MTB fork stanchions, also known as the upper tubes, are primarily made of steel or aluminium, depending on the fork's intended use and price point.
Based on the provided reference:
- Steel: Most lower-end forks utilize steel for their stanchions. This material is chosen because it is cheap and easy to work with. Steel stanchions are often polished or chromed for a smooth finish.
- Aluminium: Fork uppers (stanchions) found on many black forks are typically made of aluminium. Aluminium is a popular choice due to its advantageous properties compared to steel; it is lighter and boasts a higher strength-to-weight ratio. To achieve various colors like black or the distinctive gold found on Fox Kashima coatings, aluminium stanchions are anodised.
In summary, the material composition directly impacts the fork's weight, cost, and performance characteristics.
Comparison of MTB Fork Stanchion Materials
| Material | Typical Use | Finish / Coating | Key Properties (from reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Lower-end forks | Polished or Chromed | Cheap, Easy |
| Aluminium | Higher-end / Lighter forks | Anodised (e.g., Black, Gold) | Lighter, Higher Strength-to-Weight Ratio |
Choosing between forks often involves considering the trade-offs between the durability and cost-effectiveness of steel versus the weight savings and performance potential of aluminium stanchions.
