Cane Creek Launches New Helm MKII Fork 8

Cane Creek Cycling Components is proud to announce the release of the HELM MKII suspension fork. The HELM MKII is the first major revision of Cane Creek’s HELM fork lineup and improves on its predecessor in nearly every way. To celebrate the launch, Cane Creek has also announced a Hot Pink limited edition of the fork with only 50 units available.

The HELM MKII includes a newly designed damper featuring a new compression and mid-valve circuit for increased support and control while a new SKF oil seal head and 2.5 weight damper oil reduce friction and provide a more supple ride-feel.

The air spring has also seen a significant redesign with a new air piston designed to reduce friction, an increased air volume for better traction and suppleness, and a threadless seal head for easier travel change. In addition to the updated damper and air spring, the HELM MKII features a variety of external usability improvements including easier to turn knobs and a D-LOC bolt-on axle.

The fork also includes low-friction SKF wiper seals on the castings. These seals are typically seen as an after-marketing upgrade on most suspension forks, however they are a stock feature on the HELM MKII.

The HELM MKII also includes all of the innovative features of the original HELM fork including a tokenless air volume adjustment design, independently adjustable positive and negative air chambers on the air spring and rider-adjustable travel which allows HELM MKII owners to change the travel of their fork at home with just a few common tools.

“The development of the HELM MKII was all about reducing friction and providing the most supple and responsive fork for riders,” said Jeff LaForge, senior design engineer at Cane Creek. “The result is a fork that’s at home on the rowdiest trails out there while providing an incredible range of adjustability and versatility for different riding styles and rider weights – all without compromising performance.”

The HELM MKII comes in 29/27.5+ and 27.5 wheel sizes with both air and coil sprung versions available. The 29/27.5+ version of the fork is available in 51mm and 44mm offset and is adjustable from 130mm to 160mm of travel. The 27.5 fork is available in 44mm offset only and is adjustable from 130mm to 170mm of travel.

29/27.5+ models of the fork will come in a gloss black finish with matte black stickers and the 27.5 model will come in a matte black finish with gloss black stickers. Aftermarket sticker kits are available in brushed silver and gold.

Additionally, a launch edition Hot Pink HELM MKII is available in 29/27.5+ only and is limited to 50 units worldwide. Orders for the Hot Pink HELM MKII will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers interested in the fork should place their orders as soon as possible as supplies are not expected to last long.

The Helm MKII retails for $899 while the Hot Pink limited edition retails for $950. Both are available now through Cane Creek retailers and distributors or factory-direct through www.canecreek.com

HELM Mark II Specification

• MSRP $899.00
• WEIGHT 2080g (29 Air) | 2340g (29 Coil) 
• STANCHION 35mm
• WHEEL SIZE 29-inch and 27.5-inch
• MAX TIRE SIZE: 29-inch, 64mm wide by 749mm tall // 29-inch w/ 27.5+, 75mm wide by 739mm tall // 27.5-inch, 65mm Wide by 714mm tall 
• HUB SPACING: 15x110mm BOOST spacing 
• ATC / OFFSET: 29-inch, 568mm at 160mm Travel / 44mm and 51mm options. 27.5-inch, 553mm at 160mm Travel / 44mm Only 
• DAMPER: High Speed Compression - 10 Positions // Low Speed Compression - 17 Positions // Low Speed Rebound - 10 Positions 
• AXLE: D-Loc 15mm Bolt-on thru axle, Unique to HELM 
• COLOR: 29-inch, Gloss Black // 27.5-inch, Matte Black 
• SPRING TYPE: “Double Air” Spring System with independent positive and negative chamber // Traditional Coil Spring