First Ride: Initial impressions of the MRP Stage Fork
We have been meaning to test the MRP Stage fork for some time now, and in the Nevada desert we finally found time to put some miles on one. The MRP Stage, with 34mm stanchions is MRP’s new enduro/all mountain fork, and it is clear that they have done their homework, offering lots of adjustment and a confident, stiff chassis. We would need more time to draw full conclusions, but here are our first thoughts on the performance of the Stage
We spent some time getting the fork air pressure dialed in before testing, starting with a base setting of 80psi in the self equalizing positive and negative springs (the tester weights 75kg). The Stage features the normal controls that you would expect to find on a fork of this quality, low speed compression, rebound, but also features a new dial called Ramp Control. Ramp control allows the rider to adjust the end stroke progression of the fork and basically control dive under big hits.
By adding additional ramp, the fork becomes more supportive in the final stages of its stroke and stops it hammering through its travel. Starting with the ramp control wound all the way off, the fork did feel very linear in the initial phase of its travel, bottoming out on bigger hits. When the ramp adjust was wound on there was a noticeable difference in end progression, especially past 8 on the dial (of 16 clicks). With the dial wound fully on, small bump sensitivity remained excellent, but now a firm bottom out control could be felt in the last part of the travel, and I was seeing much less top end travel on the same big hits. The MRP Stage fork is very controllable allowing you to set it up to suit both your riding style and terrain.
The Low Speed Compression adjuster has 8 positive clicks and allows rapid and easy to change adjustment. The fork also features a magnetic blowoff valve. Even with the low speed compression set to maximum, the fork still sits into its sag well, and if a big hit is encountered the blow off valve will allow the fork to absorb the impact.
First Impressions
We only had a few hours to play on this fork, on the rough Boulder City desert trails, but the trails were filled with big rocks and boulders and were a perfect test for a confident front end. Any flex would show itself here, but the 15mm Thru Axel MRP Stage forks impressed with a very stiff and accurate steering response. The small bump sensitivity was very good indeed, and the ramp control allowed us to dial in enough bottom out resistance, without compromising initial sensitivity. The large negative spring, ensures that the fork is very plush at the start of its travel. There were a couple of small details we were not so sure of however, we were a little unsure about the exposed air release button on the top of the fork, as we think this could be depressed by accident, and the thru axel, although functionally fine was more complicated than others on the market.
The trails were rough and we were hitting them blind, and the forks performed very well with the trail chatter and big hits. If the forks prove reliable in the long term, the high performance, adjustability and long service intervals should ensure that the fork is worthy of consideration against the other big fork manufacturers. The fork will retail for £750 and is available in a range of sizes (can be adjusted with spacers) from 140mm, 150mm, 160mm all the way upto 170mm.
For more information, check out the MRP website.
Words and Photos: Trev Worsey