Currently using a DIY Carbon fork. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it for regular riding but I’ve been hitting some trails in the mountains and getting up to pretty fast speeds. I keep getting in my head and questioning if or when this fork is going to break. I just don’t have much peace of mind with it. I’d also like a fork with mounts.
The problem is, I’m not exactly keen on dropping $600 for a fancy carbon fork and I’m approaching the weight limit of 250 pounds that many of these forks have. Should I just get a steel fork? Am I even saving a noticeable amount of weight by using a carbon fork on a steel frame and holding ~15 pounds of stuff?
Any recommendations or advice would be much appreciated!!!
by bobbybits300
4 Comments
Idk much about forks in general but I doubt the weight would I affect your speed at all except for climbing . I would trust it a lot more
There are light steel forks out there. Problem is no one ever posts the weights.
Conversely, same with aluminum, I have some alloy forks that weigh more than some steel forks I have.
I have a carbon fork but I only use it on the street. I’d be a little wary about using it on hard trails. Look for a CX (cyclocross) fork if anything.
Why not go with an air fork for the more demanding riding. At the end of the day your body and bike will both be happier.
A decent steel fork is not that much heavier than a basic carbon fork.
If anything, cheap carbon can get heavy
On the other hand cheap steel is far from immune from breaking.
In the third, secret, hand, a fancy carbon fork is rated for around 15cm drop max. So that tells the limits to the punishment they can take.
I’d say, no matter the material you’re after. You’d have to find a good ratio price/quality. If you feel more confident beating a still fork, I’d say go for it, comfort and confidence will always get you more speed than specs/weight
Side note: I think I have a very similar Chinese clone fork. I feel like it’s not the worst if my cheap ass forks