So I am replacing the Wolf SL fork on my Cervelo R3. I was hoping to just replace it with another Wolf SL with the longer aluminum insert, but those seem to be impossible to come by, so I am looking into other options. I am not super concerned about weight, so am considering the Wolf CL as I like the shape and finish of the Wolf forks (speaking aesthetically) and wouldn’t mind trading a little bit of weight for some piece of mind in the aluminum steerer tube and saving a few bucks.
How about the Easton forks, the EC90 SL and the EC 90SLX?
In terms of price it seems the the SLX is comparable to the Wolf SL. Is the only difference between the two Eastons weight (and therefore price)? Any reason to think the EC90 might be stiffer or a little sturdier being that it is heavier? Again, I wouldn’t mind trading a little weight for some piece of mind and some money savings. So any thoughts on the EC 90SL vs the EC90 SLX?
Going back to aesthetics, it looks like the Eastons have a matte finish, is that correct? Not sure how that would look with the gloss finish on the bike (it may be superficial, but if I am spending this much money I do want to like the way it looks).
I decided against the Easton EC90 SLX because of several reviewers saying it was a little “flexy”. Does apparently ride very nice though. Very few failure rates though (crashes only). I prefer a very stiff fork since the Soloist Carbon is such a stiff bike (I went with the old tried/true Reynold Ouzo Pro although it doesn’t look great aesthetically on a SLC, especially with their new graphics). I almost went with the new Ritchey WCS since my LBS likes 'em, but they were very light and (right or wrong) I really wanted that “confidence” back with the way I take downhills.
If the Wolf feel stiff enough to you, I’d probably stick with the CL and call it a day. Money no object, the Look HSC 5 seems to be a great fork as well.
So as I said, the EC90 SLX is more comparable to the Wolf SL as opposed to the EC 90SL, is that true? The EC90 SL being a bit heavier, any word in your research as to whether it might be a bit stiffer? I notice the EC 90SL also comes in curved and straight, is there any performance difference there or just appearances? The straight fork might look better on the R3.
Are the Easton forks a matte finish? Like I said, that does matter a bit to me.
I am certainly considering, saving a few bucks, gaining some piece of mind and going with the Wolf CL.
Yes, the EC90 SLX would be “closest” to the Wolf SL mainly because of price, although the EC90 SL is closes in weight. The only differenct in the 2 is the carbon layup/construction (hence the 50g weight savings). I think they use less carbon to achieve the same strenght with the new layup, but this is also what makes the fork somewhat “flexy”. They do have a clearcoat on them like all other forks, just not as “glossy” paint and such as the Wolfs. Reynold did the same with their new “UL” version of their venerable Ouzo Pro - new carbon layup. Same fork, just about 50g lighter. Not sure how I feel about this “trend.”
I couldn’t figure out why some manufacturers have straight vs. curved forks. The rake/offset is the same (obviously the straight design achieves this at the crown), but one would think the curved legs would absorb more road chatter with the carbon material, but they are at a 17 degree angle or so anyway, so who knows. I don’t think it really matters - more of an aesthetic issue me thinks.
I just replaced my Wolf SL with a CL after discovering a likely failure in the steerer tube (discovered as a result of Rod’s original post - thanks!). Cervelo and a local dealer were very helpful in resolving the issue (i.e. warranty), so if your SL is within warranty, I’d consider contacting Cervelo for help.
I chose the CL over a replacement SL (with longer insert) simply because I have more confidence in a steel steerer tube. I chose a Cervelo fork over another brand to retain the aerodynamic attributes of the original design, which may not be equal in other brands. I’m not an engineer, but suspect that Cervelo designed its forks with a similar focus on aerodynamics as they do with their frames. I’m not sure that other manufacturers always do so with the same level of detail . . . and I have a Easton aero fork on my P3-SL (probably will replace it too!).
Since you’re riding an R3 (I’m on a Soloist Carbon), I suspect you’re less concerned with the “aero-ness” of the bike than comfort/weight/stiffness/square tubes/etc. So you have more latitude in choosing a fork. My only recommendation is to choose something with the same rake, knowing that the bike was designed with a particular rake in mind.
