Fifty Plus (50+) - Carbon fork vs. aluminum?

Since I have a carbon fork in my spare parts box, how much difference should I see in vibration reduction if I replace my existing aluminum fork with the carbon one? Assume, for the moment, that rake, clearance, etc. are identical. Assume, also, that the aluminum fork is designed for heavier duty service (touring with loaded front panniers, which I won't be doing) and the carbon one is designed for a normal road bike.

Is it worth the switch if vibration reduction is my goal?

Thanks.

I'd do it but I think that you should try it out for yourself and post the answers to your own questions? Not very many people have the opportunity to make such a direct comparison so the answers that you recieve are likely to be opinions based on nothing but bias.

If you decide you don't like the carbon fork, how long could it take you to switch back? I'm sure that, once the steer tube was cut, I could swap out a threadless fork in under 15 minutes.

...I'm sure that, once the steer tube was cut, I could swap out a threadless fork in under 15 minutes.

Both forks are 1" threaded, making the swap slightly (but only that) more complex. Since nobody else has this info, I may just have to experiment, as you suggest. I'll post the results when I get around to doing it.

I was riding a Trek 2500 SL Alpha last year with an aluminum fork. It was a very unforgiving bike. I switched out the fork to a carbon one. It did make a slight difference. There was not quite as much road buzz coming to my hands. Bike was still to harsh, and I ended up getting rid of it.

Your fork will perform in whatever way you think it performs.

Your fork will perform in whatever way you think it performs.

How cool! All I have to do is convince myself that I've already put the carbon fork on and I'll automatically be more comfortable! What a savings! If I also convince myself that I'm riding a $10K bike and that I'm Lance Armstrong can I also win the TDF? ;)