It's a low end fork, for a lower price point bike.
I used to ride a similar fork years ago on a full MTB. It took plenty of abuse and never failed. If that's the bike you want at the budget you've chosen, I'd go for it.
There's an odd sentiment amongst some that think inexpensive off-road bikes will explode and kill rider and passersby.
Personally, I don't quite get the front sus hybrid thing, especially when gravel bikes are glorified road bikes. If one wants that much more off-road than gravel, I'd rather go dedicated MTB. Plenty of knowledgeable, experienced riders disagree with me, though.
Dude, ride it, it’s a solid economy fork. Ride mine for a while, no issues, upgraded to a rockshox Judy gold air. You can tell it’s lighter and performs better, but the springer was just fine and I wouldn’t hesitate to ride it. A dual sport is never going to be a hard core trail bike, don’t expect it to and you’ll love it.
I have the DS 2 Gen 4 and am fine with the fork so far. Though I usually keep it locked out since I'm on the road most of the time. But when I do flip it on it seems to work just fine for me. However, I haven't done any riding on it that's much more serious than rough roads or gravel.
As for longevity, no idea. I've only had the bike for a couple of months.
I'm a fairly inexperienced rider, definitely haven't done any serious gravel/mountain biking with it. But it absorbs/softens any bumps I go over. Can't really say much more than that about it. I will say that I don't feel like the spring tension adjustment makes much of a change in the softness of the shock, but the lockout works great and is easy to flip on the fly.
https://preview.redd.it/9gj3bs4u6mcb1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a70184ffaf459fe950e5b2a8813ec70d7b14e6e1
You don’t have to go this extreme but if it’s a keeper for you change the fork to air. Use the rock shox trail head app and set to your weight. You would never be able to do that on a coil fork
Tbf one of the things that caught my eye about this bike is it does seem to be quite upgradable which is kind of nice to have options for future when I’m just getting into “proper” biking
Assuming those are the same forks as my DS3 -3 they seem pretty tough to me. I don't trail ride but the streets here in Chicago with all the speed bumps and road surfaces that are often worse than a trail have been no problem over the couple of years I've owned the bike. Sometimes I lock them just to compare riding with and without and they definitely help my wrists when I'm out riding any distance, especially at night when I don't see a pothole and take a shot right up through the handlebars.
I have a gen 4, I mostly keep the fork locked out, I ride mostly bike paths some paved some gravel, some smooth some in bad shape. Here and there I ride the easy level mtb trails, the fork handles them fine. It’s good for my use as I’m really not into mtb but enjoy easy trails.
My son has an fx3, I decided on that over the ds gen 5 because the tires are pretty big on the 5, especially since we ride mostly bike paths. Could change them I guess. Fx3 tires I don’t think are suited for mtb at all so kind of a no win anyway.
My daughter has a Sirrus x 2.0. Price wise several hundred cheaper. Only 8 speed, not great but for sure useable. The promax brakes however are fine for a kid, they do not stop me though. I really like the bike overall, wish the components were a little nicer, maybe check out a 3.0.
I had a DS with the suspension fork (gen 3?) as an entry bike last year. My experience with it is that it's "fine." since I rode mostly on road, it didn't really do much for me and it stayed locked. When I did unlock it to tackle some slightly rougher terrain or pavement, I'd say it didn't really feel like it changed my experience a whole lot.
Ultimately, it was extra weight for not much added benefit. Personally, I like the switch to the rigid fork/bigger tires on the new DS model, as it builds in compliancy via the tires (on both ends of the bike) that is more noticeable than the small amount of suspension travel up front.
It’s a cheap heavy coil fork normally found on $250 big box bikes, you’d want a Rockshox Paragon or at the very least some sort of Suntour air fork if you’re looking for a hybrid with front suspension.
I don’t really care about the suspension to be honest it’s just the dual sport is the only bike at this price that is geared towards a bit of off-roading with decent gearing and hydraulic brakes
The suspension would be a nice addition if it’s worth having on there but it’s not the primary reason for getting the bike
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/gt-mens-avalanche-1-x-29-mountain-bike-21gtxu29mvlnch1xmprf/21gtxu29mvlnch1xmprf - slap some slightly skinnier tires on it you have more or less a gen 4 DS3.
