Do you need suspension forks on your gravel bike?

It's more fun with an answer.

To support that answer, we received the Cane Creek Invert SL gravel suspension fork and immediately installed it on a Cannondale Topstone.

The Invert SL is an inverted air suspension fork, and one of its main appeals is its extreme lightness. The actual measured weight is about 1,040g (catalog value is 990g).
The Topstone it was installed on previously had a Lefty suspension, so this resulted in a reduction of -600g. With the wheels also changed, the total weight reduction was about 800g. Even with pedals and a dropper post, the weight was 9.8kg.

The travel is 30mm.

The damper and lockout are eliminated, contributing to its light weight.

The axle-to-crown measurement is 425mm with a 45mm offset. For reference, the Topstone's Lefty Oliver has an axle-to-crown of 423mm with a 55mm offset, and the rigid standard carbon fork is 407mm with a 55mm offset.

 

How is it in practice?

I rode it on my usual mountain trails, and the fun factor far exceeded my expectations.It's an excellent match for the Topstone.

The Cannondale Topstone already offers a comfortable ride thanks to its Kingpin suspension, but this makes the ride even smoother by taking the edge off impacts and bumps from the ground.

Compared to the stock carbon fork, downhill performance has naturally improved, and it's incredibly fun to be able to ride through sections that I previously approached cautiously.

It also performed well on climbs. Especially on rough climbs with longitudinal grooves, the front wheel is less likely to get caught, and it's easier to maintain speed, making climbing easier than before.

The Invert SL lacks a damper and lockout mechanism. My biggest concern was instability or unnecessary sinking due to their absence, but it wasn't a significant issue.

While dancing on climbs, it certainly moved, but it wasn't so obtrusive as to cause a feeling of loss, nor did it feel floaty and unstable just because there was no damper.

It made full use of the 30mm travel, and there was no uncomfortable bottoming out.

It's a strange suspension fork.

Since I ride my Topstone on roads more often, I used to think a rigid fork would be better when considering climbing losses and direct feel, but I'm starting to think there's no point in being so particular about it anymore.

There have been a few parts that have drastically changed my previous notions, and this might be one of them.

It's currently installed on a Topstone, so I encourage everyone to come and experience it for themselves. We also plan to install it on other gravel bikes like OTSO and SUTRA and test it out, so look forward to that.

The 30mm travel INVERT SL is sold out in Japan, but Grumpy secured two units. One is still available.

The 40mm travel INVERT CS with lockout is also available for order for now.

Please contact us if you are interested.

Cane Creek

Invert SL
199,980 yen (tax included)

Invert CS
217,800 yen (tax included)