Formula Selva V Fork

The Selva product line is Formula’s gift to enduro, all-mountain, or eMTB riders yearning for long-travel forks that aren't super stout. In a world of 38mm forks, Formula has stuck with 35mm stanchions. A choice that’s allowed them to shave weight and strike what they think is the ideal chassis feel. The Selva V is their latest single-air-chamber model, and its biggest updates include a stiffer chassis (relative to its Selva familia) and a new air spring designed to be ultra-low-friction. 

The Selva V slots between what FOX and RockShox offer for trail and enduro forks. They’ve drawn a line at 160mm of travel. Go above it, and you get 38mm stanchions. Go below it, and you get 35/36mm stanchions. I spent most of the year riding in this weird middle ground on a 160mm Lyrik, which is a fantastic fork. It’s pretty compliant and light, and squirms some when you really run into stuff. But the control and traction are top-tier. Getting on the Selva V, I was curious how it would compare, since I had already partially subscribed to the small-tube, more travel methodology.  

Highlights

• Intended use: all-mountain, enduro, eMTB
• Travel: 160, 170, 180mm
• 35mm stanchions
• New V air spring
• 29-inch wheel size only
• Boost 15x110mm axle spacing
• 180mm PM rotor mount, max 220mm rotor
• 43mm offset
• Adjustments:
  • Rebound
  • Low-speed compression
  • CTS valves
  • Neopos air volume reducers
  • Lockout and lockout threshold
• Weight: 4.65 lb // 2,104g (170mm, w/ fender & axle, 7.25” steerer)
• Price: €1,250 EUR
• rideformula.com

Product Overview

The Selva V launched in June, sporting a mix of new and carryover tech from past models. I’d rather spend my time writing about how the fork rode than pretending I’m a suspension engineer, so here is a quick synopsis of what you need to know about the fork:

Fresh Bits

All-new V air spring uses a concentric bypass valve rather than a bypass port to balance pressure between the positive and negative chambers. It’s a less common way to self-equalize the negative chamber, but since the piston seal isn’t sliding past bypass grooves, Formula was able to use a lower-friction seal without jeopardizing its lifespan.

The lowers were redesigned with the bushings further apart, increasing chassis stiffness compared to previous Selva models. It’s definitely still less stiff than a 38mm fork, though.

The axle-to-crown length was increased by 8mm to better align with comparable single-crown long-travel forks (583mm for a 170mm fork). That’s over 20mm taller than previous Selva models.

Carry Over Features

Formulas' long-standing Internal Floating Technology (IFT) places a floating ball-joint on the spring and damper piston that allows them to move independently of the fork chassis to reduce friction and binding that occurs when the fork flexes.

Uses the same drop-in bladder style damper as other Selva and Belva models, with external rebound, compression, lockout, and lock-out threshold adjustments. And yes, a lockout on a 170mm fork is useless for about 97% of riding.

The damper also features Formula’s unique Compressions Tuning System (CTS), which allows riders to adjust the compression damping curve by swapping small valves externally. The fork comes with two valves, but there is an eight-valve kit to let you run wild with your compression setup. Formula separates valves into two series: Support or Traction. Traction valves have less initial damping that ramps up as shaft speeds increase. Formula recommends these valves for riders who want a spring-biased setup for greater beginning-stroke sensitivity. Support valves have higher initial damping during low-speed compressions with damping that tapers off as compression speeds increase. Formula recommends these valves for riders who want a more hydraulic-based setup, such as for riding steep trails, bike parks, or e-bikes.

You can adjust the progression of the air spring with Formula's nifty Neopos volume reducers. Made from compressible foam, the reducers have been around for years and provide a more linear spring curve than traditional plastic reducers. Because the Neopos are longer than most reducers, they increase progression earlier in the stroke. But since they get smaller as pressure increases, the ending stroke ramp isn’t as pronounced.

Other Points of Importance

• The fork comes with a bunch of goodies to dial in setup and perform basic servicing, including: CTS valve removal tool, top cap tool, Neopos reducers, integrated fender, extra oil, and a shock pump.
• The new V air spring is backward compatible with previous-generation Selva forks.
• The fork is designed and assembled-to-order in Italy.
• You can’t internally adjust travel like you can with some of the other Selva models.
• The Selva V is covered by Formula’s 10-year support promise, meaning that service parts and spares for the fork will be available for at least 10 years. The fork also comes with a 2-year transferable warranty. So if you buy a second-hand Selva V that is less than two years old, Formula will honor its warranty.

Selva V Setup Process

My trusty Stumpjumper 15 alloy was used for all testing. You’re not supposed to run above a 160mm fork on the new Stumpy. But I took my chances, and the bike rode fine, and my head tube didn’t snap off. I’ve had issues with the angle-adjust cups sitting flush in my frame, so I ran the neutral cup and then dropped some headset spacers to account for the increased axle-to-crown length. I’d guesstimate my HTA was around 63.5 degrees.

Recommended pressure was 70-80 psi for my 175 lb weight. I started with 75 psi, but wasn’t reaching bottom out. I kept lowering pressure until I experienced a few fender-to-crown wacks (at 66 psi), then added pressure until the fork had the hold-up I wanted without feeling harsh, which was at 69 psi.

