Originally Posted by roccobike

The advantage of the steel fork over carbon is cost. The lower end steel is cheaper to manufacture than a carbon fork. The advantage over an alloy fork is, well, shock absorption. A steel fork, especially one with a rake, can really smooth out the ride vs alloy. Personally, I would still prefer carbon over steel. But if I was purchasing an entry level bike and had a choice of steel or alloy fork, I'd consider that an easy decision, steel all the way. I've owned and rode two all alloy bikes with alloy forks (back in my bike flipping days), one entry level, one mid-level (from the 90's). Hated both and promptly sold them.