail.

If you’re in the market for a new fork and have been contemplating the RockShox Lyrik or Fox 36 GRIP2, the Mezzer should be on your list as well.

The Manitou Mezzer was not evaluated as part of this fork group test, and it does not appear in the film, but it was tested and graded to the same standards, and it performed well.

Marzocchi Bomber Z1

Bomber Z1 by Marzocchi. Steve Behr

• The cost is £749
• 27.5in wheels with 130, 140, 150, 160, 170mm travel; 29in wheels with 150, 160 (tested), 170, 180mm travel
• 2,249g (about) (29in x 160mm)

Marzocchi is now a Fox sister brand, and the Z1 has many of the same features as the Fox 36 but is priced cheaper.

It’s one of the heaviest enduro forks on the market at 2,249g, but the additional weight isn’t really apparent on the trail due to the lower-grade aluminum used in the upper tubes.

Because the Z1 isn’t as soft at the start of its journey as the Fox 36, Yari, or Lyrik, it requires a lower air pressure to properly sag, as well as a good stack of volume spacers to prevent it from utilizing all of its travel too quickly.

It canters a little more readily in the center of its journey than the other forks, making it seem a little less predictable and polished. On the other hand, it eats kerb-sized pebbles like a champ, resulting in excellent long-run comfort.

The RockShox Yari is the most obvious similarity (below). The Z1 is more tolerant of heavy hits, making it more forgiving in big-hit situations, while the Yari is more supple at the start of the stroke, with greater traction and predictable support. It’s also a little lighter and less expensive.

In the end, the Yari comes out on top. However, if large impact capabilities is a must and you can’t afford the RockShox Lyrik or Fox 36, the Z1 is a viable alternative.

RockShox Yari RC Debonair

The Yari RC Debonair from RockShox. Behr, Steve

• £695 (AU$1,200) is the prize.
• For 27.5in and 29in wheels, travel choices include 150mm, 160mm (tested), 170mm, and 180mm.
• 2,129g in weight (29in x 160mm)

The Yari is built on the same sturdy 35mm chassis as its more expensive sister, the Lyrik. It now has the same Debonair spring, which is super-supple and class-leading.

The damper makes the difference. The Yari’s Motion Control unit doesn’t provide the same digressive damping as the Lyrik’s Charger damper, which blends low-speed support with high-speed suppleness.

As a consequence, it doesn’t feel as stable and supportive while braking, and it spikes (feels harsh and doesn’t utilize much travel) sometimes when slamming down to ground with a thud.

But, really, when compared against the finest of the best, it’s uncommon that the less sophisticated damper falls short.

The Yari outperforms virtually all other forks on the market in terms of long-run comfort and small-bump traction, even forks costing several hundred pounds more.

You may easily upgrade to a Lyrik spec damper later if the somewhat unpolished damper concerns you.

DT Swiss F 535 ONE

The F 535 ONE trail/enduro fork is a combination of the F 535 and the F 535 ONE. Behr, Steve

• 27.5in wheels with 130, 140, 150, and 160mm travel; 29in wheels with 130, 140, 150, and 160mm travel (tested)
• 2,160g in weight (29in x 160mm)

DT Swiss has been producing suspension forks for a long time, but the F 535 One is a significant step forward in terms of performance.

It uses a unique approach to spring and damping technology, and it’s one of the few forks we’ve tried that can compete with Fox and RockShox in terms of performance.

The damper becomes stiffer as it travels farther, increasing mid-stroke support while remaining supple at the start. Meanwhile, a tiny coil spring rests on the air spring’s end, which is said to assist speed up direction shifts for increased sensitivity.

This seems to work to some degree on the trail. The DT setup website is simple to use, and we quickly achieved a nice balance with excellent small-bump sensitivity and traction.

The damper also keeps the fork in place on high difficult terrain. It’s one of the top performers in certain circumstances, such as when there’s a lot of high-frequency noise.

When crashing into kerb-sized bumps or loading up hard into hardpack corners, it may go out of its depth; it isn’t quite as smooth or predictable as its competitors. Although DT claims that this fork is targeted primarily for the trail market, it is heavier than other enduro forks.

It’s worth considering if you don’t care about weight or crashing over bumpy terrain.

Also put to the test

Here you’ll discover reviews of the remaining forks we tried, but which didn’t quite equal the performance of the finest.

• Diamond D1 by DVO
• Helm Air Cane Creek
• HLR X Fusion Trace 36
• RXF 36 Evo by hlins
• Ribbon Air MRP

Here are some helpful definitions of words often used to describe forks to help you get the most out of the above reviews.

The top tubes (or stanchions), lower legs, crown, steerer tube, and thru-axle all make up the fork’s frame. It determines the stiffness of the fork as well as the amount of tyre clearance it provides.

The fork is clamped to the hub axle via the thru-axle. Nowadays, most axles are 15mm in diameter, but downhill forks utilize 20mm axles. The major difference between them is how simple they are to use, even though some are stiffer than others. Quick release axles make removing the wheel simpler, but they’re also heavier and more likely to snag on vegetation than axles that need an Allen key to install.

The spring of the fork is housed inside one of the legs. It takes energy from the rider or the tail and stores it. Coil springs look like a giant biro spring and offer a constant, linear spring rate, but they’re a pain to adjust to your preferences. Air springs are more common since they are lighter, easier to tune down to minute adjustments, and the end-stroke stiffness may be changed independently of the early travel.

Spring has become sour.

A positive and negative air chamber make form an air spring. The fork is held up by the positive air spring, while the negative spring (which may be a coil or air spring) pulls it down at the start of the journey, making it softer in the first stroke.

Spring’s self-adjustment

The pressure of self-equalizing forks is automatically balanced thanks to a transfer channel that enables air to move between the positive and negative air chambers. Because there is just one valve to regulate air pressure in both the positive and negative chambers, setting up the fork is simple.

Progressive springs are a kind of spring that is designed to

The spring rate (the amount by which the spring force rises per unit increase in travel) increases towards the conclusion of the trip in a progressive spring. A progressive spring develops force at a constant pace all the way to the end, while a linear spring generates force at the same rate throughout the journey.

spacers for volume

Plastic inserts are used in most air forks to decrease the capacity of the positive air chamber, making the fork more progressive (firmer towards the end of the travel). Instead, some forks employ an additional air chamber to regulate the progressiveness.

Compression damping at low speeds

When the fork travels slowly into its journey, the oil flow is restricted. This slows down the fork’s descent, but too much of it may make it feel unpleasant over tiny bumps.

Compression damping at high speeds

When the fork advances rapidly into its journey, the oil flow is restricted. When encountering bigger impacts or landings, this affects how much travel is utilized. Again, too much may be oppressive.

Too much high-speed compression damping causes harshness through the bars. When the flow of oil is limited, the fork is unable to compress fast enough to absorb a strong impact.

Mountain biking has more than one type of fork. Riders will typically choose between a soft suspension fork and a stiffer suspension fork. This makes sense; a soft suspension fork is a lighter option that carries less inertia for steering, but a stiffer suspension fork gives more natural suspension movement. A stiffer fork also absorbs more energy to absorb bumps and rough terrain, which is more important for riders who want a responsive ride. A good fork will allow riders to lower their center of gravity, especially when climbing, while still providing a responsive ride.. Read more about best 26” suspension fork and let us know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fork for enduro.

The best fork for Enduro is the Fox 40.

What is the best MTB suspension fork?

The best MTB suspension fork is the Rock Shox Reba RLT.

How do I choose a mountain bike suspension fork?

There are three main types of mountain bike suspension forks. The first is a coil-spring fork, the second is a dual-spring fork, and the third is a single-shock fork.

Related Tags

This article broadly covered the following related topics:

• best budget suspension fork
• best mountain bike forks
• best mtb forks 2018
• best mtb forks
• best xc fork 2017

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The best mountain bike fork 2021 – 9 suspension forks in review

The battle for the best enduro suspension fork is hotting up. Muscled up forks with bigger and burlier chassis have entered the arena, throwing down the gauntlet to the skinnier forebears. We put 9 of the best 170 mm suspension forks to the test to find out which comes out on top.

For the last 2 years, it’s fair to say that not a lot has happened on the mainstream suspension fork scene. Yes, there have been small revisions to some of the leading forks, but there has been nothing groundbreaking. This year, instead of small evolutionary steps, some brands have taken a giant leap. Of course, we mean the two suspension giants FOX and RockShox who have both released their new 38 mm platforms to complement their existing 35 and 36 mm enduro offerings. Alongside the new Manitou Mezzer PRO, these bigger and burlier forks have made us ask whether stiffer forks are better. Will a stiffer fork make us faster or give us more control? To find out, we tested these burlier forks alongside the best 35 and 36 mm options in our group test, abusing them mercilessly on some gnarly Scottish terrain.

Table of contents

Suspension fork faq, what makes a great suspension fork, how to choose the right suspension fork for your bike, how should i set up my suspension fork, the contenders – which forks did we include in this group test, how we tested the suspension forks, where did we test, four things we learned from the 2021 fork test, which is the best enduro fork of 2021, what is a mountain bike suspension fork.

While containing many complex components, a suspension fork has a simple function. To lessen the impact of trail obstacles by absorbing their energy through its compression. The suspension fork has three main elements:

Damper – The damper’s function is to convert the kinetic energy of the spring into heat energy, usually by forcing oil through adjustable ports. The damper helps control the speed at which the suspension can compress and extend. The damper is found in the opposite fork leg to the spring.

Spring – The spring absorbs the energy created by an impact, isolating the rider from it. The spring stores the energy, releasing it when the fork extends, while the damper converts excess energy to heat. The stiffness of a spring is defined by its spring rate, the ratio of force per distance the spring is compressed. The spring is found in the opposite fork leg to the damper.

Chassis – The chassis of the fork houses the spring and damper, providing a strong and stable platform for the internals to work effectively and providing accurate steering for the rider.

What is the difference between coil and air springs in a suspension fork?

The spring component of the fork can be either an air spring or a coil spring. Coil springs are linear, meaning that the amount the coil compresses under a given load is identical no matter where the spring is in its travel. Some manufacturers now make progressive-rate springs with varying coil spacing, requiring more force to compress the spring the same distance at the end of the stroke than at the beginning. By far the most popular choice, most mountain bikes now come fitted with air sprung forks. An air spring is a sealed chamber filled with air. Under compression, the fork lowers push an internal air piston up against the air in the chamber, reducing its volume and increasing the pressure. This increase in pressure applies an opposing force to the air piston, pushing it back out again. Unlike coil springs, air springs have a progressive spring curve, the amount of force required to compress the spring increases exponentially through the stroke. The advantage of air springs is that their spring rate is defined by the air pressure in the air chamber, therefore they are easily adjusted by the user using a simple pump.

What does a negative spring do in my suspension fork?

Before your fork can start moving in response to an impact, it needs to reach the breakaway force. The breakaway force is the sum of the forces of the static friction of the seals and the pressure in the positive air chamber against the air piston. To reduce the breakaway force, either pressurised air or a coil spring can be added behind the piston to oppose the main air chamber spring and counterbalance the breakaway force. This is known as a negative spring. Most air negative air-springs use a valve or bypass dimple to equalise the pressure in the negative and positive spring, so the initial pressure on either side of the air piston is the same.

What does the damper do in my suspension fork?

The force of an impact transmits energy into the suspension, with the spring storing and returning energy by compressing and extending, while the damper stops the spring from bouncing uncontrollably or oscillating, controlling the rate at which it moves. Like the air spring, the damper is a chamber containing a piston that can move up and down, actuated by the movement of the suspension. Unlike the air spring, the chamber is filled with damping fluid, usually some kind of oil. When the damper is compressed, the volume of the immersing shaft displacing some of that oil, forcing it through the adjustable orifices of the compression damper – located at the top. When the fork extends again, the shaft is pulled in the other direction. The head of the shaft houses both the piston and the rebound damping. As the shaft extends, oil is forced from one side of the piston to the other, moving through the adjustable orifices of the rebound damping circuit. As the fluid flows, friction is generated, converting the energy stored in the suspension to heat. The tighter the restriction, i.e. the smaller the opening of adjustable orifices/valving, the more energy is converted as the oil flows through the damper, and in turn, the higher the damping.

What is rebound damping?

Rebound damping controls the speed at which compressed suspension extends after an impact. If rebound damping is too low (-) the suspension will extend too fast and feel bouncy and out of control. If the rebound damping is too high (+) the suspension will not recover fast enough after repeated impacts and pack down, sinking ever lower into its travel and performing poorly.

What is low-speed compression damping?

