The North Carolina based suspension experts at Cane Creek have redesigned their popular HELM fork, and this revised model takes the longer name, HELM MKII.
On the slippery side, the HELM MKII gets a fully redesigned damper that Cane Creek says will provide increased mid-stroke support and control. The 35mm stanchions glide through a new “SKF oil seal head and 2.5 weight damper oil [to] reduce friction and provide a more supple ride-feel.”
The air spring also received some updates, including increased air volume for better traction and lower pressure required to initiate the stroke, and what the company calls a “threadless seal head” to ease the travel changing process. Changing the travel length and reducing air volume in the main chamber was a breeze when we tested the original HELM, but Cane Creek thought of a way to speed it up.
HELM MKI Air Spring with two travel spacers. HELM MKII damper
The HELM MKII travel is internally adjustable between 130 and 160mm on the 29″ model with either a 44 or 51mm offset, and 130 to 170mm on the 27.5″ model that comes in a solo 44mm offset. Other external features include improved click sensation on the rebound and compression knobs, and a D-LOC bolt-on axle.
The updated HELM MKII is available now for $899 from your local dealer, or online via Canecreek.com. Limited edition pink 29er forks are available until they’re not for $950.
