Introduction

We've tried a couple of Lefty forks this past winter and were left impressed. It is just uncanny how a light, single-legged fork can be so stiff laterally and precise steering-wise. It was quite plush as well for a 100mm fork and very controlled with remote lockout features that were simple and easy to use.

That's why we are intrigued about the new Lefty SuperMax forks. Instead of the 100mm travel, this new 29er fork is 130mm and stanchions are 36mm instead of 32mm. We can only imagine how much stiffer these new forks are compared to the 'smaller' ones.

This interesting release from Cannondale says that their racers have tested the SuperMax and will use them in the Enduro World Series. Sure they are sponsored by Cannondale and were probably encouraged to try and use these forks. But we've ridden a few of the World Series courses at Whistler and Winter Park and we know Mark Weir, Jason Moeschler and Ben Cruz will not switch over to the new fork unless it is extremely capable in this environment.

It will be interesting to see their results and if they can improve on their spots last year. Mark Weir of course is down for the count with a broken hip and we wish him well with his recovery.

Testing the Lefty OverMountain Fork

Official Release:

Cannondale's Bigger, Badder Lefty Fork to be raced in Enduro World Series

Cannondale is excited to announce that its North American OverMountain team will be racing and adventuring on the all-new SuperMax suspension fork for the 2014 season and beyond. The SuperMax will debut in the Enduro World Series under OverMountain team riders Mark Weir, Ben Cruz, Jason Moeschler and team newcomer Marco Osborne.

The team riders were instrumental in the development of the SuperMax's new internal components, most of all its new Wide Mouth Piston, which increases the small bump sensitivity and high-speed suppleness of the fork. The SuperMax's dual crown structure makes it radically stiffer than the competition, yet the minimalist single-leg design makes it as light as some of its competitors lightest cross country race forks.

"Going into the SuperMax testing I was a bit apprehensive," said mountain bike legend Mark Weir. "After I got on it and started riding, it is a difference you would have to ride to believe. I've been riding the same corners for 15 years, and I try to carry my speed through every time. On the SuperMax, I've never been faster."

Weir's teammate, Jason Moeschler, says "After riding and testing the SuperMax, I never want to let my fork go." while Cannondale's newest OverMountain rider, Marco Osborne, comments "The new SuperMax fork is perfect for my style of riding. I am pretty hard on my equipment and so far it has taken everything I could throw at it."

Check out the OverMountain line of bikes at cannondale.com, and be sure to follow the team's exploits on Facebook and Twitter. See and hear more of the guys riding and testing the new SuperMax here.