18,000+ miles - time for new forks?

master_grunthos

I have a Surosa Audax (2007) and based on estimates and records of my mileage over the past three years it's done more than 18,000 miles. Most of the bike has been replaced due to wear or upgraded. However, the frame and forks remain as standard.

My question is, should I replace the forks? Is there a genuine risk that they could fail due to heavy use?

The forks are alloy and carbon, with the steerer being 1 1/8 inch alloy and an alloy crown. They are fairly heavily built for carbon forks but unbranded, which isn't necessarily a problem.

I've removed the forks and headset, cleaned the whole thing and checked for any visible signs of failure and seen nothing. However, given the way that alloys fail through fatigue this isn't conclusive.

I'm aware there's lots of speculation on this subject, indeed internet forums are full of it. Is there any manufacturers advice or advice from an "leading experts" on the subject? So far I've not seen any.

Thanks

MG

softlad

using your logic, you should also be looking to replace the frame as well.

On the other hand, I suspect both are absolutely fine and you should keep on using them....

Monty Dog

If it ain't creaking and there's no visual indication of damage, then should be fine. I have carbon forks more than twice as old.

crankycrank

I have yet to find anyone who can accurately answer the question of when to replace CF forks. I've talked to (claimed) engineers, mechanics, various riders, etc. and have not met anyone who has personally had a fork fail or could make a scientifically proven estimate of when to replace. I weigh about 14 stone and have a Reynolds Ouzo fork with a 1" alu steerer which has at least 12,000 miles on it and have been told by two different mechanics that there are cracks near the crown, the last discovery being at 8,000mi. The "cracks" are actually the seams where the crown meets the legs but these guys couldn't figure that out. Arrgghh. I certainly don't have an answer to your question but I inspect my forks every 3 months now and will be riding them until I find something wrong. It does make me a little nervous but I can't see spending 300 quid to replace something thats perfectly sound. My point is basically, I don't think even the engineers know for sure and there is quite a bit of CF hysteria out there.

master_grunthos

Thanks for the replies. I'm more worried about the alu sections than the carbon as carbon should have a very high fatigue life if undamaged. The Aluminium join at the crown is more likely to be a problem or the steerer is it's scored or damaged as this will raise stresses at the surface potentially promoting crack growth and propagation.

I've also been in touch with the bike shop and it seems at this stage there seems to be no reason to just change the forks because they've done a fair few miles. I'll keep an eye on them though.

Most failures i've read about seem to have a direct cause either through poor manufacture or incorrect fitting resulting in damage. Given my mileage these should have shown up by now.

Still, when you're flying down hill at close to 50mph it makes you shuddy to think of forks failing suddenly....

Regards

MG