Replacement forks

[beetlejuice]

Hi,

In November last year, I had a crash on my bike resulting in a few damaged parts (front wheel, forks, bars, etc) needing replacing.

The bike is a Tifosi Forcella and the forks are the last part I need to get it back on the road. I contacted Tifosi and the less I say about them the better but needless to say they were no help and only offered sarcasm and pointless responses (I only contacted them to see if I could buy a direct replacement), anyway . . .

My question is, has anyone purchased forks from China - the ones I'm looking at are these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kinesis-27-5-29-MTB-Rigid-Fork-Tapered-1-1-8-1-1-2-Disc-Brake-Thru-Axle-15mm/282965050959?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=7e2640b316b84360891d47bf47287504&pid=100675&rk=2&rkt=15&sd=254069300139&itm=282965050959&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:7a057478-18d1-11e9-b166-74dbd1805497|parentrq:51e796df1680ac1cba7094b2fff3f61c|iid:1

or

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26-27-5-29-er-1-1-8-1-5-in-MTB-3K-MATTE-CARBON-FIBER-DISC-Tapered-fork-15mm-Axle/322474281359?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=1&asc=20140122125356&meid=e0158f67af6142d281efbe74b6e1ee41&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=5&sd=282965050959&itm=322474281359&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

I'm just wanting to know what peoples experiences are which parts like this and are they worth buying? I only use the bike for commuting and the odd leisure ride with the Mrs so nothing serious.

Thanks

 

[Threevok]

No experience at all but the two forks you list are for MTB not road bike

I suggest you do a search for Tifosi Forks on Google and buy the correct/comparable fork from a reputable source

 

[vickster]

You'll need a roadbike disc compatible fork of the right size, depending on what the current is, you might need quick release or thru axle compatible. Ask your local bike shop for help

 

[fossyant]

SJS Cycles have a good range of forks.

 

[beetlejuice]

My forks are tapered 1 1/8 - 1 1/2, disc brakes with 15mm thru axle so thought these 2 would suit

 

[Threevok]

My forks are tapered 1 1/8 - 1 1/2, disc brakes with 15mm thru axle so thought these 2 would suit

But they are (if indeed they are) MTB forks which will have a different rake to road forks. Your handling will be compromised.

Just to add to that, don't cheap on forks. It can lead to very serious and even deadly consequences - especially where carbon is concerned

 

[beetlejuice]

the two forks you list are for MTB not road bike

With them being rigid I'm assuming they'll be fine and the Forcella is classed as a CX/Gravel bike so not sure road forks would be any better than the ones I've spotted?? More than happy to be educated though

 

[beetlejuice]

Just to add to that, don't cheap on forks. It can lead to very serious and even deadly consequences

This was the primary reason for asking if anyone has had any experience of them - I didn't really enjoy it when I decided to break these components and would rather not have a repeat by buying inferior forks.
Hmmm, I hadn't considered the rake - thanks Treevok

 

[Johnno260]

Everyone I know who bought cheap Chinese parts regretted it.

Worst one was a friend who bought wheels they were utter trash, loose spokes etc.

Use a LBS or other reputable source.

 

[Cycleops]

I think the reason your search threw up MTB forks was your wheel size. All the more strange is that no MTB bikes I'm aware of now use rigid carbon forks.
I would have thought you could use road forks meant for 700c wheels although someone who knows more than me might like to comment. Perhaps @Yellow Saddle might like to straight us out on that.

 

[wonderloaf]

Planet X?
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FOSEGV2/selcof-carbon-gravel-fork

 

[Yellow Saddle]

I think the reason your search threw up MTB forks was your wheel size. All the more strange is that no MTB bikes I'm aware of now use rigid carbon forks.
I would have thought you could use road forks meant for 700c wheels although someone who knows more than me might like to comment. Perhaps @Yellow Saddle might like to straight us out on that.

Sorry, I dunno. There are too many variables and I really don't feel like looking at the links and seeing if the variables are published and then try and compare them to the original. A good bike shop will have good generic forks that will work. Go see one or start with Fossyant's suggestion.

A form may even be compatible but the shape of the crown may not look good on your bike.

I do know that there is a "thing" in mountain biking to go back to rigid forks. I don't know why, but some people are suckers for punishment.

 

[Threevok]

I do know that there is a "thing" in mountain biking to go back to rigid forks. I don't know why, but some people are suckers for punishment.

It's mainly down to a weight saving but probably a maintenance thing too. It's certainly not down to price, if you are looking at a good set of carbon ones.

I toyed with the idea for the Virtue, but found that the weight saving benefits over my existing SIDs was marginal and not worth the expense.