Road Cycling - Will a carbon fork save a rough bike?

I only have experience with one carbon fork (a Profile-Design BSC with a steel steerer) which is on a 531 steel bike, and it's definitely stiffer than the steel and aluminum forks I've used.

This is making we wonder: can a good carbon fork save a brutally rough alu bike?

This alu bike has an alu fork on it at the moment. The frame was cheap ($200) and has a 1 inch steerer, so I'm reluctant to spend $300 on a good fork only to be disappointed.

Thanks

Hi,
you can find forks cheaper then that on sale at nashbar, perfornace
and supergo. http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=8740
You can also wrap the bars with 3 layers of shock absorbing tape, and buy a shock absorbing seat like the SI trans AM XLP. Larger tires wouldn't hurt. But is it worth it? If you can afford a bike better than that new....no. It also depends on the bike. Does it have redeeming qualities like an old Cannondale frame, or are we talking generic bone crusher?

Hi,
you can find forks cheaper then that on sale at nashbar, perfornace
and supergo. http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=8740
You can also wrap the bars with 3 layers of shock absorbing tape, and buy a shock absorbing seat like the SI trans AM XLP. Larger tires wouldn't hurt. But is it worth it? If you can afford a bike better than that new....no. It also depends on the bike. Does it have redeeming qualities like an old Cannondale frame, or are we talking generic bone crusher?

It's made from Dedacciai 7003, and I don't know who built it; it was second hand with no decals on it, only the Dedacciai badges. I think it's genuine Dedacciai because it's only 3.3lbs (no fork) at 58cm.

yes, it will make a better ride I mean a "carbon Fok", on an alum. frame

I only have experience with one carbon fork (a Profile-Design BSC with a steel steerer) which is on a 531 steel bike, and it's definitely stiffer than the steel and aluminum forks I've used.

This is making we wonder: can a good carbon fork save a brutally rough alu bike?

This alu bike has an alu fork on it at the moment. The frame was cheap ($200) and has a 1 inch steerer, so I'm reluctant to spend $300 on a good fork only to be disappointed.

Thanks

I've spent a lot of time on a Profile BSC with full carbon steerer and really liked the ride (I'd assume it wouldn't be that different with a steel or alloy steerer). Lots of things effect the way a bike feels. Dedacciai 7003 by it self really doesn't mean much when it comes to ride qualities as you've already found. Cheaper frames just don't have the same tube design which gives the more expensive frames the ride qualities everyone covets.

Things I'd try first (read cheaper alternatives) to soften the ride are
25mm tires at 10-15 psi less pressure
bartape with gel inside
a saddle that advertises shock absorption like the Selle Italia Prolink or Turbomatic models.

To get back to your question, the best 1 inch fork I've used is the Reynolds Ouzo Pro. They're not cheap but the ride quality is outstanding. It's not the stiffest fork by any means, but isn't a noodle either. Beware of the 20-25mm spacer limit the manufacture places on this fork. I run mine with no spacers and it's a great combination of comfort and stiffness without going overboard on either end. I've never used the Ouzo Comp but have heard the ride is similar, with the weight and up front cost being the main differences.

Thankyou.

What about a carbon seat post? I doubt it would make any difference, unless it was about a foot long.

The bike has a horizontal top tube, so I've only got about 5" of post showing.

Thankyou.

What about a carbon seat post? I doubt it would make any difference, unless it was about a foot long.

The bike has a horizontal top tube, so I've only got about 5" of post showing.

Some may say yes but from personal experience, I think not. I've run three different carbon posts over the years and I don't think I can tell a difference. They were a Cervelo carbon post, Record carbon and I currently have a Bontrager X-Lite carbon post on my 5500. My favorite seatpost ever is the Thomson with lay-back.

i'd also say tires and the tubes inflation p.s.i. is also a key factor depending on the weight and size frame of the rider.