120mm forks are the modern sweet spot for XC and downcountry builds. You get noticeably more control and confidence on rough trails without giving up the efficiency that makes XC bikes fun to climb and fast to ride.
RockShox and Fox offer multiple 120mm forks that can look similar on paper, but ride very differently depending on damper quality, chassis stiffness, weight, and lockout/remote options. The comparison below breaks down seven popular 120mm forks by price, performance, weight, stiffness, and adjustability to help you choose the best match for your build.
Price
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$750–$1,050Top-tier XC/downcountry pricing
Performance
✓
Damper: Charger (Race)Excellent control + support at speed
Weight
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~1500–1600 gVery light for a 120mm chassis
Strength / Stiffness
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Stanchions: 35mmStiff, precise downcountry feel
Adjustability
✓
Remote + lockout optionsRace-ready remote/crown options
SID Select+ (120mm)
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Race Performance RockshoxCheck Price
Price
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$550–$800Race performance for less than Ultimate
Performance
✓
Damper: Charger (Select+)Very efficient and supportive
Weight
✓
~1550–1650 gCompetitive weight for 120mm
Strength / Stiffness
✓
Stanchions: 35mmGreat stiffness for aggressive XC
Adjustability
✓
Remote + lockout optionsCommon remote/crown options by SKU
SID Select (120mm)
All-Round Performance RockShox Check Price
Price
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$450–$650Strong mid-tier pricing
Performance
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Damper: Charger (Select)Very good trail control, less “top tier” tune
Weight
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~1650–1750 gGreat weight for 120mm stiffness
Strength / Stiffness
✓
Stanchions: 35mmConfidence-inspiring chassis
Adjustability
✓
Lockout + reboundRemote/crown options depend on listing
Price
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$900–$1,150Factory-level pricing
Performance
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Damper: GRIP (Factory tune)Excellent control and traction
Weight
✓
~1500–1600 gLight for a 34mm downcountry fork
Strength / Stiffness
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Stanchions: 34mmVery stiff, confident front end
Adjustability
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3-position / remote optionsRemote/crown options vary by SKU
Price
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$700–$950Premium, but below Factory pricing
Performance
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Damper: GRIPDurable, smooth, solid XC/downcountry feel
Weight
✓
~1550–1700 gGreat weight for a stiff 120mm fork
Strength / Stiffness
✓
Stanchions: 34mmStiff chassis with good tracking
Adjustability
✓
3-position / remote optionsRemote/crown depends on listing
Price
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$350–$550Strong performance per dollar
Performance
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Damper: Motion Control RLReliable and proven, less refined than Charger/GRIP
Weight
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~1700–1900 gSolid for 120mm trail/XC
Strength / Stiffness
✓
Stanchions: 32mmGood balance of stiffness + comfort
Adjustability
✓
Lockout + reboundRemote/crown options common
Price
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$250–$400Strong value for 120mm Boost builds
Performance
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Damper: Motion Control RLGood performance for the price
Weight
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~2050–2300 gHeavier, but durable
Strength / Stiffness
✓
Stanchions: 32mmStiff enough; heavier chassis
Adjustability
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Lockout + reboundRemote depends on listing
There’s no single “best” 120mm fork—only the one that matches how and where you ride. If you want maximum stiffness and performance for aggressive XC or downcountry, the SID lineup and FOX 34 Step-Cast options sit at the top with refined damping and strong chassis control.
If you’re trying to hit a more budget-friendly build without giving up reliability, the Reba RL remains a versatile 120mm option, while the Recon Silver RL delivers solid performance at an entry price point. Use the comparison above as a quick guide, then choose based on your terrain, riding intensity, and upgrade goals.
