Fox and Rock Shox suspension are what the majority of us ride due to their capacity to provide original equipment (OEM) for the largest bike manufacturers. They both make great forks but MRP has a new fork that should demand attention. The MRP Ribbon offers an impressive package with incredible tunability.
The Ribbon adds ramp control to adjust bottom out resistance as well as a negative air spring adjustment to fine tune how soft or firm initial travel is. In addition, travel can also be adjusted internally from 120mm to 160mm via included spacers. Combine all this adjustability with a fork that is impressively light and stiff and the industry might be looking a new benchmark.
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Details: MRP Ribbon 29 Boost – 140mm travel | Retail Price: $989 | Actual weight 1943 g/4.27lbs | 35mm Stanchions
Bike: Canfield Nimble 9 Singlespeed | Usage: 601 miles of mostly Pisgah rocky/rooty gnar
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How’s it Ride?
First of all, it’s worth noting that the Ribbon was tested on a hardtail singlespeed designed around a 140mm fork. My initial reactions were that the fork was way plush and that 140mm of travel might be more than I really need on this bike. As I began tuning the fork for my desired ride, I started thinking that 140mm might be OK. I slightly decreased the negative air pressure to firm things up while standing out of the saddle and increased the ramp control to give a firmer platform to pop off of rocks and roots with the fork. With those adjustments, I’m happily dialed with a fork that meets my demands at 140mm of travel that doesn’t feel like its too much for my hardtail.
The ultra wide range of tunability is what sets this fork apart. It can be set up plusher with and with more ramp up than competitors offerings. This is a particularly great thing for a singlespeed with all the out of saddle mashing. I get a fork that doesn’t wallow in its travel or rely too heavily on low-speed compression or lockout. The Ribbon’s suppleness on the small stuff as well as throughout the rest of its travel is truly impressive.
Favorite Features:
- Tunability – Ultra plush, plush initial with quick ramp-up, solid pedaling platform, bottomless. All set ups can be achieved.
- Weight -4.2lbs, Nearly the same weight as a Fox 34 but with larger 35mm stanchions and more adjustability.
- Low-speed compression damping – easy to turn even while descending
- Travel adjustability – travel can be adjusted by simply swapping internal spacers
- Air relief valves – “Psst valves” relieve pressure built up in the lowers. Simply press each valve on the back of each lower.
What would I change?
The Quick release axle. With my current setup in my van I have to remove the front wheel for transport. The MRP QR seems to require a third hand since there is a nut on the opposite leg of the QR. The nut can spin as you’re trying to hold your wheel/bike and twisting the QR. You could simply go to a bolt on axle (option from MRP)
Who’s it for?
Any rider from xc to enduro that wants a highly tunable fork without the added costs of sending your fork out for modifications. No matter how you like your fork to ride it can be achieved with the MRP Ribbon. The fork easily meets the demands of diverse riding styles of even the most particular riders. You simply will not find a more tunable fork at the weight and stiffness of the Ribbon. Take note big dogs![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