I’m with rroof on this one. A lot of people think they are “upgrading” a Cervelo when they swap out the fork for an Easton. Realistically, I should encourage that since we stand to bank an extra $200-300 on the upgrade with a new bike. I think the Cervelo forks are actually bette for a few reasons. Firstly, the better Cervelo fork (the CL) has a thin wall *cro-moly *steer tube, carbon crown and carbon blades. That is a great way to make a fork, especially for triathletes who are performing minimal maintenance, using roof racks for their bikes, doing long miles preparing for Ironman, etc. The cro-moly steer tube is reasonaly light, although still a trifle heavier than the all-carbon Eastons, super durable and rides rock solid with excellent steering characteristics.
I’m struck by the number of carbon steer tubes forks that are installed incorrectly. Few people read the instructions for installation and sizing based on what we see on bikes coming through our doors. There are specific stem configurations for carbon steer tubes as well as specific techniques for sizing and cutting. The Cro-Moly steer tube still has to be installed correctly, but is less finicky when it comes to stem selection.
On a Cervelo bike, I generally recommend sticking with the Cervelo fork above size 51 cm.
Since you were in the exact same position I find myself in. Can you tell me if you were reimbursed for the difference in price between the SL and the CL?
I paid for the frameset with the SL fork and the CL fork is signficantly cheaper, I am just wondered if you saw this difference come back to you from your dealer…and who the dealer was.
Well, Im not sure how this rates, but I replaced an older Ouzo Pro with a EC90SL and it was noticeably stiffer under my 180lbs. FWIW too I have the bike with a 18cm head tube by the time you account for the Chris King HS
I didn’t pursue a reimbursement for the price differential. It wasn’t worth (to me) any additional hassle, which was possible as I wasn’t dealing with the original shop I purchased the frame from (I moved).
FYI, I spoke with Chris at Cervelo (he posts on Cervelo’s forum), exchanged emails with Gerard, and spoke with another customer service rep at Cervelo . . . all were very helpful. Richardson Bikemart was the local dealer I worked with to complete the warranty.
Although I likely could have received some sort of rebate/refund, I chose the CL over the SL, even though the latter was available. So it was my choice to get the cheaper fork and to not pursue any refund. I suspect any refund you might get would be from your original shop . . . wouldn’t hurt to ask.
I am currently 3 weeks into attempts to replace my fork through Cervelo and the dealer I bought it from. The solution I am hoping for is to get the Wolf CL fork so I can go out and ride my bike with confidence. Cervelo initially offered me a replacement Wolf SL fork with the longer insert, but those aren’t available (not sure why they offered me something they couldn’t deliver) plus at this point I’d rather have the Wolf CL anyway.
I found this picture interesting from Tom. D’s thread about his time at their BrainBike seminar interesting. I am assuming these are bikes Cervelo has supplied for their dealers to ride while they are out there, you’ll notice the Soloist Carbon SL has a Wolf CL fork. So even on their flagship lightweight roadbike they’re willing to put the slightly heavier fork on (I guess having a dealer have a fork failure would be a pretty bad thing, wish they felt the same about their customers).
Or maybe since these bikes are demo bikes for Brain Bike events they chose to build them up with CL’s so they can ship SL’s out with bikes for dealers. I am sure that dealers participating in the rides had to sign a release form, all of the other brand events that I have been to have us sign a form. My outside Cervelo rep show’s up for our group ride every now and then with his bike that has a SL fork on his 2007 SLC. I do not think he would still be riding it if he was not comfortable with it.
I don’t know, it seems to me if they went through the process of engineering a SuperLight version of the SLC, they wouldn’t want to negate all of the engineering hard work that it took to save that weight by putting a heavier fork on it, seems like they’d want to impress dealers with the “wow factor” of their flagship bike being both aero and lightweight. Release forms or not, I doubt they want their dealers snapping steerer tubes on demo rides.
I love my R3, but it seems Cervelo really dropped the ball with regards to the Wolf SL fork, initially shipping it with a 75mm insert and one set of instructions, then issuing a new set of installation instructions, then finally shipping it with a longer insert.
As my fork seemed to meet their initial installation instructions, but was borderline as to whether or not it met their revised instructions, I was told I could receive a warranty replacement Wolf SL with the longer insert. Then I was told those weren’t available, now I am waiting and hoping to hear back about the prospect of receiving a Wolf CL, which as I said, at this point I would prefer for the piece of mind.
