Tweaks for 2012 mean the latest X-Fusion Vengeance is right up among the top performing long-travel air forks but at a much lower price. New for this year is a Syntace X-20 screw-through axle, a lower ride height and 10mm more travel (170mm).
A larger air spring gives a more linear rate which means you’re far more likely to get that full travel too. Once ride time is into double figures it’s smoother off the top than before as well. Overall control on the top HLR model is now close enough to a RockShox Lyrik or Fox 36 as to be indistinguishable most of the time.
Pricing is much more affordable though, starting with the basic rebound adjustable, coil sprung version at £499. The RC offers adjustable low-speed compression and rebound, while the HLR tested here adds adjustable high-speed compression damping. Travel can be adjusted internally to 160, 130 or 100mm, and there’s an externally travel adjustable (140-170mm) DLA version for £25 more.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
