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MTB

Helm MKII AIR

1 review|7 answered questions

29" - $1,099.99
27.5" - $1,099.99 $659.40



$300 off with coupon code: HELM300OFF

Helm MKII is our highly versatile mountain bike fork, well suited for downcountry, trail, and enduro bikes. We designed it to be super plush while still feeling supportive, and it can adapt to just about any way in which you want to ride it.

It’s the missing puzzle piece when your bike feels outgunned and harsh on rough trails – giving you the confidence to charge into chunky sections with less hesitation.

With zero additional parts, Helm can be setup with anywhere from 120mm to 160mm of travel. It also has a large range of air spring and damper adjustments, where each position represents a meaningful change – making it easier to dial in a setup you love.

  • Smooth Sailing : Updates to the MkII damper and seals were designed for maximum plushness 
  • Dialed Support : Independent compression damping allows you to add support for big hits while still having sensitive suspension to smooth out trail chatter. 
  • Confident Handling : Helm’s chassis is burly enough for aggressive riding, with the torsional stiffness to make your front wheel go where you point it. 
  • Adjustments You Can Feel : Independent and wide ranging high and low speed compression adjustments make meaningful changes with each click.  
  • Hand Built : and individually dyno-tested right here in NC.  
  • Unique Style: With 8 colored decal kits, and 4 complete Chroma Studio color options, there’s full opportunity to make your bike stand out.  
  • Travel Adjustable : Easy, at-home travel change (120mm – 160mm) with zero additional parts!  
  • Two Spring Options: air spring = maximum tunability coil spring = best sensitivity and ground-hugging feel 
  • Unique air volume adjustment system that allows you to dial in your perfect amount of middle and end-stroke support.  

29 inch Helm forks come in a gloss black finish with matte black stickers and 27.5 Helm forks will come in a matte black finish with gloss black stickers.

Looking to add some color? Check out the Helm MKII Air in Chroma Studio.

Orders containing suspension are made to order and ship in 5-10 days.

All 29″ fork returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee.

All 27.5″ forks are final sale.

Limited Edition: Check out our full collection of these highly sought-after Helm forks.

Build your perfect ride

"Mixing incredible levels of control, impressive levels of small-bump sensitivity and bucket loads of adjustability leaves the door wide open when searching for that ultimate set up."

– Jim Bland, World Cup mechanic

Additional information

Weight

2080 grams

Damping

High Speed Compression, Low Speed Compression, Low Speed Rebound

Spring

Double-Air spring system. High volume positive and negative air springs

Stanchion Diameter

35mm

Minimum Brake Rotor Size

180mm.  *If you are using a Hope Tech brake on a Helm fork, you will need to use a 200mm rotor with appropriate adapter.

Travel

Optimized for 130-160mm of travel

Travel Adjustments

Internal, 10mm Increments (160mm down to 130mm)

2 Travel spacers included

AXLE / SPACING / OFFSET

"D-Loc" 15mm Bolt-on thru axle  / 15mm x 110 BOOST spacing / 51mm and 44mm

Max Tire Size

64mm wide by 749mm tall (29) / 75mm wide by 739mm tall (27.5+)

1 review for Helm MKII AIR

5.0
Based on 1 review
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1-1 of 1 review
  1. I have a 5010cc Santa Cruz trail bike yr 2020. I was using an older Pike fork with the air spring upgrade set at 140mm which is what Santa Cruz recommends. I’m short and heavy with a lot of muscle. I hit the scales at 200lbs. I like 27.5wheels. I ride my MTB twice a week almost every week for the last 10 years. I live in the SouthEast most of my trails are black or blue single track. On occasion I hit the bike park with the same bike. A quiver of one. I needed a fork upgrade. The Pike was beating my hand, arms, and shoulders into hamburger meat. I was starting to develop carpal tunnel on my arm. After reading a lot of reviews and watching YouTube reviews I came to the conclusion that you really can’t trust some of the reviewers because large manufacturers have incentive programs that impact the bias the reviews. I decided to give Cane Creek 27.5 Helm II a try. First the fork was on sale. 2nd I met someone that owned a HelmII fork and he loved it. After watching the YouTube video, the Fork was easy to setup . After I got it dialed in, I’ve been able to set it and forget it. What impresses me about the HelmII was the ride quality. Much more forgiving than my pike. My hands don’t get numb anymore, my carpal tunnel went away, and I’m riding faster into the corners because the fork tracks the turns better. I adjusted my technique on technical climbs because the fork is softer. I have to climb a lot on my trails and the adjustments are minor. The trail chatter was significantly reduced, I ride more aggressively, and I am loving my fork. Very happy with my purchase. In the future, I’m planning on buying an enduro bike and the HelmII will be a part of my next build.

