Carbon fork, worth it?

[jeltz]

I have the opportunity to get the carbon fork which was an option on my road bike for £45.

Are they a worthwhile the upgrade at that price and how much would an LBS be likely to charge to change a fork?

 

[Young Un]

Yes I would say so, because the carbon helps reduce road buzz whilst remaining stiff, resulting in a more comfortable ride, but with a more responsive feel!

 

[accountantpete]

£45 is about right for Carbon forks/Alloy steerer - full carbon would be a bit more.

You could easily do the job yourself - this video will show you how to remove the crown race from the old forks.

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAYYtAhAxS0


You can cut the steerer down to size with a hacksaw if needed.

The only other problem is if you have a carbon steerer - you want to make sure that you don't overtighten the stem.

 

[02GF74]

also with carbon steerer, if using aheadset, you must use a bung and NOT the star fangled nut.

treat yourself and splash out on the carbon fork.

 

[petmcgratt]

It sounds as though you have spotted the massive sale on chain reaction cycles. I bought a carbon composite (vitus F600) for my vitus alios triple. It was reduced from 120 to 45 pounds. Thought it was a good deal. You still need to buy a new star nut and i was fortunate enough to be able to bring my old aero pro fork in and got them to swap the crown race over so I didn't have to buy a new headset.
Did you eventually buy this fork?
peter

 

[jeltz]

Not ordered it......yet

 

[gavintc]

I upgraded my winter bike to one with a carbon front fork and noticed the difference. There is certainly less vibration and it is generally a more comfortable ride. Some of this I will accept, is due to a better frame but I have noted when riding a particular road with rough tarmac it is notable smoother. So, if you can afford it, I would recommend the upgrade.

 

[petmcgratt]

Definitely worth the money. I also got the experience of fitting a new fork, star nut etc and adjusting the steerer column to the height i wanted. Got the white/red/black carbon fork from chain reaction cycles. They also have free post and packaging and got it the next day!!