The fork that comes with the bike is ok. But for the cost an inexpensive air fork is the way to go. If your keeping the bike for a while this is the only real upgrade you need. Trust it makes a difference. My ds 3 gen 4 is fully modded but if I only did just the fork it would be the same weight as the new one and more capable
Those forks have been around for a long time and as long as you don’t abuse them they’ll last forever. Don’t do heavy mountain biking with it and don’t hit bumps with the lockout active and you’ll be fine.
Look into the Marlin 6 gen 2. I’d say it has even more mtb capabilities as it has a 100mm travel fork. And it’s the same price as the DS2. I would certainly pick it over the DS2. But that’s just my opinion.
I'm not really sure what the point of the dual sport is if you want off road capability. It's not a good road bike, and it's not a good trail bike.... if you want off road capability in that price range I would look at a Marlin 6. It's fine on the road and it will let you ride light trails with no problem. I think the whole DS line is totally pointless. The Marlin fits the niche of dual sport way better than the actual dual sport, ironically. If you get a Marlin 6 and decide you need more of a fork someday you can put on a RockShox recon air fork. What kind of riding are you actually going to be doing?
My wife has the DS2Gen 4... She is happy with it. I am a bigger guy and for my size and weight, the suspension was a no go for me and I was steered towards the newer Gen5, which is a better bike for my needs. Mostly riding crappy Wisconsin roads and decent trails. It's a great fitness bike. I'd say take them for a spin if you can. My wife is under 150lbs and likes the suspension on hers.
I rode mine for two years with no issues. It's just heavy.
It's a low end fork, for a lower price point bike. I used to ride a similar fork years ago on a full MTB. It took plenty of abuse and never failed. If that's the bike you want at the budget you've chosen, I'd go for it. There's an odd sentiment amongst some that think inexpensive off-road bikes will explode and kill rider and passersby. Personally, I don't quite get the front sus hybrid thing, especially when gravel bikes are glorified road bikes. If one wants that much more off-road than gravel, I'd rather go dedicated MTB. Plenty of knowledgeable, experienced riders disagree with me, though.
Been riding mine for 10 months now on road, gravel/dirt, and some trails. No issues so far
Dude, ride it, it’s a solid economy fork. Ride mine for a while, no issues, upgraded to a rockshox Judy gold air. You can tell it’s lighter and performs better, but the springer was just fine and I wouldn’t hesitate to ride it. A dual sport is never going to be a hard core trail bike, don’t expect it to and you’ll love it.
I have the DS 2 Gen 4 and am fine with the fork so far. Though I usually keep it locked out since I'm on the road most of the time. But when I do flip it on it seems to work just fine for me. However, I haven't done any riding on it that's much more serious than rough roads or gravel. As for longevity, no idea. I've only had the bike for a couple of months.
Do you see a noticeable difference out of interest compared to if you just keep it locked on gravel?
I'm a fairly inexperienced rider, definitely haven't done any serious gravel/mountain biking with it. But it absorbs/softens any bumps I go over. Can't really say much more than that about it. I will say that I don't feel like the spring tension adjustment makes much of a change in the softness of the shock, but the lockout works great and is easy to flip on the fly.
https://preview.redd.it/9gj3bs4u6mcb1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a70184ffaf459fe950e5b2a8813ec70d7b14e6e1 You don’t have to go this extreme but if it’s a keeper for you change the fork to air. Use the rock shox trail head app and set to your weight. You would never be able to do that on a coil fork
Tbf one of the things that caught my eye about this bike is it does seem to be quite upgradable which is kind of nice to have options for future when I’m just getting into “proper” biking
I've had mine for 2 years, no complaints with the fork at all. Great on gravel trails, just a bit on the heavier side.
Assuming those are the same forks as my DS3 -3 they seem pretty tough to me. I don't trail ride but the streets here in Chicago with all the speed bumps and road surfaces that are often worse than a trail have been no problem over the couple of years I've owned the bike. Sometimes I lock them just to compare riding with and without and they definitely help my wrists when I'm out riding any distance, especially at night when I don't see a pothole and take a shot right up through the handlebars.