Low-speed compression damping influences your suspension characteristics at low shaft speeds (not bike speeds), predominantly influencing the mid-portion of the suspension travel. If you feel like you have achieved a good spring rate with good small bump performance and good bottom-out control but you feel that the bike lacks mid-stroke support, sinking deep into its travel when you brake hard, ride steep trails or push the bike into corners and jump faces, you need to add more low-speed compression damping. Adding low-speed compression damping does decrease suspension sensitivity, so you only want to add the minimum level to achieve enough support.

What is high-speed compression damping?

The most expensive forks and rear shocks have a high-speed compression damping adjustment (HSC), controlling the damping when the suspension compresses at high shaft speeds (big, fast impacts). If you find that your fork or shock is still bottoming out too easily and have a high-end shock and fork with the option, you can adjust your high-speed compression damping. Adding more high-speed compression damping reduces the amount of travel the fork uses in high-speed impacts (shaft speed not bike speed). Low levels of high-speed compression result in digressive damping which allows full travel easily in response to big, fast hits.

When I set up my fork, should I measure the adjustments from fully closed or fully open?

You should always measure the number of ‘clicks’ of your fork settings from fully closed (maximum damping). This gives a better reference point, as when fully opening the ports inside your suspension, the last click or so tends to be a little vague due to different tolerances from fork to fork.

How should I set up my suspension fork sag?

Sag is important when setting up your suspension fork. Sag is the amount your fork compresses under the rider weight (including riding gear) and setting the correct sag is the only way of reaching the optimum air pressure for your riding weight and style. Most fork manufacturers recommend between 15-20% sag depending on riding style. Sag can also be considered a tuning method. Changing the amount of sag on the forks changes the geometry of your bike, running less sag will cause the front of the bike to stay high on steep trails and under braking but will result in a harsher ride with less cornering traction. Running more sag will give a more comfortable ride with more grip, but lower the front end height under hard braking and on steep trails. It’s all a balance. In general, more sag (20%) is better for cornering, increasing weight on the front wheel and helping the front end dive through turns, while less sag (15%) is better for high-speed stability and pedalling efficiency.

How often should I service my suspension fork?

Let’s face it, nobody likes spending money on servicing. Instead, we would love to spend all our expendable cash on shiny new bike kit. However, you wouldn’t buy a Ferrari 488 and never change the oil. Suspension forks are complex moving parts and therefore require frequent lubrication. Investing time keeping your fork well serviced will give you a noticeable performance benefit. All the forks in this test use suspension oil in the lowers to lubricate the seals and while a full damper service may be beyond the capabilities of most amateur mechanics, a lower leg service is a very straightforward process. Most fork brands produce service schedules and useful how-to videos and tutorials and learning how to do a basic service is a treat for you and your bike. Changing oil regularly will not only boost your mechanical kung-fu but also leave you with silky smooth forks.

What do I do if my suspension fork creaks?

Creaking forks are unnerving and nearly all manufacturers suffer from this with a very small proportion of their forks. Telltale symptoms include sharp cracking or popping sounds under braking or full compression. The issue may sometimes be down to dirt or grime under the crown race, but is more often the stanchions creaking in the press fit crown. Both RockShox and FOX are the biggest offenders, not because their forks necessarily creak more than others but because their forks are far more popular, and therefore rare problems are seen in larger numbers. If your fork creaks under hard braking, the first step is to check and clean the crown race and headset bearing faces. If, after that, your fork still creaks then it’s time to call in the professionals and drop off your fork at a service centre. Many manufacturers will replace the CSU (crown, steerer and stanchion assembly) under warranty.

Can I adjust my mountain bike suspension fork travel?

If you frequently buy new frames or like to adjust the geometry of your bike, then a fork with adjustable travel may be desirable. While there used to be on-trail travel adjust systems a few years ago, such systems tended to compromise performance. The current range of top-tier enduro forks are fixed travel. However, some of the forks like the Manitou Mezzer Pro have internally adjustable travel, allowing you to change the travel up to 50 mm using internal travel reducers. This does require partial disassembly of the fork but allows a lot of flexibility and takes the worry out of experimenting with a travel change. The travel of the other forks can be adjusted but in most cases, a different length air spring will need to be purchased.

Why do we not have upside-down suspension forks like motorbikes?

We have been waiting for a good upside-down suspension fork for years. Once motorbikes went upside-down they never looked back. so why don’t we have an inverted fork? Inverted forks make a lot of sense, as you hammer down the trail, the highest fore-aft stress your forks encounter is under the crown where the leverage is highest. On a standard fork, this is where the stanchions are bonded into the crown. On an upside fork, this point can be substantially thicker using more material, resulting in more fore-aft stiffness. However, having no arch means that upside-down forks have always suffered from increased lateral flex. We’ve tested a number of upside-down forks over the years and have found that while they offer many advantages in ride comfort, they still lack the precise steering in high-load situations that aggressive riders require and often come at a price premium. We did invite an upside-down fork to this test but it was declined as it was deemed that our findings would be the same.

While unquestionably complex, a suspension fork has three main components. Firstly, it has a spring to absorb the violent hits when you roll foolishly into a crazy line. Secondly, the fork contains an oil-filled damper, which controls the speed of the spring. By forcing oil through small ports it converts the kinetic energy of the spring into heat. The best dampers will provide support and stability on steep terrain, keeping the fork high in its travel under hard braking and weight shifts, and using full travel only when needed. Finally, the fork needs a stiff chassis, allowing steering inputs from the bars to be translated accurately onto the trail, carving accurate lines while under pressure and keeping you out of the trees. Often, with infinite tuning configurations, the best forks will be easy to set up to your riding style and home trails without needing a PhD in suspension kinematics.

When it comes to choosing the best suspension fork for your bike, there are several points you need to consider.

Wheel size The first consideration is the wheel size. Yes, you can physically fit a 27.5” wheel into a 29” fork, but the axle to crown distance (if you buy a fork with the same travel) will be different on the longer 29” fork, changing the geometry of your bike.

Travel Unless you know what you are doing or are looking to change the personality of your bike, it is best to stick to the amount of travel the bike comes with from the factory. Fitting a longer travel fork will raise both the stack height and bottom bracket height of your bike, impacting the handling. Also, fitting a longer travel fork may void your bike’s warranty.

Air or coil? There has been something of a resurgence of coil forks and shocks in the enduro sector. Finally, riders are realising that overall bike weight is less important than performance, allowing them to choose products that help their riding, not the readout on a scale. Requiring fewer seals, and therefore having less friction, coil spring forks have always been the champion of small bump compliance, smoothing the trail and providing huge grip. Air forks are certainly the most popular choice and while arguably they still cannot match a coil for sensitivity (though they are now very close), they are significantly lighter and can be easily adjusted to different rider weights where a coil fork might require a different spring to be installed. Generally, due to the nature of air compressing inside the spring, air forks have more progression, giving more support to the middle and end of the stroke. However, many of the latest coil forks feature technologies to increase end stroke support, such as the mechanical Ramp Control in the MRP or the trapped air volumes in the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 coil.

Which offset is best?

The concept is simple: the shorter the fork offset, the longer the trail (the horizontal distance between where the wheel and the steering axis contact the ground). In theory, longer trail stabilises the steering and traditionally, manufacturers gave 29ers longer offsets to produce shorter trails for faster steering. However, that thinking is changing now that we are riding big wheels in harder terrain. Many brands are now offering multiple offsets per wheel size, such as the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate that offers both 51 and 42 mm offsets in 29” (46 and 37 mm in 27.5”). After extensive back-to-back testing with both offsets, we found that any differences in ride feel are very small and quickly counteracted by the rider’s position. We tend to choose the shorter offsets for our own bikes as there seems to be no loss of agility or responsiveness to the steering.

Chassis stiffness – is bigger always better?

The diameter of the stanchions of a suspension fork often dictates its intended use. Forks with bigger stanchions are heavier and stiffer, thus most often used with longer travel for more gravity focussed use.

The new, bigger 38 mm stanchions are hot property in the enduro fork world right now and are claimed to be significantly stronger and stiffer. It might seem like a lot of excitement over a 2 mm increase. However, given the same wall thickness, doubling the diameter of a tube increases the tube stiffness four times, meaning that small changes in diameter play a bigger role than you may think. That said, there’s always a sweet spot as increasing the diameter of a tube often increases the weight. Also, we need to start asking when a fork is too stiff. Just like overly stiff carbon wheels that reduce grip in certain situations, compliance is important in forks too.

If you race, are a very heavy rider or push hard enough to flex a FOX 36 or RockShox Lyrik, then the latest generation of super forks will be ideal for you. However, if you are looking for more of an all-round bike for fun laps with friends and post-work shreds, the lighter and more comfortable 36/35 mm chassis may be the best choice. It’s ‘mountain bike rider nature’ to lust after the latest models and flagship products, but by being honest with yourself about how and where you ride, you will end up with a more balanced bike that best suits the riding you do.

There are no longer good and bad forks, only good and great forks. Now, more than ever, the correct setup is key. If you want to find out more about how to get the most out of your bike, check out our complete guide to suspension fork setup . You can have the incredible RockShox Lyrik Ultimate but if you set it up badly, it will perform worse than a well set up RockShox Yari RC. Unlike shocks, where frame engineers use the rear suspension kinematics to control the forces acting on the shock, suspension forks all encounter the same leverage ratio: 1:1. Different riders with different riding styles may want different responses from their suspension fork. Some desire buttery smooth small bump compliance, some want huge support for big jumps and high speeds, some just want an easy-going touring setup. Manufacturers now have to balance the needs of those who want a good setup from the box, with those who love tinkering and agonise over one click of compression damping. Tuning focussed brands like DVO, FOX and Manitou allow almost every aspect of the suspension performance to be modified to suit the rider’s preferences, while Marzocchi, Ӧhlins and RockShox try to keep setup simple.

The aim of this test was to find the ultimate enduro fork – the fork that delivers the highest performance on everything from fast and loose natural singletrack to full-bore shit-yourself downhill tracks. Dual crown forks were out, as were skinny and flexible trail forks that put too much emphasis on reducing weight. We tested each fork at 170 mm (except for the FOX 36 which was tested at 160 mm due to its new position in the FOX lineup) and in the 29er wheel size. Both FOX and RockShox have huge lineups so we tested both their 36 and Lyrik platforms, as well as the bigger 38 and ZEB big-hitters. The Manitou Mezzer PRO and Öhlins RXF 36 M2 Air had to be included as both use three air chambers for extreme tunability. We wanted some coil options too – for riders who want minimal maintenance and easy setup, coil makes a lot of sense. The MRP Ribbon Coil stood out with it’s Ramp Control feature allowing the end-stroke progression to be adjusted and we had heard great things about the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil. Rounding out the 9 fork test field was the DVO Onyx SC D1 as a tuner’s favourite, giving great control over every aspect of the fork.

Where is the Formula Selva, Intend Edge, EXT ERA and the burlier Öhlins?

There are some notable omissions in this group test with EXT, Formula and Intend missing, though all were invited to participate. EXT were keen to meet their pre-orders before sending a fork, but we have one coming and will update the review as soon as we have given it a hammering. Formula did not think that their Selva R fitted well with the latest 38 mm chassis forks and declined the offer – perhaps they are working on something new? We were keen to get a new Intend upside-down fork into the test but owner Cornelius indicated that our findings would be similar to the last fork we tested and declined our offer. By the time we headed into our back to back test session, the burlier RXF38 offering from Öhlins was still a well kept Swedish secret. However, we are very excited to put the stiffer chassis Öhlins head to head against the competition soon.

While undeniably fun, it’s not an easy job testing suspension forks. With infinitely variable air springs, bottomless tokens and 4-way adjustable dampers, the possible configurations of each fork are almost limitless and that’s before even thinking about custom tuning. A well set up average fork will easily outperform a poorly setup exceptional fork, so it’s important to ensure each fork is dialled in before testing. We were interested to see how much time you allocate to fork setup and so we reached out over Instagram . Given the choice between “Less than one hour” or “More than one hour” over 650 of you responded and the responses were split 50/50. That means for every one of you that likes to incrementally tweak the low-speed compression adjuster each and every ride, there’s someone else who sets their fork once in the car park and never looks at it again.

Many brands are working hard to make their suspension forks easier to set up. Nearly all the models in this group test now feature recommended pressure stickers on the fork legs and some have interactive tuning apps to help the rider get a good starting point. The brand who is doing the best is certainly RockShox. Not only do they offer their TrailHead app, walking you through suspension setup but the ZEB and Lyrik both have sag markings on the stanchions, letting you quickly establish if you have the correct air pressure in the fork.

How did we test?

