Review: NEW Formula Selva V Fork
Contains paid advertisingReading time: 10 minutes
🇩🇪 Read German version here
With the release of the new Selva V, Formula delivers a fork that blends proven performance with smart updates – without falling into the trap of change for its own sake. While core technologies like the bladder damper and Internal Floating Technology remain untouched, key areas such as torsional stiffness, friction reduction, and updated geometry have seen meaningful improvements. The new Formula Selva V aims to strike a balance between sensitivity, control, and long-term reliability. Curious what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how’s the ride feel? Read on to find out.
Key Facts
The Formula Selva V is a dedicated trail and enduro fork.
160/170/180mm travel as standard (170mm version was tested)
NEW dual-chamber air spring balanced with an automatic concentric balance valve
NEW low-friction piston
Single inflation valve
Axle to crown: 583mm (170mm)
Fork offset: 43mm
Max. rotor size: 220mm
Steerer tube: Tapered 1 1/8'' - 1.5''
Colors (lowers): Black (matt) / Ultraviolet (matt)
Dropout: 15 x 110mm (BOOST)
Stanchions diameter (Ø): 35mm
Rebound range: 19 clicks
Compression range: 12 clicks
Full lockout with adjustable threshold
NEW Casting
29” lowers
NEW PM7 brake mount
Integrated Mudguard
2,03 kg (170mm fork, no axle lever or fender)
Weighed checked: 2073 kg (170mm fork, with axle, no lever, no fender)
RRP from €1,250
New V Air Spring
Low-Friction Focus: Aiming for Consistency and Responsiveness
The new fork introduces a low-friction design aimed at improving both performance and reliability. At the heart of this concept is a floating piston system that minimizes resistance throughout the travel. Instead of relying on rigid alignment, the piston is elastically mounted to allow radial and axial movement, which helps it compensate for the small surface imperfections common in metal components. The result is reduced friction at the main seal and a more consistent feel during compression.
Left: How the IFT can move to avoid binding, when the fork flexes
Middle: Flow in the concentric balance valve
Right: Comparison of the old and the new CBV
Air spring tuning also sees an update with a single valve system that inflates both positive and negative chambers simultaneously. Instead of using a traditional bypass groove – which can cause long-term seal wear and require tighter, higher-friction seals – the fork employs a concentric bypass valve. This design removes the need for grooves entirely, further reducing friction. The automatic equalization also means that the axle-to-crown length will always remain the same – regardless of the used air pressure.
There is a reset valve in the left-hand screw on the bottom of the casting. If you notice a deviating length or would like to perform a pressure equalization due to sudden temperature or pressure fluctuations in the environment, you can operate this with a 1.5 mm Allen key. This process equalizes the two chambers with the ambient pressure.
Here you can manually equalize the pressure with a 1.5 mm Allen key – you just have to stick it in.
You can optimize the progression of the air spring by adding or removing volume spacers – the so-called Neopos. We already know this from the previous Formula models. What's new here is that instead of “throwing” them into the air chamber as before, they are now screwed into the underside of the air cap. If you want to fit another Neopos, you have to screw an extension (which is included in the package) into the bottom of the one already fitted. These mounts have been developed to reduce wear and friction.
The Neopos volume spacers are now screwed into the underside of the air cap.
Together, these features make for, what the manufacturer claims, is its most responsive fork to date, with notably low internal resistance across the full range of travel.
New Lower Casting
Refined Chassis for Better Ride Quality and Control
Rather than chasing maximum stiffness as a standalone metric, the Selva V’s chassis design prioritizes steering precision and overall ride feel. A revised lower leg structure and increased bushing spacing contribute to improved torsional stiffness compared to the previous generation, enhancing front-end control without compromising compliance.
The fork retains 35mm stanchions, striking a balance between strength, weight, and comfort. This choice supports a smoother ride with reduced rider fatigue – especially over long descents – while keeping the overall package lighter and more manageable on the trail.
Geometry updates include an 8mm longer axle-to-crown measurement to a total of 583mm (170mm travel), aligning the Selva V with current industry standards. A PM7 brake mount is also now standard. Rounding out the new chassis, an integrated mudguard provides a cleaner aesthetic – and face as well.
The PM7 brake mount is also new. The previous model was still PM6.
Three screws are holding the mudguard cleanly on the lower casting.
Damper & CTS
Proven Damper Carries Over with Smart Tuning Options
The Selva V sticks with the same damper architecture as its predecessor – a deliberate choice to preserve a system already known for its sensitivity and reliability. The bladder design remains unchanged, continuing to offer consistent performance and effective small-bump compliance.
A key feature is the continued use of Internal Floating Technology (IFT), which has been a defining part of the brand’s suspension philosophy for over a decade. By allowing both the spring and damping systems to float independently within the chassis, IFT reduces binding – particularly when the fork is fully extended – and enhances impact absorption without relying on larger stanchions or added weight. It’s a more refined approach to achieving friction reduction and responsiveness through design rather than brute force.
12 clicks compression. And a stepless lockout lever where you can adjust the threshold via the black knob.
