Hey Guys,

Need some advice here, got a few questions I bought a chinese alu frame at the beginning of summer and I am planning to start upgrading parts. The next part in line is a carbon fork (1 1/8th) but I am running onto some trouble with what to choose for this frame.

The current fork (boat anchor at 1.2kg) needs to go but it has a 35mm rake, and the wheel is quite far from the downtube as is. So ideally I'd like a fork that would have less rake (25-30mm) to bring the wheel in a bit closer to the frame, but I am having trouble with options. There is a local shop here in Warsaw which sells Columbus forks but it seems all Columbus options are 45mm of rake. Which is a real shame as I would really like to have a Columbus product on this bike, as I know it's a name which is synonymous with quality.

It seems like the only option for a fork with the rake I am looking for is Chinese no-name, Chinese Copy or Leader Forks.

Also, I have never owned a carbon bike or a carbon fork and I am a bit paranoid about a carbon fork with a carbon steerer tube, as I live in Warsaw and I ride quite a bit every day, 4 seasons, jump off of curbs, 2-3 stairs occasionally, blast down a cobble stone streets on occasion and I don't want to have the thought of a breaking fork in the back of my mind. I'd like to have something that will stand up to that type of riding.

Does anyone know of a good fork I can purchase for my needs? Oh yeah, no more than $200usd....


Thanks in advance, this is my first post and I look forward to getting to know some of you

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Sounds like you should have bought a steel bike.
Why are you concerned about buying "Chinese no-name, Chinese Copy" if you already have a chinese knock off frame? Whats wrong with Leader forks?
https://www.retro-gression.com/category/frames-forks
Not sure if he ships to Poland.

Hey, thanks for the info.

As for the steel, I've been riding steel for many years and I have 2 other steel bikes. I 'upgraded' so to speak to an Aluminum frame on my fixed gear as it's stiffer and lighter than any steel frame I've ridden so far.

Now, the reason I was asking about Chinese forks and carbon steerer tubes is that I'd like some advice if they are a viable option for rough and demanding city riding. I know I have a Chinese frame but I am upgrading parts before I order a new frame from a local builder here. Anyways, I find nothing wrong with Leader forks and I think it's what I'll end up purchasing. I mentioned them because I was wondering if anyone knew of any other options for me.

Anyhoo, thanks for the link and the reply.


Cheers!

I would buy something with an alloy steerer instead of a full carbon fork, especially if you're concerned about durability.

Most issues I've seen with carbon forks happens with the blades themselves cracking. I've seen pretty few issues with the steerer. Anyways just get a cheap no name carbon fork. There isn't much difference between a Giant or Leader or Trek or no name carbon fork honestly. There's a few dealers on ebay who even offer a 1 year warranty on all their carbon products, which could be nice since you sound abusive. I probably wouldn't be jumping any 3 stairs on any carbon road fork or any aluminum track frame though. Just a bad idea.

Me neither. Truly a bad idea.

Although I don't condone it for your well being or the durability of the fork, you can get a wound up fork which happens to be the only carbon road fork that I believe stands a fighting chance to your desires and 2-3 stair jumps.

Have put 40,000 miles on a full c/f WoundUp fork on our tandem.
However, we don't jump off curbs!

I would most definitely not recommend OP to do what he wants what looks like an alpha Q fork pictured above.

Did you guys replace the alpha q with said wound up?