Travel

Definition

Suspension travel is the maximum distance a bike's fork or rear shock can compress to absorb impacts from terrain, measured in millimeters. It describes how far the wheel axle moves in a vertical or near-vertical plane as the suspension compresses from fully extended to fully compressed.¹

How It Works

Travel is a function of the suspension design. On a fork, it is determined by how far the lower legs can slide up the stanchions. On a rear shock, the shock itself has a shorter stroke — typically 38–75mm — but the frame's linkage multiplies this into a larger wheel travel figure.

More travel is not always better. Longer travel raises the front axle height, which slackens the head tube angle and changes the geometry. Bikes designed for longer travel forks have frames built around those geometry numbers — fitting a longer fork to a frame designed for a shorter one will affect handling, often negatively.

Travel by Discipline

Travel ranges vary significantly by riding style:²

Adjustable Travel

Many modern forks offer adjustable travel, allowing riders to reduce travel for climbing or pedaling efficiency and increase it for descents. This is typically adjusted via a switch on the fork crown or through internal spacers.

See Also

• Sag
• Leverage Ratio
• Suspension Leverage Ratio

References