Each fork comes with a Compression Tuning System (CTS) valve that was created specifically for Bryceland, who asked the Formula engineers for something with good grip at the start of the stroke and then a lot of ramp-up for bigger hits.
• Stroke: 170 mm
• Wheel size: 29″
• 43mm offset
• A2C: 585 mm
• 35 mm posts
• Compression matching system valve
• Includes pump, tools, travel pads, 2 additional CTS valves
• Weight: 2020 grams
• Price: EUR 1514, GBP 1279, CAN 1750
• rideformula.com
What’s new about the CTS system is that it only takes a few minutes to change the valve – if a rider ends up buying this limited edition fork (only 100 are made) and then realizes they don’t ride like Josh, it’s quick. the procedure for installing one of the two standard CTS valves, which are also included in the delivery.
The Bryceland Edition Selva is available with 170mm travel for 29” wheels and is priced at €1,514. My test fork with the fixed axle installed weighed 2020 grams. Selva is covered by a 2-year transferable warranty, as well as Formula’s 10-year support promise, which says that every product it makes will have parts, spares and support available for 10 years.
Fork details
Along with CTS custom valving, the air-sprung Selva has a new, larger-volume positive air chamber to give the fork a more linear spring curve. This version of the Selva uses a three-stage coil negative spring under a positive air chamber, where the springs are stiffer towards full extension to prevent any noticeable rollover. CTS Formula valves and Neopos volume spacers are the two ingredients that ensure the fork doesn’t bottom out hard.
For those unfamiliar, Neopos volume spacers are made of foam rather than the hard plastic that is usually used. This foam is compressed as the air pressure inside the positive chamber increases, creating a more gradual final stroke ramp. However, it still functions as a bulkhead, so its removal may still be necessary to achieve full travel depending on the fork setup.
The rebound button is located in a typical location, on the bottom of the right leg, and can be set to 18 clicks. Tool-free quick-release lever on fixed axle is removable; once removed, the axle can be tightened or loosened with a 5mm Allen key.
Driving impressions
I started with a Bryceland CTS valve installed and the fork inflated to 65 psi as recommended by Formula. I set out on one of my usual test loops, a ride that includes a good mix of jumps, drops, berms and some steeper, more natural trails. In other words, mountain biking.
Not that I had any doubts beforehand, but the ride reinforced the fact that no, I’m not Josh Bryceland. The Formula definitely achieved the goal of having a soft, springy initial lift and then tons of support, but the extreme roll-in meant I only used about 140 millimeters of lift, riding a lot of hard drops and G-outs that would have used almost full stroke. The softer initial part of the ride meant I wasn’t bouncy, but the run-up deeper into the ride was very, very noticeable – it was like hitting a padded wall and no matter how hard I pushed, I couldn’t get past it.
Time to replace the CTS valve with something better suited for the common mortal. I tried both orange and gold valves, finally settling on the gold valve without spacers as my preferred all-around setup. As it turns out, Formula says the valve is what 75% of their customers prefer. If I were riding an e-bike or kicking out bikes in a high-speed bike park, I could see it riding with the orange valve because of the extra mid- and end-stroke support it provides. With the gold valve, the fork had excellent grip from the top and the support was nicely built throughout the ride.
Formula’s CTS system makes it easy to experiment with different setups and is a smart way to give riders a wide range of vastly different fork configurations. With the Bryceland Selva, I can’t help but wonder if this is the last push for this model before something new comes out. Don’t get me wrong, it works very well; aside from the fairly loud bounce noise, I have no complaints about its performance, it’s only slightly overshadowed by the latest offerings from Fox and RockShox.
The Selva stanchions are still 35mm, and while the chassis was certainly stiff enough for my 160lb weight, I could see bigger riders gravitating towards the 38mm options. On the flip side, the Selva weighs about 300 grams less than the Zeb or 38, which is a significant weight saving – something to keep in mind for riders who are tired of their enduro bike weighing the same as a downhill bike.
Bleed valves would be nice and I also don’t think a lockout lever on a long travel fork is necessary. However, I wouldn’t consider either of these deal breakers, and for riders interested in trying something a little different, the Selva is worth considering.