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Q & A

Is the Helm MKII approved for E Bikes? I have a Giant Trance E+ that uses a 44mm offset fork with 150mm of travel. Dan Tuttle asked on June 3, 2024

Hello, yes, our Helm Forks are eBike rated. You may email us at Support@canecreek.com and we can help you with any questions or help with your order. Thanks.

Andy Bennett answered on June 3, 2024 store manager
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What is the maximum rotor size I can use with the fork? Gerald Bell asked on March 27, 2024

Hello, we do not have a maximum rotor size set for our Helm Fork.

Andy Bennett answered on March 28, 2024 store manager
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I want to upgrade the fork on my Turbo Levo SL Comp Carbon. Is the 51mm offset discontinued? Greg Rollins asked on March 4, 2024

Hello, we offer a 51mm offset Helm 29er Fork under our warehouse deals page.

Andy Bennett answered on March 4, 2024 store manager
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I have Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy 29” wheels that have a 36.2mm outer width. Would I be able to run a 2.6” tire with these rims? Thanks Dan Amos asked on September 29, 2023

It really depends on the rim and the tire. Some 2.6" tires have a wider profile with more pronounced lugs that can affect tire clearance. I use a rim with a 27mm INNER width with a 2.5" Minion and it clears with plenty of room for a fender etc.

Ben Rea answered on October 3, 2023 store manager
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Will 2.6” tires fit on the 29” Helm fork? I see the max tire size is 64mm, which works out to 2.52”. I know rim width matters a bit too. Peter Hoelsema asked on September 21, 2023

You can squeeze a 2.6" tire in the Helm29 as long as the rim is narrower... You will want to check clearance before riding and using the wider tire. We list 64mm instead of a tire size because the rim/tire combination can affect clearance. A 2.5" on a really wide rim may not clear...

Ben Rea answered on September 27, 2023 store manager
(0) (0)

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Features

The Helm MKII is our first major revision of the Helm fork lineup and improves on its predecessor in nearly every way.

Fully Revised Damper Tune

  • New compression and midvalve circuit for increased support and control
  • New SKF low friction oil seal head cartridge
  • High performance damper oil from Motorex

New SKF low friction wiper seals installed in the castings.

Redesigned Air Spring

  • Increased air volume for better traction and suppleness
  • New air piston for reduced friction
  • New threadless air seal head for easier travel change

Technical Documents

Related Reviews

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4.8
Based on 20 reviews
Image #1 from Stephen Alexander
1
Stephen Alexander
Stephen Alexanderus
Verified OwnerVerified Owner
5/5

Helm MKII was purchased to pair up with the Cane Creek AIR IL that I have on my REEB SST.
I purchased the 150mm but I’ve also ridden the 140mm version. This shock is the best riding shock I’ve ridden, it has a great small bump damping effect but can handle the big drops and jumps with ease.
Definitely take time out to learn about how to set up this fork, it functions differently than other forks.
My only criticism is the price point and only because I feel many other riders would choose this shock if the price comparison was better when weighing it against FOX or DVO.
Even with the price I’d recommend this fork without hesitation.

Verified reviewVerified review - view original

2 weeks ago
Image #1 from Nicholas P.
1
Nicholas P.
Nicholas P.ca
Verified OwnerVerified Owner
5/5

First impressions are very good. Good small bump sensitivity but with a very tunable mid-stroke. The high and low speed adjustments make for meaningful changes with aids in the set up. At 140 mm, this helm has dramatically improved my ride for my ibis ripley V4.

Verified reviewVerified review - view original

1 month ago
Greg
Gregus
Verified OwnerVerified Owner
5/5

Fork made a big change to my bike. I had a Fox Rhythm on it. No control over bottom out. The Helm solved that and gave a much plusher ride.

Verified reviewVerified review - view original

3 months ago

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