XFusion’s entry into gravel suspension comes in the form of the new G.E.T. (Grand Epic Trail) 30 fork.
The all-new 700c-wheel specific fork comes with slender 30mm stanchions, a 12x100mm thru-axle, offsets of 45mm and 51mm, and travel options of 30, 40 and 50mm.
The internals are an air spring combined with XFusion's Finecut RL2 damper. XFusion claims the Finecut RL2 is optimised for small-bump response and high speed, so it should be up to the job for chattery gravel.
The G.E.T. 30 has a claimed weight of 1,340g (uncut steerer), which is only a few grams heavier than the RockShox Rudy XPLR Ultimate (1,300g), Fox’s 32 Taper-Cast (1,320g) and Cane Creek’s lightweight Invert CS at 1,250g.
At $659, with the UK price still to be announced but expected to be around £550-£600, the G.E.T. 30 is very competitively priced for gravel suspension.
The class-leading RockShox Rudy XPLR Ultimate is priced at £779 / $799 (1,300g), while Fox’s Taper-Cast 32 is £1,000 / $949 and Cane Creek’s Invert CS is £1,199.99 / $1,199.99.
Remote control
The fork offers rebound adjustment on the fly and an external lockout. The lockout is operated by the standard dial on the fork crown, or you can upgrade to a remote bar-mounted lockout.
The lockout can even be controlled with XFusion’s clever Q-Flip drop-bar specific lever. The Q-Flip features two independent levers, one to operate the fork lockout and one to activate XFusion’s gravel-specific version of its 50mm-travel, 27.2mm-diameter Manic dropper.
XFusion G.E.T. 30 details
- Wheel size: 700C
- Stanchions: 30mm anodised aluminium
- Axle: 12x100mm thru-axle
- Offset: 45mm / 51mm
- Damper: Finecut RL2 sealed cartridge
- Spring: Lightweight air spring
- Adjustments: Lockout and rebound
- Travel Options: 30mm, 40mm, 50mm
- Steerer: Tapered
- Weight: 1,340g (2.9lb)
- Colours: Matte Black / Gloss Sand
- Prices: Starting at $659; UK and EU prices TBC
A real RockShox Rudy XPLR rival?
Gravel suspension is at something of a crossroads, with some brands opting for lightweight XC forks instead of gravel-specific options. Lee Cougan has the full-suspension Innova Super Gravel and Moots the 29er-compatible new Scrambler.
Trek is offering the Rudy XPLR Max on the new full-suspension CheckOut.
Meanwhile, brands such as Canyon, Santa Cruz, Giant and Cannondale are sticking to the lightweight, short-travel template.
It’s here where the XFusion could become a true contender: it has lots of suspension control, low weight, the clever Q-Flip controller, and a competitive retail price.
I’ve already put a request in for a test sample to see how the G.E.T. 30 shapes up against my current recommended gravel forks.
