The innovative suspension and component brand MRP debuted two new forks at Interbike during the media preview. One is a shortened version of their enduro-made Ribbon fork, and the other is a new concept for the company intended for adventure and gravel riding.
Ribbon SL
Specs:
- Air spring fork in 120/130mm travel (internally adjustable)
- 35mm stanchions
- Boost only, 15x110mm
- Low speed compression adjustments
- 3.95 pounds
- MSRP: $900
The MRP Ribbon SL is a chopped version of the Ribbon, but not chopped in the way that dirt jumpers have modified their Fox 36 forks to get the same amount of stiffness out of a short travel package.
The Ribbon SL shortened the air spring and the damper, lightened the chassis, and reduced the oil volume to get rid of unnecessary weight, which makes the SL lighter than four pounds, while allowing the same, stiff platform.
MRP Baxter
Specs
- 40mm travel
- Three position low-speed compression
- Air spring
- 32mm stanchions
- 12 or 15x100mm axle
- Tire clearance: 700 x 40c or 27.5-inch x 2.5
- 3.5 pounds
- MSRP: $800
MRP has been showing the Baxter for a while at trade shows, but it is now available to take the edge off your hands on gravel roads and bikepacking trips.
The Baxter offers just more than an inch and a half of travel, so intentions are limited, but it looks like a premium fork for those who just need a little give.
MRP says that even in the most firm compression setting, the hydraulic valves inside the Baxter will open up on harsh impacts.
MRP pays homage to their home turf around Grand Junction, Colorado in naming both forks. The “Ribbon” name is inspired by a local, technical trail with wavy ribbons of sandstone. And while the Baxter name sounds like it was inspired by a lovable English Terrier, it actually comes from Baxter Pass, a high-elevation pass near Fruita, Colorado that tops out above 8,000 feet.
