The Jamis Quest is a higher end steel bike, and is among the sportier steel bikes sold.

It has a carbon fork, which isn't for everybody. :)

edit: whoops, should've checked the 2nd page. People already pointed out the Jamis is steel.

I just took delivery on a Black Mountain Cycles Road bike built up by Mike Varley in Pt Reyes Station, California. Slightly longer chain stay, slightly longer head tube, fits 28c tires with fenders and 32c without. Absolutely great bike - wonderful ride. Check out his site
Black Mountain Cycles
to get an idea of his bikes.http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=381958

Could you explain the advantages of a steel fork over a carbon one? I am in the market for a new frame and it is not clear to me that material makes any difference in comfort or performance. In other words, steel can be fast and comfortable as can carbon frames/forks. Or are we just talkin aesthetics?

My main concern was longevity in a city that's long on potholes and short on money. Aesthetics were second (though it's one of the nicer looking carbon forks, I also wasn't in love with the super sloping top tube).

Endless debate over this one, http://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...eel-frame.html

I wouldn't lose too much sleep over this; just get what you decide is the best bike. I like my bike with a steel frame and carbon fork (orbea) and I like my bikes with steel forks. There is a weight advantage with the carbon fork and it is perhaps a bit more comfy (but that could be a placebo effect and in any case tire width has more impact on comfort than almost anything else you do).

The bikes that I am considering would be unavailable for test ride. So, it is not so easy as just get the best bike.

I was curious if a steel fork had any comfort advantages. I am considering a steel frame and carbon fork or an all carbon fork/frame. I have not ridden a tradition steel forked single in well over 30 years although my tandem has a steel fork as does my BikeFriday.

Based upon the link and my reasoning, a carbon fork is not only lighter but they tend to attenuate vibrations better (dampening). I have read a very small study from MIT suggesting steel is less efficient and less comfortable than CF but the study was too small to be conclusive. Carbon and steel forks have different resonance frequencies and overall dampening characteristics. Which is best is unclear based upon my reading of literature available.

A Soma Smoothie frame weighs about 4 pounds, around 6 with a steel fork. With a carbon fork it would probably weigh 5 1/2 pounds or less. At that weight, if anything is holding you back, it won't be the weight of the frame.

The carbon fork definitely has a weight advantage and some minor advantage in dampening vibration, though tire selection and pressure are big factors in ride quality.

The steel fork might be more tolerant of bumps and dings, but I don't want to start another battle in the "carbon explodes/no it doesn't" war. You can decide if you are comfortable with a carbon fork.

My brevet bike has a steel fork and is smooth riding. I mount lights and handlebar bag without worries to the front of the bike.

My Double-Century bike is alloy frame with carbon fork. The carbon fork is a drastic improvement over the original alloy fork.

My conclusion - steel fork for loaded riding and no worry durability; carbon fork for speed and comfort.

One aspect of "performance", more of a requirement really, is the ability to properly mount a full front fender w/ clearance for 28mm tires.
Not a common spec for carbon forks but it is something that Soma offers:

IRD Mosaic 57 Carbon Fork for Smoothie ES

I'm considering trying one on my Stanyan Rando-ish built when I convert to the MKII spec in the project.

-Bandera

Order the frame with both. The geometry of the forks shouldn't be an issue if you are using a reputable builder. The fork cost should not be excessive and you likely can sell off the one you don't want.

If you are buying off the shelf, look around for a deal on a fork of the alternate material. They aren't that difficult to find.

Otherwise, it always will be a crapshoot as to whether a carbon or steel fork will work to your satisfaction on the particular frame you choose.

Great idea. Thank you. Especially since the steel fork is relatively cheap. Thanks!!

That's OK. It is based on some experience. Machka's Marinoni came originally with a carbon fork but she wanted to do some touring with a front rack and has a concern about the longevity of CF, so she had a steel fork put on. The CF one (1" steerer) is still around waiting for a frame...

Her Ti bike came without a fork, and again she wanted a steel fork which I sourced with the same geometry as the suggested CF version. My Ti is the same make with a carbon fork and frankly, hers might ride slightly better than mine. But that may be because hers has a smaller frame. Who knows.