Carbon Fork Advice and Thoughts Required

s1mples
s1mples Posts: 63
in Road general
Hi

I have a 2014 Genesis Equilibrium 853 which has the original 853 forks. I'm considering replacing them with a set of carbon forks as they are quite hefty.

As much as I look I struggling to find forks to fit my brief, the axle to crown is the main struggle or am I just not managing my searches correctly!?!? Personally I thought there would be plenty to off load: )

I as I see it they need to be:
1 1/8th steerer with 250mm+ length
Axle to crown 380mm
Offset/rake 43-45mm
Rim/calliper brake compatible
QR
Black/raw carbon finish

Cheers

Simon

Comments

  • s1mples
    s1mples Posts: 63
    edited February 2023
    Since posting a mate has pointed me in the direction of these on Aliexpress

    Link

    The axle to crown is 385mm rather than 380mm, how noticeable would that be? If at all?

    Another dilemma would be, can I trust them!

  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    i would not worry too much about the length, I have two different forks on the same bike, they are quite different, but I can’t actually tell the difference when I am riding. You are talking 1 cm difference give or take… same for the rake, they all are very similar. So ultimately, get the steering tube size right and you will be ok.
    left the forum March 2023
  • s1mples
    s1mples Posts: 63
    Ah, that's reassuring. Thanks.
  • s1mples
    s1mples Posts: 63
    Never having done this sort of thing before and also considering changing the headset...

    My steerer tube is 1 1/8" 28.6mm, where the bottom cup on the fork sits appears to be 30mm diameter. Is this standard? I.E. I just look for a suitable headset for 1 1/8" 28.6mm?

    Any recommendations in regards value for money/functional headsets?

    Cheers

    Simon
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    What do you mean by the bottom cup on the fork? Is it the diameter at the crown race?
    left the forum March 2023
  • s1mples
    s1mples Posts: 63
    edited February 2023


    Sorry... I hope the photo makes more sense than me! The bottom section is 30mm whereas the rest of the steerer is 28.6mm.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    I think they are all like that. BUT there are two types of bottom bearing that fit that steerer and they need to be matched to the frame. Check which bearing you have, or leave the same headset
    left the forum March 2023
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,325
    To answer your original question about Aliexpress…
    I tend to buy stuff from China that is not going to kill me… so I avoid stems, handlebars, , seatposts, brakes and… forks. Saddles are unlikely to kill you, chainrings, cassettes, derailleurs etc are all pretty safe to buy.
    left the forum March 2023
  • s1mples
    s1mples Posts: 63
    ugo.santalucia said:

    I think they are all like that. BUT there are two types of bottom bearing that fit that steerer and they need to be matched to the frame. Check which bearing you have, or leave the same headset

    Thanks, good info.
    ugo.santalucia said:

    To answer your original question about Aliexpress…
    I tend to buy stuff from China that is not going to kill me… so I avoid stems, handlebars, , seatposts, brakes and… forks. Saddles are unlikely to kill you, chainrings, cassettes, derailleurs etc are all pretty safe to buy.

    Wise words!

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