Cyclocross - Is an Alpha Q really the best cross fork?

I have always heard that they are the best. Are they really that much better than a ritchey or a renolds or winwood?

I have always heard that they are the best. Are they really that much better than a ritchey or a renolds or winwood?

I was just comparing some of the specs on the top of the line Alpha-Q and the Ritchey WCS. The Alpha-Q is 2x the cost and a tiny bit heavier (I think on account of the aluminum steerer). That's all I know about them right now.

What about the 4ZA Python? Seems like among the lightest CX forks around...

Weight isn't exactly the only factor here ...

Weight isn't exactly the only factor here ...

i'm assuming the overall quality and durablilty and tire clearance are suitable for cx since they come on Ridley cx bikes...?

Ya, that wasn't just in reference to the 4ZA fork.

i'm a big fan of the EC90. in white.

Um... to me stiffness is very very important. A flexy cross fork just feels dangerous. The ritchey is nice, having never used the alpha-q I can't comment... however I find cheaper carbon forks positively frightening to ride.

The ritchey is nice, having never used the alpha-q I can't comment... however I find cheaper carbon forks positively frightening to ride.

Have you experienced any shudder when braking with the Ritchey? I am about to purchase one. I am assuming that you are talking about the WCS fork.

What about the 4ZA Python? Seems like among the lightest CX forks around...

Mine snapped like a twig and cost me a race, and almost my entire season. :mad:

the python has become much heavier since last year.
uncut ~ 440 gramm
older ones have bee 400 gramms uncut
guess why they are heavier now ?

most popular one in europe ( for the ones who have to pay by themselfs ) is the pro fork . its the same like ritchey wcs ,but its much cheaper .( half the price )

most popular one in europe ( for the ones who have to pay by themselfs ) is the pro fork . its the same like ritchey wcs ,but its much cheaper .( half the price )
does it have the same axle to crown length and rake?

does it have the same axle to crown length and rake?

axle to crown is the same than nearly all others.: 400 mm
rake is 45 mm

the python has become much heavier since last year.
uncut ~ 440 gramm
older ones have bee 400 gramms uncut
guess why they are heavier now ?

most popular one in europe ( for the ones who have to pay by themselfs ) is the pro fork . its the same like ritchey wcs ,but its much cheaper .( half the price )

Can you provide a link to the Pro fork?

hmmm...interesting...

right now i have the aerus cx carbon fork...and was considering getting the 4ZA Python to shave half a pound of weight...but i don't want it if it'll flex and potententially snap like a twig on me...

Can you provide a link to the Pro fork?
http://www.pro-bikegear.nl/publish/content/pro_site/sbx/Pro_Landing/DE/Products.html

I was just comparing some of the specs on the top of the line Alpha-Q and the Ritchey WCS. The Alpha-Q is 2x the cost and a tiny bit heavier (I think on account of the aluminum steerer). That's all I know about them right now.


All the alpha-Q forks I have have carbon steerers - I've never seen one with an alloy steerer.

I have the CX20 now and love it.

All the alpha-Q forks I have have carbon steerers - I've never seen one with an alloy steerer.

I have the CX20 now and love it.

Ok cool, good to know. I saw the picture and it didn't look like carbon to me. Thanks!

Have you experienced any shudder when braking with the Ritchey? I am about to purchase one. I am assuming that you are talking about the WCS fork.

nope, its solid. Although shutter probably depends some on you brakes/ pads as well.

hmmm...interesting...

right now i have the aerus cx carbon fork...and was considering getting the 4ZA Python to shave half a pound of weight...but i don't want it if it'll flex and potententially snap like a twig on me...

I won't go near one after my experience.

I just replaced a cheap Van Dessel-branded fork with the Alpha-Q w/ alloy steerer (CX10?). Completely and totally eliminated my shudder issues, and I think it lays into the corners better now too - you'll pry it from my cold, dead hands.

Great handle: "superstator"

i had an alpha q and while it was very light, it made my handling feel kind of floppy. I ended up switching to a woundup, which while heavier gave me much more responsive handling and also due to its stiffness had a noticable boost on my braking power.

Reynolds has some of the highest testing and quality control standards in the industry. I'd trust a Reynolds over an Alpha-Q.

I won't go near one after my experience.I'd like to hear deets.

I have a CX20 and love it. My buddy switched from a WCS to CX20 and said its a lot better. Less brake shuddering too.