MRP Ramp Control for Fox 34: Customer Review

MRP is a company offering innovation in the MTB suspension game. For example, they have their Ribbon Fork which has received great reviews and finally offers some quality competition to Fox and Rockshox. However, buying a new fork is not an option for most people, especially with Fox and Rockshox being OEM on almost all bikes. MRP has a solution, and that is the MRP Ramp Control Cartridge.

Overview

The MRP Ramp Control Cartridge adds a great deal of adjustability to Fox or Rockshox forks. Ramp Control allows you to get the progressivity of adding or removing volume spacers from the air chamber, but also allows you to tune the suspension with the click of a dial instead of having to take apart the fork to add or remove volume spacers. The Ramp Control Cartridge is ideal for the rider who wants to tune their suspension to the best possible degree. If you are a “set it and forget it” person when it comes to suspension, then this is probably not for you.

About Myself

I am an aggressive 250 lb rider located in Minnesota. I ride a wide mix of park, singletrack, and xc trails, and sometimes all in a single weekend. Due to my size, dialing in my front suspension has been quite a challenge. Achieving small bump compliance has been hard to achieve while also avoiding bottoming out. I had already tried volume spacers and with great results. However, I just wasn’t getting a good enough all-around ride due to the wide range of riding I do. This led me to the MRP Ramp Control Cartridge due to quick and easy adjustability from trail to trail.

Installation

Installation is just as easy as adding volume spacers and almost the same process. However, a cassette lockring tool is needed to install the Ramp Control Cartridge. MRP has a solid video on installation here. The video is for a Rockshox fork but is the exact same installation process as a Fox 34. Just make sure you have a proper chamfer-less socket for the existing top fork cap. A Fox 34 uses this size.

First Impressions

The adjustability of the Ramp Control Cartridge is incredible. I set the fork at 110 psi and 40mm sag. The cartridge has 12 “clicks” of adjustability ranging from less progressive to more progressive. I set my fork cartridge dialed at 6 clicks. This allows for a Goldilocks scenario where it is just right for my normal singletrack riding. For park days I set the dial at 8 or 9 clicks depending on the trail. This allows for more progression and ramp up of the end-stroke to prevent bottoming out. This quick adjustability allows me to get the most out of my fork’s travel range depending on the trail.

The cartridge is not a direct comparison to volume spacers as it produces a slightly different feel to the fork. While it mimics the same bottom out adjustability and progression as volume spacers, it does so by causing minimal changes to the initial and mid-stroke. I prefer this feel as it allows for a plush feel throughout the stroke, yet limits the top-end from easily bottoming out.

Final Thoughts

For the cost, this is a solid upgrade that should probably be reserved for people who like to wrench on their bike and tweak settings to dial things in. For a person with a “set it and forget it” personality, volume spacers are most likely the most cost-efficient route to get the suspension dialed in.