The DT Swiss F 232 One suspension fork moniker may be a bit of a mouthful but it excels on the trail – and that's all that counts. With a wide range of adjustments and impressive stiffness and surpasses expectations for a cross-country fork. It offers mid-range compression and good small-bump sensitivity – all the ingredients for a comforting ride.
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DT Swiss F 232 One fork – Technical details
The DT Swiss naming system provides insight into the specifications. "F" stands for Fork, "One" indicates fixed travel, and "32" denotes the stanchion diameter. The only other chassis in the DT Swiss fork range is the longer travel F 535. The F 232 is exclusively available for 29-inch wheels, aligning with the current styles and options in the cross-country market.
The F 232 comes in 100mm, 110mm or 120mm travel options, with 44mm and 51mm offsets. These are fixed with no option to adjust the travel post-purchase. DT Swiss claims weights starting at 1,480g for the 100mm version, increasing by 30g to 1,510g for the 110mm fork. Our fork, weighed 1,535g, without the lever, cable or axle and an uncut steerer. The axle adds an extra 55g.
DT Swiss includes a small mudguard that bolts onto the back of the crown. While it offers some protection, it doesn't provide full coverage like the RapidRacerProducts ProGuard. The mudguard bolts and design differ from Fox and RockShox, making it incompatible with guards such as the RapidRacer Products or other options such as the Mudhugger.
All versions feature a three-position damping adjustment called InControl, operated by a lever on top of the left leg or a bar-mounted remote. The fork offers significant adjustability, with 30 clicks of rebound damping via a tool-free adjustment under the fork leg and 14 points of compression adjustment requiring a T10 tool. The Adaptable Progression Tune (APT) allows air volume adjustment via spacers with four settings available.
DT Swiss F 232 One fork – Performance
The setup was straightforward. I followed the DT Swiss air pressure chart initially, which closely matched the settings I used throughout the testing period. What stood out from the early rides was the excellent mid-stroke compression, combined with good small-bump compliance. The fork uses a dual-air chamber system that can be tailored for XC riding and racing. It features a low breakaway force, ensuring excellent small-bump sensitivity, a linear and flatter mid-stroke to hold the fork up as bumps increase and a progressive ramp-up towards the end of the travel. I typically use a fork with higher than recommended air pressure to prevent it from diving through the mid-stroke quickly, so it was refreshing to ride the F 232.
The APT system allows for adjustment using volume spacers, which can be managed by any confident home mechanic with just two tools – 15mm and 25mm spanners. The fork comes standard with two spacers fitted and includes an additional spacer. This setup increases the final spring rate by adding a spacer or making the fork more linear by removing one or both. I found the ramp-up perfect for my riding style, but those who prefer a more linear feel have the option to adjust accordingly.
The fork boasts benchmark stiffness-to-weight for a cross-country fork. The stiffness is particularly noticeable under braking and holds a tight line on the most rugged and rocky descents. This is crucial given the increasing technicality of modern XCO courses.
The three-position compression adjustment has proven excellent for XC riding and racing. The 'Lock' position is firm with minimal movement, though it has a blow-off feature for unexpected heavy impacts. I used this setting only on the smoothest climbs, such as tarmac or firm forest roads. The middle 'Drive' setting is suitable for any off-road climbing, preventing the fork from dropping into the travel even when riding out of the saddle, while allowing some movement for smaller bumps. Compared to other forks, it feels firmer –especially in the full 'Lock' mode.
The DT Swiss L2 lever can be used in conjunction with the DT Swiss R 232 rear shock for dual lockout on compatible bikes and there is an L3 lever which adds an extra lever for the D 232 One seatpost, aiming to create a more streamlined system. I used the L2 lever, which controlled just the fork. Transitioning to the middle 'Drive' setting requires a short movement with a defined click, and moving to the full lockout position is similarly straightforward. Releasing the bottom lever is akin to using a shifter, with a click action to move from 'Lock' to 'Drive' and another click to 'Open'.
DT Swiss F 232 One fork - Verdict
The clear competitors are the main Fox and RockShox brands with Fox offering both a cross-country trail fork and a lighter race fork, whereas the DT 232 One comes in a single version. The Fox 32 Step-Cast Factory with the number referring to the diameter of the chassis, has claimed weights starting from 1,280g and 100mm travel, costing £1,099. The 34 Step-Cast Factory is more expensive at £1,179 and also lighter than the F 232, starting at 1,422g. It is available in either 100mm or 120mm travel lengths. Unlike the F 232, the travel on the Fox forks can be adjusted, though this requires an internal modification and possibly a new air spring, depending on the change.
The RockShox SID SL Ultimate model is priced at £959, has a 32mm chassis with fixed 110mm travel and a claimed weight of 1,352g — expect a review of this shortly.
The F 232 fork delivers performance that makes it a genuine contender for those seeking a high-performance cross-country fork. There are downsides – while it might be less expensive than the top Fox or RockShox models, it’s still a significant investment. Its understated appearance might appeal to some, but those who prefer a more pronounced look might find it lacking in that regard. The F 232 One is available in three travel versions, none of which are adjustable post-purchase and it gives away over 200g to the lightest Fox fork. However, if performance is your primary concern and you seek a cross-country fork with impressive performance and good stiffness for the weight, the F 232 One should be on your list.