Changing Forks
Redber67
Posts: 19
Not sure of the correct area to post this as my Hybrid bike sits between MTB & Road bike. I am thinking of changing my rigid steel forks for carbon on my Alu frame hybrid bike). Looking for a slightly lesser rigid ride, and also to save some weight too. At this stage I am purely looking to see what is available and what sort of price I will have to consider paying so I can start putting a few pennies away each week. But after a week or two of scouring the net I am beginning to think that nothing out there will "work" anyway. My head tube is 71º and 130mm high, and the fork rake is 55mm, axle to crown around 420mm. Steerer is 28.6mm and threaded (a move to unthreaded is planned if required). The 700c wheels are clad with 35mm tyres, although I will move to 32mm at a later stage. I have V-brakes.
The nearest forks I can find are around 45mm rake and an A to C of 405mm (i.e. Kinesis cyclo cross). Whether or not I should be changing my forks is clearly a separate question, but in the meantime do I presume therefore that the forks mentioned above will appreciably change the handling of my bike for the worse? And if so - does that mean I won't be able to find a suitable fork anywhere?
Your expert opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
The nearest forks I can find are around 45mm rake and an A to C of 405mm (i.e. Kinesis cyclo cross). Whether or not I should be changing my forks is clearly a separate question, but in the meantime do I presume therefore that the forks mentioned above will appreciably change the handling of my bike for the worse? And if so - does that mean I won't be able to find a suitable fork anywhere?
Your expert opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Comments
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The shorter C to A will steepen the head angle, reducing trail. The less offset increases trail, so will balance this out to some extent. The handling may not appreciably change at all, but the front end will be a little lower.0
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Thanks for your response Supersonic - much appreciated.0
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Redber67 wrote:Looking for a slightly lesser rigid ride ..... The 700c wheels are clad with 35mm tyres, although I will move to 32mm at a later stage.
I'd also keep the wider tyres or go wider still if you want a more compliant ride.
On my commuter bike (a converted MTB) I have Schwalbe Kojak slick tyres in 2.0 width. They are light weight but the extra volume helps absorb some of the bumps.
Also use high volume but fast rolling knobby tyres on the occasions I take it properly off road and noticed more grip and a less harsh ride.0
