Fat bikes emerged over a decade ago, and riders immediately began experimenting with suspension forks. Early solutions ranged from adapting Maverick American SC 32 inverted forks to custom-milled Cannondale Lefty forks. However, it wasn’t until RockShox launched the Bluto that a mass-produced, dedicated fat Bike Fork became available. Since owning my first fat bike, a Salsa Beargrease, I’ve longed for a Bluto. Just as front suspension became essential for mountain bikes in the early 90s, I suspected the Bluto would revolutionize fat biking like the iconic RockShox RS1 did for MTB.
RockShox Bluto testing in snowy mountains, showcasing its performance in winter conditions
Named after Popeye’s formidable opponent, Bluto, this bike fork comes in 80mm, 100mm, and 120mm travel options. I chose the 100mm version for my Surly Ice Cream Truck, paired with 100mm rims and 4.8-inch tires. This setup was perfect for rigorously testing the fork’s limits, especially considering the substantial rotating mass it would need to manage.
RockShox Bluto fork detached from a fat bike, highlighting its components and construction
Upon unboxing the Bluto, designed around a 26-inch wheel platform (a detail that feels almost retro today!), my initial thought was, “Is that all?” Compared to the massive tires and rims, the bike fork looked surprisingly slender. In an era of robust 36mm stanchions, the 32mm Bluto stanchions seemed almost skinny. Built around a 150mm hub, it resembled a compressed and elongated RockShox Reba.
Close-up of sag marks on RockShox Bluto stanchion, demonstrating ease of setup and adjustability
Weighing in at just under 4 pounds, the Bluto isn’t heavy, and the front end felt similar to the rigid steel fork it replaced. The RockShox Solo Air spring system handles the suspension duties. Air is easily pumped in at the top of the left crown, while the right side features a blue anodized dial for compression damping adjustment, including lockout. The 32mm aluminum stanchions feature RockShox’s Fast Black coating.
Blue anodized compression dial on RockShox Bluto, showcasing adjustability and design details
Sag percentage markings on the stanchions simplify setup, and recommended sag settings based on rider weight are printed on the fork leg. For someone who enjoys bike maintenance, setup was straightforward, and the recommended settings were accurate for my weight. Once set, I didn’t need to readjust air pressure throughout the test period—truly a set-and-forget system. A red anodized rebound adjuster knob, marked with a turtle and hare to indicate slow and fast settings, is located at the bottom of one leg, making rebound adjustments intuitive.
RockShox Bluto fork with ample tire clearance for a 4.8-inch fat bike tire, demonstrating compatibility
Ride Performance of the Bluto Bike Fork
Once mounted on my bike, I sought out the most challenging terrains to evaluate the Bluto fork. The Scottish and English Lake District mountains became my testing grounds, featuring boulder fields, loose rock descents, and endless stone-pitched trails. I also included beach rides, slow-speed rock crawls, and long XC rides to cover diverse conditions. So, how did this bike fork perform?
RockShox Bluto's cross-country performance in a scenic mountain setting, highlighting its versatility
Despite its slender appearance, the Bluto consistently held its line, even on the most demanding terrain. Whether navigating boulder fields in the Cairngorms or descending stone-pitched trails beneath the Northern Corries, I never detected any unwanted flex under heavy braking. While the wheels bounced over rocks, the Bluto instilled confidence. Steering became intuitive—point and shoot. I quickly realized that bulkier stanchions were unnecessary for this bike fork.
RockShox Bluto on a fat bike during a mountain hike-a-bike, showcasing its suitability for rugged adventures
On extended descents, the fork remained supple, absorbing repeated hits without packing down. Although 100mm of travel is considered XC-short by today’s standards, combined with fat tires, it felt like much more. As I noted in my Surly Ice Cream Truck long-term review, this bike encourages aggressive riding. The Bluto enhanced the Truck’s capabilities further. During slow-speed, low-tire-pressure rides, the Bluto effectively counteracted the inherent bounce of fat tires, significantly reducing the pogo-stick effect sometimes associated with them.
Rider on a fat bike with RockShox Bluto fork, nearing the end of a long 13-hour ride, emphasizing comfort and endurance
On lengthy XC rides, I experienced significantly less strain in my neck and shoulders compared to riding a fully rigid fork. The Bluto enabled longer, more comfortable rides. The lockout feature proved useful for paved roads leading to and from trails.
This bike fork is highly capable in big mountain environments. Clearance-wise, the Bluto easily accommodated my 100mm rims and 4.8-inch tires. However, fitting a Mudhugger front mudguard presented a challenge, as the tire rubbed, making it impractical in muddy conditions. The lattice design on the arch, while visually appealing and weight-saving, tended to collect mud. Gorilla Tape was applied early in the test to mitigate this issue.
RockShox Bluto performing well in sub-zero temperatures, indicating reliability in cold conditions
While preparing the Bluto for this review, I observed numerous scratches and chips on the lower legs. Despite several falls and ground encounters, the Bluto continued to function flawlessly. The stanchions remained unmarked, and the fork hasn’t required servicing. While RockShox might disapprove, routine cleaning with soapy water, a low-pressure rinse, and silicone spray has been sufficient for maintaining its performance.
Close-up of scratches and wear on RockShox Bluto lower legs, highlighting its durability despite cosmetic damage
This review is overdue, but the extended testing period has confirmed the Bluto’s durability and reliability. Having ridden in diverse weather and conditions—salty beach rides, XC epics, mountain adventures, bikepacking, snow, hail, rain, sleet, mud, and sun, sometimes all in one ride—it has never disappointed. I am thoroughly impressed with this bike fork.
Hero shot of a rider with RockShox Bluto equipped fat bike, emphasizing its role in adventurous cycling
Overall Assessment
When a product performs as reliably and effectively as the Bluto bike fork, it’s hard not to be impressed. It may not boast cutting-edge technology, but as a dependable suspension fork, it excels. While mud clearance for 4.8-inch tires could be improved, and its appearance could be beefier, these are minor criticisms. In a world of disposable technology and constant innovation, it’s refreshing to test a product that simply works exceptionally well. Highly recommended.
RockShox Bluto Recommended badge, signifying its high rating and endorsement
Works exceptionally well.
Review Information
| Brand: | RockShox |
|---|---|
| Product: | Bluto Solo RL |
| From: | www.zyrofisher.co.uk |
| Price: | £661 |
| Tested: | by David “Sanny” Gould for 2 years |
Related
David Gould
By day, Sanny is a Chartered Accountant and Non-Executive Director. By night, he transforms into an adventurer, armed with a map and a thirst for uncharted trails. Often seen with his Nikon D5600, he cherishes mountain landscapes and capturing their beauty, even with a bike on his back. While he enjoys riding, rumors of his book “Walks with my bike” are (mostly) untrue. From fat biking to gravel, bikepacking, road cycling, e-biking, and big mountain expeditions, if it involves two wheels, he’s there with a grin. His favorite food is ham and mushroom pizza, fueling his quest to ride all Munros. He lives without a five-year plan, admires Charlie Connelly’s writing, and considers Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review Podcast a broadcasting masterpiece.
More posts from David