During the back to back sessions, we first set the fork using the manufacturer’s recommended setting for a given rider weight (fully kitted). Sag was recorded and recommended compression settings were used if given by the manufacturer. Several shuttle runs were performed to assess the manufacturer recommended setup before the test riders were free to tune the forks to their own preference. Forks were swapped during the midday break to ensure a reference point while experiences were still fresh. Runs were timed to be able to compare forks further and the testers rode at a speed where they were fast, but not out of control.

There’s no place like home, especially when your UK office is based in the Tweed Valley, Scotland. With world-class, shuttle accessed DH and enduro trails right on the doorstep, we decided to keep the test close to home, on tracks that we had ridden thousands of times. Using the Adrenalin Uplift shuttle for support, we established two test tracks: the first a derivative of the legendary iXS downhill track with high-speed root gardens, eyeball popping turns and some fair-sized step-downs. The second took us from the doubles of Make or Brake into the fiercely washed out and hammered turns of Gold Run. Both tracks were just over 3 minutes of flat-out descending and each of the test riders knew every inside line and compression.

The test team

Everyone’s thoughts on suspension and setup are different, so it was important that we had a large test team to put the forks through their paces.

We didn’t ride any faster on the bigger 38 mm platforms

Looking at the timing data, switching from a FOX 36 to FOX 38 or Lyrik Ultimate to a ZEB Ultimate did not result in an observable increase in speed. While we picked terrain that should have favoured a bigger fork, our 75–90 kg riders were just as fast on the (relatively) smaller platforms. We did find the big FOX 38 was more sensitive and offered slightly more grip, but it didn’t take chunks out of the stopwatch. Admittedly, we weren’t riding at race pace but were riding at the fastest speed the bike allowed without risk of crashing – the kind of speed you run when hunting down your mates on a trail. Racers may be able to exploit the stiffer chassis when riding right on the limit to save a few seconds here and there but if your riding is more mid-pack, upgrading to a 38 mm chassis will not put you on top of the podium.

Some forks take a lot longer to set up

To get the best out of their product, suspension designers need to make it easy for us. When you jump into a car, you don’t need a manual to work out how to make it warmer inside. It should be the same with suspension forks. RockShox is ahead of the curve here and both their Lyrik and ZEB platforms can be set up in 10 minutes with a wide sweet-spot. The Manitou Mezzer is the toughest fork to get right, with its low pressures and very sensitive IRT chamber, it is one for those who enjoy taking time to dial in their settings.

Coil still has its place

The Marzocchi Bomber Z1 was a highlight in this group test. Yes, it is basic. Yes, you need to find the spring rate that works for you. And yes, it’s a heavy beast. But once you find the correct spring, the top-tier performance let us keep up with the big boys effortlessly. Surprisingly progressive and supportive, it’s the standout bargain in this group test if you can swallow the additional weight. However, putting a coil inside a fork does not automatically make it great and it needs to be balanced with a supportive chassis. The MRP Ribbon Coil frustrated us with its vague chassis, holding us back on the descents.

Whatever happened to 20 mm axles?

With most manufacturers now focussing their marketing on chassis support and accurate steering, it feels as though we missed an opportunity with 20 mm axles. With the new 38 mm platforms now offering 190 mm of travel, 15 mm is now the universal standard for single-crown fork axles and the stiffer and stronger 20 mm thru-axle format has almost been eradicated from the enduro sector. Going against common sense, no forks in this test have a 20 mm option. For 2021, when it comes to enduro forks, the 20 mm thru-axle is dead.

What a battle of the titans it was! With testing over, we were left with crashes, broken bones, countless impacts and a whole lot of hollering. Overall, the standard of forks in the test was very impressive – never before has going so fast been so effortlessly easy.

Starting with our least favourite fork, the MRP Ribbon coil struggled to keep up through rock gardens and over big hits, feeling over-active in the middle of the travel with a flexible chassis. Compared to the best of the competition, we were braking sooner and less confident pushing the limit. There was nothing trail about the Ӧhlins RXF M2, which is a great upgrade over the outgoing model. The Ramp Up chamber offers easier adjustment of the spring rate than swapping out tokens, allowing you to quickly find a setup that works for you. Compared to the best in test, the fork lacks the buttery small bump compliance, though the heavier damping feels better the faster you go. The DVO Onyx SC D1 is a real tuner’s dream. Using the O.T.T adjustment we were highly impressed with the fork’s ability to track the ground like a coil. Under hard and fast repetitive hits, the Onyx makes swift progress but it is a heavy beast. If you really don’t care about your suspension setup and just want a fork that works, then buy a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil. It’s effortless to set up and boasts performance that defies its affordable price tag. It really is the hidden gem in this lineup but is not one for weight weenies, adding a lot of weight to the bike. The FOX 36 2021 has seen some good updates too. Downgraded to an all-mountain fork, we didn’t feel that it held us back on full-gas DH trails. When ridden back-to-back against the RockShox Lyrik 2021, we found we could find a good setup quicker on the Lyrik and it stayed higher in the travel, maintaining the bike’s geometry better while still absorbing the big hits. The RockShox Lyrik won our group test last year and is still the fork to beat. The 2021 model boasts improved performance and is still great value, offering all you could need unless your riding style dictates a super stiff chassis. It takes our Best Buy award.

And then we come to the big hitters. If big-hit stability, rock gardens and sending it at every opportunity is part of your normal riding vocabulary, then you will undoubtedly be drawn to the bigger chassis forks. The Manitou Mezzer is an impressive performer but you will need patience and accurate adjustments to get the best out of it. A champion of mid-stroke support, the Mezzer handles steep trails with effortless composure but the heavy damping never quite delivered the silky-smooth ride we were hoping for. The RockShox ZEB Ultimate also requires accurate pressures to get the best out of it but it’s an easier fork to set up and with its high and supportive ride height, it’s the people’s champion. While not quite as easy to set up at the ZEB, once you have the FOX 38 Factory dialled in, it gives unrivalled small bump compliance without any sacrifice in mid-stroke support. The FOX 38 delivered no matter where we were in the travel and when the going got really tough, it was the fork we all wanted to run, meaning it took the Best in Test award.

BEST IN TEST FOX 38 GRIP2 Factory

The new FOX 38 is more than just a beefed-up 36. Instead, it feels more like a mini 40 with sublime damping and support. Available in 170–180 mm travel, it’s the ideal complement to the latest hard-hitting, gravity-focussed 29er enduro rigs and eMTBs. Overall, for those looking to push their riding very hard in the bike park, the FOX 38 is the best performing enduro fork on the market we’ve tested, taking the Best In Test. Read the full review here .

• amazing stiffness/performance balance
• next level grip and support

• one of our forks creaked
• controls need more defined clicks

BEST BUY RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 2021

The RockShox Lyrik RC2 took our Best in Test in 2018 and the latest Ultimate model is still the standard by which all other forks are measured. The FOX 38 and ZEB may be a better choice for heavy-duty bike park thrashers, but faced with a gnarly natural alpine trail, the Lyrik Ultimate really is all you will need. With sweet-spot performance and an amazing price, the Lyrik is still our top recommendation, taking our Best Buy award. Read the full review here .

• superb sensitivity and performance
• effortless setup

DVO ONYX SC D1

The DVO Onyx is a potent performer, with a stiff chassis and its O.T.T control that allows you to fine-tune the sensitivity without compromising support. The fork feels very well made, and ridden back to back delivers a similar ride quality as the “best buy” RockShox Lyrik. However, it does come with a weight penalty. If you’re looking for something different and something you can tune extensively, then the DVO Onyx will not hold you back. Read the full review here .

• excellent damping
• O.T.T works really well
• HSC is overkill and hard to use
• coil weight despite the air-spring

FOX 36 2021 GRIP2 Factory

On the trail, the FOX 36 Factory feels, well, like a FOX 36. It’s a fork at the very top of its game. The GRIP2 damper gives huge control over the rebound and compression circuits with both high- and low- speed adjustment and once dialled in, grip and support are exceptional. However, it is still a very expensive fork and the competition is hotting up. Read the full review here .

• amazingly balanced performance
• full control over the ride feel
• expensive compared to the Lyrik
• requires experience to set up correctly

Manitou Mezzer PRO

The Manitou Mezzer PRO takes a very different approach to set up and needs more attention to reach its optimum performance. Tuners, or those who are very particular about their setup will love the Manitou Mezzers as it offers almost unlimited control. We found we could dial in huge mid-stroke support without compromising the end of the travel, but we never managed to get the same small bump compliance as the leading forks in the test. Read the full review here .

• infinite tuning options
• great mid- and end-stroke control
• more involved setup
• sensitivity is good but not great

Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil

If you are looking for quick setup, maximum grip, minimal maintenance and don’t care about weight, then you can stop reading now. The Marzocchi Bomber Z1 is the fork for you and will also save you a lump of cash. However, the fork is very heavy and adds a considerable amount of weight to the bike. If you fall comfortably in the middle of the spring rate, the Z1 will likely deliver exceptional performance out of the box. Read the full review here .

• very good small bump performance and sensitivity
• more progressive than expected
• performance will depend on suitable spring rate

MRP Ribbon Coil

Overall, the MRP Ribbon Coil proved a comfortable and extremely sensitive trail fork. However, when pushed in rough terrain, more aggressive riders will find it too flexy and lacking in support. If you are looking for a burly enduro fork, we would look elsewhere. Read the full review here .

• smooth small-bump performance
• Ramp Control works to increase end-stroke control
• chassis flex leads to unpredictability
• linear feel and limited support

Öhlins RXF 36 M2 Air

Though having additional air chambers to tune may sound complicated, in practice the Ӧhlins is very easy to set up and performs exceptionally well. Stiffer and higher-performing than the original RXF, the Öhlins RXF 36 M2 is a viable alternative to the big-hitters from FOX and RockShox. With a heavily damped tune, it will be a fork that feels best under heavy or more aggressive riders, getting better the faster you go. Read the full review here .

• very tunable thanks to the Ramp chamber
• excellent support and performance
• heavy damping suits stronger riders
• lacks small bump sensitivity

RockShox ZEB Ultimate

If a RockShox Lyrik isn’t burly enough for you, you will love the RockShox ZEB. The ZEB is super accurate, effortlessly easy to set up and delivers an aggressive price point. It’s a fork for those who measure air time in seconds, or who can push the O-ring to the top on corners. However, with minimal compliance, you need to ride hard to get the best from it. For most, the Lyrik will be the more rounded choice. Read the full review here .

• easy to get a good setup
• stiffest fork on test for crazy accuracy
• you have to ride it hard
• never really shines

More important articles for you to check out

In addition to this group test, we have a number of important suspension-related articles for you to check out. Here’s our ultimate guide to setting up your MTB suspension , our group test of the best shock pumps and how to prevent arm pump . Be sure to check them out!

All forks on test : DVO Onyx SC D1 | FOX 36 2021 Grip2 Factory | FOX 38 2021 Grip2 Factory | Manitou Mezzer PRO | Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil | MRP Ribbon Coil | Öhlins RXF36 M2 Air | RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 2021 | RockShox ZEB Ultimate

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Photos: Finlay Anderson

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FOX 38 Factory - GRIP2

Regular price $ 624.50 sale price $ 1,249.00.

Unit price / per 

Color & Axle

THE HARD HITTING LONG-TRAVEL ENDURO SPECIALIST

When you need to go really big, reach for the 38. Optimized for 160-180mm of travel and packing the same revolutionary feature set as the 36, the 38 redefines what you think a long travel single crown fork is capable of, and sets a new benchmark for confidence, performance, and durability. Welcome to the big time.

Your FOX 38 Fork:

FOX 38 Factory Specs

Upper Tube Finish: Kashima Coat Air Channels: Yes Bleeders: Yes Floating Axle: Yes Rotor Size: 180 direct Post Mount, Up to 230 compatible Mud Guard Mount: Optional FOX 36/38 Mud Guard with sturdy 4-point direct-mount attachment Air Spring: FLOAT EVOL Steerer: 1.5 Taper Starting Weight: 2180 g

Tuning & Product Manuals

Shipping & returns policy.

We offer  free standard shipping on all orders of $99 and above.  We offer standard flat rate shipping for $10 on orders under $100 and expedited shipping based on your location.

Please note we do not ship outside of the USA. Please Visit our Canadian FOX Shop for shipments to Canada. Typically you will receive a tracking number within 2 business days following your order.

Within 30 days of purchase online FOX will accept returns of all returned with original packaging in unused condition. To initiate the return please fill out the returns form and await contact by email from our Customer Service Team. Please note shipping charges will not be refunded.

