General Cycling Discussion - Forks - Carbon or Aluminum

I need advice and opinions on what people like or dislike in the battle of Carbon or Aluminum forks. I have my sights set on a Pinarello Surprise and the LBS has them with an Aluminum fork. The reviews I have seen from last year they had a Carbon fork on them. What do you people think of this set up or should I get a carbon fork installed instead?

Thanks

Mike

Well I don't know about Alu forks.
The last ones I had were the infamous
"Death Fork" from a Viscount Aerospace pro.
I'm inclined to believe that the current batch
are ok. My bet is the carbon would be better
at absorbing road chatter etc.
If its Pinarello Alu fork, my bet is its ok, if its
an aftermarket fork, if I could swing it I'd go carbon

Marty

well, correct me if I am wrong, but the Surprise is all Aluminum. People usually put carbon forks on their rides to smooth out the ride a little, absorb some of the harshness that Aluminum usually puts out. Some high end Aluminum can be pretty nice I hear, but I don't know anything about the Surprise Frameset.

Bottom line, a carbon fork will soften the ride more than an aluminum fork. An Al bike with an Al fork would be a crazy stiff ride.

Originally posted by Guillermo

Bottom line, a carbon fork will soften the ride more than an aluminum fork. An Al bike with an Al fork would be a crazy stiff ride.
I totally agree with you Guillermo, a carbon Fiber fork will be a much nicer ride on a Pinarello Surprise....

yeah so get that Surprise, and put a Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork on it, and let us know how you like it :beer:

No... it's Italian... has to be a Columbus Carve or Muscle...

Originally posted by velocipedio
No... it's Italian... has to be a Columbus Carve or Muscle...

huh? What do you mean? Columbus steel?

i've had columbus steel forks. anyone will tell you that steel is a sweet fork. if a good steel frame is great then a good steel fork should also do the job well.