A key component for each frame is an appropriate fork, but what is the right fork for your Locomotive? As with the frame, the choice of fork also depends fundamentally on how you plan to use your Locomotive and how the fork will improve your experience of using the bike.
Locomotive frames are designed to use a 495mm axle to crown length, measured from the wheel axle to the fork head, and a 51mm Rake.
So, we can consider these measures the starting point to choose this fundamental component, which influences the behavior of your Locomotive and its dynamic characteristics. By increasing the height of the fork, the bicycle stabilizes and becomes progressively slower in turns. A shorter rake, on the other hand, makes steering more agile, especially in narrow trail conditions. Small differences, in the order of a few millimeters, actually have little effect on the dynamic behavior of the bicycle, but it is good to carefully evaluate important deviations from the "ideal" geometry.
These are the main choices available in the official Locomotive Cycles kits and those chosen by some of our users.
This legendary original steel fork from Salsa is also available aftermarket. It’s robust and lends itself well to bikepacking, with weight is its only real flaw. It’s 483 mm long with a 45mm rake, compatible with tires up to 29 x 3.00. Options: 100x9, Anything Cage attachments, luggage rack, mudguards.
The latest carbon model from Firestarter is equally versatile, and in the Boost version it’s equipped with a double set of Anything Cage mounts on each leg. Height 483 mm, Rake 45, compatible with tires up to 29 x 3.00, It’s 483 mm long with a 45mm rake, compatible with tires up to 29 x 3.00. Options: 100x9, Anything Cage attachments, luggage rack, mudguards.
THis is another market leader fork, in all of its available colors. Height 470 mm, Rake 45, compatible with tires up to 29 x 3.00, Options: 100 x15.
The latest version of the most used carbon fork on the Westlander, versatile and with bottle cage mounts (with two screws) on both legs. Height 490 mm, Rake 45, compatible with tires up to 29 x 3.00, Options: 110 x15, attachments for bottle cage, luggage rack, mudguards.
Surly, in addition to steel frames, also offers all forks as aftermarket, Height 483 mm / 468 mm / 447 mm, Rake 47/43, compatible with tires up to 29 x 3.00. Options: 100 x 15, 110 x 15 Anything Cage bindings, luggage rack, mudguards.
The very special carbon suspension fork works thanks to three flexible blades in composite material, does not require any maintenance and offers 60 mm of travel. Height 485 mm, Rake 49, compatible with tires up to 29 x 3.00. Options: 110 x 15.
