S&M-Bikes-Pitchfork-XLT

1. The insert. This is what keeps the fork from bending where most forks bend just above the lower bearings. Because it's aluminum it adds very little weight. And because of its shape it works from all angles unlike other companies steel insert plates that only work front to back. What are the odds your bike hits the ground with the front wheel perfectly straight? Whether you're on the bike or not, you're going to have the wheel turned slightly. This insert works from all angles.

2. The drop-outs now extend all the way to the back of the fork leg on the bottom for grinds. This is an improvement that both Rob and Larry wanted. We also laser cut a larger hole in the drop to compensate for the added weight of new drop.

3. This fork has a long taper on the OD of the steer tube that makes it even stronger than before but prohibits you from running it on a frame with some old school headsets (the ones with really thick lower cups). This is no big deal as most riders that want a really light fork will have an integrated frame.

4. The insert for the headset tensioning cap now has a machined groove on the top and the bottom to reduce weight. Also, the new aluminum top caps are shorter and lighter than before. They also have a machined edge that won't scratch your stem like the first version.

All in all this is the best fork S&M has ever made. .