"Formula introduced its most receptive Selva V, featuring reduced friction, expanded travel, and an option for older model owners to upgrade the air spring."
Sparking Excitement with the New Formula Selva V: Redefining Mountain Bike Forks
Introducing the Remarkable Formula Selva VFormula has unveiled an exhilarating upgrade to its Selva fork, boasting a new low-friction piston, elastic floating mounts, and up to 180mm travel – marking a leap in responsiveness and comfort on the trails. And, guess what? It's even backwards compatible!
Dive Deeper into the New Selva VThe revamp focuses on reducing friction, allowing the two fork ends to glide more effortlessly against each other. Current Selva riders can rejoice as they can purchase the new air spring separately and upgrade their ride.
A Tale of Evolution in Mountain Bike ForksComfort has been a considerable focus for top mountain bike fork brands over the past year, and Formula is following the trend. Brands like RockShox and Fox have already launched softer damping, and the new Selva V aligns with these changes.
Formula Selva V Demystified
- Trail/Enduro Fork: With travel options of 160mm, 170mm, and 180mm
- Elastic Floating Mount: Enabling the new low-friction piston to move and flex under load
- Dual-Chamber Air Spring: Part of a new, advanced air spring design
- Stiffness Boost: New lower assembly for enhanced rigidity
- Unchanged Damper: The damper remains consistent with the older Selvas
- Pricing: Starting at £1,070 (black lowers), £1,120 ultraviolet
The Secret Behind the New Air Spring AssemblyThe air spring employs something Formula calls a floating piston, albeit with a twist. Instead of Fox's internal floating piston, Formula has mounted its piston on elastic sliders, allowing it to move and flex freely under load.
Riding the Future with the Formula Selva VStepping away from the technical details for a moment, we admire Formula's pursuit of comfort over pure stiffness. The Selva V shares the same 35mm stanchions as the RockShox Lyrik, despite a potential increase in travel up to 180mm.
However, the new lower assembly is stiffer than before, owing to the new design and an "increased distance between the bushings."
Despite the improved stiffness, the new Selva V aims to be "a lighter, more comfortable fork that is less fatiguing, allowing you to ride faster for longer," rather than an overly stiff 38mm monster.
The Weight GameThe weight is competitive, with a claimed 2,030g (170mm fork, no axle lever or fender). However, it's 20g heavier than the Fox 36 with the Grip X damper we reviewed, albeit with 10mm less travel.
Additional Enhancements on the Selva V
- PM7 Disc Mount: Ensuring compatibility with modern brake setups
- Longer Axle to Crown Lengths: Adjusting to the new trend of higher front ends
- But Wait, There's More: A pump, mudguard, air cap tool, replacement oil, and a Formula Re-valve cartridge come standard with the fork, something the major brands typically do not provide
The Italian TouchFormula forks are proudly designed and assembled in Italy, priced competitively against the Rockshox Lyrik and at a few hundred dollars less than the Fox 36.
The Formula Selva V demonstrates a commitment to innovation and comfort, making it a worthy choice for mountain bikers seeking a fork specifically tailored for long-travel, aggressive riding styles.
- As technology advances, many might be surprised to find that their love for sports isn't limited to the outdoors – gadgets like the new Formula Selva V mountain bike fork can offer exhilarating experiences that redefine the boundaries of comfort and responsiveness on trails.
- Enthusiasts of sports and technology alike can appreciate the Italian-made Formula Selva V, which, in addition to its trail-transforming features, comes with a host of accessories, creating a package that rivals, and in some ways, surpasses, offerings from major brands.
