Lauf Forks TR Boost Review

Lauf Forks TR Boost Review

Most of you know that I have been associated with the Icelandic fork company Lauf Forks since 2014 when the first rendition of the Trail Racer was released for public sale. Since the original design Lauf has released the Carbonara for fat bikes, the TR Boost for the 15x110 hub spacing/650b+, and now the Grit for gravel/cross bikes. All of 2015 I had the pleasure of riding the TR29 and I was ecstatic when Gudberg informed me that he would like to send me a TR Boost for 2016. I received the  TR Boost in late March but did not actually install it until late April due to budget constraints on getting a suitable wheel. I ended up building up a Stan's Crest rim laced to a Hope Pro 4 EVO 15x110 front hub for a surprisingly low amount of money. The wheel build came it at .80kg; I then added the necessary Trucker Co.com upgrades (Ti bolts, rim tape, etc.)

Unboxing

Right out of the box I noticed how much bigger the TR Boost is compared to the TR29, its easily 1.25-1.5x larger with only a 10-ish gram weight penalty. I'll take it. From the photos you can see just how much beefed up it is in comparison; and in my opinion its more aesthetically pleasing, being devoid of any edges or rough shapes. And just better design throughout. I don't know all that much about carbon lay-up but I'm sure that has been adjusted and improved as well. 

Set-up

Set-up is completely identical to the TR29, 180mm rotor, bolt on thru-axle, expander plug, cut steer-tube to desired length, etc. All in all takes about 30-45 minutes depending on your mechanical aptitude and familiarity. Despite the 10-ish gram weight penalty the scales weighed the bike in identically to when it had the TR29; so maybe, maybe not. Either way, paired with the Deep South Bicycle Company hardtail, it's still incredibly light and that's what every XC/Marathon racer wants. The bike weighs in at 20lbs flat and I definitely have plenty of places to drop weight. 

Suspension Characteristics

Lauf changed the angle of the springs every so slightly to make the springs a little more difficult to compress; which was definitely welcome as the TR29 bottomed out a little more than I expected. Other than that, the suspension characteristics between the TR Boost and the TR29 are identical. The same great small-bump absorption that  allows you to ride through gravel like it was paved. The only downside is that with the slightly harder to compress springs that fork is slightly bouncier than the TR29; but as someone that is used to this; the bounciness does not bother me as much as it may bother some. The suspension design favors being light on the bike, being quick through obstacles, and being on the perfect line; if not, the TR Boost lets you know you've messed up. But that being said, the fork makes you become a smoother rider; so that's really more of a win.

Stiffness

The primary complaint of the TR29 was the torsional stiffness of the legs; making it difficult to corner confidently and really get after it on descents. Fortunately, the designers at Lauf heard the cry of many and the beefed-up design brought a lot of increased stiffness. Stiffness is where we see most of the changes and improvements when compared to the TR29; rivaling that of a standard telescopic XC race fork. The new design brought back a lot of cornering and descending confidence that I had lost whilst running the TR29. 

If you disliked the TR29 because of its suspension characteristics, the TR Boost probably is not for you; but I'd still urge you to try it. For those of you that wished the TR29 was a bit stiffer than the TR Boost is definitely for you! The new stiffer design eliminates the limits of the TR29; and the only limit is what you can ride with 60mm of travel, which is a surprising amount. From gravel roads to jump lines the Lauf TR Boost delivers great weight and performance at an incredible pricepoint.