Step
01.
Steerer Length & Fork Offset
The length of your steerer tube and fork offset can make a difference to how your bike is set up and ultimately feels. The shorter the steerer the lower your stem and bars will sit. The shorter your offset the more twitchy and responsive your front end will feel. Short offset forks are more popular for street/park setups, whereas a longer offset would be used for a more traditional/trail setup.
Most fork offsets will range between 20 to 30 degrees. With some steeper more responsive forks getting down to 15 degrees. Some riders like steeper forks to help them get into nose wheelies. Where riders like Courage Adams run 32-degree offset forks!
Measuring your headtube before buying your new set of forks may help you get the right fit to reduce the number of spacers if that's the look you're going for!
The longer your steerer tube the more spaces you will need to run. Depending on how you set your bike up, this could make a change to how high your bars will ultimately be.
Step
02.
Brake Mounts
For riders that want brakes on the front, some companies offer modern made forks with 990 brake mounts. Modern geometry and manufacturing methods ensure strong, lightweight 990 brake mount forks. If you are after front brakes for your next BMX build this is something to consider.
If you're in the market for front brakes then you're in luck with several brands adding the 990 brake mount to some of their most popular forks.
The 990 brake mount offers the rider a superior trustworthy and secure platform to connect the breaks to the fork. Overall the 990 brake mount increases the rider's ability to break while still offering a new, strong modern fork.
Colony BMX Brand is one brand that has always maintained making front brake components and these Sweet Tooth forks with 990 mounts are very popular with the front brake brethren out there.
Step
03.
Materials, Manufacturing and Warranty
Most BMX forks are made from 4130 Chromoly, however, the thicknesses, lengths and the machining process are always vastly different. Invest casted dropouts and heat-treating increase the strength and durability of the fork with some companies offering a lifetime warranty.
Unless you're racing your BMX bike your forks will most probably be made of 4130 Cromo. Some companies will use heat treating to strengthen them further. This has been a common practice in BMX for years. If you have bought a midrange complete bike your fo
Several BMX companies use invest casting to make the dropouts of their forks. Invest casting means the dropouts are all one piece and the tubing is welded to the solid piece of drop out.
Chrome forks have been popular for years and the process to make chrome forks means they cost a little extra but for most people, the price is worth the look!
Step
04.
Price
Finally, like most things in life, all forks come at a price. Prices for forks can start as low as $100 (AUD) to as much as $350. Prices can vary depending on brand, and strength. More expensive forks offer lifetime warranties, thicker tubing and investment cast dropouts.
$50-$150
There are a few companies that offer cheaper options for forks. Most forks in this price range will be made from Hi-tensile steel and not feature invest cast dropouts or heat-treating. These forks are more suitable for the rider that is getting into BMX
$150-$250
Middle range forks are most usually full Cromo however you might find that some will feature a Cromo steerer tube and Hi-Tensile steel fork arms.
$250 +
When you pay top dollar for your forks you can expect invest cast dropouts, superior manufacturing techniques and thicker tubing. Several companies will also offer a lifetime warranty against a variety of things including cracks bends and defects.