FLOATING AXLE

Floating axles might look similar to other axles, but in fact they offer a distinct performance advantage due to their unique ability to match the exact width of the fork’s wheel mounting surface precisely to the front hub flange spacing, thus creating perfect chassis alignment and eliminating unwanted friction between the upper and lower fork legs. Floating axles provide much smoother suspension movement throughout the entire range of the fork’s travel, notably improving sensitivity and overall ride quality.

LOWER LEG BYPASS CHANNELS

As a fork compresses, the air volume within the lower legs decreases, increasing air pressure. The more the fork compresses, the more pressure increases. This effect can have the unintended consequence of preventing full travel from being achieved. Our lower leg channels help alleviate this issue by dramatically increasing air volume within the lower legs and thereby reducing the amount of additional unintended pressure ramping.

Our lower leg bleeders allow for atmospheric pressure equalization at the simple press of a button. Pressure build-up in the lower legs dramatically decreases fork performance, preventing full travel from being achieved, and diminishing small bump sensitivity and responsiveness.

LOWER LEG ARCH

Stiffness-to-weight is the ultimate metric for bicycle design. Engineers invest countless hours poring over every ounce of material in an effort to optimize this critical ratio. Our all-new lower leg design pulls out all the stops, shaving every possible gram while making sure not to compromise stiffness or strength requirements of modern enduro and gravity style riding.

Our GRIP2 damper is the benchmark for unparalleled ride quality and ultra-precise adjustability. GRIP2 includes our patented Variable Valve Control (VVC) technology which allows for external fine-tuning of suspension performance. GRIP2 achieves with the twist of a knob what typically requires the time consuming and complicated task of completely disassembling and reassembling the fork.

EVOL technology increases negative air spring volume, optimizing small bump sensitivity. EVOL’s linear spring curve delivers plushness off the top, extra mid-stroke support, and more tunable bottom-out progression.

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Fox Suspension launches brand new 38 enduro fork

Fox's new big single-crown bruiser could have RockShox worried

Immediate Media

After spotting Fox athletes on a new, burly-looking fork, internet-experts have long suspected Fox was working on a new fork with 38mm upper tubes. Well, the pundits were right and the Fox 38 is finally here!

• 2021 Fox Suspension range update overview
• Mountain bike suspension setup: video guides to help you get the most from your bike

More surprisingly, the 36 and 40 have had been completely overhauled too, with several major updates shared with the all-new 38.

Fox’s big-hitting X2 (coil) and Float X2 (air) shocks have been completely redesigned as well. Click here to learn more about those updates .

The imaginatively-named Fox 38 is designed for long-travel enduro bikes. It's available with 160 to 180mm travel, while the new Fox 36 is reduced to 150mm or 160mm options.

Those looking for a 160mm-travel fork will be able to choose the 36 or 38, in which case Fox recommends the 38 for heavy or aggressive riders, particularly those using 29in wheels, due to its stiffer chassis.

The 36 still has a place for the weight-conscious (it's about 150g lighter) or those who prefer the extra compliance offered by the flexier fork.

But the 38 isn't just a scaled-up 36. It's got a range of new features and technologies designed to make it more capable, more adjustable and more supple. Many of these updates are shared with the redesigned 36, while some are unique to the 38.

2021 Fox 38 fork chassis details

Most obviously, the chassis is completely different. Not only are the upper tubes a larger diameter, but the arch, crown, steerer tube and axle are brand new designs.

Elliptical steerer tube tech for stiffer forks

One notable difference is the 38's elliptical steerer tube, designed to increase fore-aft stiffness.

According to Fox, the 38 is 31 per cent stiffer laterally, 17 per cent stiffer fore/aft and 38 per cent torsionally stiffer than the 2021 Fox 36.

The obvious follow-on question to that is how does the stiffness of the 2021 36 compare to previous models? Fox couldn't answer that at the time, but if we learn more we'll let you know.

Another obvious change for Fox is a new, more rounded arch, which increases head tube clearance when the fork bottoms out, while increasing stiffness-to-weight ratio.

Bleed ports and air/oil channels

On the back of the fork, lower leg bleeders are designed to easily release excess air pressure that can build up in the lowers, particularly when riding in hot weather or at altitude. This pressure can otherwise reduce initial sensitivity.

While it is possible to relieve this pressure in any fork by sliding a thin, clean zip-tie behind the wiper seal, the bleed buttons make it much easier. These feature on 2021 Fox 36, 38 and 40 forks.

All three models also share a brand-new feature for Fox, which can be seen on the back of the lower. Air/oil channels (the tapered ridges on which the bleed buttons sit) effectively increase the air volume of the lowers by allowing air to flow past the bushings into the space above.

This extra volume prevents excessive and unavoidable ramp up in force as the fork nears the end of its travel and the air in the lowers is compressed into the small remaining volume. This was arguably an issue on the 2020 GRIP2 36 because the damper takes up more volume than the FIT4 damper.

According to Fox, the channels also allow droplets of lubrication oil to be pushed up to the bushings along with the air, which is forced through the channels. This should make for better lubrication, less friction and slower wear.

A floating axle should compensate for hub width differences

The 2021 forks also share a new floating axle, which is designed to account for manufacturing tolerances in hub widths, allowing the fork legs to remain exactly parallel with any hub, thereby reducing friction.

Believe it or not, hubs are not all exactly the same width. If you have multiple wheelsets you may have noticed that some require a different axle lever position to provide the same tightness. I measured two Boost front hubs I had lying around with a Vernier gauge, and there was nearly 0.5mm difference in width between them.

Most fork axles squeeze both legs together to clamp the hub between them. So, if the hub is out of spec, the legs won't be perfectly parallel, and this creates unnecessary friction and wear.

Fox's floating axle has a stepped collar near the right-hand side. As the axle is tightened, this collar clamps the hub against the left fork leg. The right leg is then free to settle into its neutral position, exactly parallel to the opposite leg when the fork is cycled. The pinch bolt is then tightened down to hold the legs parallel.

Forks will ship with a quick-release version of the floating axle. This isn’t stepped – it’s 15mm all the way along – but is used with a separate, sliding sleeve inside the right leg. The axle pushes on the sleeve, which in turn clamps the hub against the left leg.

The sleeve is then held in place by tightening the pinch bolt. The 15mm QR axle can then be removed and replaced while the sleeve remains locked in position, maintaining the same width while the wheel is removed. When swapping between wheels, you may need to reset the position of the sleeve.

The QR axle weighs about 75g more than the Allen key version, according to Fox.

The QR axle is similar to previous 15mm axes, but a floating sleeve sits inside the lower, which acts like the step in the non-QR axle.

The 38 and 36 are compatible with an optional bolt-on mudguard. Personally, I reckon it's a bit short to do too much good in really foul weather.

The mudguard bolts securely into four holes, but is disappointingly short in my opinion.

2021 Fox 38 fork air spring

The air spring is unique to the 38. Rather than the air piston sealing against the inside of the stanchion wall (like most forks), the 38 uses a separate, narrower air sleeve that sits inside the stanchion.

This is claimed to reduce friction due to smaller internal diameter and therefore surface area, when compared to using the inside of the stanchion wall.

Also, because the separate air spring is somewhat isolated from chassis flex, this is claimed to reduce the side-load on the piston when the fork bends.

2021 Fox 38 fork damper

An updated GRIP2 damper uses VVC (variable valve control) on the compression as well as rebound valving (previous GRIP2 had VVC valving on rebound only).

Most high-speed adjusters work by changing the preload on a spring, which pushes on a shim that holds the valve closed; this spring determines how much damping force is required before the oil can push open the valve and flow past.

VVC works by effectively changing the stiffness of the spring, rather than the preload, thereby allowing the valve to open more smoothly rather than popping open suddenly. This should make for a more linear increase in damping force as the suspension speeds increase, especially when using firmer high-speed damping.

The 38 will also be available with the simpler GRIP damper, which remains unchanged.

2021 Fox 38 models, specifications and prices

• Travel options : 160, 170, or 180mm
• Claimed starting weight : 2,180g
• Measured weight : 2,363g (170mm travel, 29in, uncut steerer)
• Offset options : 37mm (27.5in only), 44mm and 51mm (29in only)
• Damper options : Updated GRIP2, GRIP
• Price : €1,259–€1589 / $949–$1199 / CDN $1249–$1579
• Claimed 31% stiffer laterally, 17% stiffer fore/aft and 38% torsionally stiffer than the 2021 Fox 36. (Fox couldn't say how the stiffness of the 2021 36 compares to previous models.)
• Elliptical steerer tube for improved fore-aft stiffness
• Internal air sleeve air spring

I've got the new 36 and 38 here to test. As soon as we're allowed to ride in anger once again, I'll put them through their paces and see how they compare to the competition.

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Best budget mountain bike forks: brilliant front suspension at affordable prices

• Danny Milner
• April 24, 2024

We've brought together the best budget mountain bike forks we've tried and tested that offer great performance without costing an arm and a leg.

Suspension forks are virtually standard issue on all the best modern mountain bikes thanks to the ability to improve steering control, traction and comfort to the rider. While the best money-no-object suspension forks can cost well over £1,000, this guide concentrates on the cheaper end of the market. Fear not though; there are some amazing high performance options at half the price of the premium models that work just as well in most situations and are often easier to adjust.

Looking for rear suspension? Check out our guide to the best mountain bike rear suspension shocks . And don’t forget, in order to make the most out of your suspension you’ll need to take time to set up your mountain bike suspension .

The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail is our top budget pick.

1. Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail

Best budget suspension fork.

Weight: 2,010g | Offset: 44mm, 51mm | Travel: 100, 120, 130, 140, 150mm | Wheel sizes : 27.5 or 29in | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Simple to set up
• Lots of grip
• Stiff chassis
• Great price-to-performance ratio
• Carrying some extra weight
• Lacking a bit of support
• Basic adjustments

Marzocchi is the budget sub-brand of Fox, and the Z2 is basically a Fox 34 Rhythm with a different brace, shaped like an ‘M’ in reference to the Marzocchi logo. The internals and adjustment are all fairly simple, but the performance is perfectly judged for the price, with excellent ground-tracking and grip. Hit something bigger, or land a drop, and there’s no harsness or clunking. It’s also built with durability in mind, so you can spend more time riding and less time servicing.

Read our full test test review of Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail fork

2. RockShox Domain RC

Best budget e-bike fork.

Offset: 44mm | Travel: 150, 160, 170, 180mm | Wheel sizes : 27.5 or 29in

• Unbelievable-value-for-money trail/e-bike fork with 38mm upper tubes
• Available in 29 and 27.5in options with four travel options from 160mm to 180mm

Reasons to avoid:

• As to be expected, the Motion Control damper performance is not quite at the same level as the Charger 2.1
• Stock mudguard is way too short for UK conditions

The RockShox Domain is a burly enduro/e-bike fork at a budget price. It gets 38mm upper tubes, just like the expensive Zeb, comes in 27.5in and 29in wheel versions, and travel options from 150mm right up to 180mm. As such it makes a brilliant upgrade for a budget e-bike, where the extra weight and forces involved will noticeably benefit from all that extra muscle up front. Yes, the damper is less sophisticated than the one out of the Zeb, but it’s effective and can be upgraded at a later date. Simple to set up and built to take a load of abuse, the Domain is a heavyweight champ.

Read our full test test review of RockShox Domain XC fork

3. Suntour Durolox 36 EQ RC2

Best budget fork for tunability.

Weight: 2,180g (190mm cut steerer) | Travel: 140, 150, 160, 170mm | Wheel sizes : 27.5 or 29in | Rating: 8/10

• Excellent damping and tunability for the price
• Weight penalty over more expensive options from Fox and RockShox
• Compression damping might be too firm for lighter riders

SR Suntour packs a lot of adjustment and sophistication into the Durolux 36 EQ RC2, despite undercutting most of its rivals. The damper design is similar to top-end Fox and RockShox models, and you get control over high and low-speed compression damping as well as low-speed rebound. There are even air valves to purge excess pressure built up in the lower legs, like its premium rivals. Performance is really good, with a supple response to bumps and a stiff chassis that is perfectly suited to most trail bikes.

Read our full test test review of Suntour Durolox 36 EQ RC2

How we test

With all our fork tests, we always seek to ride them on the widest variety of terrain possible. Usually that includes areas such as the Surrey Hills, Yorkshire Moors, Lake District, Forest of Dean and even bike parks such as Revolution and BikePark Wales.

Usually forks are tested back-to-back on the same tracks, fitted to the same bikes, by the same testers to eliminate as many variables as possible and really hone in on performance.

High and low-speed compression adjustment is rare on budget forks to save money and keep it simple.

