Dual Crown Vs Triple Crown Fork? (Are They Same?)

Suspension forks are an essential part of bikes. And though they come in varying forms, they still serve the same purpose. Suspension forks make your ride smooth and efficient.

Well, let’s take a look at different suspension fork variations. But, first, let’s compare the dual crown and triple crown suspension fork.

There are no distinctive features between the dual and triple crown fork. Double crown forks possess two crowns which are the same as triple crown forks. Most individuals merely use these names interchangeably.

Dual Crown Vs. Triple Crown Fork

Dual crown forks and triple crown forks are all one thing. In the real sense, they mean the same thing.

Yet It’s more proper to say ‘dual crown fork’ than ‘triple crown fork,’ many prefer ‘triple crown fork.’ The only difference you can find is in their names.

Most people merely mistake calling double clamp forks triple crown forks.

This misplacement assumes that two crown suspension forks have two clamps on the stanchion and another around the head tube.

Unlike the single crown fork, the dual Crown Fork is a suspension fork with two crowns, one at the top and one at the bottom of the suspension fork.

The double crown fork has a crown at the top, with stanchions that go up to the top of the head tube.

The reason for this makeup is an added stiffness from top to bottom. In addition, the two crowns provide extra strength and stiff steering.

The double crown forks tend to be substantially heavier than the single crown forks. However, they are often used in racing bikes because they provide better control and stability.

Compared to single crown forks, double Clamp forks have stiffer steering; steering is limited and not so flexible. And if you try forcing the steering, the stanchion tubes will consequently hit the frame.

If you love skillful riding, go for the dual crown fork, where the steering is much more flexible.

Like enduro races, two crown suspension forks are essential because of their application and usage.

Most downhill bikes in enduro races use dual crown forks for optimized performance while pointing down.

Ideally, with double-crown forks, the forces are evenly handled and distributed.

Enduro sorts suspension forks that are stiff enough to take the punishment on the descent but at the same time not excessively hinder the characteristics of the bike.

In addition, enduro forks usually work with balancing.

I’m not saying the one crown suspension forks are bad. The one crown fork is fairly okay when it comes to enduro riding, especially when the ride is for fun and not championship races.

Non-professionals can use this suspension fork.

As an average rider, you don’t ride on limits. But if you do, I suggest the dual crown fork.

In addition, a classic handlebar on a dual-crown bike is attached via a direct mount stem to the fork. This attachment makes for a strong connection between the rider and the bike.

Finally, the suspension forks under the crown, made from steel and carbon fibers, make it much more resistant to shocks but still let you enjoy a lighter ride.

On the contrary, the handlebar on the single crown forks is more flexible from side to side, even though carbon handlebars may have been made with quality material.

You’ll also experience snappy rides with a single crown fork, especially on directional changes. And this action is due to the presence of a less stiff lower end.

The double crown fork isn’t bad. It is just my observation.

Altogether, the one crown fork is easy on snappy curve direction changes. But on the other hand, the double crown fork is relaxing and composed.

Furthermore, double-crown forks, as a whole, are conventional setups. And since they’re more gravity-oriented, the axle tends to be larger, with 20mm as the length.

This fork also has a stiffer release than the single crown, which merely opens and closes quickly.

With the dual crown suspension fork, you can put a lot of force through the wheel, especially when riding downhill.

There’s also a slight difference in different suspension fork wheel sizes. The usual measure is 27.5 inches. But there also exist wheel sizes of about 29 inches.

A great feeling always comes when you’re riding with a big wheel, if you’ll agree with me. But you ought to be careful.

Be sure to match the desired suspension fork with its proper wheel size anytime you want to exchange two or more different suspension forks.

Don’t misplace different wheel sizes with your suspension fork. Every suspension fork has a specific wheel size.

On the amount of movement you can have in different crown suspension forks, there is usually a travel indicator for every stanchion.

You’ll discover that the stanchions get longer from short travel forks to long-travel forks.

This change is due to the slight difference in the stiffness of different forks (dual and single crown forks). Double crown folks have about 200 millimeters of travel.

In all, dual crown forks are a good option. Let’s look at the upsides and downsides of the double crown suspension fork.

Pros Of Dual Crown Suspension Forks

A dual crown suspension fork is an improvement from the traditional single crown suspension fork, which has been around for decades.

Two crowns have been around for about ten years and have become increasingly popular in the bike world.

This popularity is because of the benefits they offer over their predecessors. One of the significant advantages of dual crown suspension forks is that they provide a smooth ride and better control.

Manufacturers have designed the dual crown suspension forks to give riders more control over their bikes when they are riding at low speeds.

The front-wheel always stays in place when the rider brakes or goes through puddles. This control is because producers have designed the two crown fork with unique settings.

Apart from offering a controlled and smooth ride, dual crown forks possess other upsides.

These upsides include; that they are lightweight and durable, provide better traction, and offer more control on rough terrain.

In addition, dual Crown suspension forks also absorb shocks better than regular forks.

Dual Crown Suspension Forks are often found on bikes that are used for more aggressive riding like downhill or enduro racing.

In addition, you can find them on cross country mountain bikes and other types of bikes that require a lot of braking and turning.

Cons Of Dual Crown Suspension Forks

Though the dual Crown suspension forks offer numerous benefits, they still have downsides. There are a few cons of double crown suspension forks.

One is that it’s more worrisome to install than a single crown fork.

Another is that it doesn’t offer as much low-speed compression as single crown forks and is a little more complicated to use. Double crown suspension forks also tend to be heavier.

Conclusion

When you hear the name dual crown fork and triple crown fork, know that they mean the same thing.

The triple crown fork is a mistaken name by some novice riders or seemingly ignorant people.

There’s no difference. The dual crown suspension fork is an incredible option and offers many benefits. Always match up your steered setup to your frame anytime you make purchases.

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Josh Matthews

Born in the 80's and raised on the plains at the foot of the Colorado mountains. I went to the University of Denver before giving 100 percent to my passion: outdoor cycling. That's the reason I created this website : I love speaking and sharing about my hobbies. I also travel around the world and really like alternate travelling ways like RV or kayak.