Originally Posted by
andrew.waye
So chrome forks are just plating over some type of steel? Was under the (not in any way informed) impression the whole fork was a homogeneous alloy, and not just plated.
"Chrome" is plating that can be applied to any conductive material. It can be applied to plastic if the plastic is first primed with some sort of conductive coating.
"Chrome-moly" is a steel alloy: steel with chromium and molybdenum added to it. It's generally stronger than cheaper 1020 carbon steel, but not as "elite" as brand-name Reynolds, Columbus, Ishiwata, etc. Here's some interesting reading:
http://spokesmanbicycles.com/article...real-pg329.htm
As long as the fork has not been damaged, ride it. If it's too stiff for you, try putting fatter tires on the bike.