19 clicks lowspeed rebound damping.
CTS
Riders can also benefit from the Compression Tuning System (CTS), which enables easy, tool-free swaps of compression damping valves. This complex, modular system allows for quick adjustment to suit different riding styles or terrain without the need for professional tuning. The fork ships with two CTS valves – the standard gold and the blue valve. Six additional options are available separately. We received the fork with the full CTS package and will be publishing an in-depth review soon.
The holes in the colored part give suspension nerds a tiny hint on what the behavior will be like, but you will have to look at the graph and actually ride it to understand what is going on. Inside of these parts there is an additional shimstack. Via the external adjuster you can further influence the damping. Formula offers a broad range, suitable for pretty much every taste and riding style. This is the full set available to purchase in the aftermarket. If you buy the Selva V, you will get overall two CTS. One standard (gold) and a blue one out of the traction series.
Don’t be afraid! The process of changing this is easy. If you can use a shock pump, this system will not overwhelm your abilities.
What makes Formula different?
With the Selva V, Formula continues its commitment to delivering high-performance suspension backed by long-term usability and transparent value. Retailing from €1,250, the Selva V isn’t positioned as a budget fork, but it aims to offer solid value through its engineering focus, longevity, and included extras.
Includes everything you need
Importantly, the Selva V comes with everything needed for setup and regular maintenance – no additional tools or accessories are required. For the price of €1,250, you get more than with most other manufacturers:
Pump
Mudguard
Air cap tool
Fork oil
2 re-valve CTS options, with tool
Neopos volume spacers
Star nut
MADE IN ITALY
Every fork is assembled by hand in Italy, not on an automated production line but by individual technicians, start to finish. This small-batch, high-control approach allows for tight quality assurance and made-to-order flexibility. While more expensive than offshore mass production, Formula sees this European manufacturing model as essential to maintaining consistency and craftsmanship.
Backwards Compatible
The Selva V is also backwards compatible with some earlier Selva forks using air spring systems, allowing existing users to upgrade without replacing their entire fork. It’s a product philosophy that focuses less on disposable cycles and more on sustainable performance.
A lifetime fork
To further emphasize longevity, Formula offers a 10-Year Support Promise, guaranteeing parts availability and technical support for at least a decade.
Adjusting DAmping via CTS
Your damping characteristics can be changed by turning the knobs for rebound and compression. Under the compression knob sits the CTS. This is interchangeable, and it affects your base characteristic of the fork. With this system, Formula helps you to really change the fork to your specific needs.
Setup for the Formula Selva V
Using a special tool to remove parts of the fork? Foam volume spacer? The approach can be overwhelming if you don’t have at least a little interest in technology. But Formula’s ways to change the settings don't differ too much from what other manufacturers do in regard to influencing the riding characteristics. You still have knobs to turn, so let's dive into the setup process.
Filling the air chamber: Like most suspension makers, Formula puts a sticker on the backside of the fork to give you a starting point for air pressure. You unscrew the top cap and use the provided shock pump to inflate the fork to the desired pressure. The important thing to know is the numbers are starting points! You may find different pressures (higher or lower) work better for you, and this is totally fine. The Formula Selva V offers automatic equalization – so you don't have to equalize it manually during inflation as with the well-known major manufacturers.
Setting Rebound: How quick a fork should return is up to very personal preferences. We recommend starting with pushing the fork down via the handlebar and open hands, then letting it go. The front tire should not leave the ground. Try to get as close to the spot when the rebound is at a speed at which the tire would actually leave, and then dial it back one click.
Parking lot: There is not much more you can do before really hitting the trails. So ride around in the parking lot and bounce around on the bike. It should feel balanced between front and rear. Then you are ready to finally hit the trails!
First run: After a full run on a familiar trail, you get a good first impression, and you can evaluate the amount of travel used via the o-rings. Are front and rear similar in overall percentage, or does front or rear dive deeper? You may adjust the fork pressure to accommodate this and balance the shock and fork to your preferred ride height and travel usage.
Neopos to adjust progression and ride height under impacts: As described in the tech section, Formula has quite specific volume spacers compared to other manufacturers. Don’t hesitate and try them out. They work very well. You just screw them in under the top cap.
CTS: The standard (gold) CTS is mounted in your fork at the beginning. It will work for a broad range of riders. For the enthusiasts, we highly recommend playing around with the second (blue) CTS provided. Not necessarily to improve performance, because, as said, the fork can be already totally fine in the standard setting, but to learn more about how suspension and damping affect your riding. We will give you a deep dive on this in a future article.
For those who are curious on what the Testriders ran, here are the settings:
| Rider | Weight | SAG | CTS | Neopos | Rebound – from closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jens | 95 kg | 23 % | Red | One | 7 |
| Yannick | 75 kg | 20 % | Gold | None | 8 |
Both test riders ended up running less pressure than recommended by Formula. While we can’t make a statement if this will apply to every rider, we strongly recommend measuring sag after pressurizing the fork or changing the air pressure.
