At first glance, Rock Shox and Fox Racing Shox do not seem to have any serious competition in the field of suspension elements. But in the past, the Taiwanese manufacturer X-Fusion in particular drew attention to itself. The X-Fusion range extends from thoroughbred Enduro suspension forks and various dampers to thoroughbred XC forks like the Velvet RL.
The X Fusion Velvet RL is a very versatile fork. The inexpensive Reba and Float alternative is increasingly being seen on all-mountain and XC bikes. Not only because of the low total weight of 1,670 kilograms Velvet a popular suspension fork. It offers a variety of options. You can choose between the two axle standards 9mm quick release and 15mm thru axle and adjust the spring travel from 80-140 millimeters to your needs using internally installed spacers. We can also lock our test model at any time using a lockout lever on the handlebars - an important feature, especially for long, difficult climbs.
The compression stage can be perfectly adjusted to the rider's weight with a fork pump via a Schrader valve. In addition, the rebound can be adjusted at any time using an adjustment wheel on the lower right end of the fork.
The casting of the Velvet RL is made of magnesium and has the post mount-Standard for fixing the caliper. The brake disc size of the Velvet is limited to 180 millimeters - needless to say that larger discs would be oversized for the intended purpose.
Installed and adjusted makes the Velvet a good impression. The SAG can be adjusted quickly like any other fork, but there is no scale on the lower tubes, which always proves to be a useful tool. If you have prepared everything according to your preferences, the fork leaves almost nothing to be desired. The fork responds finely and reacts to every little bump on the trail. The Velvet also copes well with bigger hits and you never have to worry about going over the handlebars. However, the 9 millimeter dropouts prove to be a little weak on the chest. They don't provide the desired rigidity, which is particularly noticeable in fast corners. With the 15 mm thru-axle, however, the problem should not arise. The lockout lever, which was initially viewed with skepticism due to its relatively bulky design, also works perfectly.
//Conclusion
The bottom line is that the X-Fusion Velvet RL represents serious competition for Rock Shox and Fox Racing Shox. The fork convinces us with its low weight and a nice response. There are only deductions due to the somewhat weak 9 millimeter dropouts and the missing scale on the dip tubes.
//Product highlights
- low weight
- good value for money
- pleasant response
//price & web
- EUR 369,00
- www.xfusionshox.com