Bicycle Mechanics - Carbon Fiber Fork Upgrade

Greetings,

I'd like to hear your advice/opinion on something I'm considering. My wife rides a 2003 K2 Mach 1.0 which is an entry level bike and she's happy with it. (Personally I think it's a heavy pig of a bike) I've been telling her how much I enjoy riding a bike with a carbon fiber front fork because it absorbs the shock, etc and think she's somewhat interested in having one for her K2. Here's the dilemma: I'm guessing a carbon fork upgrade would run between $200 and $300. From checking prices I know I can buy her a new bike with a carbon fork already installed for around $600. What I would need is a 1 1/8 threadless carbon front fork - anyone have any recommendations? Also, any recommendations on a compact framed bike, with carbon fiber front fork, and Sora STI shifters would be appreciated as well.

You can get a house brand carbon fork from places like Supergo for about $100. These are decently made items (often by the same folks that make big name one), but without the high price tag of a name brand. It's also pretty much the same level you'd get on a $600 - $700 bike. If everything else on the bike is to her liking it would be a good approach. If there is more you'd like to change, ie component group, then I would recommend bypassing the upgrade and looking at a higher level bike (don't forget gently used models can be a real saving).

Greetings,

I'd like to hear your advice/opinion on something I'm considering. My wife rides a 2003 K2 Mach 1.0 which is an entry level bike and she's happy with it. (Personally I think it's a heavy pig of a bike) I've been telling her how much I enjoy riding a bike with a carbon fiber front fork because it absorbs the shock, etc and think she's somewhat interested in having one for her K2. Here's the dilemma: I think you are 'overselling' the shock absorbing power of a CF fork. Save alot of money and run a few PSI less in the tires and get some good bar tape. ALOT moer benefit.....OR spend alot of money on a high zoot all CF fork,,, light bars, and stem and lighten the pig up.

I agree on the bling factor of the CF fork. I have a 3 year old trainer that until recently was running a stock CroMoly fork. I scored a used Reynolds Ouzo Comp really cheap and while it looks way cooler, I don't notice any difference in the ride. Rider weight is far easier to take off than bike weight.

Also, any recommendations on a compact framed bike, with carbon fiber front fork, and Sora STI shifters would be appreciated as well.

Trek 1000C WSD is probably exactly what you're looking for.

Bruce

I agree on the bling factor of the CF fork. I have a 3 year old trainer that until recently was running a stock CroMoly fork. I scored a used Reynolds Ouzo Comp really cheap and while it looks way cooler, I don't notice any difference in the ride. Rider weight is far easier to take off than bike weight.

could some of that be because the comp has an al steerer? i have the pro (all carbon) and noticed a difference from my old fork.

could some of that be because the comp has an al steerer? i have the pro (all carbon) and noticed a difference from my old fork.Not likely.It's what the comparison is based on. Also,does anyone spend alot of money on an upgrade and then admit to no improvement?

Nashbar has several carbon forks between 50 and 100 bucks right now. Nashbar forks (http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?subcategory=1182&category=86&browse=&storetype=&estoreid=&brand=&searchbox=&start=1&orderby=price1&pagename=) . If the link doesn't work, go to nashbar.com, look at forks, and sort by price.

-Will

Gel pads under the bar tape will help the shock asorbtion.

All, thanks for the replies. If it were me I'd just buy a new bike with a carbon fork already installed :). I found a fork on Ebay that I'm watching. It should be a perfect replacement (assuming I win the auction that is). I'll also check out the forks on Bike Nashbar.

I just picked up a new closeout Weyless fork (carbon blades, alloy steerer) from Nashbar for $54. Hung out on eBay and couldn't snag a used one anywhere near that price. From what I have heard (correct if wrong), the Weyless carbon stuff (forks/cranks) is made in the same village hut over in Taiwan as the big name brands.

I think you are 'overselling' the shock absorbing power of a CF fork. Save alot of money and run a few PSI less in the tires and get some good bar tape. ALOT moer benefit.....OR spend alot of money on a high zoot all CF fork,,, light bars, and stem and lighten the pig up.

I agree since spending much time and money creating the lightest, smoothest bicycle. Assuming you own a fair quality bicycle. The tires seem to make the most noticable difference in ride quality.

The way I understand it, all the Weyless forks are really just rebranded Martec stuff. I've heard Martec supplies forks for a lot of bike manufacturers.

www.martec.com.tw

Another company that, like Weyless, rebrands Martec forks:
http://www.pedalforce.com/web/forks.htm

That said, I bought a carbon/al. steerer Weyless from Supergo when they were $60 a few months back. Haven't had a chance to install it on the bike yet, though...

If you buy the one at nashbar, don't forget the coupon for 10% off.... CR200.

RT