Öhlins enters the gravel market with a new 40mm suspension fork weighing under 1,250g

Öhlins continues to expand its suspension catalog and has just introduced the GXF30 M.1, its first fork specifically developed for gravel. The Swedish brand thus enters an increasingly competitive segment with a proposal of 40 mm of travel, its own hydraulic system, and a declared weight of 1,249 grams. This innovation arrives amid the company's transformation following its incorporation into the Brembo group.

Öhlins expands its territory beyond MTB with the new GXF30 M.1

Öhlins' entry into gravel is not an isolated move. Since Brembo completed the acquisition of the Swedish company in early 2025, the brand has been undergoing a phase of changes aimed at accelerating technological development and expanding its presence in the cycling market.

This transformation has also been visible with the presentation of its new corporate identity and the diamond symbol, a renewal with which Öhlins aimed to represent the beginning of a new stage under the ownership of the Italian manufacturer.

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Now, the GXF30 M.1 represents another step in that strategy. After years of developing suspensions for disciplines such as XC, enduro, or downhill, Öhlins transfers its experience to road-handlebar bicycles, with a product designed from the ground up for the demands of gravel.

The brand acknowledges that it enters a market where other manufacturers already have a solid presence, but assures that its goal was not simply to adapt an MTB fork.

Terje Hansen, head of engineering at Öhlins, explains that the development has focused on three aspects: improving comfort, increasing traction on technical terrain, and providing greater confidence and safety to the cyclist.

40 mm of travel and a new FTX14 hydraulic cartridge

The new GXF30 M.1 offers 40 mm of travel, a figure that Öhlins considers sufficient to absorb the usual irregularities of gravel without excessively compromising pedaling efficiency or the geometry of these bicycles.

For now, it will be the only option available. Although it is technically possible to modify the travel, doing so requires replacing the piston rod assembly, making it not a simple adjustment for the user.

One of the most interesting elements of the fork is its new FTX14 hydraulic cartridge, developed specifically for this application. It uses a monotube system with a proprietary valve architecture that, according to Öhlins, allows for precise control of the damping in a very compact space.

The system is designed to offer sensitivity to small impacts and maintain the fork's support when compressions are stronger. It also features different compression adjustments and a complete manual lock, especially useful on asphalt sections or prolonged climbs.

For the chassis, 30 mm diameter stanchions have been chosen. Öhlins claims that it has sought a stiffness comparable to that of its 100 mm XC forks, but with a considerably lighter assembly. The shorter travel and the axle width typical of gravel have allowed for reduced dimensions without sacrificing the steering precision that its engineers sought.

Compatible with tires up to 52 mm

The GXF30 M.1 has also been designed with the evolution of gravel bikes in mind, where it is increasingly common to use larger volume tires.

It accommodates tires up to 52 mm wide although this figure is reduced to 47 mm when fenders are installed. This capacity is sufficient for many current setups, although somewhat limited for those using tires of 55 mm or larger.

Regarding the brakes, it incorporates Flat Mount attachment and is designed for 160 mm discs. The distance between the axle and the crown is 445 mm, an important measurement to consider when assessing its compatibility with different frames.

The declared weight is 1,249 grams, a figure that places the new Öhlins among the lightweight suspension alternatives specifically for gravel.

Features of the Öhlins GXF30 M.1

• Travel: 40 mm
• Stanchion diameter: 30 mm
• Hydraulic cartridge: FTX14 specific for gravel
• Adjustments: adjustable compression and complete manual lock
• Declared weight: 1,249 g
• Maximum tire clearance: 52 mm without fenders and 47 mm with fenders
• Brake mount: Flat Mount
• Disc diameter: 160 mm
• Axle-crown distance: 445 mm
• Price: 895 €

A limited first edition of 300 units

Öhlins has chosen a particular launch formula for its entry into gravel. The first 300 units of the GXF30 M.1 will form a limited edition that will be sold exclusively through its Fast Forward program.

These forks will feature the characteristic Racing Yellow finish, the yellow that has identified the brand for decades in competition, and have a price of 895 euros.