seabrook7039

Putting aside all the other component differences between the two 2022 Trek bikes does the FX1's steel fork provide for a better ride vs. the FX2's aluminum fork when riding on a rough surface? Or is it now these days a difference that makes no difference? Thanks!

Dragum

In my opinion, the fell of confort are related with the tire size and pressure, more than the materials in the frameset. A little difference will exist betwin a alloy fork and a steel fork, but no more than 5 PSI in tires or one step more wider tire, dont be more to your confort. But the wieght will be 25% lighter than the stell, and you will fell this in uphills.

seabrook7039

I just noticed a subtle difference in Trek's marketing materials regarding their FX1 and FX2 bikes: the FX1 is described as having an aluminum frame and FX steel forks while the FX2 is described as having an aluminum frame and FX alloy forks. If the FX2's forks were simply aluminum then why was the word 'alloy' used? If it's not aluminum then what are the metals used in this alloy?

Dragum

maybe only a brand for a aluminium diferent from 6061 (normal, naval alloy aluminium)


Never will be olny aluminum, because alloy still stronguer than aluminium only.

6061 alloy (normal naval)
6069 alloy (special naval)
7075 alloy (Aeronautical)

Maybe FX Alloy is only different from 6061

hokiefyd 

From a technical perspective, alloy refers to a mixture of metals or other elements. Steel itself is an alloy, of iron and other metals to modify various attributes of it, like ductileness, strength, etc. From a materials standpoint, it's utterly meaningless to say a material is alloy.

But from a marketing perspective, alloy is usually shorthand for aluminum alloy. As in, alloy bike frames, alloy automotive wheels, alloy engine blocks, etc.

seabrook7039

Thanks to all for the insightful comments! One more insight I can personally offer: as a new FX2 owner I now appreciate its lighter alloy fork with regards to transporting the bike. Specifically the task of manhandling the bike in and out of my car's trunk and passenger compartment (with the rear seats folded down) has to be easier than with a heavier steel fork.