Originally Posted by SortaGrey

The thread concerning the Trek with the broken steer tube touched on some interesting points.. issues with bike forks.

Like many.. I don't trust carbon forks. Understand.. I know many do. Just the end of a carbon fork is the icicle break and your toast. Granted a seldom occurrence.. I just can't get by it's 'failure mode'. And they manufactured in a world where IMO QC is more a function of 'getting the pieces out' than the future safety of anyone using a product. I requested warranty info from one online peddler.. where the word 'warranty' is NOT anywhere on their word-some website. Reply was 'full warranty'.. my replies for further info only got the 'rope a dope' routine.. the RED flag in my view. They even went to the extent of banning me from purchasing any item from them. That tickled me... finding the nerve with almost no effort.

These after-market carbon's... I wonder if anyone in the industry actually tests them? This I doubt in a cost driven market place. Does buying one from an established name maker insure some degree of added safety? Anyone know of the expected failure rates? I know almost nothing of carbon forks... what weaves etc. Many knowledgeable riders have confidence in them.. I'm looking for more than just the blanket 'thumbs up'. How to determine what is acceptable risk for a heavier (230's) rider.............. I still remain open to the idea of trying one.

Aluminum forks. Same set of inquires as above... & in regards to steer tubes of that material failing.. I'd suggest this: whose aluminum? That metal sees constant recycling.. I suspect metal contamination during that process compromises strength life [?].

SO.. what fork makers are the 'gold standard' for doing it right?

Steel forks... a good weight to strength compromise.. who makes??