What to look for in the best mountain bike forks

Trickle-down technology means that the more basic forks in a manufacturer’s range are often better than the best models from five years ago.

While the big brands like Fox and RockShox dominate the market, competitors often punch above their weight when it comes to budget forks. Players such as Marzocchi and SR Suntour and X-Fusion, among others, delivering great performance without the eye-watering swing tags.

The primary role of a fork is to reduce the harshness of bumps coming at the rider, which allows gives them greater and more consistent control and reduces fatigue. There’s a lot more detail to explore, though, so here are some of the key points to consider when choosing a new budget fork.

Suspension forks come in various travel options, but if you’re upgrading the fork on your current bike, you should generally keep travel consistent. So if your bike has a 150mm fork as standard, usually the best option is to upgrade it with another 150mm travel fork.

The only real exceptions to this rule are if your bike has the same amount of travel front and rear, in which case you could go for a fork with 10mm more travel up front (due to trigonometry, a fork’s vertical travel will always be less than the distance the legs can slide).

‘Over-forking’ your bike will change the geometry, however, which can be either good or bad (or both) depending on the bike. It will slacken the head angle and the seat angle, raise the BB a touch, raise the front end and reduce the reach. Of course, this also means that choosing a longer travel fork is an option if you actually want to change the geometry of your bike.

As a rough rule of thumb, XC bikes will have 100-120mm of travel, trail forks will have 120-160mm travel, and enduro bikes will have 160-180mm.

If you ride a hardtail, the temptation is to chuck a massive travel fork on the front to compensate for the lack of rear suspension. But because a hardtail effectively pivots around the rear axle as the fork compresses, the geometry changes drastically and the handling can become unpredictable and erratic. So the sweetspot for a trail hardtail – even one with long-low-slack geometry – is often 130-140mm.

SR Suntour makes some excellent budget forks.

2. Air spring

Most forks use air as a spring medium. Why? Well it’s light and it’s highly tuneable. With just a shock pump you can change the spring rate to suit a wide range of rider weights.

Using coil springs would mean sourcing and swapping springs to get the right sag, which is costly and time consuming.

Additionally, the spring curve can be tuned by changing the volume of the main air chamber, so you can make the fork more progressive and harder to compress deeper in the travel, or more linear so that it’s very plush and easy to use all the travel. Dialling in air pressure is via a Schrader valve (like a car tyre) and typical pressures are between 50 and 100psi.

3. Volume spacers

As explained above, most modern air forks – even budget models – let you tune the ride characteristics by changing the size of the positive air chamber by adding or removing volume spacers.

These are usually added by deflating the fork and unscrewing the air cap, giving access to the air chamber. The spacers usually snap or thread into place, making it a simple job to do, even at the side of the trail if you have the right tools.

In simple terms, adding spacers reduces the size of the air chamber and makes the fork more progressive (harder to compress as it moves through the travel). Taking spacers out increases the volume and makes it easier to achieve full travel. Most forks will have a recommended number of spacers at any given travel, along with a maximum number of spacers.

Low-speed rebound adjustment is a vital feature that lets you tune the return speed to the spring rate – basically the air pressure in the fork.

4. External adjustment

The level of damping adjustment on a fork varies dramatically depending on price, with only the most expensive models offering total rider control. Dials on the top and bottom of the fork legs adjust parameters to tune support and control.

Separate damping dials allow specific tuning options as to how much oil is allowed through ports and shims inside to absorb impacts, but more options also introduce more opportunities to mess up settings.

Having said that, most suspension brands and bike companies now offer decent tuning guides according to body weight, and these will give you a good start point to work from.

Stanchion diameter is an important metric for overall stiffness, with thicker fork legs generally adding weight. Bushing size and overlap, plus crown and brace construction also affect rigidity. Tapered steerer tubes are the norm – 1 1/8in to 1.5in at the base. Lower-leg assemblies use cast magnesium to save weight, and the forks here use a Boost 110mm axle spacing with quick- release-style or Allen-key fixings for the wheels.

6. Positive and negative springs

Within the air spring there are typically two separate elements balancing breakaway friction and small-bump sensitivity against support. A negative spring pushes back against the main positive spring, and either takes the form of a separate (automatically equalising) air chamber or a coil spring.

SR Suntour has an expanding locknut design for its through-axle.

Fork rake or offset has evolved as an important design element . Most brands now offer two different offsets in each wheel size, ranging from 37mm up to 51mm.

It’s complicated, but offset affects steering feel and tyre stabilising force, so shorter offsets offer more stability and a ride quality that emulates a slacker head angle, while still keeping the bike’s wheelbase shorter.

8. Compression damping

Compression damping controls the rate at which displaced damper fluid is allowed to move during bump events. Low-speed controls low shaft-speed impacts like body weight shifts and rolling terrain, and high- speed damping absorbs harsh impacts like square bump faces and landings. Forcing oil through ports or shim stacks generates damping resistance, with energy converted into heat.

9. Rebound damping

This is the damping circuit that controls the speed that the fork returns to sag after a bump event. Low-speed damping is the most common external adjustment. The damping circuit uses orifices and shim stacks to regulate the oil flow – ports can be opened or closed and shims made stiffer or softer. Some systems also act ‘dynamically’ and respond differently according to the shaft speeds (the speed the legs slide up or down).

• Best rear suspension shocks for mountain bikes
• Best mountain bike mudguards
• How to set up suspension on a mountain bike

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• Suspension Forks

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BUCKLOS 26 27.5 29 MTB Bike Suspension Fork 180mm Travel, Bicycle Magnesium Alloy Downhill Forks 20mm Axle, 1-1/8" Threadless Mountain Bikes Fork

• 【Ultra-long Travel】The downhill fork have the 180mm travel. It can be support to bigger shocks. Effectively reduce the shock while you are downhill.
• 【Double Adjustable Damping】Mountain bike forks use hydraulic shocks absorber structure process. Easy to adjust the comfortable pressure and rebound value to achieve a better experience effect. And reduce the stress of your hands, wrist.
• 【Material】Suspension fork is made of forged Aluminum alloy fork leg Magnesium alloy. To make the outer front fork tube more stable and sturdy.
• 【Applicable models】Suspension stroke 170*37.5mm, width 110mm, Straight tube Mounting 1-1/8"（28.6mm）; Brake column adopts the international A-pillar, Compatible 160-185mm disc brakes (only for disc brakes).
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• 140mm Suspension Fork Group Test

by Ben Haworth February 12, 2023 1

Kit Essentials: 140mm Suspension Forks AKA Best Modest Travel Trail Forks. Which fork for real world riders on real world trails? Benji brings us the results of his real world test.

Words by Benji, photos by Amanda

140mm forks appear to be something of the forgotten forks out there. All the hype and attention goes to Enduro and XC race forks. Zeb this, 38 that, SID the other. The middle ground often gets overlooked. But for those of us looking for a new fork for their shorter travel full suspension trail bike or their hardtail, 140mm is where it’s at.

What’s the best one of those sort of forks available these days? With this test we’ve tried not to factor in things that racers are often preoccupied with. Namely, weight and chassis stiffness. In our opinion, the weight differences between 140mm travel forks are pretty much irrelevant. Performance is what counts.

We’ve also not overly focussed on how stiff the forks are. This is partly because we didn’t think any of the forks were flexy to the extent that it became an issue. If you find modern forks flexy, you’ll already be looking at 36 or 38mm stanchion forks. This is not that sort of test.

This is a real world test for real world riders on real world trails. We’ve concentrated on bump absorption, traction levels and adjustability on offer. And we’ve done so with an eye on how the forks felt on all different types of trails, at all different types of speed. Forks like these have to be comfy and grippy at slower speeds but not dissolve into airy fairy vagueness when speeds, gradients and roughness increase.

Let’s go get our boing on!

Cane Creek Helm MKII review

Fox 34 Float Factory GRIP2 review

Marzocchi Bomber Z2 RAIL review

MRP Ribbon Coil review

Ohlins RXF 34 M.2 review

RockShox Pike Ultimate review

As is often the case when dealing with modern mountain bike products, each and every of these forks are great. Almost all of them are extremely expensive too. Thousand quid forks are now clearly a thing.

Which quickly brings us the first of the three forks that we’re going to recommend most. The defiantly not-£1000 Marzocchi Bomber Z2 RAIL . Even if it wasn’t significantly cheaper (£579) than the other forks here, there’d be still plenty of cogent arguments as to why a large proportion of riders would be better served by this fork. It’s simpler to set up and it has the best chassis stiffness of any of the forks in this test.

The second fork we’re recommending is the MRP Ribbon Coil . Despite what you may think, it’s probably the most complicated fork here. You do need to know your suspension basics when setting up the Ribbon Coil. You need to know what does what, and what effect is being caused by what (is it Ramp Control? Low speed compression? Spring rate? Rebound?). And you need to be fine with taking a fork apart a bit (to change springs). But chances are, if you’re coil curious, you probably are of-a-type. In other words, you’re a suspension geek. And as such, you’ll flipping love life with the MRP Ribbon Coil. Nothing rides like a coil. It’s well worth the effort.

The third and final fork we’re recommending is the Fox 34 Float Factory GRIP2 . Its air spring and damper are in perfect harmony. Loads of adjustment, each of which are sufficiently broad. It’s the stiffest Fox 34 so far too. It’s not a 36 or 38 for sure but it’s more than up to the job of trail riding duties. Comfy, grippy, supportive, capable, predictable, adjustable. It’s the best all-round trail fork currently available by quite a margin really.

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Is that creak me or the bike? Real-world product reviews from real-world riders.

Review Info

Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

• This topic has 1 reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 1 year ago by zerocool .

Is it true that the Bomber Z2 bushes can’t be replaced once they wear out? I’ve heard people complaining this is the case

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David Harrison

Table of contents, what are the best emtb forks (2024).

Forks are the piece of equipment which attaches your front wheel to your bike, however, they’re much more than that. They offer cushioning when hitting lumps and bumps, help you take on gnarly terrain and the type of fork you have can completely change your riding experience.

E-MTBs which are geared up for downhill and enduro riding have longer forks and provide more travel (movement). Meanwhile, cross-country, general trail and touring bikes have smaller forks and less travel.

Let’s dive head first into the world of e-bike forks

Best for Downhill

RockShox Boxxer Ultimate

Best for enduro.

FOX 38 Factory Grip 2

Best for trail.

RockShox Pike Ultimate

What’s the importance of a quality e-mtb fork.

The suspension setup on your e-MTB and particularly the forks dictate the type of riding your bike is capable of doing. Of course there are a few other factors, such as geometry, but a burly suspension is the component which makes your bike descent-focused, capable of taking the big drops and big impacts.

Without a decent fork setup your bike isn’t capable of heading into some of the gnarlier terrain and it can lead to injury.

Features of a Good Fork

E-MTB riding takes you to all sorts of varied terrain, with many different obstacles in your way, such as rocks, drops, roots and bumpy surfaces. Forks help your suspension soak up those impacts and help prevent those vibrations being thrown through your arms. This creates a much smoother riding experience and prevents you getting quite as tired, quite as quickly.

Performance

A good set of forks not only brings comfort, but also raises your overall bike performance, particularly in the e-bike suspension. Your bike can cope better with the obstacles and move faster over them safely, without giving you big jolts or throwing you off the bike. A good set of forks will help you glide over obstacles and keep you moving at pace.

With the forks making you feel both more comfortable and helping the bike perform better, this helps improve handling. You feel more in control with a good set of forks and this is very useful on the most technical terrain. Without a good set of forks, you would be feeling big impacts and the bike struggling, which reduces handling and control.

The three factors above lead to a safer riding experience . If you feel more comfortable, your bike is performing better and your handling is improved, this leads to a safer ride. A good set of forks helps to reduce the chances of crashing on bobbly and challenging terrain.

Customisation

The very best e-MTB forks allow you to tweak your setup to match the needs of the day's trails or change them to the needs of the rider. This allows you to have a bespoke riding experience, which will amplify all the points above.

Best e-MTB Forks

Rockshox boxxer ultimate – best for downhill.

• Price – $1,899
• Weight – 2.56kg
• Travel – 180mm – 200mm
• Wheel size compatibility – 27.5 inch & 29 inch
• Type of riding – Downhill
• Adjustability
• Elite standard
• Slimmer than competitors

The RockShox Boxxer is among the burliest fork setups on the market; it offers big travel, at up to 200mm, and is known for its reliability. It’s capable of taking on some of the wildest terrain and it’s valued by many of the top elite downhill riders as the fork of choice.