The Selva V comes with one Neopos installed. Once I had air pressure sorted, I still wanted some mid to end-of-stroke support. Just a little bit more ramp to keep the fork a touch higher in its stroke more often. I added one more Neopos, which did the trick.

You get two CTS valves with the Selva V—gold comes installed, plus an extra blue valve. Once upon a time, I had a CTS kit from a previous fork test. Unfortunately, it seems to have been engulfed by the abyss that is my one-car garage. That is, except for a red valve I found floating in a drawer.

The gold valve felt too linear deeper in the stroke and during fast compressions. Off the top, it actually felt pretty supple despite what the damping curve might have you assume. But it felt like nothing was happening damping-wise for the last ¾ of travel.

I quickly popped in the blue valve that follows a very inverse damping curve to the gold valve—light low-speed damping, then steady progression through higher-speed compressions. It was a drastic change, and I love that Formula gives you two very different-feeling valves for tinkering.

I made this change while dialing in pressure and volume reducers. As my comfort and speed grew with the fork, I was still looking for more support. This came even after adding the second Neopos and cranking the LSC adjustment nearly closed. I guess it was fate that I held onto that red valve, because it delivered exactly what I was seeking—no change to the initial damping to maintain ground feel, but more control and calmness during high-speed compressions.

Final Settings

• Ride weight: 175 lb
• Pressure: 69 psi, 2 Neopos volume reducers
• Compression: Red CTS valve, LSC 7/12 clicks
• Rebound: 13/18 clicks

On The Trail

Support & Stability 

Even though I settled on one of the more aggressive ‘Traction’ CTS valves, the fork felt more heavily damped than the Lyrik’s Charger 3.1 and 38’s X2 damper I used as a comparison. It was lighter during low-speed compressions, but I was able to dial in the external knob to the middle of its range to gain back the hold up I was after when loading up the fork.

During mid- to high-speed compressions, the fork was super consistent and controlled. It never spiked or blew through its travel. There was just a steady build in support  the harder I came cooking into sections. This support and consistency made the Selva V one of the safest-feeling forks I’ve ridden when riding near my limit.

Tunability

The whole CTS concept is pretty rad in action. You basically can re-shim your damper in a couple of seconds and end up with a drastically different compression tune. It’s a much more enjoyable process than attempting to notice the difference between 14-16 clicks of LSC. The Neopos are another impactful adjustment, increasing progression gradually without making full travel unattainable. They don’t give the fork quite the snappy, ramp-up feel that I find especially true with FOX forks, but I’m cool with that. I’d rather my fork react similarly at different points in its travel and just use rebound to influence responsiveness. Which speaking of, the Selva V offered a wide range of rebound damping. I chose to run the fork as fast as possible without it topping out, which still left me with a few clicks remaining to go faster.  

The only thing holding back the Selva V in terms of tunability is that you’ll need to pick up a CTS kit to unlock its full potential.

Comfort & Traction

The Selva V was not as buttery smooth as other forks I’ve ridden. Compared to the Lyrik I came off of, it was harsher right off the top and had a higher breakaway force. This increased feedback through chatter and hindered traction in loose over hardpack conditions. Running less air than recommended and a CTS valve with less low-speed compression were my attempts to regain some ground feel. And it worked pretty well. Enough that I was able to enjoy my time on the Selva V. It wasn’t until I went back to Lyrik that I realized the difference in feedback.

Value

The Selva V is priced slightly above similar options from FOX and RockShox, but within range of many other boutique forks. It’s also purple, which has to count for something. As mentioned, the CTS kit is pretty crucial for dialing in setup, but tacks on an extra ~$280. The price is slightly offset by the extras included with the fork, especially the oil and shock pump.

Chassis Comparison? Selva V vs. Lyrik vs. 38

It felt worthwhile to compare the Selva V’s chassis against two forks that sit beside it: the Lyrik and 38. I spent a week rotating between all three forks. The Lyrik and Selva V felt the most similar from a flex standpoint. There were moments when I overrode both forks, where the shock of impacts caused the chassis to squirm for a moment. That never happened while riding the 38. It was stiff and definite, but never harsh.

I really didn’t notice a benefit from the more compliant chassis other than their lighter weight, which made my bike handle more nimbly. It does leave the Selva V in a weird spot. The Lyrik is not an enduro fork, so it's acceptable that it rides more forgiving to match how you ride on a 130-150mm bike. The Selva V is an enduro fork that’s also forgiving. Had I been testing on a proper enduro bike or gnarlier trails, I would have wanted a more stout fork.

What’s The Bottom Line? 

Formula delivered on the promise of a more compliant and light enduro fork. Even with the increased bushing overlap in the new lowers, the Selva V is not nearly as stiff as a fork with 38mm stanchions. Which is good, or bad, depending on what you’re after. Personally, I would prefer a stiffer fork on an enduro bike. But for those seeking extra front-end forgiveness, you’re stoked. The tunability and control offered by Formula’s damper and air spring continue to be the biggest strengths of their Selva forks. The Selva V does retail for more than the mainstream competition, but the extra cost will be worth it to those chasing a curated setup or wanting to ride something that isn’t the norm.

Vital Rating: 3.9/5

• Support & Stability: 4.5
• Tunability: 4
• Comfort & Traction: 3.5
• Value: 3.75