



Fatbikers who have a couple of seasons under their belt would agree that front suspension is not a necessity on a fatbike during the winter months. During the other three seasons it is definitely a welcome addition.

ided to do something a little different with their fat suspension option by inverting the fork . . . putting the smaller stanchions on the bottom and larger sliders on top. This approach to suspension, although unconventional, is not new as Halson offered an inverted fork way back in 1995 with 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) of elastomer travel with air damping.





Some folks refer to the Wren Inverted Fork as the "fork of many names" as earlier versions were branded and sold under different labels such as 11Nine, Carver, LuLu and Borealis. There were

even some European suppliers selling the fork in North America.



WREN SPORTS



Fatbike Republi

c reached out to Wren Sports and spoke to Kevin and Russ to find out a little more about the company and their inverted fork. Wren Sports came to life in 2014 when Kevin had an idea and started chatting with manufacturers that he worked with during his bike sourcing and product development days. He began examining house molds and tooling that could be tweaked or modified to provide riders with solid value products for their hard earned money. Between Kevin and Russ they have about 50 years of bike industry experience so they know their way around.







Kevin and Russ quickly realized the potential of the inverted fork and immediately put it through some serious testing. They compiled a list of improvements that included: keyed and larger stanchions, beefed up crown, stronger bushings, new axle, carbon fiber stanchion guards, cable guides and a TwinAir system. After discussions with the manufacturer, Kevin and Russ quickly realized the potential of the inverted fork and immediately put it through some serious testing. They compiled a list of improvements that included: keyed and larger stanchions, beefed up crown, stronger bushings, new axle, carbon fiber stanchion guards, cable guides and a TwinAir system. After discussions with the manufacturer, Wren Sports became the exclusive distributor in North America for the new and improved Inverted Fork. When Wren Sports introduced their line of products at Interbike 2014 the Inverted Fork was an instant hit.









Fatbike Republic has collaborated with Wren Sports to review their new and improved Since that time they have establishing authorized service centers across the US, Canada and select international locations and have expanded their product to include: the lightest production aluminum stems with ISO certifications; carbon bars and seatposts, an adjustable cargo rack, and a line of hand and floor pumps. Wren Sports is committed to great product, great service and great value.Fatbike Republic has collaborated with Wren Sports to review their new and improved Inverted Fatbike Fork as well as some other bits and pieces from the w

ren Sports product line.



THE FORK



When the pac

kage arrived at the door there was no mistaking what was inside. Opening the brown cardboard box the Wren Inverted Fork came well packaged in bubble wrap and plastic bags. No worries about it getting dinged during shipment.









So what makes this fork so different?

The most obvious feature is that it is upside down with the stanchions sliding up into the sliders instead of down. By placing the lighter part of the fork (stanchion) on the bottom, it theoretically will react more quickly. In addition, with the seals pointing downward you will not have to worry as much about dirt and stuff making its way into the fork.









In addition to the fork there are a pair of carbon fiber stanchion protectors and corresponding carbon fiber clamps. These thing may look flimsy, but they are tough.





Carbon Bash Guards





There were also two small black pieces (travel clips) that are used to adjust the travel and axle crown (AC) measurement. More on the clips later.





Travel Clips

Finally, you will find a detailed owner’s manual and an information sheet on setting up the TwinAir system.

If you are looking for electronic versions of the documents pop over to the Service Section of the Wren Sports

site.



Other notable features of the Wren Inverted Fatbike Fork include:



- Beefy 36 mm stanchions that sit below 43

mm sliders (Bluto has 32 mm)