As with every suspension product, you will get the most out of it when you take the time to set it up properly. We recommend a day in the bikepark as the easiest option. You ride the same trail and will only change one parameter at a time. This ensures you really feel the differences and understand your fork. If you are looking towards a racing application, you might also want to set up a timing system or put a stopwatch on your bar to get an idea which setting shaves off these precious seconds.
ride impression
A lot of tech huh? Let's get started on what we learned about the performance of the Formula Selva V on the trail. We tested it on local trails around Heidelberg, in Bikepark Lac Blanc and in Bikepark Burladingen.
Stiffness and Flex
The Formula Selva V seems like a special character. While most brands rely on larger diameters in the stanchions, the Selva V comes in at 35mm. Frankly: On the trail, you rarely miss a stiffer front end. Even heavy testriders, hitting berms at full speed, couldn't provoke any uncontrolled feedback. We even paired the fork with a more compliant e*thirteen Flux front rim, and it worked perfectly fine. Forks with 38mm stanchions or the double crown Belva will bring a different ride feel to the table. This can suit some hard-charging riders, but still, the Selva V did not make us wish for more. Even in rough bikepark settings. The balance of precision, compliance, and grip was in a really solid spot.
Even in rocky and rooty bike park sections, we didn't wish for larger stanchions.
Airspring
As described in the setup section, both test riders ran lower pressure than recommended. Even in bikeparks. While this is a strong matter of taste, we really would like to push you to play a broader range of pressure. The new air spring in the Selva V is fairly progressive and supportive. Even fast riders can ride it without a Neopos (volume spacer) and rather rely on higher damping, which is in a very usable spectrum and never felt over damped. Using a Neopos is also something we would ask everyone to try. It feels like the fork works a little bit calmer, and you still can get full travel if needed. Dropping one in and lowering the air pressure by 5 PSI can push the performance to 11.
We recommend experimenting with the Neopos volume spacers.
Sensitivity
We rode the Formula Selva V for a couple of weeks. This may not reflect a full summer of shred in ultradry Whistler Bikepark conditions, but we couldn’t complain about any lack of small bump sensitivity or any stickiness. Crucial is still the setup part. If you want the best grip and tracking on the ground, you should look into the traction-CTS group. The blue CTS is already provided in your box – for free. We found testing different CTS rather than turning in compression is the best approach to ensuring the character of the fork will shine in a way you like it the most.
How sensitive should it be? And how much support do you need? With the CTS, you can tune the fork exactly how you want it.
Damping
For the damping, it goes the same as for sensitivity. If you spent the time understanding the product via a proper setup, you can find your goldy looks setting via the broad offering on CTS. We will provide you a deep dive on this topic, because we compared eight different versions. So far in this review: For our final testing setting, Yannick used the original gold and Jens the red.
There are riders out there which rather rely on the spring and others on the damping. Good news! The Formula Selva can provide both. In general both test riders found a pressure lower than the recommendation suitable. For the 95 kg Jens a higher damping force on fast shaft speeds (hitting rocks and roots with full speed) provided by the “traction CTS group” felt the most impressive.
On the rebound side, you will have the option on low speed rebound. While some might expect a specific dial for highspeed rebound, we haven’t missed this option.
Whether on jumps, technical terrain, or in fast corners – the low speed rebound knob does its job, and we didn't miss a second high speed adjuster.
Yannick’s bike with full-on Formula suspension.
Jens’ Banshee test rig.
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Conclusion
With the Selva series, Formula has consistently delivered a compelling alternative to the industry's major players. Their forks are not just different; they can offer more, especially when properly dialed in.
The updated air spring in the Selva V expands the tuning range, making it suitable for a broader spectrum of rider weights. Formula's CTS might still scare some less tech-interested riders; it is intuitive and allows for quick changes in the damping you can feel on the trail. The fork shines with broad adjustability and on-trail performance.
If you are particular in what you want from a fork, you may want to spend some more time testing and playing with settings. But the reward is unmistakable. Once perfectly balanced, the Selva opens up new speed potential and line choices you might never have dared to try. For riders who enjoy precision and performance, it's a fork that delivers well beyond expectations.
How will we continue?
As already mentioned in the article, we will test the Formula Selva V further and in more depth with the 8 different CTS valves as well as the Neopos volume spacers. You can look forward to a detailed article on tuning and tinkering on your fork – without having the knowledge of a shim-stacking suspension guru.
Author – Jens Staudt
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 95 kg
Riding style: With his racing background, the lines are planned, even if there is anything bigger in his way. If possible, sections will be jumped over. You should use the entire width of a trail. Others would say - uncompromising.
Motivation: A product should function carefree and for as long as possible. If you have to screw less, you can ride more. He likes to tinker and see how the bike can be optimized.
AUTHOR – YANNICK NOLL
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Riding style: As a former racer he likes it fast and flowy. And on the other hand, he enjoys large and steep jumps. His bike set-up is a bit firmer and faster so that it responds quickly to his input.
Motivation: He likes it when it’s fun. A bike shouldn't be boring. A lively character is welcomed. In terms of setup and riding style. The product should be durable and work without any worries, even on longer bike trips.