Lauf’s third-generation Grit takes an unusual approach to gravel suspension, using exposed leaf springs to provide 30mm of travel. Generous tyre clearance adds to its appeal for rougher routes, whilst the distinctive appearance helps it stand out from the crowd. It’s an interesting option for riders looking for more comfort, although the price makes it a considered upgrade.

Lauf Grit 3rd Gen – Technical details

Suspension forks on a gravel bike have always been a contentious topic. There is a strong argument that if you need a fork, you probably should be riding a cross-country mountain bike. On the other side of the coin are those who want a bit of comfort. The Lauf Grit 3rd Gen fork may well be able to strike the perfect middle ground.

The Grit combines a carbon fibre chassis with S2 glass fibre springs. These flex to allow the wheel to move up to 30mm, rather than relying on traditional telescopic legs. The spring rate is progressive, meaning resistance increases as the fork compresses, helping to limit bottoming out. Lauf’s design also does away with a conventional suspension damper, saving weight and complexity.

The appeal of the leaf-spring arrangement is simplicity. Without sliding seals and bushings, there is no breakaway stiction from those components to overcome before the suspension starts working. Lauf positions the design around responding to small, repeated bumps and reducing the vibration reaching the rider.

The third generation has broader shoulders, which Lauf says improve lateral stiffness without adding weight. Claimed weight is 850g with an uncut steerer, and tyre clearance extends to 700x57mm or 29×2.25in.

Other details include a 12mm or 15mm x 100mm thru-axle, 47mm offset, and a 419mm axle-to-crown measurement, including 6mm of sag. The tapered steerer measures 1⅛” to 1½” and features an integrated 45-degree crown race.

The fork accommodates flat-mount brakes, with a minimum rotor size of 160mm and provision for a 180mm rotor using an adapter. The rider weight limit is 120kg, including equipment.

Lauf Grit 3rd Gen – Performance

Fitting the Lauf Grit SL was a simple affair with no differences to a normal carbon fork. As a note, Lauf does recommend using damped bearings in the headset, such as the FSA Honey Bearings, to smooth out vibration and stabilise steering. For those who want clean internally routed cables, you’ll need to look elsewhere, as that’s not a thing for the Grit, although this is by no means a deal breaker. As for weight, the fork did come in a little over the claimed 850g, tipping the scales at 921g with the axle fitted.

A quick note on compatibility. Pay attention to the axle-to-crown recommendations on the frame you intend to fit this fork to. It can be fitted to most gravel bikes, but the Grit’s longer axle-to-crown will cause changes to your bike’s geometry and handlebar height.

With the fork fitted, a couple of initial test bounces helped me get a feel for it. Initial impressions were supple yet supportive in its travel, however, the lack of any rebound control was a little startling. Out on the move, this concern quickly diminished.

Coming from a mountain biking background, I’m more than familiar with suspension forks and tried to treat the Lauf fork as if it were a longer-travel telescoping fork. Pumping through the fork and preloading over obstacles resulted in uncontrolled outcomes due to the lack of a damper. This did not inspire confidence when riding technical terrain, although the increased grip from a compliant front-end was noticeable and welcomed.

Where I found the leaf-spring setup to excel is on rough, broken surfaces and washboard gravel. With the rider’s weight static and balanced on top of the bike, the fork deals impressively well with the undulations beneath it. The progressive nature of the leaf-springs has been well tuned to offer sensitivity at the start of the travel whilst maintaining bottom-out control. It is by no means a magic carpet, but the 30mm of travel does an excellent job of reducing vibrations and takes the sting out of larger hits such as a square-edge rock or hole. The best part is that this comfort doesn’t carry too much of a weight penalty – we’re looking at approx. 300-350g above a rigid carbon gravel fork. That is mighty impressive compared to a traditional fork such as the MRP Baxter, which carries a weight penalty of around 900-950g.

The benefits keep coming, this time on the topic of maintenance. With no interfacing and sliding parts, there is no wear, no oil, and no adjustments needed – the Lauf Grit 3rd Gen suspension fork is totally maintenance-free.

As for the downsides, these are felt mostly on smooth road sections and especially when climbing out of the seat. The movement in the fork can zap a little efficiency, introducing a little “bob” to the bike. This was a strange sensation at first, not something I’ve felt with curly-barred bikes before, but it’s easy to get used to, and I see this as a small price to pay.

Aesthetically, the exposed springs are likely to divide opinion. They give the Grit a distinctive appearance, but whether that suits your bike is a personal choice, and if people don’t like it, you can just… Lauf it off.

Lauf Grit 3rd Gen – Verdict

Listed at US$1,190 on Lauf’s website, the Grit 3rd Gen is not a small investment. Its strongest appeal is the prospect of gravel suspension with relatively little maintenance and with a strong weight saving over a conventional fork.

If you’re looking for a lightweight option, the Cane Creek Invert gravel fork is worth considering, starting at $1,100. It offers 30 or 40mm of travel in a 990g package with air pressure adjustment but still no damping.

Fox suspension also has their hat in the gravel fork ring with the 32 Factory TC – Grip SL. It comes in at $1,039 and uses a conventional fork design with air pressure adjustments and damper control. The starting weight for this fork is a claimed 1,161g.

For riders regularly tackling rough gravel, the Lauf Grit SL offers a thoughtful alternative to a rigid fork whilst foregoing the extra weight and servicing required from a traditional suspension fork. It proves to reduce harsh vibrations and keeps the cockpit a little calmer when tackling rougher terrain. On smooth roads and out-of-the-saddle climbing, there is a slight efficiency penalty but, for riders who are looking for a comfortable day in the saddle, the Lauf Grit SL is well worth considering.