Öhlins is giving its DH38 fork a boost of added stiffness with an all-new downhill crown. In a sport where confidence and control are critical, and podiums are often decided by fractions of a second, Öhlins is seeking to give riders a performance advantage. Inspired by motocross technology and developed in collaboration with its factory downhill team riders, Öhlins says, “this crown sets a new benchmark in stiffness, steering precision, and rider confidence.”
Öhlins says the new DH38 Crown has been engineered to meet the extreme demands of modern DH racing. The actual increase in stiffness was not shared, but the brand says that extensive World Cup testing proved it was significant and resulted in “sharper handling and more precise steering response under the most demanding conditions.” They claim the new crown will allow riders to ride harder with confidence thanks to the improved control, stability, and responsiveness it provides.
“Our race team challenged us to rethink every detail of the front-end interface, while drawing inspiration from MX where precision and stability are critical,” said Torkel Sintorn, Öhlins Bicycle Divisions Director. “The result is a crown that not only enhances performance but gives riders the confidence to ride faster and more aggressively.”
Benefits and Features
- Increased stiffness for improved stability at high speeds
- Enhanced steering precision for confident line choice
- MX-inspired design for superior stability and control
- Race-proven development in collaboration with elite athletes
- Available in multiple offsets (46, 50, 54, and 58 mm) to help riders optimize geometry and dial in their ride feel
- Optimized geometry and durability for downhill conditions
Pricing and Availability
Öhlins sells its DH38 crowns and forks separately to ensure riders purchase their preferred offset — it comes in 40, 50, 54, and 58mm offsets. The new downhill crown retails for $475 USD / 499 EUR (EUR with 19% VAT, can differ per market). If you already have a complete DH38 fork, you can upgrade to the new crown for a boost in stiffness. Or, if you’re buying new, the latest DH38 m.2 fork will set you back $1,800, for a total of $2,275 USD for a complete setup.
Öhlins officially launched the new DH38 Crown on June 7, 2026, and says it’s available now through authorized dealers worldwide.
Check it out at ohlins.com
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