Originally Posted by
timgriffin2
Thanks for the detailed reply. I've heard that steel and especially carbon forks are good for lessoning the harshness of the ride. Maybe before I make the plunge I'll try out a Specialized Sirrus type of biked with a carbon fork. I don't know anyone that has one to compare the rides. I'd not want to pay to replace the forks on the 7.2 FX and then find out that they aren't what I really am looking for.
I have a 26" MTB with cheap front suspension and 2" tires. Also have the 700c hybrid with carbon forks and 2" tires (Giant Toughroad). I made a point of comparing both on paved bike paths with frost heaving to find out that exactly.
With medium pressure (in my case 40 psi) in front tire they kind of felt the same. Not a scientific test, but good enough for me.