60 millimetres of progressive spring travel, with a very modest weight of 990 grams, completely maintenance-free, 255 grams of unsprung mass - these are the key data for the "Lauf TR29" fork.

The Reykjavik-based suspension newcomer, currently consisting of a four-person team around CEO Benedikt Skulason, relies on fiberglass plates that are flexible and extremely impact-resistant. If the front wheel hits an obstacle, the fork releases a maximum of 60 millimetres of travel, and the fork reacts sensitively to small obstacles in particular - not least because no seals or bearings hinder a sensitive response. The fork should work linearly in the mid-stroke range and offer strong progression when the maximum stroke is reached.

The attachment is available on the market in three stiffness categories, which are optimized for riders weighing 50-75, 70-95 and 90-110 kilograms. Only 29er wheels are compatible, the axle standard is 15 millimetres, the steerer tube is tapered and a 180 mm brake disc can be mounted directly, i.e. without an adapter.With regard to durability, the manufacturer is unconcerned: in the laboratory, forks have survived around 200,000 strokes completely unimpressed, which corresponds to the average mileage of a mountain bike within five years. The manufacturer also offers a five-year warranty.

The Icelanders rely on OEM partners for marketing. According to CEO Skulason, direct marketing to the end customer is being considered, but is not yet possible. The high-end manufacturer Open currently relies on the running fork for the "Lola Proto" hardtail and achieves a record-breaking weight of 6.6 kilograms for the entire bike without pedals.

www.laufforks.com