Should I buy a fork for BMX or MTB?

When you buy a fork for mountain bike, you have the option to buy one with suspension or without. There are forks in the market for 20″ MTB like the one shown here. 20″ MTBs are usually recommended for kids of age 6 and above.

If you plan to buy a replacement fork just make sure that it fits the size of the bicycle you intend to install it on. They come in sizes for 20″ right up to 29″ bicycles. Choose one with suspension if you plan on riding off road as it will take the strain off your shoulders during bumpy rides on your bicycle.

If you buy a cheaper fork with suspension, it is likely that you will not be able to adjust the shock absorbers as there is no dial on it to adjust their tension or to lock it so that it does not move at all.


BMX forks do not have suspension and they are usually built sturdier and stronger than other fork without suspension, eg, meant for a fixie or a regular 20″ bicycle. You will not be able to install your BMX rims or tyres on a fixed gear fork as the tyre width for BMX can be as wide as 2.35″

Mountings on the fork for the brakes are located differently for V-Brake, U-Brake or disc brakes. So, inform the shop the kind of brakes you intend to fix on your BMX.

In Malaysia, it is now popular for youngsters to modify their 20″ BMX with a double fork (with or without suspension) like this.

This is how they want their BMX to look like after modification.

Or like this.


This is how they ride (fly) the modified BMX.


This is dangerous and illegal. Bicycles like these get confiscated by the local authorities if riders are caught in the act.

Heard of fatbike?

Have you heard of bicycles with fat tyres?

These are your regular 26er expect that it runs on 26x4" tyres.  The idea of fat bikes started in USA as it is great for snow laden roads.  So, no more tying cable ties on the tyres for better traction with fat bikes on the scene.

The fat bike looks bulky and you will think that it will slow you down till you try it.  And if you also think that you could not possibly ride it over rough surfaces, then you have to check this video out.



Fat bikes is also good on sandy places, such as, the beaches along the coast and sand dunes in the desert.  You can definitely ride it on rough surfaces, muddy or grassy patches.  Don't worry that it does not have a suspension fork installed.  Let the air out some and you will feel that you are ridding on a 2 wheeler monster truck.

If you are always complaining that the tyres on your regular bike frequently run flat on you, you obviously have weight issues.  Till you loose some load, you will have to consider ridding a fat bike to avoid the hassle of pumping air into your tyres everytime you are on it.

You can also consider using a fat bike for touring.  The broader base of the tyres makes it easier for you to handle your bike as the load of your panniers are not evenly spread out and can cause your bike to skid on you.

So, what are you waiting for?  Go get a fat bike!

There are also models running on 20x4" tyres.