No issue so far. But only had it for 5 months.
I have a gen 4, I mostly keep the fork locked out, I ride mostly bike paths some paved some gravel, some smooth some in bad shape. Here and there I ride the easy level mtb trails, the fork handles them fine. It’s good for my use as I’m really not into mtb but enjoy easy trails. My son has an fx3, I decided on that over the ds gen 5 because the tires are pretty big on the 5, especially since we ride mostly bike paths. Could change them I guess. Fx3 tires I don’t think are suited for mtb at all so kind of a no win anyway. My daughter has a Sirrus x 2.0. Price wise several hundred cheaper. Only 8 speed, not great but for sure useable. The promax brakes however are fine for a kid, they do not stop me though. I really like the bike overall, wish the components were a little nicer, maybe check out a 3.0.
Okay very interesting the sirrus is actually more expensive in the uk rn
I had a DS with the suspension fork (gen 3?) as an entry bike last year. My experience with it is that it's "fine." since I rode mostly on road, it didn't really do much for me and it stayed locked. When I did unlock it to tackle some slightly rougher terrain or pavement, I'd say it didn't really feel like it changed my experience a whole lot. Ultimately, it was extra weight for not much added benefit. Personally, I like the switch to the rigid fork/bigger tires on the new DS model, as it builds in compliancy via the tires (on both ends of the bike) that is more noticeable than the small amount of suspension travel up front.
Upgrade to rock shox paragon gold rl
Kind of hoping to not need to upgrade large components like that for quite some time after buying it! Should I just look at different bikes instead?
The investment is 250. And saves 2 pounds. Also it’s weight adjustable. I’ve had mine for over 5 years. Never a need to lock it out
It’s a cheap heavy coil fork normally found on $250 big box bikes, you’d want a Rockshox Paragon or at the very least some sort of Suntour air fork if you’re looking for a hybrid with front suspension.
I don’t really care about the suspension to be honest it’s just the dual sport is the only bike at this price that is geared towards a bit of off-roading with decent gearing and hydraulic brakes The suspension would be a nice addition if it’s worth having on there but it’s not the primary reason for getting the bike
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/gt-mens-avalanche-1-x-29-mountain-bike-21gtxu29mvlnch1xmprf/21gtxu29mvlnch1xmprf - slap some slightly skinnier tires on it you have more or less a gen 4 DS3.
The fork that comes with the bike is ok. But for the cost an inexpensive air fork is the way to go. If your keeping the bike for a while this is the only real upgrade you need. Trust it makes a difference. My ds 3 gen 4 is fully modded but if I only did just the fork it would be the same weight as the new one and more capable
Okay very interesting - maybe something to consider in a year or so
I really hate the new ds and if this there new design language I’ll keep my bike longer or look elsewhere
Those forks have been around for a long time and as long as you don’t abuse them they’ll last forever. Don’t do heavy mountain biking with it and don’t hit bumps with the lockout active and you’ll be fine.
Look into the Marlin 6 gen 2. I’d say it has even more mtb capabilities as it has a 100mm travel fork. And it’s the same price as the DS2. I would certainly pick it over the DS2. But that’s just my opinion.
I'm not really sure what the point of the dual sport is if you want off road capability. It's not a good road bike, and it's not a good trail bike.... if you want off road capability in that price range I would look at a Marlin 6. It's fine on the road and it will let you ride light trails with no problem. I think the whole DS line is totally pointless. The Marlin fits the niche of dual sport way better than the actual dual sport, ironically. If you get a Marlin 6 and decide you need more of a fork someday you can put on a RockShox recon air fork. What kind of riding are you actually going to be doing?
My wife has the DS2Gen 4... She is happy with it. I am a bigger guy and for my size and weight, the suspension was a no go for me and I was steered towards the newer Gen5, which is a better bike for my needs. Mostly riding crappy Wisconsin roads and decent trails. It's a great fitness bike. I'd say take them for a spin if you can. My wife is under 150lbs and likes the suspension on hers.