Well, after reading and speaking to people who know their stuff in the bike industry, carbon forks may not be what they are cracked up to be, atleast not the uber-light ones. I think that possibly the new generation of super-light steels could make a steel fork be a decent option.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
I like triathlete porn.
Carbon is cool, high tech, light and hyped.
But a well designed steel fork will be the best riding. Just like the frames.
BTW, anybody know they don’t make titanium forks?
So what’s the problem w/ the carbon forks? More info, please.
Do you find yourself hurting your wrist over a nice bike or wetsuit, rather than a comely girl with little to no clothes on? It’s all good.
But what do you think of the steel fork thing?
bunnyman,
I have ridden a Serotta F1 fork for some time. It is a very stiff carbon fork. I believe it has a steel or titanium core wrapped with carbon. Anyway, it is a great fork.
I also ride a bike that is quite similar to the bike that has the Serotta F1 fork on it and the second bike has a steel fork on it. It is a touring bike with braze ons front and rear and screw eyes on the drop outs for mounting racks. The nice thing is the geometry is very similar to my racing bike with the F1 fork so it handles almost identically. In fact, it is hard to tell the differences between the ride and handling of the two bikes! Just so you know what I am talking about, the bikes are a Serotta csi and a Serotta Rapid Tour.
I wouldn’t describe myself as a novice cyclist, I have been riding for over 10 years and over 50,000 miles. I would also maintain that one should not buy a new bicycle until one has outgrown or discovered the shortcomings of one’s present bicycle and then purchases a bicycle that addresses those short comings.
What I am saying is that I agree with your contention completely. A good steel fork (well engineered for ride properties) is an attractive alternative to a carbon fork.
Okay, everyone can flame away now.
Mainly due to the methods of manufacture, along with trying to get waaaaaay too light.
The more you spend, the better you will get, but sometimes, the over-light forks can have a very short fatigue life and not be too good for heavier/more powerful riders.
No, I meant a film starring Jessi Sensland and Lokelani McMichael.
I don’t know much about the steel fork issue. Since I’m a light and not-at-all-powerful rider maybe carbon will be just fine.
Serotta can do forks. I wish they did more of them.
I am also not too hip on carbon steer tubes used on a tri bike. I think that since there is so much more weight placed onto the steer tube, a carbon steer tube will not be that stiff and could be prone to failure. This is especially true on 1" steerers.
Please remember, I cannot name my sources, and this is an opinion formed from data I have collected and my own personal experience.
I have seen a few Ti forks. They are only a bit lighter than steel, however. If I find a link to one, I will send it to you.
now this is the second time you guys have made me worry about my fork. I have an Ouzo Pro full carbon on a titanium frame. It’s 1 1/8" and I am a heavier rider (not sire anout powerful, though).
go sniff some more epoxy
Reynolds is a non-issue. Like I said- you get more with each dollar you spend on a carbon fork, especially is it says Reynolds on it.
thanks, maybe I’ll go sniff some epoxy
.
Jessi and Lolekani… Gotta polish the bishop…
Also, it has been said that a 1 1/8" carbon steer tube is a LOT stiffer than a 1" carbon steer tube.
Epoxy smells good…
I have an 80’s Fuji (now a single speed) with a cast crown fork. For a fast descent over bad pavement I still feel more confident on it than anything else in my limited stable. Great feel, and could also double as an anchor for a small boat.
“But what do you think of the steel fork thing?”
Which steel alloys are super-light?
I don’t know that you’re saying anything new here, Bunny. Except for your vague reference to using some new super-light steel in forks. A great number of people buy carbon because it looks cool or is light. If you can point me to a steell fork that rivals he Ouzo Pro in weight and performance, I’m there. When it comes to forks, light is one thing, stupid light is, well, stupid. I do ride a steel fork on one of my bikes (and am looking for one for another) but it is unbelieveably heavy.
I would love to see if anyone could do a fork out of True Temper S3.
Please realise that the lightest steel fork would still weigh more than something like the old Kestrel EMS.