Carbon vs. Steel Rigids

Torres

Hi all; in need of a bit of advice really.

I'm currently running some on-one steel rigid forks on my 29er; and I'm hoping to put her on a bit of a diet when funds allow. I'm happy with how the steel forks ride, but the temptation to drop 400g from the front end with a set of carbon exotics is calling to me.

My main concern however, is in how the carbons will ride; will they be harsher than the steel ones?

Now I've read plenty of guff about carbon being more absorbing than steel, but I was hoping for some real world experience from people. Has anyone ridden both and can offer an opinion?

Cheers!

supersonic

Depends on the fork - heavy steel ones are the most bruising forks I have ever ridden.

passout

I've been looking at this too. Basically go for the exotics - should be a little bit more comfortable than what you have now.

Torres

Cheers guys. Sonic, the on-one steel forks I'm currently using weigh in around 1200-1300g; I'm not too sure if that classes as a "heavy" steel fork or not.

I'm looking at the unidirectional (UD) forks from exotic (purely for aesthetics,) is there much difference between the UD and standard ones?

supersonic

That is heavy for an XC type fork ie the classic Koan P2 is about 900g.

The Uni directional/weave is just the finish.

Torres

Ok cool.

So I'd be correct in assuming that the carbon forks would have a bit more give than my current set up and drop around 400g from the bike? Sounds like a win/win to me.

supersonic

Yep, I think they would.

Torres

Excellent, cheers Sonic!

The Rookie

If your's are 1200-1300g then the Carbon's should drop more than 400g! The aluminium rigids on my commuter (No don't use them off road) are 800g....