Motion Engineering, a French company renowned for its innovative suspension designs, has unveiled the X-Elium fork, a groundbreaking addition to the cross-country (XC) mountain biking scene. This unique fork integrates a monoblock carbon structure with the brand’s proprietary anti-dive system, aiming to enhance bike stability and maintain consistent 120mm travel during aggressive braking and tight cornering.
Innovative Design and Performance
Departing from traditional telescopic fork designs, the X-Elium features a monoblock carbon chassis coupled with Motion Engineering’s anti-dive mechanism. This configuration is engineered to preserve the bike’s geometry and ensure full 120mm suspension travel under hard braking, effectively preventing front-end dive in corners and sharp turns.
Suspension and Compatibility
The fork utilizes a Fox Float SL Kashima shock, known for its reliability and performance. This shock is specifically recalibrated to align with the X-Elium’s unique kinematics, offering enhanced sensitivity to small impacts and a smooth response during suspension engagement. The system is adaptable, supporting both 29-inch and 32-inch wheels. Transitioning between these wheel sizes is facilitated by adjusting the air volume in the shock through the addition or removal of tokens.
Structural Integrity and Weight
The monoblock design not only contributes to the fork’s rigidity but also results in a notably low weight of 1.2 kg for the complete assembly, including the chassis and shock. This positions the X-Elium among the lightest options in its category, appealing to riders seeking performance without compromising on weight.
Wheel Assembly and Practical Features
The fork is equipped with a custom CNC-machined aluminum hub featuring 32 spokes. The monoblock design ensures a symmetrical wheel profile, which helps in equalizing spoke tensions and enhancing lateral stiffness. For added convenience, Motion Engineering offers the QR-F1 system, allowing for quick removal of the front wheel without the need to detach the brake caliper.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at €1,500 (including VAT), the X-Elium fork package comprises the fork, shock, handlebar remote, and dedicated hub. An introductory pre-order campaign offers a 30% discount to the first 100 customers, reducing the price to €1,050 with a €300 deposit. Production will commence upon reaching 100 valid orders, with deliveries expected by spring 2027.
For more information, visit Motion Engineering’s official website.