It’s been upgraded recently, with a new Charger 2.1 damper, which has ironed out a few kinks from past inceptions and it creates a much smoother riding experience. The fork’s rebound is one of its biggest selling points, it recoils better than most out there and means you retain traction on the trails and keep moving at pace.

The price is a big downside, it’s an expensive beast and it’s tubing is narrower, which some riders feel makes it less robust, but we’re content overall.

Links to product:

Fox 38 Factory Grip 2 – Best for Enduro

• Price – $999
• Weight – 2.18kg
• Travel – 160mm – 180mm
• Wheel size compatibility – 29 inch
• Type of riding – Enduro
• Ultra comfortable
• Great customisation
• Narrow travel parameters

Performance-wise, it’s hard to compete with the FOX 38 Factory forks. They can take on some gnarly terrain and often feel comfortable throughout – there is the perfect mix of dampening and recoil, which means you’re often gliding over obstacles.

They’re capable of taking on some of the toughest challenges you can throw at them, however, if you want to take on the biggest jump lines, then they won’t offer you enough travel. Otherwise, they’re as versatile as you can get, with excellent handling, tonnes of reliability and durability.

The price is steep, but you’re getting an excellent enduro product, and they’re often viewed as the best e-MTB fork for versatility.

FOX 38 Float Factory Grip 2

You can read more about how the FOX 38s performs on an e-MTB, in this Canyon review:

Canyon Torque:ON 9 Review (2023)

Rockshox pike ultimate – best for trail riding.

• Price – $1,054
• Weight – 1.86 kg
• Travel – 120mm – 160mm
• Type of riding – Trail
• Versatility
• Reliability
• Dampening could be improved

RockShox is undoubtedly one of the top companies on the market. The Pike Ultimate is a light setup, however it still has a stiffness that instills confidence out on the trails.

It’s robust, with the company’s best dampening technology and it has an ease of use to be able to tweak the setup – in terms of adjustability, this fork is right up there.

You can dial in the setup easily, which makes it very attractive to lots of different standards of rider. It’s compatible across a range of bikes, with a top end travel ability of 160mm – this range of options places it among the best forks for e-MTB.

Overall, it’s a beauty and RockShox manages to undercut some of the competition out there.

Link to product:

Fox Float 32 Factory Step-Cast – Best for XC

• Price – $829 (from $1,039)
• Weight – 1.38 kg
• Travel – 100mm
• Wheel size compatibility – 27.5inch and 29 inch
• Type of riding – XC and Touring
• Struggles on the gnarly stuff
• Limited range

One of the major headlines here is the incredibly lightweight nature of these front forks for e-mountain bikes. A low overall bike weight is exactly what you need on a good XC ride and these help contribute to that.

At only 32 inches long and with 100mm of travel, they’re clearly not made for the gnarly terrain, but they adequately do the job on an XC course and offer a pretty stiff ride, good for traction and speed.

They can still take a few lumps and bumps, but you would want to upgrade to a FOX 34 if you wanted anything more tricky than simply some undulating bobbles.

FOX 32 Float SC Factory

Marzocchi bomber z2 – best fork for touring and bikepacking.

• Price – $419
• Weight – 2 kg
• Travel – 100m – 150mm
• Type of riding –   Touring, Bikepacking, XC & Trail
• Can’t take the big hits

The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is one of the best options out there for longer distance riding. Although it doesn’t carry FOX’s name, it actually has very similar technology as some of FOX’s top components, particularly in the air spring department.

The fork offers great stability, which is fantastic for longer distance riding, however, you can also adjust the setup if you need to take some on some more lumps and bumps.

Within its parameters it provides one of the smoothest riding experiences on moderate terrain, but it soon struggles in the descent-focused world as well as when things become more challenging.

It’s also super lightweight, which makes it efficient and it comes in at a very reasonable price – a good e-MTB suspension fork for people who want to pedal for hours on end.

Marzocchi Bomber Z2

Forks e-mtb frequently asked questions (faqs), how to choose the best e-mtb forks for you.

Think about the style of riding you’re most likely to be doing and your own ability. Are you experienced and want to take on the technical descent lines? Or are you heading on regular bike packing trips? Or are you new to the e-MTB game?

All these factors dictate the type of e-MTB forks you need. If you’re a beginner you don’t need a long travel gnarly set-up, go for something simple, which will build confidence – low travel and stability. If you’re gearing up for some wild terrain, you need long travel and playfulness.

How Much Travel Do I Need on My e-MTB Suspension Setup?

This isn’t an exact science and some other factors come into play regarding frame geometry, but this is a good general rule:

Cross country: minimal travel (to build up traction & speed) – 100-120mm travel.

Bikepacking/touring: low travel depending on terrain of the route – 100-140mm travel.

Trail: medium travel – 120-150mm travel.

Enduro: long travel – 150-180mm travel.

Downhill: seriously long travel – 180mm-200mm travel.

Are e-MTB Forks Different?

Yes, e-MTB forks are different from regular forks. E-MTBs are heavier bikes than normal mountain bikes and you’re often travelling at higher speeds. This puts a lot more pressure through the front of the bike and the forks need to be able to cope with that.

There are extra dampeners put in, to soak up the pressure and they often have air sprung components, to help with the recoil.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, our guide to the best e-MTB forks out on the market right now. Having the right set of forks on your bike for the style of riding you’re doing is hugely important. Think long and hard about what type of trails you want to be hitting – downhill, enduro, XC, bikepacking or just beginner style singletracks.

All of this dictates what you need – long travel versus short travel, cushioning suspension versus stiffness, etc. We’ve highlighted which sort of forks suit which sort of riding – so now you have no excuse to get it wrong. Go outside, hit the trails and put these forks through their paces.

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Best MTB forks (Double Crown and Single Crown): Your Guide to Superior Suspension

When talking about mountain bike forks, there are two main groups that forks can fall into: single and double crown forks. Double crown forks attach both above and below the head tube, hence the name double crown.

Single crowns mount only below the headtube, meaning that they can be made far lighter, are more manoeuvrable but are less stiff. In general, double crown forks are limited to downhill bikes due to their weight and subsequent difficulty to manoeuvre and pedal. Single crown forks have a much wider application, across disciplines from cross-country to enduro with varying sizes for each purpose.

For this article, by ‘best’ I’ll look at travel, thickness of the stanchions and price of most major brands’ top-of-the-range forks.

Double Crown Fork

Rockshox fork boxxer ultimate charger2.1 rc2 – 27.5″ boost 20×110 200mm red, 36 offset debonair (ziptie fender, 2 btm tokens, star nut & maxle stealth) c2.

First up is the RockShox BoXXer, coming in at $1699. The BoXXer is RockShox’ largest and most rugged fork. It accommodates both 27.5 and 29 inch wheels and comes with 180, 190 or 200 millimetres of vertical travel.

The stanchions have a 35mm diameter, which isn’t as large as those on some competitors’ models. It has external adjustment for both high and low speed compression and uses a token system to manage ramp-up. It weighs just over two and a half kilos on the 27.5”, 200mm model.

The RockShox Maxima Plush fluid claims to silence annoying damper noise, and the new Charger 2.1 damper claims to “reduce hand fatigue and fight unwanted friction”.

MRP Bartlett Dual Crown Air Fork (Black) (27.5″) (15 x 110mm) (49mm Offset) (180mm)

Next is the MRP Bartlett fork, coming in at $1212.99. The Bartlett can accommodate a 27.5 or 29 inch wheel just like the BoXXer, but is only available at 170, 180 and 190 millimetre travel. Subsequently, it weighs ~100g less than the BoXXer, at just under two and a half kilos in the 27.5”, 190mm configuration.

The stanchions are 35mm however only low speed compression can be adjusted externally. Ramp up is controlled externally however, not with tokens that have to be added inside the fork.

The MRP Bartlett can accommodate a 180 millimetre brake rotor and comes with all of the parts required to reduce or increase the travel, as the fork is designed not only for downhill but instead using the “dual-crown design [to] provide space efficiency over a single-crown” which they claim allows for a longer travel despite having a shorter axle to crown length than a single crown fork.

Fox 40 Float Factory GRIP2 2021 Fork

Next is the FOX 40 Float fork. Fox’ largest fork comes in at nearly £1900, which is over $2600 dollars. The fork boasts 203mm of travel and 40mm stanchions. The fork also weighs around 2.8 kilograms, which is far heavier than the prior two forks.

High and low speed compression can be adjusted externally as well as both high and low speed rebound, which is a feature often grouped into one on other manufacturers’ forks.

The fox fork is far heavier than other brands, but is larger than other forks, whilst sporting the ability to fit a massive 230 millimetre brake rotor where others may fall shorter of that.

Emerald – DVO Suspension

Next is the DVO suspension Emerald inverted double crown fork. The DVO uses an uncommon approach by placing the station at the bottom of the fork, rather than having it at the top like other manufacturers. The fork boasts 203mm just like the FOX 40 but has 36mm stanchions, larger than the BoXXer but smaller than the Fox 40.

The DVO Emerald also has a unique tuning system, where the negative spring can be preloaded to provide ramp up separately from the air pressure in the fork. For example, a light rider can run low pressure but reduce the ‘OTT’ (off the top) adjustment to keep the fork from sagging or reduce it to have a more linear travel. The DVO is also listed as costing ~$1500 – $2250, however I have found it to cost £1040 ($1450)

Overall, there are two major competitors in double crown fork production: RockShox with the BoXXer and Fox with the 40 Float. Both are top of the range, high performance forks, with the Fox 40 taking home the first UCI world cup women’s race with Camille Balanche at Leogang this year, and the BoXXer taking home the men’s race with Troy Brosnan. Overall, I would personally be inclined to buy the RockShox BoXXer due to its weight savings and cost savings, being almost $1000 less than the Fox 40 whilst evidently still being a very competitive fork.

Single Crown Fork

Fox racing 38 float performance elite fork – 27.5.

The First fork is the Fox 38 float, with its main draw being its massive 38mm stanchions, much larger than most double crown downhill forks. These wide stanchions give it a very stiff feel and give it a beefy look.

The 170mm travel makes it perfect for rough trails whilst not being cumbersome like a longer alternative or a double crown fork. It weighs just under 2200 grams and can accommodate huge 3 inch tyres and 230mm rotors.

The fox 38 has a lot of external adjustment, with high and low speed compression and high and low speed rebound too. This gives the rider greater control over the fork to give the perfect feel.

The fork is very smooth, aided by the floating axles and that aforementioned stiffness holding the fork straight through its travel. The fork is available on evo.com for $1,149, the most expensive fork on the site.

RockShox ZEB Ultimate Charger 2.1 RC2 Fork – 27.5″

The second fork is the Fox 38s direct competitor, released in response to Fox’s new fork: the RockShox ZEB ultimate. The fork is available from 160 – 190mm in 10mm increments. The forks also have an e-bike specific model called just the ZEB.

It uses 38mm stanchions just like the Fox, giving it amazing stiffness. It is over 20% stiffer than their other flagship fork, the Lyrik. It has additional negative air volume, which makes it resemble a downhill fork in it’s feel. It comes in both 27.5 and 29 inch sizes and is available for $999, $150 less than Fox’s counterpart.

You can adjust high and low speed compression, however rebound is concentrated to one adjustment. The fork accepts tokens to adjust ramp up (when the fork stiffens throughout its travel.) The fork weighs almost 2300 grams, so 100g more than the fox 38. It can accept 3.2” tyres, and a year more warranty than the Fox 38.

Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Fork – 27.5″

Next up is the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil fork. The Marzocchi Bomber shares some of the main chassis with the fox 36, so has stanchions 2mm thinner than the 38 and the ZEB. It boasts a Fox Grip damper but with is coil sprung instead.

If you want a coil spring, this is one of the highest end options. The coil system is suited best for high travel forks as it provides a perfectly smooth travel throughout it’s entire travel. The disadvantage of a coil fork is that the spring must be replaced to truly tune it to the rider’s weight unlike an air fork that you can just pump up or reduce the pressure in.

Using internal spacers, the fork travel can be changed by the rider. As far as external adjustment, you can adjust preload, rebound and it has air assist to control ramp up and to help the fork to stop bottoming out.

The fork is very heavy compared to the other two so far, coming in at over two and a half kilos actually weighing more than the MRP Bartlett, a double crown fork. Coil forks do tend to weigh more, but for those who like the specific feel, the Marzocchi is arguably the highest end option. Coil forks in general are cheaper due to their simplicity and the Marzocchi is no exception, coming in at $779.99 on Evo.com

MRP Ribbon Suspension Fork 27.5 160mm 110×15

The MRP Ribbon is a 160mm fork, with its main selling point being its incredible adjustability. MRP actually developed their ramp up control cartridge back in 2017, and the Ribbon has this same control.

