The SR Suntour SF13-XCT is a budget-friendly, coil-sprung suspension fork tailored for 26" mountain bikes, particularly those designed for recreational riding or entry-level cross-country use. It’s an ideal option for riders restoring or upgrading older MTB frames that utilize threaded headsets and rim brakes, offering a simple yet reliable front suspension solution.
🛠️ Suspension & Build
At the core of the SF13-XCT is a coil spring mechanism, delivering consistent suspension response without the complexity or maintenance of air forks. The 80mm travel provides sufficient shock absorption for urban roads, park trails, and light off-road use. While it doesn't offer advanced tuning like rebound or compression adjustment, its simplicity is part of its appeal—requiring minimal setup and low maintenance.
The fork legs are constructed from durable steel stanchions (30mm diameter), paired with an alloy crown, balancing cost, weight, and strength. This combination ensures that the fork can withstand everyday use, though it’s not built for aggressive or technical terrain.
🔧 Steerer & Brake Compatibility
A defining feature of this model is its 150mm long 1 1/8" threaded steerer tube, which includes 60mm of threading. This makes it compatible with older bike frames using quill stems and threaded headsets—systems that are increasingly rare in modern MTB design but still found on many bikes in use today.
The fork supports V-brakes (rim brakes only), utilizing standard cantilever mounts. This makes it a direct-fit solution for frames that do not have disc brake tabs, keeping the build simple and cost-effective for riders who prefer or require rim braking systems.
⚙️ Technical Summary
Wheel Size: 26"
Suspension Type: Coil spring
Travel: 80mm
Stanchions: 30mm STKM steel
Crown: Forged aluminum
Brake Compatibility: V-brake only
Steerer Tube: 1 1/8" threaded, 150mm length with 60mm thread
Axle Type: 9mm quick-release
Weight: ~2.35 kg
Usage: XC leisure/recreational, commuter, basic MTB
🎯 Intended Rider & Use Case
This fork is built for casual riders, commuters, or cyclists refurbishing older 26" MTBs. It's also a suitable choice for young riders or those transitioning into mountain biking, where simplicity and affordability matter more than technical features.
The lack of air tuning or advanced damping means it isn't suited for rough or downhill trails, but for general purpose or beginner MTB use, it performs reliably. The threaded steerer and V-brake compatibility make it one of the few modern-available forks to support legacy MTB frames, extending the life of older bikes without requiring a full conversion to modern standards.
