Upgrading fork for Powerfly 4 FS, need some help choosing

[jb42]

Hi all, I've been riding my new 2022 Trek Powerfly FS 4 for a couple of weeks and noticed the suspension is very hard. I set it up to what was recommended on Trek's suspension calculator for my weight but even just riding on relatively flat dirt paths the bike is so uncomfortable and every bump is felt. It currently has Suntour XCR 34. I've heard this fork isn't great so I'd like to upgrade it to something better and see if that helps. I'm a bit worried about buying the wrong fork especially since it's an eMTB, can anyone suggest something that would fit?

The spec on Trek's website says this for the fork spec:

Size: M , L , XL
SR Suntour XCR 34, air spring, LO R damper, hydraulic lockout, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, oversized crown for eMTB, Boost110, 15 mm bolt-on thru axle, 120 mm travel

 

[Wodger63]

Hi all, I've been riding my new 2022 Trek Powerfly FS 4 for a couple of weeks and noticed the suspension is very hard. I set it up to what was recommended on Trek's suspension calculator for my weight but even just riding on relatively flat dirt paths the bike is so uncomfortable and every bump is felt. It currently has Suntour XCR 34. I've heard this fork isn't great so I'd like to upgrade it to something better and see if that helps. I'm a bit worried about buying the wrong fork especially since it's an eMTB, can anyone suggest something that would fit?

The spec on Trek's website says this for the fork spec:

Size: M , L , XL
SR Suntour XCR 34, air spring, LO R damper, hydraulic lockout, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, oversized crown for eMTB, Boost110, 15 mm bolt-on thru axle, 120 mm travel

I knew when I bought my Powerfly 4 that the forks were terrible so I looked into what was available beforehand and factored that in to cost of purchase.
I purchased these before I even picked the bike up.

35 Gold RL - FS-35G-RL-A2 - RockShox

35 Gold RL, FS-35G-RL-A2, RockShox. With bigger bikes, there come bigger demands. Thankfully, we created the 35 to offer great performance and value. Whether you are e-powered or au nat...

www.sram.com

1600 klms later I have no complaints, highly recommend.
Yes you can buy better but value for dollar I think they're a good option.

 

[Zuninet]

I know this is an old thread, but @Wodger63 , how is that gold rl making out now? I am debating on the same upgrade on my powerfly 4 fs gen 2. The sun tour 34 xcr isn't very good at absorbing the trails. I had contacted SRAM and they indicated that the Pike would be what they'd recommend, but that's quite a bit more money

 

[Wodger63]

I know this is an old thread, but @Wodger63 , how is that gold rl making out now? I am debating on the same upgrade on my powerfly 4 fs gen 2. The sun tour 34 xcr isn't very good at absorbing the trails. I had contacted SRAM and they indicated that the Pike would be what they'd recommend, but that's quite a bit more money

Been busy with other stuff going on, so not so much riding as I would like.
But I have done another 5K odd klms now, and the forks are still preforming great.
I also upgraded the front and rear callipers to an SLX with a 4 piston in the front, the forks handle the extra stopping power without a problem.

 

[Zuninet]

Been busy with other stuff going on, so not so much riding as I would like.
But I have done another 5K odd klms now, and the forks are still preforming great.
I also upgraded the front and rear callipers to an SLX with a 4 piston in the front, the forks handle the extra stopping power without a problem.

Nice, is your bike the fs or just hard tail?

 

[Wodger63]

Nice, is your bike the fs or just hard tail?

Hard tail.