It’s just frustrating to have a $5000 leaning against the wall that you are nervous to ride.
I understand, but from what the guys at my shop have to say about BB and knowing the rep the way I do I trust Cervelo and think that they will do what is right by there customers. But it all comes down to you and the fact that you have to swing a leg over the bike and feel all warn and fuzzy about it. Maybe Tom D was able to get some insight on the fork issue while he was at BB.
“Yup, I still hope this turns out well and am optimistic it well…after all, all I am asking for is a less expensive fork than I currently have :-)”
Just my opinion, but I really don’t like your desired solution. You paid for a $475.00 fork and really should expect a $475.00 fork as a replacement. Taking the CL fork plus a store credit/cash to make up the difference would also make sense.
My LBS actually offered to replace my Wolf SL with a fork of my choice. Mine was unused and unglued, so I didn’t mind swapping out for another expensive fork: Easton EC90 Aero. My LBS will be able to get the longer insert and use the fork on another bike, so I don’t feel guilty about picking a very nice replacement fork. (Edit: Thats not really true, I do feel a little bit guilty.)
Cervelo actually did offer to send me an Easton EC90 road fork to replace my SL, but I declined. Again, I don’t think that it is fair to offer a lower priced item to replace the “inferior” or “defective” item. Cervelo did/does offer a resolution to keep customers happy, but my LBS really went quite a bit further in making that happen.
What still bothers me the most about the Wolf SL “issue” is that I don’t really know what the insert does. There are several questions that have either been flat out ignored or not answered satisfactorily. Does the insert support the steerer tube when clamping the stem? Does the insert support the steerer tube within the head tube? Does it do both? Try asking a Cervelo rep., a Cervelo LBS,an Alpha Q/True Temper rep. and a non-Cervelo LBS and you will get surprisingly different answers. I know because that is exactly what I did. That is a problem. It is a problem because the answer to that question really does affect the version of installation instructions that you chose to follow. And to be clear, the installation instructions to this day are still both confusing and contradictory. I finally decided to dump the Wolf SL fork because I was not getting straight, consistant answers about a critical component of the fork that significantly affects safety. I won’t throw my leg over a bike with a Wolf SL fork anytime soon and I don’t attribute that to an irrational fear…I attribute it to fundamental questions about the safety of the SL fork that have not been answered.
I could go on all day about the Wolf SL fork. I’m satisfied with my own situation because I got what I wanted and didn’t even have to try very hard to get it. Lesson learned: Buy from your LBS and build up a relationship because they are the ones who will end up helping you the most when you have “issues.”
I don’t like it either, we’ll see what happens. I hope to see the price difference but more than anything want a safe fork.
I was offered an EC90 as well, but don’t want a less-expensive replacement and don’t think it would like good on the bike…and maybe it’s vain, but yeah, I want a $5,000 bike to look good.
I am getting frustrated here. I am in the process of a move and don’t really have a LBS close who carries Cervelos so I went through all3sports. Despite good customer service from them in the past, I have so far been a little let down.
I reread my post and definitely don’t mean to harsh on you. I hope you didn’t take it that way- my apologies if you did.
Could you ask All3sports to give you a store credit for the value of the EC90 fork and then buy the fork you want?
Your situation is exactly the one that honks me off. Cervelo is not, in my opinion, taking full responsibilty for the problem and the dealer is not willing to eat the cost of making you happy. To some extent I understand that because the bike shop didn’t write the installation instructions and shouldn’t be required to take full responsibity when they turn out to be “wrong.” That leaves you stuck in the middle and that seems unfair.
About 48% of me wishes that I could just get my money back for my frameset. Very disappointing developments with this Wolf SL fork issue. Good luck with your fork replacement!
I did ask all3sports if they would just be willing to credit me the difference and I was told “Well, we’ll have to talk to Cervelo about that.”
It seems to me that I bought the bike from them, they claim they don’t have any SL or CL forks. With all of the Cervelos they sell, couldn’t they give me one from a frameset or a complete bike in order to please the customer now and then wait for Cervelo to replace that one in their inventory as opposed to making me wait on Cervelo?
Yeah, I am stuck in the middle for sure with my bike leaning against the wall because I am afraid to ride it.
