Established entry-level brand goes upscale for 2013
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This SR Suntour Axon RC features a hollow forged aluminum crown but the new top-end model gets an all-carbon crown and tapered steerer.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The post mount tabs are integrated into the SR Suntour Axon's bonded magnesium dropout.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
SR Suntour's 15mm thru-axle system is admirably simple to operate.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The SR Suntour Axon RC has a claimed weight of just 1,550g (including the axle) but the new carbon crown and steerer on the latest flagship model will supposedly bring that down to around 1,320g. SR Suntour will offer versions for 26", 27.5", and 29" wheels.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The new SR Suntour RUX downhill fork will be available in both tool-free (shown) or tooled 20mm thru-axles.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
SR Suntour's new RUX downhill fork looks ready for business with 38mm upper tubes, 200mm of travel, a convenient cartridge damper design, and independently adjustable high-speed and low-speed compression damping.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Nice machined aluminum knobs on SR Suntour's new RUX downhill fork.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Cast magnesium lower legs for the new SR Suntour RUX.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Cast aside your notions of SR Suntour being solely an entry-level fork brand. With the new carbon crown on the top-level Axon range and the race-ready RUX, SR Suntour is not only aiming for higher price points but higher levels of performance, too, plus the already convenient serviceability of its cartridge damper design.
SR Suntour's Axon RC cross-country fork already boasts an impressive resume of features, including genuine molded carbon fiber lower legs capped with bonded magnesium dropouts, a hollow forged aluminum crown, stout 32mm aluminum upper legs, a slick 15mm quick-release thru-axle system, and even an optional electronic remote, all with a competitive claimed weight of 1,550g (3.42lb, including axle).
Upping the ante for 2013, however, is a new flagship version with a one-piece carbon crown and tapered carbon fiber steerer that drops the weight even further – supposedly down to around 1,320g (2.91lb) – while also boosting stiffness for more precise handling. SR Suntour will offer the Axon range – which France's Julie Bresset just used to nab Olympic cross-country gold, by the way – in 26", 27.5", and 29" fitments.
Out at the other end of the usage spectrum is SR Suntour's new RUX downhill fork, featuring stout 38mm-diameter upper tubes and 200mm of air-sprung travel with adjustable chamber volume for tunable spring rate. Damper adjustments include high and low speed compression plus rebound and the magnesium lower legs are built with direct-mount tabs for 203mm-diameter rotors. SR Suntour will offer the RUX with both tool-free and tooled 20mm thru-axle options, too, depending on your desired level of convenience.
Claimed weight is "right around six pounds".
SR Suntour's new Rux downhill fork
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