Cyclocross - Carbon Fork on a Cross Check?

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w98seeng
09-05-09, 06:34 AM
I have a Cross Check that I am just finishing up. I have a 700c carbon fork with canti bosses that I was thinking of using. which would be better, the original Surly fork, or the carbon fiber fork? I won't be doing any racing, just using the bike as my main and only bike. Some light off road and on road riding.

The rest of the setup is...
FSA Wing Pro 44mm dropped bar
Dura Ace brifters
Tektro cross levers
Ultegra 6600 front and rear derailleurs
Ultegra double crankset
Jagwire wire set
I haven't decided on canti's or my Avid Single Digit 7's with a travel agent.
Also, I have a set of Salsa rims with an Ultegra front hub and an LX rear, but I might use my other wheelset which is a set of Shimano 600 hubs and Alexrims R390 rims, again, I can't decide.

Thanks for the info.

jfmckenna
09-05-09, 07:04 AM
I love the ride of a steel fork so if it was me and I was not going to race it then I'd keep the Surly fork. The carbon fork will be significantly lighter though. If you do go with the carbon fork make sure the fork rake is the same unless you want to change the feel of the ride.
w98seeng
09-05-09, 08:17 AM
Thanks jfmckenna. I looked at the Surly fork and it looks so much longer than the carbon fork. I think it's because the legs are much thinner on the steel fork. I will measure the length and try to figure out the rake.

Any other opinions?

onetwentyeight
09-05-09, 01:35 PM
I'd go carbon unless the carbon fork is on the flexier side as that could induce brake shudder. I have a wound up on my steel cross frame and couldn't be happier. Feels great, and solid as all get out. I use my bike for half assed racing and as my primary/daily ride (I have about 2000-2500 miles on the wound up fork so far).
TheSergeant
09-06-09, 11:54 AM
I upgraded to Nashbars Carbon fork on my Cross-Check I had. It's essentially a Winwood rebadged. Same weight, same specs and much less $$. Definitely lightened the bike and I noticed no difference in handling. Aesthetically I prefer the steel fork on the steel frame but the weight savings was definitely nice.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/498961101_88d3ae5e54.jpg
cs1
09-07-09, 05:37 AM
I upgraded to Nashbars Carbon fork on my Cross-Check I had. It's essentially a Winwood rebadged. Same weight, same specs and much less $$. Definitely lightened the bike and I noticed no difference in handling. Aesthetically I prefer the steel fork on the steel frame but the weight savings was definitely noticeable.

The steel fork does look nicer. I wish the fork was available without the disc mount though. It wouldn't be so funky looking then.