The Ribbon also has both positive and negative air chambers, giving great control over the fork’s performance. It has a pressure relief valve, which keeps the fork performing the same at high altitude and when being ridden especially aggressively.

The fork can only accept 2.3 inch tyres, which is smaller than the other forks, with 27.5” wheel size where the others could accommodate 29” too. The MRP Ribbon also uses their distinctive arch design which may at first look back-to-front, but actually is designed that way so as not to collect mud off the front wheel which can collect making annoying noises whilst adding unnecessary weight to the fork.

In the single crown category , I would personally prefer the RockShox ZEB as it has the advantages of a long travel, 38mm stanchion single crown fork, but for $150 less than Fox’ alternative fork.

Although I think that Fox or Marzocchi have better styling than RockShox and will turn more heads, the value for money on the RockShox ZEB is undeniably better than the Fox 38. It also has more travel by 10mm and at 190mm in a single crown configuration, it definitely is unique.

Overall, if we’re talking in pure downhill performance, I think that the disparity in performance between the FOX 40 and the RockShox BoXXer is so minute that either could be considered the ultimate in downhill racing, but for the average consumer, I think that the BoXXer is just more appealing from the view that it costs almost $1000 less than the Fox 40. Both have been shown to be able to perform incredibly, both taking wins regularly at the world cup downhill.

As far as overall performance, with climbing and downhill in mind, again the Fox 40 and RockShox ZEB are too close to call. The prices are broadly comparable, with the ZEB being cheaper, separated by only a 15% price difference and the ZEB also being slightly longer but at the cost a 5% difference in weight (with the Fox 40 being lighter).

Tim Hunt is an amateur mountain biker from the Surrey Hills area of England. He has been riding and building for many years in and around the Surrey Hills and loves fast and techy descents!

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Best XC forks: the best cross country forks for a lightweight, plush ride

The best XC forks combine smooth and controlled dampening with a lightweight and stiff design. Here is Bike Perfect's list of the best XC forks on the market

The best XC forks hover between about 100mm and 120mm of travel. Usually featuring lockout switches, XC forks are lightweight, efficient and allow the wheel to get out of the way when it needs to while offering enough support to keep you from bobbing through the travel up a tough climb. 

The suspension fork changed mountain biking forever. Not only did it take some of the dampening load away from your body, but it vastly improved traction and control, allowing riders to take on rougher terrain at speed. 

In the early days, suspension forks offered about 30-50mm of travel and the same fork (and bike) would be used for pedal-heavy XC riding and gravity-fed Downhill racing. Suspension forks have now become specialist components with cross-country riders demanding high performance and low weight in order to build the best lightweight mountain bikes for XCO and marathon racing.

Read on for Bike Perfect's picks for the best XC forks, or if you're new to the club, you can skip to everything you need to know before you buy an XC fork. 

• Best mountain bike forks
• Best full-suspension mountain bikes for tackling the toughest cross-country courses
• Best rigid forks for mountain biking

The best XC forks

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

Fox 32 Step-Cast Factory

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

When Fox sought to trim weight from its short travel performance forks, it simply got rid of unneeded material. The lower third of the fork lowers is cut out, and the stance is noticeably narrower in both the Boost and non-Boost formats, which also meant less material was needed in the crown. 

Weighing about 1,400g in the Factory trim for 29-inch wheels, Fox says the 32 Step-Cast is just as stiff as its burlier 34 fork. The top-end model sees the eye-catching neon orange lowers and has provisions for high and low-speed compression damping. There's also a lightweight 8mm damper shaft and a bar-mounted lockout along with a self-equalizing lightweight air spring.

Fox 34 Step-Cast Performance

Cross country racing used to be all about the climbs, and the goal was just to survive the descent. With riders becoming infinitely more skilled and bike technology and geometries improving at a rate approaching lightspeed, the descents are becoming increasingly relevant to the overall equation, as well as getting increasingly technical to boot. With that, we have seen quite a few XC and Marathon racers up forking to 120mm, and even a new breed of XC bikes like the latest Trek Top Fuel, Pivot Mach 5 and Norco Threshold, which are built around a more significant suspension up front.

The Fox 34 Step-Cast follows a similar idea to its shorter travel sibling but changes things up to better accommodate the additional travel and stanchion diameter. The cutouts on the 34 Step-Cast are on the outside of the lowers, the fork also receives the same light, 8mm damper shaft. While the Performance series fork doesn't get the blinged-out Kashima treatment, they are made from the same 7000 series aluminum, and the fork sees a Fit Grip damper that combines the compression damping into a single dial.

RockShox SID SL Ultimate

The new SL Ultimate isn’t just RockShox’s lightest SID but the lightest 100mm telescopic fork from any brand, weighing in at just 1,320g ready to fit. That’s partly due to the heavily sculpted 32mm stanchion chassis with a machined and anodized crown replacing the single-piece carbon top of its predecessor. Top caps and lockout lever have been heavily drilled and machined to chase out every gram and the rebound adjuster is just a skinny pull-out Allen key.

The much smaller Charger Race Day damper saves the most weight (over 90g) to make it 166g lighter than the previous SID Ultimate. The mini damper and reworked DebonAir spring give a super sensitive high grip start with excellent mid-stroke support and progressive bottom out. You even get a bolt-on fender for dirty days.

It’s only available in a short offset 29er version though. 

RockShox SID Ultimate

While the SID SL reworks the classic 32mm chassis for minimal mass, the SID now steps up to the same 35mm diameter stanchions as RockShox trail, Enduro and DH forks. That means a much stiffer, more accurate on-trail feel than the SL, but still enough compliance to boost traction and reduce fatigue. The tiny Race Day Damper and extensive machining and sculpting from lower legs to lockout lever mean it still only weighs 1,508g.

The DebonAir spring has been altered to raise the ride height of the fork, increasing stability for corners and braking and ramping up aggressively for big hits. The start is still buttery smooth to sustain speed and grip over tiring chatter bumps. The Race Day Damper is impeccably controlled, even when rallied hard. The 180mm brake mounts and optional fender make it trail-ready, and it’s got an instant bleed damper port. The Ultimate only has a hard lockout switch but not tuneable compression adjust, and it’s only available in a 44mm offset 29er format.   

Marzocchi Bomber Z2

Fox breathed new life into the Marzocchi brand last year, sharing its damper and air spring technology with an attainable price tag. The Bomber Z2 is stripped down and doesn't have all the knobs and dials most of us never bother to turn. Unlike the Bomber Z1 which uses a GRIP damper from Fox, the Bomber Z2 gets its own Rail damper which presents reliable performance and simplified internals, so even the most ham-fisted home mechanic can service their fork.  

With 34mm stanchions, the Bomber Z2 is available in travel from 100mm to 150mm, and the squish can be adjusted internally by the DIY’er — though you'll need to buy the correct length air spring shaft. It's not the lightest fork on the market, but for the hard-charging XC racer who is pushing on the descents, it's stiffer than the Fox 34 in our experience.

DT Swiss F232 ONE

DT Swiss’s superlight forks have been a favorite among European racers for well over a decade, and Nino Schurter won five of his World Championships and the 2016 Olympics on DT Swiss. Their popularity has always centered around excellent stiffness to weight ratios, and the sculpted uppers and boxy dropout lowers are still very accurate for its sub-1,500g weight.

The LINEAIR air spring uses a bypass valve to close off the negative spring as the fork goes from supple start to linear mid-stroke, before ramping up to control bigger hits.

The INCONTROL damping gives a LOCK setting for sprints, a hard starting DRIVE setting for climbs and a fine adjustable OPEN setting for maximum smoothness. You can choose fork top or remote lever actuation, three travel options from 100-120mm and they’re all useable with up to a 2.5-inch tire. You can only get 29er wheel and standard 51mm offset format though.  

Manitou Machete

Like the blade that Manitou's XC fork is named after, the Machete is designed to slice and dice thick and chunky trails. With the brand's patented reverse arch, it weighs a respectable 1,885g (29in) and features external adjustments for compression, rebound, and full lockout.

There's a hollow crown at the top to save weight, and the fork features the brand's ISO air spring with a rubber bottom out bumper and ABS+ compression, along with rebound damping inside. Manitou offers the Machete in both 100mm and 120mm travel, with the squish internally adjustable by 20mm in each version. 

If you are looking for lower weight, more adjustability and improved dampening, Manitou has the R7 Expert and Pro although they aren't as affordable.

DVO Sapphire D1

DVO is a relative newcomer to the suspension game, and the Sapphire is the brand's XC platform touted for the bucket-loads of adjustability that’s packed into the fork. First, the travel is adjustable from 100mm-140mm with internal spacers, so you could go as far as tailoring how much squish you have depending on the course.

The Sapphire platform borrows design characteristics from DVO’s longer travel forks - like the Diamond and Emerald - to emulate not only the stiffness and tracking but also the ‘Off The Top’ and dynamic rebound adjustment. There are six clicks of low-speed compression to firm up the fork for pedaling, and over 30-clicks of high-speed compression to precisely control how the fork reacts to substantial impacts. DVO uses a shim-stack controlled rebound that controls the system based on how fast oil is moving through the fork, allowing the fork to spring back based on what the trail is doing underneath the wheels. 

Rockshox Reba

Tucking in just behind the veritable SID is the RockShox Reba. In typical RockShox form, it offers adjustability and reliability, but at a price that won't relegate you to surviving on ramen noodles for the month after you buy it. 

It's available in travel from 100mm to 150mm and uses 32mm stanchions, which keep the weight low and provide plenty of stiffness in the XC travel range. Being a second-tier fork, RockShox makes it for 26-inch27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels and with both straight and tapered steerer tubes. No matter the setup, the Reba RL has a Solo-Air spring that accepts Rockshox's Bottomless Tokens to increase progressivity and a Motion Control damper that provides both compression and rebound adjustment.

The eighth edition of the Lefty Ocho has seen the fork go from a dual drow setup to a single crown, dropping about 250gm in the process, while actually managing to increase stiffness — quite a feat considering the rigidity of its predecessor. The fork also features 23-clicks of rebound adjustment and six clicks of compression adjustment, in addition to the air valve being moved to the side from the bottom of the fork leg. 

Cannondale has continued to use its upside-down design, and the internals roll on three sets of needle bearings instead of bushings, which are claimed to significantly reduce stiction. We’re also happy to see the annoying hydraulic lockout remote has been retired for a simple mechanical version.

• Best rear shocks for mountain bikes : from XC to DH and budget to bespoke
• Best short-travel dropper posts : descend faster with the saddle out the way
• Best budget mountain bike forks : if you're looking for a cheaper option

Best XC forks: what you need to know

For a long time, a cross country bike had a 100mm fork, and 100mm of rear travel if it had any at all, because, for a long time, races were won on the climbs, and the descents were just about getting to the bottom without crashing. 

Times have changed, and the courses are getting gnarlier, which means the bikes have had to evolve. The latest wave of XC bikes adopted slacker head angles for more confidence on the downhills, and an increasing number are specced with a slightly longer travel 120mm fork — something we’ve seen marathon racers do for some time. It's worth noting that if your bike has a 100mm fork, increasing or reducing the travel by more than 20mm will have dramatic effects on the handling. 

With longer forks becoming more common on the best XC forks, 32mm stanchions are still the go-to for their weight, however, more 34mm forks are working their way into the XC travel ranges. 

Thru-axles provide for a stiffer connection between the fork legs and the hub and are now considered standard on just about every level of mountain bike. XC forks will take a 15mm diameter axle, and will either have standard 100mm spacing or Boost 110mm spacing.

Boost allows for wider spoke bracing angles and therefore a stiffer wheel with virtually no weight penalty. The wider hub spacing has been around for long enough that most bikes, except for those on the lowest step of the pricing spectrum, will utilize the boost standard.

3. Adjustability

Having a telescoping suspension fork is all well and good, but bolting a poorly setup pogo stick on the front of your bike will do more harm than good. At the very least, your XC fork should have an air spring as they offer far more tunability, not only through air pressure to adjust the sag, but also volume spacers to tune how the fork ramps through its travel.

Even the most budget-friendly forks also offer rebound adjustment, which is how fast the fork springs back after it's compressed. Rebound is often described in clicks because the adjuster knob literally clicks as you turn it; higher-end forks will have more clicks of adjustability, allowing for the precise tuning.

Finally, we have compression adjustment and lockout. Most XC forks will allow for some degree of compression adjustment, or at what rate the fork compresses under force; however quite a few will have a lockout switch or remote that in simple terms, turns the fork on or off. 

