Carbon fork over steel fork?
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?...20Road%20Forks
Worth it over this? https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?...20Road%20Forks $90 more for carbon and over a pound weight savings. Doesn't seem worth it or does it? |
The carbon fork should feel more damp and be easier on the hands. I went with a carbon fork to get a more damp ride. What frame?
Michael |
Nashbar X.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...Frames%2FBikes I figure it's time to put my leftover parts to good use on frame, winter is coming so one of these might be a good idea. |
I'm considering the same project, also with the Nashbar X! I think the extra $ for the Carbon fiber is worth it. It's actually an economical way to lose a significant amount of weight. It will also help the bike ride better, important on longer trips.
Michael |
The only reason I stuck with steel is my old school looking build would've looked all wrong with carbon.
|
You can find significantly lighter steel forks than that Nashbar one. Look at Tange and IRD.
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...?category=1634 |
When I was making a similar decision a while ago, what put me over the top was the thought of hoisting that extra pound, 2 or 3 times every lap...easily worth $90 for me.
I haven't noticed the extra damping but I suppose it is an "on-paper" benefit. But the difference in weight is *very* noticeable. |
Originally Posted by 'nother
(Post 7424361)
When I was making a similar decision a while ago, what put me over the top was the thought of hoisting that extra pound, 2 or 3 times every lap...easily worth $90 for me.
For reference: 800g - 500g = 300g = .67 pound. 1 pound = 454g |
Originally Posted by flargle
(Post 7424615)
but it's important you are making the correct comparison. That nashbar carbon fork is around 700g; you could pay less for a steel fork weighing in the 750-800g neighborhood. To get in the sub-500g carbon world, you have to pay over $200, at the very least. Meanwhile, there are other practical reasons one might prefer steel to carbon, especially for a non-racer.
For reference: 800g - 500g = 300g = .67 pound. 1 pound = 454g |
Originally Posted by 'nother
(Post 7424680)
ok
I am currently considering switching my race bike from a Tange steel fork to Origin-8 carbon. As far as I can tell, it would save about 300g, nothing to sneeze at, but not life-changing either. And I'm certainly keeping the steel fork for future use, either training, or touring, or a "monster-cross" rig, or whathaveyou. I agree (?) with you that carbon's "dampening" characteristics are oversold. For one, a steel fork has very nice ride characteristics. Also, a carbon fork might (might) give nice dampening characteristics when riding high-pressure low-volume road tires. Switch to high-volume low-pressure cross tires, I can't imagine it being a first- or even second-order effect. |
Originally Posted by flargle
(Post 7425627)
Just to clarify, I wasn't disagreeing as much as saying you have to look at specifics.
I agree (?) with you that carbon's "dampening" characteristics are oversold. I guess there is the lingering question of whether weight matters, which is subjective and also dependent on one's racing activities or lack thereof. For me it's not difficult to justify $99 or even a couple of hundred bucks difference for a significant weight savings (whether it's life-changing or not). That sucker seems to get heavier and heavier every lap; anything I can do (in a relatively cheap way) to reduce what I'm shouldering or suitcasing 2-3x per lap definitely makes a difference. |
More info. I'm not using this for cross races, there will be zero shouldering involved. Weight is moot really, I fancy carbon but I don't fancy it that much, maybe not $90 more.
|
Originally Posted by mrbubbles
(Post 7426622)
More info. I'm not using this for cross races, there will be zero shouldering involved. Weight is moot really, I fancy carbon but I don't fancy it that much, maybe not $90 more.
If I were you (I am not), I'd go with any of those Tange-tubed forks at the link I posted. For carbon, I'd save up a little more and get something lighter and nicer. |
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