Fork suggestions for new frame
 

I am going to be getting a new custom Rock Lobster track frame built up for the spring. I had orginally planned on getting a frame and fork (both steel). However, I have recently been entertaining the idea of just getting the frame, and then putting an aftermarket carbon fork (like an Easton) on the bike. I am going to be riding this bike both on the velodrome as well as on the street for training rides.

Does anyone have any suggestions about this? Should I stick with the steel fork or go for the Carbon one? I know steel is real and all, but it seems like a Carbon fork would be better in most ways.

thanx for help

go with the steel espicially if you are going to be riding on the road. get a don walker or a jonnycycles fork...

carbon over time on the road will weaken....my feelings..

carbon fiber has pretty much an infinite fatigue life. there's no reason a well designed, well manufactured fork (such as the Easton the OP is considering) should not last as long (or longer) than a metal fork.

the biggest problem with carbon is that when it fails, it's generally (though not always) a catastrophic failure. in other words, it won't bend like steel, it'll just snap like a twig.

ah, em... :rolleyes:


I personally only ride carbon forks. Its a thing I have about weight and stiffness. Regardless,...

There are currently only two carbon forks being made with "track geometry" in mind. The Reynolds Ouzo Pro Track (1 1/8", 37.5mm rake) and the Wound-Up fork (1" or 1 1/8", 35mm rake). The Reynolds is a true track fork since it has no brake hole. The Wound-Up comes with a brake hole. The Reynolds is longer than the Wound-Up (372mm length vs 365mm length).

The Reynolds won't be in production again until Jan '06. The Wound-Up is currently available.

Since you are having a custom frame made, it is important that you choose the fork you will be using prior to building of the frame because this affects the design decisions of the frame builder in terms of front end geometry. Regardless of whether you choose steel or carbon. One size does not fit all.

Questions you need to answer for yourself:

Do I want a front brake?

What geometry for my custom frame?

Based on the above answer, what will my HT angle be?

Having a steel fork made for you will not limit your choice in HT angle. Using the Wound-Up or Reynolds will limit your choice of HT angles.

^ what about Corima? :D

good question. what about it?

Have you seen it? Is it available for purchase in the states? At 366euro it is about par with the others.

It seems its best suited for the cougar frame because of the aheadset.

thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll have a chat with the frame builder before I make any drastic decisions.

yeah I've seen one.
i rode a corima once at our track, so I'm assuming it's available in north america.

what makes it so specific to the cougar frame??

I don't know what headset is used on the Cougar frame. But, I'm guessing that the fork's crown diameter is specific to the headset used.


Also, the fork itself looks pretty thick and compliments the Cougar frame. So, it may look odd with a frame with thin steel tubing.

And quite franky, if I'm getting a Corima fork, I want the frame that goes with it too.

Its a beautiful bike isn't it, though.

Jose R...I agree with you. If I was going to get that fork, I might as well get the whole rig
Now you've caused me to drool on my keyboard over that sexy Corima, and I'm second guessing my decision to get a rock lobster. :D (although it is kind of hard to go wrong with it)

I just broke my Corima Track fork. The fork is insanely expensive to replace! About $900 US . Mine was a 1 inch threaded ,but I heard you can get 1 1/8 unthreaded. Great fork though, so now I need to find a replacement fork. I will start a new topic regarding what fork rake to use.