More expensive forks will divide this adjustment into high-speed and low-speed compression. Low-speed compression helps the fork to support your weight against gravity, for example when you stand up to pedal or ride over rollers or berms but can come at the cost of small-bump sensitivity. High-speed compression is the reaction to an abrupt impact like hitting a rock or riding off a drop.

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Born and bred in Colorado, and now based in Australia, Colin comes from a ski racing background and started riding as a way to stay fit through the summer months. His father, a former European pro, convinced him to join the Colorado State University collegiate cycling team, and he hasn't stopped since. It's not often he pins on a number nowadays, and you'll likely find him in search of flowy singletrack, gravel roads and hairpin corners. Colin has worked at Bikeradar and is a regular contributor to Australian Mountain Bike and Cyclist magazines. 

Rides: BMC Team Machine SLR01, Trek Top Fuel 9, Ibis Ripley

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When is the best time to visit Moscow? | Weather, budget, events by month

• July 14, 2023

Discover when is the best time to visit Moscow. In this blog post, I will talk about weather, budget and other things to know to choose the best time when to go to Moscow for you. I cannot account the times when we went in Moscow. Here are the pros and the cons of each month taking all main criteria into account!

I will first describe the main criteria that will help you choose when to go to Moscow:

• Climate in Moscow: temperatures and weather

Special events in Moscow

• Budget and visa

Then I will talk about each season (go directly to this party if you already have an idea of ​​the desired departure date):

• Advantages and disadvantages month by month

The weather cannot be the only criterion to decide when is the best time to visit Moscow for you. Even if the temperatures drop low, Moscow in December is just magical! This is why I advise to take into account several criteria at the same time. Also remember that it takes at least a month to get the Russian visa.

When to go to Moscow: climate and weather

The seasons are well marked. The mid-season months are not necessarily the best for the weather. However, they are not necessarily to be avoided, because, as we will see later, Moscow is a city that changes all the time and the prices can be more attractive. For example, for a lot of people winter is the best time to visit Moscow.

Weather in Moscow. Moscow is inland, making the city “more protected” from changing weather. For example, the weather is much more changeable in St. Petersburg. On the other hand, the weather in Moscow is more and more scorching in summer, we can then easily reach 30 degrees (for the Russians, it’s already the heat wave).

Moscow temperatures

As soon as you think of Russia, you want to do “Brrrr”. Let’s prepare our down jackets! Indeed, the Russian climate is not the mildest on the planet. However, it all depends on the region, because the country is very large. Moscow is almost at the same latitude as Copenhagen. As Moscow is relatively far from the coast, there is a pronounced continental climate. It is hot in summer and cold in winter.

In addition, global warming is there. For several decades, annual average temperatures have always been recorded above the past. I suggest you look at the averages over the past five years to be as close as possible to reality:

Sunshine and precipitation

Sunshine. This is surprising, but there is more sunshine in Moscow than in Paris or even in Berlin: 1,731 hours in Moscow, compared to 1661 in Paris and 1626 in Berlin.

Duration of the day in winter. We had questions about the length of the day in winter. So, here are a few things. As in Europe, the shortest days are in December. In Moscow, at the end of December, the sun rises around 9 a.m. and sets around 4 p.m. Then the day gets bigger until the end of June, when the day is the longest.

Precipitation. There is more precipitation in Moscow than in Paris (705mm against 637mm).

When is the best time to visit Moscow: interesting events

Moscow is a city that moves a lot. It is even said that this city never sleeps. So there are a lot of events, forums, exhibitions, conferences. Here I’m going to talk about the main recurring events that punctuate the year and that may help you decide when to go to Moscow.

End of year celebrations in Moscow

December 31 rather than Christmas. The Russians are eagerly awaiting the holiday season. Here on December 31 is like Christmas with us. Religion, “opium of the people” according to Marx, and, above all, its official absence marked the country during the Soviet years. This then reinforced the celebration of December 31, while Orthodox Christmas is January 7.

Russian calendar. In addition, it should be known that the first week of January is a bank holiday. Many Russians therefore do not work during this period. Europe also greatly influences the habits of Muscovites. Consequently, the Christmas markets start in early December and, for some, continue until early February!

Fairytale atmosphere. If you are wondering when to go to Moscow and you love the holiday mood, then the end of December – early January, and even February, is for you! There are many things to do during this time: for example, Christmas markets, decorations, winter games, skating rinks. In 2016, Moscow opened the largest ice rink in Europe. In short, the city is doing a lot of entertainment during this period and the general atmosphere is at the top! However, everything comes at a cost. You can see more detail below in the article, month by month.

Find our more in this blog post: Christmas and New Year in Moscow .

Visit Moscow in May

May 1 and 9 are two big festivals in Russia. Both dates are known worldwide. May 9 in Russia is May 8 with us in France. The signature that marks the end of the Second World War. The shift day is explained by … the difference in time zone.

The May 9 holiday is a very important holiday for the Russians. The Soviet human losses amounted to millions. So there are many families who have been directly affected by the war. The first big parade was organized by Stalin on June 24, 1945 in Red Square in Moscow. Later each year the USSR and then Russia organized a parade on May 9. Here is the video of the first parade dating from 1945 in color, then the last – that of 2016.

A disadvantage of the beginning of May. For the planned events, Red Square will not be completely empty. There are always installations for May 9, but also rehearsals. So, to the question “when is the best time to visit Moscow”, I would not say that May is the best one. You can find out more in the article “Moscow in autumn” below.

Throughout the year, the Moscow City Hall organizes free events (festivals, small markets, concerts, etc.) in the Red Square and in the streets of the city center. For example, there are two major interesting events:

• Festival of Lights “Around the World”: in 2019, it was from September 28 to October 4.
• Anniversary of the city of Moscow always celebrated the first weekend of September.

When is the best time to visit Moscow: budget, price seasonality, visa

Most touristy periods. Many travelers come to Moscow from May to October. This is the period when we see the most tourists in Moscow. In addition, many are also those who come at the end of December and at the beginning of January for the New Year. The beginning of May and the first week of January are also strongly requested, in particular by the Russians (school holidays, public holidays).

Accommodation. Hotel rates therefore necessarily increase during these periods of the year. But they do not go so far as to triple. To give an idea, count at least 80 euros in the city center for a double room with breakfast. You can read more about the districts of Moscow in my article: Where to stay in Moscow?

Guides and tours. Also take into account that during these periods it will be more difficult to find a guide at the last moment. It’s best to do it 2-3 months in advance. There will be more waiting or difficulty obtaining tickets during the months of high tourist influx: late December, early January, May, June, July, August.

Visa for Russia. The cost of the visa does not change depending on the month of the year. On the other hand, the deadlines can be longer if you make the request for the high tourist season (from May to October). Allow about a month. Getting the Russian visa is not complicated, there is a procedure to follow.

In Russia, the seasons are divided as follows:

• Fall: September, October, November.
• Winter: December, January, February.
• Spring: March, April, May.
• Summer: June, July, August.

Discover Moscow in autumn: when is the best time to visit Moscow in autumn?

From the beginning of September, we feel that the temperatures begin to drop gradually, especially at night.

Moscow in September

More and more travelers are choosing the month of September to go to Moscow. Because it is not cold yet and there are fewer tourists than in summer. Prices drop slightly, but remain higher than in the lean months of the year. There is also the city’s birthday on the first weekend in September, but also the “Around the World” festival towards the end of the month.

Moscow in October

You are likely to come across the colors of autumn from the beginning of October. The accommodation prices are starting to drop gradually. There is less waiting in the places to visit. Temperatures are not very low: during the day they are generally around +6 degrees. On the other hand, the only negative point can be the cost of plane tickets, if you leave during the French school holidays.

Moscow in November

It’s one of the least calm! Temperatures drop and can approach zero during the day in mid-November. Hotel rates are low, there are few tourists, and therefore less waiting in museums. It’s easier to get tickets for the Kremlin Palace of Armor, which can be very difficult in the summer. Guides also have more availability. So why not go to Moscow in November?

Discover Moscow in winter: when is the best time to visit Moscow in winter?

Winter is a very nice time to go to Moscow, because the Christmas and New Year decorations are installed from the beginning of December and are not removed until the end of February. To learn more about the different activities in winter, read this article: What to do in Moscow in winter? If winter temperatures scare you, check out Moscow in the spring (see below).

Moscow in december

Normally, negative daytime temperatures set in, although the weather can vary significantly from year to year. In general, from mid-December the snow is durable. It is from December 20 that more and more travelers come to Moscow. December 31st is celebrated like Christmas in France. Accommodation rates are higher from mid-December. It’s also more complicated to find a guide at the last moment. Furthermore, as in Europe, the days of December are the shortest of the year. But if you want to mark New Years Day, you will have lots of memories!

Moscow in january

January is also a very festive month. The first week of January is a public holiday in Russia. Besides, it’s also a week of Russian school holidays. There are more people in the streets, museums and everywhere in the city. To find out more about this time of year (Christmas markets, itineraries, etc.), read: Christmas and New Years in Moscow . Prices remain high during this week, but drop from mid-January.

Moscow in February

It’s the second quietest month of the year. In February, winter clearly takes its ease. The temperatures are the lowest, it’s a real winter! The days are longer in February than in December. So we’re enjoying the day more, and with the snow it’s really nice, because the weather in Moscow in February is pretty sunny. Accommodation rates are at their lowest, and the decorations are still there. So, if you are looking for when to go to Moscow, if the cold does not scare you and you appreciate the snowy landscapes, why not consider the month of February?

Discover Moscow in spring: when is the best time to visit Moscow in spring?

Spring is a contrasting period between March, which is still quite cold, and May, when we really feel the arrival of summer.

Moscow in March

The ice and snow begin to melt around mid-March. Winter is coming in March, but spring is not quite there yet. It’s the third quietest month of the year. It is therefore possible to visit the city more quietly. Accommodation prices are low, guides are available. The weather in Moscow in March is milder than in February. In addition, the days are longer, so you can take many walks.

Moscow in April

It is only from mid-April that we begin to feel the beginnings of sunny days. The weather in Moscow in spring and April in particular is getting milder and colder: we can expect +7 during the day. In addition, there are not many travelers yet and we fear to enjoy the places more quietly, but we feel that the start of the tourist season is approaching. Accommodation rates are lower than in May.

Moscow in May

The early May holidays attract many travelers to Moscow. There are also many Russians who come to the capital on public holidays. It is therefore advisable to plan visits in advance to avoid queuing once there. Red Square can be closed or partially closed for rehearsals for the May 9 parade, the same day and one or two days after. More info in: Moscow in May: events, budget, what to do?

Discover Moscow in summer: when is the best time to visit Moscow in summer?

All summer months are great, if you take temperatures into account. The weather in Moscow in summer is quite pleasant. However, in recent years, there have been great heat peaks or heat waves in July (30 degrees during the day).

Moscow in June

From June, you can take long walks in the city’s parks, very numerous and much appreciated by the locals. Boat trips are more enjoyable from June. On the other hand, the prices of accommodation in Moscow are higher than in the lean months. There are also more tourists. Book your hotel, tours and activities in advance.

Moscow in july

July is the hottest month, but we’re not on +40. Moscow is a city inland and therefore there is little fresh air, if it is very hot. We can do lots of walks to discover the city. We have written several complete itineraries so as not to miss anything of Moscow in our special Moscow travel guide. It also contains tips to save time and enjoy the city off the beaten track, as there are so many tourists during this time of year.

Moscow in August

Temperatures are starting to drop gradually, but there are still so many people. In order to be sure of the choice of accommodation, I advise you to book in advance. The same goes for guided tours or entrance tickets to the Kremlin. It’s also a good time to discover the city differently by going to places that are less touristy and more frequented by locals.

When is the best time to go to Moscow? In summary!

The best time to discover Moscow depends on the criteria you want to favor: the weather, the budget, the tranquility of the visits, the special events to be experienced on site.

In summary:

• The peak tourist season in Moscow begins in early May and ends in late September.
• Late December and early January is the best time to experience the holiday mood, but it comes at a cost.
• End of January, February, March, beginning of April, November are the quietest months of the year, when you can visit the city more calmly and on a reduced budget.

So, have you decided when to go to Moscow? 🙂 Do you plan to visit Moscow in spring, summer, autumn or winter?

Travel idea! As in all cases you will get a visa and there is only 4 hours by train between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, why not visit both cities? Read an example of a route here: Moscow to Saint Petersburg in one week.

If you still have doubts, take a look at what you can visit in Moscow in order to choose the best period: Things to do in Moscow in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days.

For a great trip to Moscow:

• Visit Moscow and St Petersburg in one week: itinerary
• Where to stay in Moscow?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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