larry_m

Boy do I feel like an idiot... I drove into my garage with the bike on top of my car. The biggest casualty was the bike rack and the top of my car. Injuries to the bike are not as severe, except for the fork which is noticeably bent.

I would like to replace the fork on my road bike, but am generally clueless about how to identify the dimensions. My bike is a 2000 Specialized Allez A1, and I am thinking about using this as an opportunity to replace the aluminum fork with a carbon fiber fork. It looks like there are plenty of options to order forks over the internet, but how do I know what I need? I would also like to not spend a fortune (less than $200). Are there any good resources for buying road bike components? Is ebay worthwhile, or is it better to avoid?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Larry

kenhill3

I HIGHLY recommend that you have your LBS inspect the HEAD TUBE of your bike, a likely candidate for damage when you have this particular mishap.

Wordbiker

Have you checked into whether your homeowner's/renter's insurance would replace the entire bike?

You've put the bike through a tremendous strain. You may find a cheap fork for it, but if the frame fails later, you'll have no recourse.

larry_m

Wow, great advice on both counts! I was hoping this would be an easy do-it-yourself project, but clearly need to have a professional look at my bike. I really hope the frame isn't damaged, and it is just the fork.

On a related topic... how much should I reasonably expect to spend on a carbon fork (assuming there is no additional damage)? I don't need top of the line, since it is not a top of the line bike. And is it better to just have the professionals replace it?

Thanks!
Larry

froggmann

Assuming the headtube and headset are not damaged, here's a pretty decent CF fork that won't break the bank. Available in both 1" and 1 1/8".

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?
category=600086&subcategory=60001182&brand=&sku=18202&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subc at%3A%20Road%20Forks

Wordbiker

A good carbon fork will likely run in the $100-150 range.

I replaced my aluminum fork with a Ritchey Comp carbon with an aluminum steerer and am quite satisfied.

If you do take it in to a shop for inspection, ask what is available in the correct rake for your bike. If you purchase it there (and your frame is determined to be viable) they may install it for free or at a reduced rate.

hyunelan2

I just purchased a Sette carbon fork (with Aluminum steerer) from pricepoint @ $80. Not the best/lightest fork in the world, but it should get the job done, and accomplished the task of being cheap.