Carbon Fork?
 

What are thoughts on using a carbon fork on a (rear wheel drive) e-bike? I didn't think much about it at first, but looking at other e-bikes and e-bike conversions it seems that most use suspension forks.


Thanks

Depends on your goal for usage. What sort of ebike and where do you want to ride it? I like carbon forks on road bikes, but on a bike where weight isn't a consideration, most people go for comfort, and if you're going fast, having suspension is safer anyway.

I'm building a road/hybrid style bike. I already have the frame and carbon fork, and some rigid steel forks laying around too. I'll be using the bike for commuting, 100% on pavement and up massive hills.

I have a 1200 watt geared motor on the rear and don't think i would try using carbon forks with that. it's one thing to have a 250 watt person powering a bike but 5 or six.... you get the point i hope.

100% pavement and massive hills: I'd definitely go with the carbon for weight savings. You might consider a carbon seat post as well, if you have one laying around.

Take a bike. Add in some extra speed and a lot of extra weight and a solid fork and your arms will be beat on anything but perfect pavement.

Try your combo but you may reconsider after a while.

The real question is what tire size are you using, and what speeds are you running?

I’m fine riding daily at 25mph with a carbon fork and 32mm tires (road bike). I think 40mm would be a bit better for me. But yeah, much above that and a fork would be pretty handy on anything but smooth commutes.

Forks can be nice – I don’t have to scan the road for cracks and breaks that could cause a problem. But, for my commute I know the route well, so that isn’t a problem.

I had suspension forks on my last bike but found myself turning them off most of my ride. I now have a Salsa Fargo with carbon forks and ride a lot of mountain forest roads. Love the carbon forks...Oh bike is pushed with a 1kw Bafang and I average 18 mph in pedal assist 1.

never thought about that